Drugs Blog

Precautions:

Tartrazine: Some of these products contain the dye tartrazine, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist

Guidelines for Use:

• Most people on regular diets do not need vitamin supplements.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F) in a dry place.

Vitamin Combinations and Contents of Different Vitamins

Combination products are frequently used in the therapy of respiratory conditions. These fixed-dose combination products may present two problems: (1) The patient may not need all the components in the product; (2) the patient may need the components, but in different strengths or at different dosing intervals.Product Selection Guidelines: The following guidelines should be employed when choosing a respiratory combination product.

Symptoms - Pain, fever, congestion, runny nose, cough (productive or nonproductive).

Medical history and health - Age, allergy history, pregnancy, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), diabetes, depression.

Drugs you are currently taking - Other cold or allergy medications; medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage - Do not take a nonprescription (otc) respiratory product for more than 7 days. If symptoms do not improve or are accompanied by fever, consult a doctor.

Humidification - Humidification of room air and adequate fluid intake (6 to 8 glasses/day) are important in treating cold symptoms.

Sulfites and Tartrazine - Some of these products contain sulfites or tartrazine, which may cause allergic type reactions (eg, rash, hives, itching, wheezing) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall prevalence of sensitivity in the general population is probably low, it is seen more frequently in asthmatics or in a topic non asthmatic persons (sulfites) or in patients who have aspirin allergy (tartrazine).

Sugar free liquid products - The small amount of sugar in usual doses of medication is probably insignificant to the well-controlled diabetic. However, consider the effects of alcohol and sympathomimetics in addition to the sugar content of these formulations.

Sustained release formulations - Products with identical active ingredients are listed together. Due to formulation differences, do not consider them bio equivalent.

Groups: These combination products are presented in groups based on their formulations. Products with identical or similar ingredients are listed next to each other, regardless of therapeutic claims, which may differ even for identical formulas. Pediatric preparations (those products intended mainly or exclusively for children) are grouped together at the end of the main sections.

Antiasthmatic Combinations: Anti asthmatic Combinations contain xanthine derivatives and sympathomimetics for bronchodilation (widening of air passages). Many products also contain expectorants to facilitate break up and removal of mucwl.

Upper Respiratory Combinations: Upper Respiratory Combinations are used primarily for relief of symptoms associated with colds, upper respiratory infections and allergies (eg, inflammation of nose and sinuses, etc). Cough preparations include an antitussive (cough suppressant) or expectorant, but may also contain ingredients for relief of other symptoms.

• Decongestant and Analgesic Combinations
• Pediatric Decongestant and Analgesic Combinations Decongestant and Expectorant Combinations
• Pediatric Decongestant and Expectorant Combinations Antihistamine and Analgesic Combinations
• Decongestant, Antihistamine, and Expectorant Combinations Pediatric Decongestant, Antihistamine, and Expectorant Combinations
• Decongestants and Antihistamines
• Pediatric Decongestants and Antihistamines
• Decongestant, Antihistamine, and Analgesic Combinations Decongestant, Antihistamine, and Anticholinergic Combinations Pediatric Decongestant, Antihistamine, and Anticholinergic Combinations
• Antitussive Combinations
• Pediatric Antitussive Combinations Antitussive and Expectorant Combinations
• Pediatric Antitussive and Expectorant Combinations Antitussives with Expectorants
• Pediatric Antitussives with Expectorants Topical Combinations

Ingredients:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are used for relief from allergic symptoms (hay fever) including runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat and itchy, watery eyes. The anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines may cause a thickening of lung secretions; therefore, these agents may not be helpful in respiratory conditions characterized by congestion. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Antihistamines can also cause drying of the eyes. This can be a problem for people who wear contact lenses. Appropriate lubricating drops may be indicated.

Xanthines: Xanthines primarily theophylline, relieve spasms of the air passages by direct action on the bronchial smooth muscle in asthma and chronic bronchitis. Some xanthine-containing combination products are avail­able over-the-counter, but asthmatic patients should use them only under supervision of a doctor.

Sympathomimetics: Decongestants are used for their decongestant or bronchodilator (widening of air passages) effects. Side effects may include nervous­ness, heart stimulation and high blood pressure if taken orally.

Decongestants: Decongestants- Used for temporary relief of nasal congestion due to colds or allergy. Given orally, they are less effective than topical nasal decongestants, and they have a potential for side effects. Frequent or prolonged topical use may lead to local irritation and rockbound congesting

Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators - Ephedrine is common in these combinations; how­ever, it may stimulate the heart. Bronchodilation effects may decrease congestion of mucous membranes. Pseudo ephedrine is not an effective bronchial.

Narcotic Antitussives Narcotic Antitussives- The antitussive dose is lower than that required for pain relief. Consider general precautions for the use of narcotics, including the potential for abuse, when using these products.

Nonnarcotic Antitussives: Non narcotic Intrusive decrease the cough reflex without inducing many of the common characteristics of narcotic preparations. Examples include: Dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, carbetapentane and caramiphen edisylate.

Expectorants: Expectorants may be of limited value in loosening and liquefying respiratory mucus, in soothing the irritated lining of the lungs (bronchial mucosa) and in making coughs more productive. Guaifenesin is the only FDA-recognized safe and effective ingredient for use in otc cough and cold medicines to loosen phlegm. Humidification of room air and adequate fluid intake (6 to 8 glasses/day) are important measures as well.

