Manzoor (Pharm-D)

Facts Checked by DrugsBank Team

Cetirizine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Cetirizine is an OTC drug used to Treat allergies such as pet allergies, dust mite allergies (seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis) and hay fever. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Treating itchy, allergic skin rashes (urticaria or hives). Treating a chronic idiopathic urticaria (chronic itchy nettle-type rash where cause is unknown) Cetirizine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness as compare to first generation antihistamine. The FDA approved cetirizine in September 1996. Cetirizine side effects Cetirizine can cause adverse effects, such as: Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive tiredness Dry mouth Drowsiness Stomach pain Warnings and precautions Avoid It if You have problems with your kidneys You suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions You have predisposition factors of urinary retention (eg: spinalcord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia) as cetirizine increases the risk of urinary retention Mechanism Of Action of Cetirizine It is a H1 receptor Blocker Antihistamine agent that works by blocking histamine type(H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines fexofenadine,loratadine and azelastine. Histamine is released from mast cells and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cells to be “activated,” releasing other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergy, for example, sneezing. This drug blocks one type of receptor (H1 Receptor) for histamine and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. It may cause more drowsiness than other second generation antihistamines.   Dosage: Dose for Allergies, Hay Fever and Urticaria Seasonal allergic and vasomotor rhinitis; relief of symptoms from colds, urticaria,allergic conjunctivitis,anaphylactic reactions,angioedema, pruritus. Use 5-10 mg PO qDay depending on severity of symptoms. Do not exceed from 10 mg q Day. Read a Pill with 4H2 Imprint

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Drugs Which Should Be Taken With Food

Drugs Which Should Be Taken With Food There are many drugs that actually need to be taken during Or soon After meals because they will only be absorbed with foods or to avoid gastric irritation.   Following are some of the drugs which should be taken with food. Allopurinol Augmentin Aspirn Atovaquone Amiodarone Bromocriptine Baclofen Carvedolol Carbamazepine Cemitidine Choloroquine Cefpodoxime Diclofenac Divalproax Sodium Doxycycline Felbamate Fenofibrate Florinal Fludrocortisone Fenoprofen Griseofulvin Glyburide (With Break Fast) Hydrocortisone Hydroxycholoroquine Indomethacin Iron Preparation (Take Between Meals If GI Upset Occur Take With Foods. Itraconazole Capsule Misoprostol (Cytotec) Metronidazole Ketorolac Lithium Mebendazole Methaneamine Naltrexone Nelfinavir Nitrofurantoin Niacin Olsalazine Perphenazine Pentoxyfyline Pergolide Potasium Salt Piroxicam Prednisone Procainamide Ritonavir Salsalate Saquinavir Sevelamir Sulfasalazine Spironolactone Sulfinpyrazone Sulindac Ticlopedine Tolmetin Trazodone Troglitazone Volproic Acid   Following are the main reasons for taking medicines before and after a meal are: Those medicines which have gastric irritants are supposed to be taken after some meal to prevent gastric irritation and thus ulcers. Some medicines mostly called as antacids help in reducing heartburn, reflux and indigestion, which offers usually food enter the body, hence these medicines are taken before or with food. Medicine  like antibiotics are taken after meal as it creates gastritis so taken after food To ensure the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream properly To ensure the medicine is not washed away. Note: It’s important to Always Ask your doctor or pharmacist Before taking any medication.

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Azithromycin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions

