Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:Male hormones.

How the Drug Works:

lostosterone is the primary natural androgen (male sex hormone) produced by the testes. Androgens promote normal growth and development of male sex organs (eg, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis, scrotum) and affect fertility. They also produce the distinctive male characterisis of hair distribution, voice depth,

Uses:

To treat testosterone deficiency. Prolonged treatment is required to maintain male sex characteristics.

For hormone deficiency due to developmental defects of the testes. To treat delayed male puberty (brief treatment with low doses) in carefully selected patients. To treat male impotence caused by androgen deficiency (methyl testosterone only).

Used for breast pain and swelling in women immediately after childbirth. Also used as secondary therapy in postmenopausal women for advanced, inoperable breast cancer that has spread to other areas, including bone.

Unlabeled Uses: Testosterone tenantable has been studied for male contraception.

Precautions:

Males frequently experience breast swelling or development. Reduced sperm counts may occur after prolonged use.

Women may show signs of masculinization: Deepening of voice, hair growth, acne, increased size of clitoris, menstrual changes. These symptoms usually follow high doses of androgens and should be tolerated during treatment for advanced breast cancer. Treatment may have to be discontinued. Consult your doctor. (The trans dermal systems have not been tested in women and should not be used by women.)

Product interchange: Do not try to substitute short-acting and long-acting testosterone products. These products are not considered to be inter­changeable.

Athletic performance/physical appearance: Anrlrooens are not safe and effective for enhancement of athletic peroformance or physical appofunee; usa could produce serious adverse effects.

Fluid retention: Since androgens may cause fluid retention, use with caution in epilepsy, migraine, and heart, liver or kidney disease.

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Androgens may masculinize a female fetus.

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

Children: Androderm has not been tested in males under 15 years of age. Has not been tested in males under 18 years of age. Use other androgens very cautiously in children under 18 years of age. Androgens may stop or stunt the growth process.

Elderly: Use with caution in elderly males. Androgens may increase risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. An increase in sex drive may occur.

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

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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 this medicine. 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 this medicine.

Side Effects:

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

Female -Irregular menstruation; absence of menstruation; deepening voice; enlargement of clitoris; changes in sex drive.

Male - Breast tenderness, swelling or development; decreased sperm count; erection problems (pain, frequency, increased duration); changes In sox drive; itching, blisters, bruising, hardening, redness, discomfort or Irritation (patch only); enlargement of the prostate.

Nervous System: Hoadache; anxiety; depression; sleep disorders; memory lodd;abnormal skin Ronsations.

Skin: Excessive growth of body hair; loss of scalp hair; acne; oily skin; changes in skin color (yellowing); rash; irritation (patch only).

Other: Fluid retention (edema); ankle swelling; nausea; pain at injection or implantation site; increased cholesterol; liver problems; vomiting; dilated pupils; abnormal bleeding or bruising; inflammation of the mouth (tablets only); stroke; black or tarry stools; urinary tract infection.

Guidelines for Use:

• Oral tablets - May cause stomach upset.
• Buccal tablets - Do not swallow. Allow to dissolve between the gum and cheek. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking while tablet is in place.
• Notify your doctor if nausea, vomiting, swelling of the extremities (edema), prolonged or painful erections, or yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs.
• Female patients - Notify your doctor if hoarseness, deepening of the voice, hair growth changes, acne, menstrual irregularities or suspected pregnancy occur.
• Androgens are not effective and may be dangerous if used for fractures, surgery, convalescence, bleeding of the uterus or enhancement of athletic performance or physical appearance.
• Brand interchange - Do not change from one brand of these drugs to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor.
• Testoslerone injections - Shake well before using. Administer into buttock muscle only. Effects of enanthate and cypionate injections last about 4 weeks.
• Transdermal systems - Read patient instructions. Store at room tem­perature (59°-86° F) in provided pouch until ready to use. Carefully dis­card used patches to prevent accidental application or ingestion by others (eg, children, pets).Androderm: Place on clean dry non-scrotal skin (eg, back, abdomen, upper arm, thigh) every night. Rotate application sites, allowing 7 days between applications to the same site. Site should not be oily, damaged orirritated. Patch does not need to be removed during sexual inter- course or while bathing. Testoderm: Place on clean, dry scrotal skin. Scrotal hair should be dry­shaved lor best contact. Do not use depilatories (chemical hair remov­ers). System should be worn 22-24 hours, but can be removed for swimming or bathing and then reapplied. Lab tests should be made after 3 to 4 weeks of use.
• Pellet implantation - Report any unusual irritation or infection at the implant site. If treatment is discontinued, the pellets will have to be removed.
• Femalesexual partners of male testosterone patients should contact a doctor the following occur: changes in body hair distribution or increased acne.
• Do not alter the dose unless directed by your doctor.
• Diabetics may require insulin dose adjustments. Consult your doctor.
• Lab tests or exams may be necessary. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store tablets in a closed container at room temperature.
• Avoid freezing inject able products.

Type of Drug:Human antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

How the Drug Works:

A hormone which makes the kidneys reabsorb (retain) water and increases the concentration/activity of certain blood factors necessary for normal blood clotting.

Uses:

DDA VP: As antidiuretic hormone replacement therapy in the management of central cranial diabetes insipidus and for temporary excessive urination and excessive thirst following head injury or surgery in the pituitary region. This will allow return to a more normal lifestyle with decreased urinary frequency and nighttime urination.

To treat nighttime bed-wetting (nasal solution only). May be used alone or in combination with behavioral conditioning or other non medicinal intervention.

To control bleeding in hemophilia A patients during and after surgery, and to stop spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding in hemophilia A patients (injection only).

To control bleeding in patients with mild to moderate von Willebrand disease (Type I) during and after surgery, and to stop spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding in patients with von Willebrand disease (injection only).

Stimate: To stop spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or mild to moderate von Willebrand disease (Type I).

Unlabeled Uses:

Nasal solution - To treat chronic autonomic failure (eg, nighttime bed­wetting, over-night weight loss and morning dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a sitting or lying position).

Water intoxication: Very young and elderly patients should drink only enough fluids to satisfy thirst in order to decrease the potential occurrence of water intoxication (over-load) and salt depletion in the blood.

Long-term use: There have been reports of reduced responsiveness or duration of effect in patients using the drug for more than 6 months. Consult your doctor if such changes occur.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Studies in pregnant women or in animals have been judged not to show a risk to the fetus. However, no drug should be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

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

Children: Infants and children need careful fluid intake restrictions to prevent possible salt depletion in the blood and water intoxication (over­load). Nasal solution has been used safely and is modestly effective for short-term use (4 to 8 weeks) in children 6 years of age and older for the treatment of nighttime bed-wetting. Do not use injection in children under 3 months of age or the nasal solution in children under 11 months of age in the treatment of hemophilia A or von Willebrand disease. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 12 years of age (injection) or under 3 months of age (nasal solution) with diabetes insipid us. Decompressing tablets have been used safely in children 4 years of age and older for periods of up to 44 months.

Lab tests may be necessary to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

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 this medicine. 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 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 on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

DDA VP nasal solutions - Headache; runny nose; nausea; stomach cramps; vaginal pain; high blood pressure; facial flushing; nosebleed; sore throat; cough; difficulty breathing.

DDA VP injection - Redness, swelling or burning at injection site; head­ache; runny nose; nausea; stomach cramps; vaginal pain; high blood pressure; facial flushing.

Stimate nasal solution - Sleepiness; dizziness; itchy or light-sensitive eyes; sleeplessness; chills; warm feeling; pain; chest pain; palpitations (pounding in the chest); fast heartbeat; indigestion; fluid retention; vomiting; agitation; genital inflammation; difficulty breathing.

