Generic Drugs

Terbutaline: Uses, Mechanism, Side Effects, Dosage Information

Terbutaline is an agonist of beta-adrenergic receptors used for the prevention and resolution of bronchospasm in patients 12 years of age and older with asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema. Terbutaline was approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  in 1974. Mechanism of action The pharmacological effects of terbutaline are at least partially due to stimulation by beta-adrenergic receptor intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into ciclosporin-3 ‘, 5’ adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP). Elevated c-AMP levels are associated with bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and the inhibition of mediator release from the immediate hypersensitivity of cells, particularly mast cells. Side effects The most common side effects that can occur with terbutaline are: Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness, Nervousness Tremor A headache Fast heartbeat Flushed feeling, Sweating, Pain at the injection site, Anxiety, Shortness of breath, Chest discomfort, Shortness of breath, Chest discomfort, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Palpitations, While Serious side effects  may include : Hallucinations Interaction With other drugs When taken with terbutaline, certain drugs can worsen the side effects ofthis drug. Examples of these drugs include: Amitriptyline Doxepin Phenelzine Selegiline Metoprolol Labetalol Furosemide Hydrochlorothiazide Terbutaline during pregnancy It should not be used to stop or prevent premature labor in pregnant women, especially in women who are not hospitalized. Terbutaline caused severe side effects, including death, in pregnant women who took the drug for this purpose. Terbutaline also caused serious side effects in newborns whose mothers took the drug to stop or prevent childbirth. Precautions Consult your doctor before using Terbutaline if you have Thyroid problem Diabetes Heart disease High blood pressure Glaucoma Low levels of potassium in your blood. had an allergic reaction to a medicine. Dosage for terbutaline The recommended dose in adults for the treatment of bronchospasm for asthma, emphysema or bronchitis is 2.5 to 5 mg, 3-4 times daily, and about 6 hours apart while awake. The maximum dose is 15 mg/day. The recommended subcutaneous dose (under the skin) is 0.25 mg every 15-30 minutes for two doses. The maximum dose is 0.5 mg within 4 hours. The recommended dose for the inhaler is 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours. The premature labor dose is initially 2.5 to 10 mcg/min with intravenous infusion, then the dose increases every 10 to 20 minutes. The typical effective dose is 17.5 to 30 mcg/min. The treatment should not exceed 72 hours. Overdose Symptoms of a Terbutaline overdose may include Chest pain, Fainting or dizziness, Vomiting, Nervousness, Excessive tiredness or weakness, Dry mouth,Pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat, Headache, Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, Seizures. If these symptom occur contact your GP. Missed Dose If you miss a dose of this drug take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular medication schedule. More at DrugsBank

Terbutaline: Uses, Mechanism, Side Effects, Dosage Information Read More »

Moxifloxacin: Uses, Side effects, Dosage

Moxifloxacin is a long-acting fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Uses It is the most potent fluoroquinolone against M. tuberculosis. It is effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, and other Gram-positive bacteria, including beta-lactam / macrolide-resistant and anaerobic. It is also used for infections of the skin and stomach. Moxifloxacin is also used for the prevention and treatment of plague (a serious infection that can be deliberately spread as part of a Bioterrorangriffs). soft tissue infections Moxifloxacin can be used to treat bronchitis and sinusitis, but should not be used for this condition when other treatment options are available. Mechanism Of Action The bactericidal action of moxifloxacin inhibited the enzymes of topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase is an essential enzyme involved in the replication, transcription, and repair of bacterial DNA. Topoisomerase IV is an enzyme known to play a key role in the distribution of chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division. Side effects The most common side effects of Moxifloxacin are: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea A headache Dizziness Nervousness Agitation Nightmares Serious side effects and their symptoms may include: Hepatic Insufficiency. Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This is a serious and potentially fatal rash. Kidney failure. crises Peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms usually start in the hands and feet and spread to the arms and legs Strong diarrhea. These symptoms persist after you stop taking the medicine. Cardiac arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes (irregular heartbeat). This medication can turn your heart rhythm into an irregular heart rhythm that puts your life at risk. Tendon rupture. Your Achilles tendon is most likely to break. Joint and muscle pain Increased sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to sunburn. Moxifloxacin during pregnancy The FDA categorizes safety-based drugs for use during pregnancy. Five categories – A, B, C, D, and X – are used to rank the potential risks to the unborn child if a drug is taken during pregnancy. Moxifloxacin falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals received this drug and some babies were born with problems. There were no well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, this drug can be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child. Dose Of Moxifloxacin The usual oral dose for adults is 400 mg once daily The usual intravenous dose in adults is 400 mg once daily for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, complicated skin, and soft tissue infection. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days for community-acquired pneumonia and 5-10 days for exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, 14 days in the pelvis, an inflammatory disease and 7 days for sinusitis and 7-21 days for complicated infections of the skin.