Azithromycin belongs to the class of drugs known as Macrolide antibiotics. It is commonly used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted infections. It is also used as a prophylactic treatment for individuals at risk of developing bacterial infections after exposure to certain types of bacteria. It treats certain bacterial infections like strep throat, pneumonia, middle ear infections, traveler’s diarrhea, and other intestinal infections. Azithromycin may be used in combination with other antibiotics when it’s used to treat mycobacterium avium complex infection. It should not be used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold. Don’t use it if you have had jaundice or other liver diseases. Also, talk to your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis, abnormal heart rhythm, and low potassium levels in your blood. Azithromycin tablets can be used for the treatment of the following infections: Acute bacterial otitis media Acute bacterial sinusitis Pharyngitis, tonsillitis Mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia Uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis and cervicitis Skin and soft tissue infections Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis Genital Ulcer disease. While Azithromycin is generally considered safe for most individuals, certain people should not use this medication. Individuals with a known allergy to macrolide antibiotics, including Azithromycin, should not take this medication as it can lead to severe allergic reactions. In addition, individuals with a history of liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm disorders, or myasthenia gravis should inform their doctor before taking Azithromycin, as this medication may not suit them. Furthermore, certain medications can interact with Azithromycin, so it is crucial to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Azithromycin works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacterial cells, thus stopping the infection from worsening. Azithromycin does this by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacterial cells, which prevents the synthesis of proteins that the bacteria need to grow and multiply. As a result, the bacterial cells cannot produce the proteins required for survival, and their growth is halted, ultimately leading to their death. Following Side effects can be seen with the use of azithromycin; Nausea vomiting Headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats; Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, vertigo, and tiredness. Cardiovascular: Palpitations and chest pain. Severe skin reaction – fever, sore throat, Swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain or swelling, pus-filled pimples, Red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling. Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, melena, and cholestatic jaundice. Allergic: Rash, photosensitivity, and angioedema. If you are taking Azithromycin, there are certain precautions you should follow to ensure that you use it safely and effectively. First, taking Azithromycin exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes is crucial. Follow the dosage and schedule recommended to you, and do not stop taking the medication before completing the entire course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. Before taking Azithromycin, you should also inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm disorders, or myasthenia gravis. This medication may not be suitable for individuals with these conditions. It is also important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements, as certain medications can interact with Azithromycin. Finally, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Azithromycin, such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or a rash. For pregnant women, Azithromycin is generally considered safe to use during the first trimester of pregnancy but should only be used if it is needed. In the later stages of pregnancy, Azithromycin should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Azithromycin can pass into breast milk for breastfeeding women and may harm a nursing baby. Therefore, breastfeeding women should inform their doctor before taking Azithromycin, as an alternative medication or temporary cessation of breastfeeding may be recommended. Overall, discussing the risks and benefits of using Azithromycin during pregnancy and breastfeeding with a healthcare provider is important to ensure the medication is used safely and appropriately. The dosage and length of time for azithromycin treatment may vary according to the type of infection: Infection of the throat and tonsils: 500 mg/Day in a single dose, then 250 mg per day for four days. Infections of the skin: 500 milligrams (mg) in a single dose, then 250 mg per day for four days. Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP):500 mg of dose per day, then 250 mg daily for four days. Sinus infections caused by bacteria: 500 mg daily for three days or 2 g as a one-time dose. Related Medicine and Drugs

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FDA Approves New Drug For Gout

Gout is a disease of joints that occurs due to high serum uric acid and  usually occurs in older people and more commonly in males (90%). In females it often occurs during the postmenopausal periods. The Commonest joint involved is the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, ankle, knee and other joints can also be involved. The FDA has approved a new fixed-dose combo (i.e Duzallo :A combination of lesinurad and allopurinol) for the treatment of  hyperuricemia in patients with uncontrolled gout. Duzallo, manufactured by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals,designed to achieve target serum uric acid  levels in patients who cannot do so with allopurinol alone. Duzallo is the first FDA-approved fixed-dose combo that addresses both underlying causes of hyperuricemia in gout, over-production and under-excretion of serum Uric Acid, in a single oral tablet. Duzallo contains lesinurad 200 mg plus allopurinol 300 mg. It is also available in a lesinurad 200 mg plus allopurinol 200 mg dosage. It should be taken in the morning with food and water, and patients should be advised to stay well hydrated when taking the medication. According to the company’s press release, Duzallo is expected to be available in the market in 8th or 9 th month of 2017. The FDA’s approval is based on a clinical studies supporting the new drug application for lesinurad (Zurampic), as well as on the results of a pharmacokinetic study that evaluated the bioequivalence of the fixed-dose combination of lesinurad and allopurinol compared with co-administration of separate tablets. In phase 3 clinical trials of adult patients with gout who failed to achieve target serum Uric Acid levels on allopurinol alone, Duzallo nearly doubled the number of patients who achieved sUA target after 6 months. Adverse Effects of New Drug For Gout The most common ADRs included influenza, Higher levels of blood creatinine, headache and heartburn. Additionally,Duzallo has FDA warning regarding the risk of acute renal failure. Also It is not recommended for the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Source: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Press

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Atorvastatin: Uses, Side effects, Dosage

Atorvastatin is (Lipitor) belong to a group of drugs known as statin used for the treatment of elevated total cholesterol,triglycerides, LDL,and to elevate HDL cholesterol. Atorvastatin is also used to treat to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Atorvastatin only comes in the form of a tablet. Atorvastatin Side Effects: Atorvastatin oral tablet  doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects. More common side effects Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of atorvastatin oral tablet include: Forgetfulness Diarrhea Gas Heartburn Joint pain Cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing confusion Serious side effects Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Liver problems. Symptoms can include:Tiredness or weakness,Loss of appetite,Upper stomach pain,Dark-colored urine,Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes Muscle problems. Symptoms can include: unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain tiredness Precautions Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with atorvastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Doses: Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease,Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa (Elevated LDL),Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL + VLDL),Hyperlipoproteinemia Type III (Elevated beta-VLDL + IDL),Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL),Hyperlipidemia,Hypertriglyceridemia,And Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Initial dose of 10 mg or 20 mg orally per day; an initial dose of 40 mg may be used in patients who require a reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) of more than 45% then Maintenance dose of 10 mg to 80 mg orally per day. Usual Adult Dose for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, 10 mg to 80 mg orally once a day Usual Pediatric Dose for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia 10 to 17 years: 10 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 20 mg/day.

