Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Actigall generic name is ursodiol. Ursodiol is used to prevent and treat the formation of certain types of gallstones or for liver disease (biliary cirrhosis). Ursodiolis also used to prevent gallstones in people on rapid-weight-loss diets and brand name Urso 250. Ursodiol is a bile acid and its active ingredient is prescribed to treat liver disease caused by hardening and blockage of the bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis). Actigall is not a quick remedy. It takes months of Actigall therapy to dissolve gallstones; and there is a possibility of incomplete dissolution and recurrence of stones. Urso should be taken 4 times a day with food. Actigall is avoid use in patients with unremitting acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, biliary-gastrointestinal fistula, allergies to bile acids, chronic liver disease
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain gallbladder/bile duct problems More common side effects is Abdominal pain, allergy, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, gas, hair loss, headache, high blood sugar, indigestion, insomnia, joint pain, menstrual pain, muscle and bone pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, sinus inflammation, skin rash, sore throat, stomach or intestinal disorder, stomach ulcer, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, viral infection, vomiting.
How to use
- Urso should be taken 4 times a day with food.
- Take it as soon as you remember, or at the same time as the next dose.
- Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
- Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
- Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Side Effects
- Abdominal pain.
- Back pain.
- Bronchitis.
- Constipation.
- Coughing.
- Diarrhea.
- Gas.
- Headache.
- High blood pressure.
- Nausea.
- Sinus inflammation or infection.
- Upper respiratory tract infection.
- Viral infection.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
Precautions
- Before using this drug, notify your doctor if you are pregnant. It is unknown if ursodiol is excreted into breast milk.
- Do not take aluminum-containing antacids (e.g., ALternaGEL, Maalox) while taking ursodiol.
- This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Check with your doctor immediately if severe abdominal or stomach pain, especially toward the upper right side, or severe nausea and vomiting occur.
Interactions
- If Actigall or Urso are taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining.
- Aluminum-based antacids: Can decrease absorption by absorbing bile acids.
- Cholestyramine and colestipol: Can decrease absorption.
Overdose
- Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
- Symptoms of overdose may include severe diarrhea.
- Contact your local poison control center.
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »
Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Advicor Generic name is Lovastatin and Niacin. Advicor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Advicor lowers total cholesterol and LDL (”bad”) cholesterol, while raising the amount of HDL (”good”) cholesterol. Advicor is a combination of two cholesterol-fighting ingredients premary is extended-release niacin and last is lovastatin (Mevacor). It is prescribed only when other drugs and a program of diet, exercise, and weight reduction have been unsuccessful in lowering cholesterol levels. Cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Advicor mostly symptoms of high cholesterol, it is important to take Advicor every day. Advicor may cause flushing. This side effect usually goes away after taking Advicor for several weeks.
Advicor will be more effective if it is taken as part of a program of diet, exercise, and weight loss.Advicor can cause abnormalities in the blood. If you are scheduled for surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Advicor a few days before the operation. All these efforts keep your cholesterol levels normal and lower your risk of heart disease. Advicor should be administered at bedtime since there is evidence that at least some drugs in the same class as lovastatin lower cholesterol more when taken at night than in the morning. If Advicor causes nausea. Flushing can be accompanied by dizziness, fainting, heartbeat irregularities, chills, shortness of breath, or swelling. Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness.
How to use
- Used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood.
- It combines lovastatin (an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a “statin”, and niacin which is a B-complex vitamin.
- Nnon-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight).
- Doses can be increased by 500 mg of niacin every 4 weeks based on the response of the blood cholesterol level.
- Advicor is discontinued for longer than 7 days, therapy should be resumed at the lowest dose.
- Advicor should be administered at bedtime since there is evidence that at least some drugs.
Side Effects
- Abdominal pain,
- Back pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Flushing.
- Headache.
- High blood sugar.
- Indigestion.
- Infection.
- Itching.
- Muscle pain.
- Nausea.
- Rash.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
Precautions
- Before taking lovastatin/niacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it and other statins.
- Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle damage.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
- Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects.
- Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Interactions
- This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious mostly certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), (e.g., ritonavir, amprenavir, lopinavir), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin).