Moxifloxacin: Uses, Side effects, Dosage Read More »

Glimepiride:Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Glimepiride is an oral diabetes medication that helps to control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your body to respond better to the insulin of your pancreas. Uses Glimepiride is used in conjunction with diet and exercise for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, insulin or other diabetes medications are sometimes used in combination with glimepiride when needed. Mechanism of action Glimepiride helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas into the blood and promoting the use of sugar in the blood by the cells that need it. Side effects The most common side effects with glimepiride include: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). a headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Unexplained weight gain Serious side effects may include: Severe hypoglycemia (less than 35-40 mg / dl). Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic). This medicine can cause various types of allergic reactions, Liver damage. a low number of blood cells or platelets. low sodium levels (hyponatremia) and inappropriate syndrome of secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In SIADH, your body can not get rid of excess water by urinating. This leads to sodium concentrations in the blood (hyponatremia) that are dangerous. Glimepiride during pregnancy: Glimepiride is in category C. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Dosage for Glimepiride As with other medicines used to treat diabetes, the dose of glimepiride is individualized using periodic blood glucose measurements to determine the best dose. The usual starting dose is 1 or 2 mg orally once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. The dose may be increased from 1 to 2 mg in 1 to 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 8 mg, depending on the glycemic response and once daily. Related Article 10 signs that you are Diabetic

Glimepiride:Uses, Side Effects, Dosage Read More »

Rosuvastatin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Rosuvastatin belongs to a group of medicines known as “statins.” It is used to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol (HDL), reduce triglycerides, slow the progression of heart disease, prevent heart attacks and prevent strokes. Use of rosuvastatin Treat high cholesterol Prevent Strokes Slow progression of heart disease Prevent heart attack Used to treat abnormal lipids Precautions Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it before taking rosuvastatin; or if you have any other allergies This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Mechanism of action Rosuvastatin (Crestor) competitively inhibits HMG coenzyme A reductase, a limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol. The reduction in cholesterol synthesis results in a compensatory increase in plasma cholesterol absorption mediated by the increase in the number of LDL receptors. Therefore, the level of LDL in the plasma decreases. Side effects: The most common side effects that you can experience with rosuvastatin are: Abdominal pain (abdominal area) Headaches Weakness Muscle pain Nausea Serious side effects include: Heavy muscular problems Liver problems Rosuvastatin in pregnancy and lactation Pregnant women should not use statins because of the high risk of fetal harm.There is no information on whether rosuvastatin is excreted in breast milk.   Dosage for rosuvastatin The initial dose for most adults is 5 mg once a day. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily and this dose should be reserved for patients who do not respond adequately at a dose of 20 mg. The initial dose for hyperlipidemia in adults is 10 mg to 20 mg orally once a day and then a maintenance dose of 5 mg to 40 mg orally once a day. The initial dose for type III hyperlipoproteinemia (high beta-VLDL + IDL) in adults is 10 mg to 20 mg orally once a day and then a maintenance dose of 5 mg to 40 mg orally once a day. day The initial dose for hypertriglyceridemia is 10 mg to 20 mg orally once a day and a maintenance dose of 5 mg to 40 mg orally once a day. The initial dose for atherosclerosis in adults is 10 mg to 20 mg orally once a day and maintenance dose of 5 mg to 40 mg orally once a day. The initial dose for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is 10 mg to 20 mg once a day and a maintenance dose of 5 mg to 40 mg once a day  