Analgesics: Analgesics(eg, pain relievers, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen) are frequently included for symptoms of headache, fever, muscle aches and pain.

Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics are included for their drying effects on mucus secretions. This action may be beneficial in acute runny nose; however, drying of respiratory secretions may lead to obstruction. Traditionally, anticholinergics have been avoided in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, some patients respond well to these agents. Caution is still advised, particularly among patients with heart disease.

An anticholinergic for oral inhalation is available as a bronchodilator for maintenance of air passage spasms (bronchospasms) associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Papaverine: Papaverine relaxes the smooth muscle of the air passageways tree. Barbiturates are included for their sedative effects in combination with xanthines or sympathomimetics which may cause CNS stimulation. The sedative effectiveness of low doses (eg, 8 mg phenobarbital) is questionable. OTC avaiiability of phenobarbital-containing products may be limited according to state laws.

Caffeine: Caffeine is included in some combinations for CNS stimulation to counteract antihistamine depression and to enhance the effects of pain relievers.

Type of Drug:Essential amino acid (an amino acid required by the body). Nutritional supplement.

Uses:

To improve use of vegetable protein in the body.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may recommend L-iysine for herpes simplex infections (eg, fever blisters).

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage will be individualized.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Most people on regular diets do not need nutritional supplements.
• Store at controlled room temperature (50 to 86 Degree F). Protect from moisture. Keep out of the reach of children

Doses:

Type of Drug:

Vitamin and mineral combinations.

Uses:

Dietary supplement.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage will be individualized.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Most people on regular diets do not need vitamin supplements.

Type of Drug:

Urea cycle disorder treatment.

How the Drug Works:

Sodium phenylbutyrate forms a substance needed for the elimination of nitrogen waste (ammonia) from the body.

Uses:

Adjunctive therapy for chronic management of patients with urea cycle disorder and in infants with enzymatic deficiencies that result in elevated levels of ammonia in the blood.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly looded and the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the lotus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if sodium phenyl butyrate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Use of the tablets in newborns, infants and children under 44 lbs is not recommended. ) tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include: Blood mounts and ammonia and amino acid blood levels.

Drug Interactions:

your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­10 counter or prescription medication or dietary supplements while king this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modify or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine:

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend upon many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; constipation; rectal bleeding; appetite loss; peptic ulcers.

Nervous System: Depression; drowsiness; fatigue; light-headedness; head­ache.

Circulatory System: Anemia; abnormal heartbeat.

Other: Menstrual problems; body odor; unpleasant taste sensation; fainting; weight gain; rash; swelling; kidney problems; abnormal lab tests.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Tablets - Take in equally divided amounts 3 times daily with meals.
• Powder - Take in equally divided amounts with each meal or feeding, 4 to 6 times daily. Mix with food (solid or liquid). Avoid acidic drinks. Shake lightly before use.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• A special diet will be needed to derive the most benefit in using this drug.
• Sodium phenyl butyrate may have to be taken for life unless you receive a liver transplant.
• May cause drowsiness, fatigue, fainting, or light-headedness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks that require alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience decreased mental awareness, vomiting, combativeness, slurred speech, unstable gait, unconsciousness, or fever.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep bottle tightly closed.

Vitamin B - Some Benefits on Usage of Vitamin B Content in the table above is given per serving of capsule, tablet, or teaspoon (5 milliliters). Products containing the greatest amount of Vitamin B 1 are listed first.

Type of Drug:

Vitamin combinations.

Uses:

Dietary supplement

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage will be individualized.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Most people on regular diets do not need vitamin supplements.
• Sotre at controlled room temperature (59 degree to 86 degree F). Protect from moisture.

Doses:

Type of Drug:

Antiplatelet agent; pulmonary artery vasodilator.

How the Drug Works:

Pulmonary artery hypertension is excessive blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (arteries in the lung). Treprostinil dilates (widens) pulmonary arteries and reduces elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. It also keeps platelets (blood cells that aid in blood clot formation) from clumping together.

Uses:

For the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II through IV symptoms to reduce symptoms (eg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue) associated with exercise.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations: kidney disease liver disease

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits out­weigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if treprostinil appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 16 years of age have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
• Blood pressure-reducing agents (eg, diuretics, antihypertensivo agents, vasodilators)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Circulatory System: Low blood pressure; widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation) .

Other: Infusion site reaction (eg, redness, hardness, rash); infusion site pain, bleeding, or bruising; headache; rash; jaw pain; itching; dizziness; diarrhea; nausea.

Guidelines for Use:

• This medicine will usually be prepared and administered by your health care provider in a medical setting, but may be administered at home if your doctor feels it is safe to do so.
• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.
• If medicine needs to be stopped, the dose will usually be slowly reduced before being stopped completely.
• Notify your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you experience persistent headache, persistent nausea, or bothersome infusion site reactions.
• For home infusion - This drug is administered by continuous subcutaneous (SC; beneath the skin) catheter, through an infusion pump. Carefully follow the storage, preparation, administration, and disposal techniques taught to you by your health care provider. Ensure that a backup infusion pump and subcutaneous infusion sets are readily available should a problem develop with the pump or infusion set you are using. Check infusion pump function and catheter frequently. Implement corrective actions as taught by your health care provider if a pump malfunction is noted or if the catheter becomes kinked or dislodged. Store at controlled room temperature (59 to 86°F).