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: azithromycin, “blood thinners”.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting or irregular heartbeat.
- Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
- Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »
Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Bactrim Representative Names is Cotrim. This medication is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections premary nfections is Sulfamethoxazole and lastl is trimethoprim. Sulfanilamide. It is an almost white, odorless, tasteless compound with a molecular weight of 253.28. It is a synthetic antibacterial combination product. Each 5 mL contains 80 mg trimethoprim (16 mg/mL) and 400 mg sulfamethoxazole (80 mg/mL) compounded with 40% propylene glycol, 10% ethyl alcohol and 0.3% diethanolamine; 1% benzyl alcohol and 0.1% sodium metabisulfite added as preservatives, water for injection, and pH adjusted to approximately 10 with sodium hydroxide. Bactrim is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler’s diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. This medication should not be used in children less than 2 months of age due to the risk of serious side effects.
Bactrim is also used to prevent and treat a certain type of pneumonia (pneumocystis-type). The most common and deadly side effect of Bactrim and Septra is the increased risk of getting a serious skin disease known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Patients that have used or are using Bactrim and Septra are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of this deadly disease and to seek immediate assistance should any signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or another variation known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis manifest. Bactrim may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) and lead to bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner. Bactrim may also increase the effects of drugs used to treat diabetes, such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Micronase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), and tolazamide (Tolinase).
How to use
- Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz. or 240ml).
- Take Bactrim with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
- Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician.
Side Effects
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Hepatitis.
- Loss of appetite.
- Headache.
- Skin rash/blisters.
- Itching.
- Feverishness.
- Swelling
Precautions
- Before taking sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim , tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfa medications or trimethoprim.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain blood diseases (anemia due to folate deficiency, porphyria), severe kidney disease.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps.
- Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Interactions
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
- If you are using any of these medications tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, severe dizziness or drowsiness, mental/mood changes.
- Call their local poison control center directly.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »
Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Beclomethasone also known isacorticosteroid and it is used to prevent allergy. Main symptoms including is sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffed nose.Beclomethasone controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases. Beclomethasone comes as an aerosol and a solution to inhale through the nose. Beclovent and Vanceril are prescribed for the prevention of recurring symptoms of bronchial asthma. Beclomethasone does not cure asthma, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. It may be several weeks before you notice the full effects of beclomethasone Topical form of it may be more effective than systemic antihistamines in relieving both nasal symptoms of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. t is also used to shrink nasal polyps (lumps) and prevent them from returning after surgical removal. Corticosteroid having the chemical name 9-chloro-11 b ,17,21-trihydroxy-16 b -methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione17,21-dipropionate.
Beclomethasone 17,21-dipropionate is a diester of beclomethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid which is chemically related to dexamethasone. It usually is inhaled two to four times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Using beclomethasone nasal, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit the body’s ability to fight off infections. Use beclomethasone nasal on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication. Beclomethasone nasal is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age. Beclomethasone inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand names Beclovent, Vanceril, and Qvar. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.
How to use
- Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water.
- Take Bactrim with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
- Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Dose is adjusted based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Maximum benefit may occur after 3-4 weeks.
- Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician.
Side Effects
- Headache.
- Dryness
- Skin rash.
- Cough.
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Nosebleed.
- Swollen.
- Hoarseness.
- Weakness.
Precautions
- Do not use beclomethasone during a sudden asthma attack. You should have a fast-acting inhaler such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) to use during asthma attacks.
- Avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles. This drug makes you more likely to catch these illnesses.
- Not to be used in status asthmaticus or for the relief of acute bronchospasm; safety and efficacy in children.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
- Before you use this drug tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
- Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »
Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Bentyl Representative Names is Dicyclomine. Bentyl may be prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, colic and bladder spasms. Dicyclomine is occurs as a fine, white, crystalline, practically odorless powder with a bitter taste . It is soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol and chloroform , and very slightly soluble in ether. Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of the muscles by blocking the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells. Anticholinergic drugs in the presence of increased intraocular pressure may be hazardous when taken concurrently with agents such as corti costeroids. Dicyclomine relieves smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract . Studies of animals indicate that this action is achieved via a dual mechanism: (1) a specific anticholinergic effect (antimuscarinic) at the acetylcholine-receptor sites with approximately 1/8 the milligram potency of atropine ( in vitro . guinea pig ileum ): and (2) a direct effect upon smooth muscle (musculotropic) as evidenced by dicyclomine’s antagonism of bradykinin- and histamine- induced spasms of the isolated guinea pig ileum Atropine did not affect responses to these two agonists.