Rosuvastatin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage Read More »

Nifedipine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Uses of nifedipine Nifedipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. It treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). Mechanism of action Nifedipine reduces arterial smooth muscle contractility and subsequent vasoconstriction by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through the L-type calcium channels. The calcium ions entering the cell through these channels bind to the calmodulin. Calcium-bound calmodulin binds and activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Activated MLCK catalyzes the phosphorylation of the myosin light chain regulatory subunit, a critical step in muscle contraction. Signal enhancement is achieved by releasing calcium-induced by sarcoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptors. Inhibition of initial calcium influx inhibits smooth muscle cell contractile processes, causes dilation of coronary and systemic arteries, increases myocardial tissue oxygenation, decreases overall peripheral resistance, lowers systemic blood pressure, and reduces afterload. The vasodilatory effects of nifedipine cause a general decrease in blood pressure.   Side effects The most common side effects that may occur are: Nausea A headache Dizziness Redness (redness of the skin) Muscle cramps Constipation A cough The decreased ability or sexual desire Edema (swelling in the legs or feet) Weakness Serious side effects include: Edema (fluid retention). Allergic reaction Low blood pressure or low heart rate Liver damage Chest pain (angina) that is worse or more common Nifedipine in pregnancy Nifedipine should not be used generally during pregnancy as its safety is not yet fully assured. It is sometimes used to control high blood pressure during pregnancy. In this case, the potential risks of nifedipine in the unborn child must be weighed against the potential risk of uncontrolled maternal hypertension. Your doctor, pharmacist, or midwife may give you more information and advice on the possible effects of nifedipine on your baby and the risks associated with the treatment of high blood pressure Nifedipine Dosage The usual dose for the treatment of angina is 10 to 20 mg three times a day. Up to 20 to 30 mg may be required every 6-8 hours daily. The dose should not exceed 180 mg daily. For prolonged-release tablets, the usual dose is 30 or 60 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 120 mg daily. Hypertension is treated with 30-60 mg daily using prolonged-release tablets. The maximum dose is 90 mg / day or 120 mg / day . Related Article: Carvedilol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Nifedipine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage Read More »

Acebutolol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage etc

Uses Acebutolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers. Relaxes blood vessels and slows heart rate It treats high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Treating an irregular heartbeat helps the heart function better and with less effort. The irregular heartbeat can be severe and sometimes even cause a heart attack. This prescribed medication is sometimes also used to treat chest pain associated with coronary heart disease. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acebutolol in 1984. Mechanism of action Acebutolol is a selective β1 receptor antagonist. Activating the β1 receptors by adrenaline increases the heart rate and blood pressure, and the heart consumes more oxygen. It blocks these receptors and reduces heart rate and blood pressure. This medicine has the reverse effect of adrenaline. Beta-blockers also prevent the release of renin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that cause the constriction of blood vessels. Acebutolol Side effects The most common side effects are: A heart rate slower than normal Dizziness Fatigue Headaches Constipation Diarrhea Upset stomach (indigestion) Muscle pain or pain While serious side effects include the following: Very low blood pressure. Very slow heartbeat. Weak circulation Erectile dysfunction. Pain when urinating Liver damage The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition in which your immune system attacks parts of your body. Pregnancy and Acebutolol Acebutolol should only be used during pregnancy if necessary. This medicine passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed a baby while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy. Dosage Acebutolol can be taken with or without food, usually once or twice a day. The dose should be reduced in patients with renal insufficiency since renal or hepatic disease reduces the elimination of acebutolol. Initial Adult Dose for Hypertension is 400 mg orally per day in 1 to 2 divided doses while the maintenance dose is 400 to 800 mg orally per day Initial Adult Dose for Ventricular Arrhythmia is 200 mg orally twice daily and the maintenance dose is 600 to 1200 mg orally daily. Read More Drugs & Medicine

Acebutolol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage etc Read More »