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New Antibiotic That is 1000 Times More Powerful Than its Predecessor

Scientists re-engineered an old version of antibiotic into a life saving drug that is more effective against all those bacteria which were resistant to previous one.because resistance of certain bacteria against antibioics is the major problem to the world health these days. The World Health Organisation warns antibiotic resistance is one in all the most important threats to international health, food security and development, with major diseases becoming harder to treat as a result of the medication used on them are getting less effective. The antibiotic, vancomycin, has been prescribed by physcians for 60 years and bacterium are only currently becoming resistant to it.The New Antibiotic That is 1000 times more powerful against bacterial resistance is the newer version of vancomycin .   Researchers at The Scripps research Institute (TSRI) in America have made some changes in Vancomycin and build it 1000 time more powerful than the prevailing one .This antibiotic attack the microorganism from three different sites making it a lot of harder for them to develop resistance. According to Researchers this version of antibiotic will be ready within the next 5 years. The researchers said physcians could use the modified type of vancomycin without concern of resistance emerging. According to some Reports approximately 50,000 people die per annum in USA and Europe because of the development of resistance against antibiotics. Previous studies by the Researchers team showed it absolutely was possible to add two modifications to vancomycin, a drug they labeled “magical” as a result of its strength against infection, to make it even more potent and reduce the number of the drugs required to have a similar impact.This means that scientists will build a third modification which interferes with a bacterium’s cell wall in a very new way,with promising results. Combined with the previous modifications, this alteration offers vancomycin a 1000 fold increase in activity.

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30 Health benefits of drinking lemon water

Health Benefits of drinking lemon water Alkalinize Your body Asthma treatment Balance blood sugar level Caffeine replacement Brain Food Balance PH Level Fight Cancer Cells Dissolve Phlegm Detoxifies Heart Food Help Hydrate our lymphatic System Help Treat Scurvy Help Treat Constipation Improve EyeSight Improve Digestive Health. Help Improve Our immune system increase metabolism and support weight loss. Keep your body hydrated Kills Worm Kill Free radicals Lower Stress Level Prevents Bad Breath Reduces Uric acid and Inflammation It improves your skin quality Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Best For Liver Health Lower High Blood Pressure Treat Kidney Stones And Prevent It. It is a good source of vitamin C .Vitamin C may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and lower blood pressure. Research published in Stroke showed that people with low vitamin C levels. A Post workout drink. Side Effects: Apart From Benefits There are some Side Effects To be aware. Lemon contains citric acid, which may erode tooth enamel (an ironic twist for people using lemon to help bad breath). Heart Burn, GERD, And Ulcer: The acidic citric acid may stimulate heartburn in some people. Others may experience relief from heartburn since lemons become alkaline in the digestive tract. It Can also Worsen Canker Sores Frequent Urination. Maybe a Trigger For Migraine Patients.

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The Role Of Electrolytes In The Body