This drug should not be given to infants less than 6 months of age or used by women who are nursing an infant. anticholinergic drugs on gastric hydrochloric acid secretion are antagonized by agents used to treat achlorhydria and those used to test gastric secretion. Heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) can occur with use of this drug in hot weather. Dicyclomine adds to the sedating effects of alcohol and other drugs that cause sleepiness such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), the narcotic class of pain medications Bentyl Side effects include is Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness and weakness and extras side effects is headache, hives, impotence, inability to urinate, increased pressure in the eyes, itching, labored and difficult breathing. Anticholinergic drugs also have a direct relaxing effect on muscle. Dicyclomine is used to reduce contraction of the muscles in the intestines.
How to use
- Bentyl comes in the forms of capsule, tablet, and oral liquid.
- It is usually taken four times per day.
- Bentyl should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating a meal.
- Bentyl should not be taken at the same time as an antacid.
- Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of bentyl.
Side Effects
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
- Dry mouth.
- Light-headedness.
- Nausea, nervousness.
- Weakness.
- Headache.
- Hives.
- Itching.
- Difficult breathing.
Precautions
- Before taking dicyclomine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history mostly liver problems, kidney problems, enlarged prostate, ulcerative colitis and heart disease
- Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, and urination problems.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Interactions
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
- If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting dicyclomine.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of drugs that have similar drying side effects such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and amantadine.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., methocarbamol) among others.
- Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, excitability, muscle weakness, paralysis, slowed breathing, fainting, seizures.
- Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »
Posted on February 1st, 2008 by roger
Benzamycin brand names are erythromycin. Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide (eh-rith-roe-MYE-sin and BEN-zoe-ill per-OX-ide) combination is used to help control acne. Both ingredients kill the bacteria that cause pimples and blackheads. Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid. Approximately 5% of the metabolite is excreted unchanged in the urine. Antibacterial action of benzoyl peroxide is believed to be due to the release of active oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide has keratolytic, desquamative and antiseborrheic effects which may also contribute to its efficac. Benzamycin contains drying and peeling agents that are potential irritants. Therefore, reduction in frequency of application may be necessary to avoid excessive irritation. Benzamycin Topical Gel is for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes. Benzamycin Topical Gel is for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes.
Benzamycin in pregnancy has not been established, nor have any animal reproduction studies been conducted with Benzamycin. Benzamycin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. one or three units of Benzamycin was performed in 16 adult acne patients to determine systemic absorption of erythromycin . Erythromycin (with a plasma lower limit of quantitation of 2 ng/ml) was not detectable, except in one patient who was in the one unit application group Benzoyl peroxide has a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid. This medication also removes excess oil and dries the skin. Benzamycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. This medicine is applied to the skin. It may be used alone or with other medicines that are applied to the skin or taken by mouth for acne. Recommended dose of benzoyl peroxide - erythromycin is two applications daily applied in the morning and evening (or as directed by the doctor) as a thin layer.
How to use
- Use Benzamycin 2 times per day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
- Avoid using this in the eyes, mouth or nose or on inflamed or damaged skin.
- Applying Benzamycin, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and warm water, rinse well, and gently pat dry.
Side Effects
- Dryness.
- Itching.
- Swelling.
- Dizziness.
- Rash
- Urticarial reaction (hives, itching).
- Peeling.
- Burning sensation
- Inflammation of the face, eyes, and nose.
- Skin discoloration.
- Oiliness.
- Tenderness of the skin
Precautions
- Before using erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of these medications.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
- Use a sunscreen and wear a hat or other protective clothing when outdoors.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
Interactions
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription mostly of: medicated soaps or cosmetic products containing alcohol (e.g., aftershave lotion), other acne skin treatments.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
- This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
- Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Filed under: Drugs and Medicines | No Comments »