Phentermine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & etc

Phentermine is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine. It acts as an appetite suppressant for influencing the central nervous system. Phentermine is not for overweight people and is especially recommended for those with a body weight of over 300 pounds. It is used along with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or diabetes. It is a prescription medication and should not be used without a doctor’s consent. Mechanism of action: It is an appetite suppressant in the middle of the hypothalamus, and the adrenal glands stimulate norepinephrine release. This neurotransmitter signals a flight or flight response and reduces hunger. It also acts peripherally to break down stored fat. The most important mechanism, however, is to reduce need. Phentermine also causes the release of dopamine and serotonin, but much less than norepinephrine. Side effects of Phentermine: It can cause side effects like Dry mouth Unpleasant taste Diarrhea Constipation Threw up Some side effects can have serious consequences Elevation of blood pressure Palpitation Emotion Dizziness Tremor Insomnia Dyspnoea Chest pain Swelling of the legs and ankles If you have difficulty exercising, you could do Phentermine is not a good option if you have heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or high blood pressure. It is not safe if you are pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is important to note that it should not be combined with other drugs for weight loss. Do not use Phentermine if you have a monoamine oxidase in the last 14 days (MAO) have taken. A dangerous interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Phentermine Precautions and Warnings Phentermine is a prescription medication commonly used to assist with weight loss by suppressing appetite. While it can be effective for some individuals, several necessary precautions and warnings must be considered before starting this medication. Understanding these factors is crucial to ensure the safe and appropriate use of Phentermine. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Medical History Evaluation: Before starting Phentermine, you must provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive medical history. Inform them about any existing medical conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, history of drug abuse, or mental health disorders. These conditions influence the safety and effectiveness of Phentermine in your case. Contraindications: Certain medical conditions may contraindicate the use of Phentermine. This means that using the medication could pose serious risks. Contraindications can include a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and drug abuse. If these conditions apply to you, your healthcare provider might recommend an alternative weight loss approach. Drug Interactions: Phentermine can interact with other medications, potentially causing adverse effects or reducing the effectiveness of either medication. Inform your doctor about all your medicines, supplements, and herbal products to ensure no potentially harmful interactions. Cardiovascular Risk: Phentermine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may concern individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is recommended while taking Phentermine. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or any concerning heart-related symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Central Nervous System Stimulation: Phentermine acts as a stimulant, affecting the central nervous system. This can lead to side effects such as restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. Individuals with a history of anxiety or other mental health disorders should be cautious when using Phentermine, as it might exacerbate these conditions. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Phentermine is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its safety for the developing fetus or the nursing infant has not been well established. Discuss alternative weight loss options with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tolerance and Dependence: Phentermine has the potential to become habit-forming if used for prolonged periods. Tolerance to the medication may also develop, leading to reduced effectiveness over time. Follow your healthcare provider’s prescribed dosing instructions carefully to prevent dependence and ensure optimal results. Withdrawal Effects: Abruptly discontinuing Phentermine after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and mood changes. To avoid these issues, your healthcare provider will likely guide tapering off the medication when it’s time to stop. Age Considerations: Phentermine is typically prescribed for adults. Its safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents have yet to be well established, so a healthcare professional should carefully evaluate and monitor its use in these populations. Remember, Phentermine is just one component of a comprehensive weight loss plan that should include a balanced diet and regular physical activity. To make an informed decision about using Phentermine, have an open and thorough discussion with your healthcare provider, considering your medical history, current health status, and potential risks. Your safety and well-being are paramount. Dosage of Phentermine: The recommended dose is 15-37.5 mg once a day. Phentermine is administered approximately 1-2 hours after breakfast. The lowest effective dose should be used, and the evening doses should be avoided as It causes insomnia. Phentermine Drug Interactions Like many medications, Phentermine can interact with other drugs, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. Before starting Phentermine, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking. Here are some notable drug interactions to be aware of: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Phentermine should not be taken concurrently with MAOIs or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy. Combining Phentermine and MAOIs can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, characterized by symptoms like high fever, agitation, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): There is a potential for interactions between Phentermine and SSRIs, a class of antidepressants. Combining these drugs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. If your doctor prescribes both medications, they will closely monitor you for any adverse effects. Serotonergic Medications: Beyond MAOIs and SSRIs, other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants and migraine medications (e.g., triptans), could interact with