Guidelines for Use:

• Read and follow patient instructions carefully and use exactly as prescribed.
• If a dose is missed, take or use it as soon as Possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so 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.
• If bleeding is not controlled or worsens, contact your doctor.
• Contact your doctor if headache, shortness of breath, heartburn, nausea, stomach cramps or vaginal pain OCcurs.
• Nasal solutions - For nasal use only. Use one spray per nostril. If used before surgery, administer 2 hours before the scheduled procedure.
• Stimate Spray pump must be primed before the first use. To prime the pump, press down 4 times. The pump will stay primed for 1 week if refrigerated. Repair the pump after 1 week if not used. Discard any solution remaining after 25 doses since the amount delivered thereafter may be less than the required dose. Do not transfer the remaining solution to another bottle.
• Storage- Refrigerate nasal solutions and injection at 36° to 46°F. When travel­ling, closed nasal solution containers may be kept at room temperature (72°F) for up to 3 weeks. Store tablets at room temperature (59° to 86°F) protected from heat and light.

Type of Drug:

Antiparkinson agent.

How the Pramipexole Product Works:

Parkinsonism is a neurological disease with a variety of origins characterized by tremor, rigidity and disorders of posture and balance. The onset is slow and progressive with symptoms advancing over months to years. There is no cure for the disease. The goal of therapy is to provide relief from the symptoms, and to attempt to maintain the independence and mobility of the patient.

It is thought that the involuntary muscle movements (shaking) of Parkinson disease are caused by reduced amounts of dopamine in the nervous system. Pramipexole may exert its effects by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the nervous system.

Uses of The Pramipexole:

To manage or treat signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease. May be used with levodopa in the later stages of the disease.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

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

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Elderly: Elderly patients have a greater tendency to develop hallucinations.

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 with pramipexole dihydrochloride. 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 pramipexole.

• Butyrophenones (eg, haloperidol)
• Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)
• Diltiazem(eg, Cardizem)
• Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)
• Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many pramipexole 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: Nausea; constipation; appetite loss; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth; gas; diarrhea; vomiting; indigestion; stomach pain.

Nervous System: Dizziness; drowsiness; sleeplessness; hallucinations; confusion; amnesia; reduced skin sensations; muscle tone abnormalities; inability to sit still; thinking abnormalities; decreased sex drive; muscle twitches; movement disorders; dream abnormalities; walking abnormalities; stiffness; paranoid reaction; delusions; sleep disorders; headache; nervousness; leg cramps; tremor.

Circulatory System: Low blood pressure.

Respiratory System: Difficulty breathing; sinus infection; runny nose/ congestion; pneumonia.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Impotence; increased urination; urinary tract infection; inability to control urination.

Skin: Skin disorders; rash.

Senses: Vision abnormalities; double vision; abnormal taste.

Other: Weakness; swelling; general body discomfort; fever; decreased weight; accidental injury; chest pain; joint pain; muscle weakness; pain; back pain; fainting; depression; sore throat; sweating; flushing; flu syndrome; increased saliva; tooth disease; increased cough; allergic reaction; voice alteration.

Guidelines for Use:

• Take pramipexole only as directed by your doctor.
• Taking pramipexole with food may reduce nausea.
• Dosage will be started low and gradually increased to achieve maxi­mum effect. Do not change dose sooner than recommended.
• Do not change the dose or discontinue unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• It is recommended that pramipexole be discontinued gradually over a period of a week.
• Hallucinations may occur, especially in the elderly.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.
• Kidney disease patients may need dosage adjustments.
• This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
• Caution should be used when taking other CNS depressants (eg, alcohol, sedatives) in combination with pramipexole.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86° F) and protect from light.

Type of Drug:Loosens excessive respiratory secretions, mucus, and other foreign debris.

How the Drug Works:

Expectorants thin mucous secretions in the lungs and make the phlegm less sticky. The mucus is easier to cough up. This reduces chest congestion and makes coughs more productive. The exact mechanism by which expectorants thin mucous secretions in the lung is not known.

