Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; antiepileptic.

How the Felbamate Product Works:

Felbamate acts on the central nervous system to decrease the frequency of seizures.

Uses of The Felbamate:

Felbamate is not indicated as a first-line antiepileptic treatment. Felbamate is recommended for use only in those patients who respond inadequately to alternative treatments and whose epilepsy is so severe that a substantial risk of aplastic anemia or liver failure is deemed acceptable in light of the benefits conferred by its use.

Felbamate is indicated as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and without generalization in adults with epilepsy.

Also indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial or generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children.

Precations:

Alastic anemia: This drug should be used only in cases so severe that the risk of a plastic anemia (bone marrow failure) is seemed acceptable.

Liver failure: There have been cases of acute liver failure, some fatal, in association with the use of felbamate.

Discontinuation: Antiepileptic drugs should not be suddenly discontinued because of the risk of increasing seizure frequency.

Sensitivity to light: May cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.

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

Breastfeeding: Felbamate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children other than those with Lennox­Gastaut syndrome have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin).

Drug Interactions:

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

Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)

Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)

Methsuximide (celontin)

Phenobarbital (eg, Solfoton)

Valproic acid (eg, depakene)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many felbamate users 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:

Digestive Tract: Upset stomach; vomiting; constipation; indigestion; diarrhea; nausea; appetite loss; stomach pain or bloating; hiccough.

Nervous System: Sleeplessness; headache; anxiety; drowsiness; dizziness; nervousness; tremor; depression; abnormal walking; abnormal skin sensations; stupor; confusion; mood changes (especially in children); unstable emotions; abnormal thinking; pinpoint pupils; incoordination; agitation.

Respiratory System: Upper respiratory tract (eg, nose, throat) infection; nasal congestion; sinus inflammation; sore throat; coughing.

Skin: Acne; rash; itching; yellowing of the skin; unusual bruising; sensitivity to light.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Urinary incontinence; irregular menstrual bleeding; urinary tract infection.

Other: Aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure); acute liver failure; fatigue; fever; chest pain; palpitations (pounding in the chest); weight fluctuation; face edema (fluid retention or swelling); pain; weakness; impaired vision; chnnges in taste perception; dry mouth; muscle pain; bleeding or brusung; flu symptoms; general body discomfort; fast heartbeat; middle ear infection; abnormal blood counts; abnormal lab tests.

Guidelines for Use:

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless advised by your doctor.

May be taken with or without food.

Shake suspension well before use.

Do not discontinue use without first checking with your doctor. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, the frequency of your seizures could increase.

May cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet (UV) light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, appetite loss, stomach pain or bloating, weakness, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, or dark urine.

Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Before adopting any teeth whitening procedure the patient must consult or gather much of the information about the procedure. The best dentists for teeth whitening are done by London dentist. But everyone cannot consult them. But there are certain steps which when taken leads to a safe teeth whitening process without any side effects.All the cavities in the teeth should be treated well before applying the whitening process. Otherwise cavities may get affected by the chemical used and the patient might suffer from pain. People suffering from problems with loose gums should get treated otherwise roots maybe exposed to the chemicals. People with crowns and braces must not undergo tooth whitening process. Brushing the teeth properly and regularly naturally keeps the teeth white. It also helps in maintaining good white teeth after the whitening. Flossing does not allow the food to gather in gums and teeth and keep the mouth clean. Flossing should be done at least twice a day. Finally mouthwashes prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial organisms in the mouth. If these steps are taken then they definitely lead to a healthier teeth whitening.

Type of Drug:A blood glucose (sugar) elevating agent.

How the Glucagon Products Works:

Glucagon is a natural hormone that is released from the pancreas. It elevates blood sugar in a variety of ways (eg, inhibition of glucogen synthesis, enhanced formation of glucose from noncarbohydrates and fat, increased hydrolysis of glucogen to glucose).

Uses of The Glucagon:

Used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). Because patients with type 1 diabetes may have less of an increase in blood glucose levels compared with a stable type 2 diabetes patient, a supplementary carbohydrate should be given as soon as possible, especially to a pediatric patient.

Used as a diagnostic aid in the x-ray examination of the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and colon when decreased intestinal motility is desired.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe glucagon for treatment of an overdose of propranolol and in cardiovascular emergencies (eg, severely reduced heart rates).

Precautions:

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

Use with caution in the following situations: pheochromocytoma, active or history of tumor of the pancreas, history of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels): Although glycogen may be used for emergency treatment of low blood sugar levels, notify your doctor so that adjustments in insulin dose and dietary factors can be made. In addition, patients should be given food after they become conscious and alert. Frequently self monitor blood glucose so that blood sugar levels are not allowed to get too low.

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

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

Children: Safety and effectiveness for use in the treatment of hypoglycemia in children have been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tetras will be required to monitor therapy. Tests include blood glucose levels.

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 while taking glucagon. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) interact with glucagon.

Side Effects of Glucagon:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many glucagon users 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: Nausea; vomiting; hives; low blood pressure; difficulty breathing.

Guidelines for Use:

• Carefully read the patient instructions provided with the product.
• All patients with. diabetes should have a Glucagon Emergency Kit. Low blood sugar (conscious patent)- Consume fast-acting sugars (eg, B-D Glucose, Glutose).
• Low blood sugar (unconsciouspati.ent) Intravenous (IV; into a vein) glucose use is encouraged, if available and feasible. If not, glucagon is the treatment of choice. Instruct friends, coworkers, and family members of patients with diabetes how to administer glucagon. Prompt treatment is essential.
• The patient will usually awaken within 15 minutes of glucagon use. If not, repeat the dose. Upon awakening, give the patient food (eg, a carbohydrate) as soon as possible and follow the usual dietary regimen.
• The glucagon emergency kit has a diluting fluid in a.unit (one) dose syringe. This diluting fluid is injected into a vial of the glucagon Crystals. The vial is then shaken and the contents brought back into the syringe. The glucagon crystals now in the diluting fluid are given IV, intra­muscularly (IM; into a muscle), or subcutaneous (SG; undertheskin).
• Notify your doctor if you experience a hypoglycemic reaction $0 that your treatment regimen may be adjusted if necessary.
• Lab tests will be required. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at controlled room temperature (68° to 77° F) before mixing with the diluting fluid.
• Use glucagon immediately after it has been mixed with the diluting fluid because the drug is stable for only a short time. Discard any unused portion.