Phentermine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & etc Read More »

Ramipril: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Ramipril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The FDA approved Ramipril in 1991, and Pfizer produced it. It has been prescribed for several different reasons. Used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat; Hypertension Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who will face these problems Treatment of kidney disease or delayed worsening of renal disease (diabetes or non-diabetic) (nephropathy) To improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. Mechanism of action: It works by blocking the effect of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally, the ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the natural control of the blood pressure of the body. Angiotensin II causes narrowing and narrowing of blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By blocking the effect of ACE, ramipril reduces the production of angiotensin II, which allows blood vessels to relax and expand. The general effect is to lower the blood pressure. Side effects: The most common side effects are: Low blood pressure-induced dizziness or fainting Cough Dizziness Chest pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Weakness or fatigue   Serious side effects and labeling may include: This is more common when you initiate low blood pressure pacemakers or when you increase doses. Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (angioedema). Liver problems (jaundice) Swelling (edema) Purple stain (purple) on your skin caused by internal bleeding Heart rate or fast or abnormal heart beat. High potassium levels Worse kidney function. Pregnancy: Ramipril, black box warning, because drugs can cause damage and death to a developing fetus. Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can cause damage to a developing fetus, especially when taken during the second and third trimester. Medicines such as ramipril can reduce kidney function in unborn babies; It can also cause insufficient development. Bones of lungs and babies. Dose for ramipril The usual ramipril dose for hypertension is 2.5-20 mg per day, in single or double divided doses. Patients who use diuretics or who have reduced renal function may require lower doses. Heart failure is initially treated with 1.25-2.5 mg twice daily and titrated to 10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily. The prevention of heart attack and stroke is between 2.5 and 10 mg / day.

Ramipril: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage Read More »

Levodopa: Uses, Side Effects And Dosage etc

It is used for the treatment of Parkinsonian disorders (associated with low levels of a chemical known as dopamine) and is typically given with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the central nervous system. Levodopa is employed alone or together with carbidopa. Some patients need the combination of medication, whereas others benefit from L-dopa alone. By improving muscle control, L-dopa permits more normal movements of the body. Clinical Uses: In The treatment of Parkinson’s disease L-dopa together with carbidopa is at first given in a small dose, like 25/100 mg (25 carbidopa and 100 levodopa) 3 times daily after meals to stop gastric irritation.The dose may be raised upto 25/250 mg 3-4 times daily.However its better to stay the dose of L-dopa low so as to avoid the adverse effects. L-dopa is particularly effective in Tremors and hypokinesia. Pharmacokinetics: When Given Orally,I is absorbed from the small intestine by an active process.Plasma half Life is about 2 hours and its onset of action happens in 1-2 hours.When It is given alone , it’s principally metabolised in the peripheral tissue into dopamine by the enzyme dopa decarboxylate enzyme, and only 1-3% of levodopa stay unchanged and passes into brain. Mechanism Of Action: In a Parkinson sickness the amount of dopamine become terribly low. This is as a result of many of the cells in your brain that manufacture dopamine have died or are dying. Dopamine molecule is just too polar to cross the blood-brain barrier, and therefore cannot enter the brain. (Dopamine is lipid soluble and therefore cannot pass through blood brain barrier.) the most common treatment used contains the chemical levodopa. This molecule is additionally polar, but because it’s an amino acid it’s recognised by proteins that carry amino acids across the blood-brain barrier. Levodopa is thus safely transported across the interface. Levodopa is the precursor molecule of dopamine and a small proportion of each levodopa dose crosses the barrier and is decarboxylated to dopamine. This recently formed dopamine then is available to stimulate dopaminergic receptors, therefore compensating for the depleted supply of endogenous dopamine. Levodopa may be a chemical building block that your body converts into dopamine. Levodopa Contraindications: It is contraindicated in narrow angle glaucoma, in gouty arthritis unless patient is protected with prophylactic anti gout therapy. It is conjointly contraindicated in malignant melanoma because levodopa increase the synthesis of melanin. Levodopa side Effects: More Common and less serious side effects include constipation, dry mouth, or blurred vision; muscle twitches; sleep disorder, confusion, or nightmares; darkening of the pee or sweat, mild nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; hand tremor, fatigue, dizziness or sleepiness, agitation or anxiety. Serious side effects, an allergic reaction, seizures, an irregular heartbeat or fluttering within the chest, depression or suicidal thoughts, uncontrolled movements of a section of the body, persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and unusual changes in mood or behavior. Very rare side effects include glaucoma, Blood Dyscrasias, Gout, and brown discoloration of various body secretions Levodopa in Pregnancy: Levodopa should be used with caution in pregnant ladies. Animal studies show toxicity associated with the use of L-dopa. it may pass into breast milk and have an effect on milk production. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Drug Interactions: Drug Like Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) will increase the peripheral metabolism of L-dopa which will be prevented by dopa decarboxylase inhibitors. Combination of adrenergic medicine with levodopa might cause hypertension (Blood Pressure). Administration of non selective Mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) with Levodopa will cause hypertensive crisis.Thus it should be avoided with in two weeks of administration of Non selective MAO inhibitors or MAO-A inhibitors. Related Article: Important Information About Piroxicam