Uses:

Guaifenesin: For symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough and in the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Guaifenesin - Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Potassium iodide - Studies have shown a potential risk to the fetus, including abnormal thyroid function and goiter development. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the Possible risks.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if guaifenesin appears in breast milk. Potassium iodide appears in breast milk and may cause skin rash and thyroid suppression in the infant. Decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug. Consult your doctor.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 2 years of age have not been established for guaifenesin. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established for potassium iodide.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently discontinued, or are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications with these expectorants. 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 may interact with guaifenesin or potassium iodide expectorants.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
• Inhibitors (eg, captopril)
• Antithyroid agents (eg, propylthiouracil (PTU),methimazole)
• Lithium (eg, Eskalith)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls) (eg, phenelzine sulfate)
• Potassium products (eg, Slow-K)
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many expectorant 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:

Guaifenesin - Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; gas; abnormal urine tests. Potassium iodide -

Iodism or chronic iodine poisoning: Sore or burning mouth or throat; severe headache; productive cough; metallic taste; sneezing; eyelid swelling; increased salivation; acneiform skin lesions in oily skin areas; severe skin eruptions.

Allergic Reactions: Nerve swelling; skin and mucous membrane bleeding; serum sickness-like symptoms (eg, fever, bloating, lymph node enlargement, joint pain, blood disorder, fluid in lungs).

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach upset or pain; bleeding.

Nervous System: Mental confusion; numbness. Skin: Acne; rash; minor skin eruptions.

Other: Benign thyroid tumor; goiter; myxedema (hypothyroidism); irregular heartbeat; swelling of salivary glands, neck, or throat; tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet; weakness or heaviness of legs; fever; abnormal thyroid tests; unusual tiredness; metallic aftertaste.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not take these products for persistent or chronic cough such as OCcurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or when cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm, unless directed by your doctor.
• A perSistent cough may be a sign of a serious condition. If cough persists for more than 1 week, tends to recur, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache, consult a doctor.
• Guaifenesin is the only expectorant approved by the FDA as safe and effective. It is well tolerated. IOdine-containing Products have the potential to produce many adVerse effects.
• Drink a glass of water or other fluid with each dose of expectorant. Most authorities believe a well hydrated body (due to fluid intake) is responsible for thinning respiratory tract mucus and may be as valuable as or more so than the expectorant itself.
• Do not cut, crush, or chew sustained-release tablets or capsules.
• IOdine-containing expectorants - Stop taking if stomach pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a metallic taste develops.

With the nuclear families growing fast across the globe, the people all over are concerned with a grave fact and that is elder abuse and neglect. The growing stress of acquiring more money has left the spouses running behind their respective jobs, thus neglecting their houses. The elders in the houses are either left alone or are living alone separately on their own. There are many other factors that count when this problem is noticed in depth. The inability to work any longer, serious disabilities and growing financial and social burdens have all resulted in deserting one’s parents in old age. The love and compassion that existed in the families is visible no longer.

With the increasing life expectancy, everywhere the number of elders is increasing. The elder abuse is not only considered domestic anymore. They suffer from abuse and neglect on many levels. It may be intentional or unintentional on part of certain professionals like lawyers or doctors or nurses, but they are at times responsible for such neglect professionally. For example, the elder may not be given the aggressive treatment for cancer even if he is able to withstand it. Such kind of unintentional neglects are the major cause of elder abuse. Because these incidences remain secluded within four walls, the incidence and prevalence is hard to count.

Older adults with lack of financial independence, having low self-confidence, suffering from psychiatric disorders, or having troubled marriages are mostly affected. There may be added material abuse and different kind of exploitation too. Great efforts are required to address the issue of prevention and intervention of elder abuse. Unless we consider this as a social injustice, it is difficult to achieve firmer steps. One should start from one’s own house. The older adults should also cooperate in this mission. They should not be hesitant when they really need some sort of help. Unless they come in open, it is hard for many to understand their problems. Eliminating ageism is the need of the hour. We may soon fall into the same group!