Any fluid that conducts electricity, is known as an electrolyte solution. the salt ions of which it’s composed are then commonly referred to as electrolytes. The Role Of Electrolytes is To Maintain The Balance of fluids between the intracellular and extracellular environments. Role Of Electrolytes Following are some of the most important Role of electrolytes In The Body; Calcium : Calcium Helps with muscle contraction, Cell Division, Blood Clotting, Nerve signaling, And Forming And Mainiting Bones And Teeth. Potassium: Keeps Blood Pressure Level stable, Regulates heart contraction, Help with muscle functions. Magnesium: Needed For Heart Muscle Contractions, Proper Heart Rhythms, Nerve Functioning, Bone Building And Strength, Reducing Anxiety, Digestion, And Keep A stable protein fluid balance. Sodium: Sodium Help Maintain Fluid Balance, Needed For Muscle Contractions And Help With nerve signaling. Chloride: is the major anion (negatively charged ions) found outside the cell. Chloride plays a critical role in keeping the proper balance of body fluids and maintaining the body’s acid-base balance. The normal chloride values are 96 to 106 mEq/L. Signs Of Electrolyte Imbalance: Anxiety And Trouble In Sleep Change In Heart Beat Problem In Digestion Confusing, Dizziness, And Irritability. Muscle Spasm Bone Pain. How To Treat Electrolyte Imbalance?   Treatment of electrolyte imbalance may vary depending on the underlying cause or which electrolyte is imbalanced. Treatments include: Intravenous liquids: Drink enough water but not too much. Monitor Your Sodium Intake Dietary changes. Minor electrolyte imbalances can be corrected by dietary changes and cutting way back junky foods. For example, Eating more leafy green vegetables will increase magnesium levels, consuming more potatoes, bananas or avocados will increase potassium levels.  Increasing your intake of celery and yogurt will increase sodium and calcium levels, respectively Certain Drugs Like Antibiotics, Diuretics, Anticancer Drugs, Blood Pressure And Hormonal Pills can All Impact Electrolyte Imbalance. It’s Very Important to drink enough water before, in and after exercise to keep you hydrated And If you train for a prolonged period of time it’s necessary to replenish your electrolyte stores since some electrolytes are lost when you sweat.

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Dengue Fever,Facts,Symptoms,Prevention & Treatment

Dengue: Dengue is a viral transmitted disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. This fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with dengue virus in their blood. It can’t be spread directly from one person to another person. Facts: Unlike malaria mosquitoes, this mosquitos bite during the day with their activity peaking at dawn and dusk So It is preferable to have all day protection. Aedesaegypti lays eggs on the sides of containers and these remain stuck to the surface like glue. The eggs can survive without water for almost a year and hatch as soon as they are submerged in water. The female dengue mosquito can lay eggs in any container which can hold some water. It can also lay eggs in the toilet tanks. This mosquito prefers to rest indoors as this protects them from climatic changes thereby increasing their life span. Total number of Cases per Year is 390 million. Symptoms Symptoms of this fever usually develop suddenly 4 to 10 days after becoming infected. Symptoms can include: Severe headache High fever, Temperature can reach 40C (104F) or higher Severe Nausea ,Vomiting Pain behind the eyes Muscle and joint pain Red rashes Loss of appetite Feeling or being sick. Treatment for dengue There’s no specific treatment for this fever. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. Take paracetamol to relieve pain and fever. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can cause bleeding problems in people with dengue Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Prevention To protect yourself: When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks. Use mosquito repellents, even indoors. When indoors, use air conditioning if available. Make sure window and door screens are secure and free of holes. If sleeping areas are not screened or air conditioned, use mosquito nets. Stay away from heavily populated residential areas, if possible. Get rid of things which are breedig ground for the mosquitos likes old tyres ,stagnant water,Properly cover Washroom containers .

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Tramadol: Uses, Side effects, Dosage

Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. While it can be effective for pain relief, tramadol also comes with some risks and potential side effects. In this article, we will take a closer look at tramadol, its uses, side effects, dosage, mechanisms, precautions, and conclusion. Facts Tramadol Is A Narcotic Analgesic And Is Used To Treat Moderat to Severe Pain. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance that has been associated with addiction, abuse, and misuse. The FDA approved tramadol in March 1995 Side Effects: The more common side effects can include: Nausea and vomiting Headache Dizziness Drowsiness Constipation Dry mouth Lack of energy Sweating Less Common Side effects; Itching, diarrhea, rash, sweating, vertigo And visual disturbances. Mechanism Of Action: Tramadol is a synthetic pain reliever (analgesic). The exact mechanism is unknown, but it is similar to morphine. Like morphine, it binds to receptors in the brain (narcotic or opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain from throughout the body to the brain. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), therefore, it does not have the increased risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding that can occur with NSAIDs. Tramadol Dose The recommended dose of tramadol varies depending on the severity of pain and the patient’s medical history. The usual starting dose for adults is 50-100 mg every four to six hours, with a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. The extended-release formulation should be taken once a day, with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not to exceed the maximum recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Tablet, Extended Release Tablet, Disintegrating Suspension Capsule, Extended Release Tablet Precautions Tramadol can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Tramadol should not be taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, as this can increase the risk of respiratory depression and other serious side effects. Tramadol should also be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse or addiction, as it can be habit-forming. Conclusion Tramadol is a potent opioid pain medication that can be effective for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. While it can be effective for pain relief, tramadol also comes with some risks and potential side effects, including nausea, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Tramadol should not be taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, and should be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse or addiction. Learn more about Top 101 Most Commonly Used Drugs Other Drugs And Medicines  

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