Levodopa: Uses, Side Effects And Dosage etc Read More »

Rifampicin: Important Information

Uses Rifampicin is a semisynthetic derivative of rafmycin B obtained from streptomyces mediterranei.Rifampicin is clinically used in the treatment of following Condition: For the Treatment of Tuberculosis in combination with other anti Tuberculosis drugs. Treatment of leprosy and atypical mycobacterial infection. Prevention of Meningococcal meningitis. Prevention of meningitis caused by H.influenza in children. In combination with co-trimxazole for the eradication of staphylococcal infections. Along with Vancomycin,ceftriaxone or cefotoxime ,for the treatment of meningitis caused by highly penicillin resistant pneumococci. Mechanism Of Action Rifampicin is a bactericidal drug and inhibits the synthesis of RNA in the bacterium by inhibition of the enzyme referred to as DNA dependent RNA polymerase.It inhibits DNA dependent RNA synthesis.Probably the basis of selective toxicity is that mammalian RNA polymerase doesn’t avidly bind rafampicin.Resistance to Rifampicin could occur due to mutation in the gene of RNA polymerase of the mycobacteria.This will stop the binding of rifampicin with the RNA polymerase of bacterium. Side Effects: Headache, Diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort . If Given in less than twice weekly doses,it can cause flu-like symptoms,such as fever,malaise,muscle pain,thrombocytopenia,neutropenia, anaemia and renal tubular necrosis may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions like skin rashes and fever may occur. Cholestatic jaundice and rarely hepatitis can occur. It can cause your urine and sweat to have an orange or reddish colour but This is completely harmless. Collapse and shock,acute renal failure, respiartory symtoms include shortness of breath. Pregnancy There are very limited knowledge regarding fetal risks following exposure to Rifampicin throughout pregnancy. No exaggerated risks of miscarriage, congenital malformation, preterm delivery or low birth weight are attributed to Rifampicin exposure, though the underlying maternal infections requiring Rifampicin treatment have known independent risks throughout pregnancy.Manufacturer advise very high doses teratogenic in animal studies in first trimester and risk of infant bleeding is also increased in third trimester.While quantity of Rifampicin in breast milk is simply too little to be harmful. Doses Dose For The Treatment of Tuberculosis is 10 mg/kg/day (600 mg daily) twice weekly. Dose For The prevention of meningococcal meningitis is 600 mg twice daily for two days. Dose for the prevention of meningitis caused by H.influenza in children is 20 mg/kg/day for four days. Dose For Brucellosis,legionnaires disease,endocarditis in combination with other drugs is 0.6g-1.2g per day in 2-4 divided doses. Related Article: Important Information About Isoniazid

Rifampicin: Important Information Read More »