Medicine On Net

Accutane, An Only Approved Anti-Acne Drug

2011-09-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Acne is a major concern for teenagers when they enter into puberty. For girls it is of great beauty concern. Although acne is usually experienced in puberty, it is seen in later age after puberty too. In young adults acne is caused by hormonal changes and in others it is because of bacteria.

So far Accutane (Isotretinoin) is only FDA approved medicine to treat Acne. However, Accutane is indicated for severe types of Acne. For general Acne Benzoil Peroxide is most effective.

Lets get to know Accutane today.

Accutane: It belongs to Anti-acne drug class.

Accutane Generic: Isotretinoin is Generic Accutane.
There are several types of acne. Accutane is used to treat Severe and most painful type of acne known as Cystic Acne.

Food and Drug Interactions of Accutane

Combining with alcohol may increase the risk of high triglyceride levels.

Combining with Vitamin A may increase side effects.

The drug may decrease the levels of carbamazeptine in the blood. Should be taken with food with the exception of food that contains large amounts of vitamin A (retinol or carotene).

Accutane side effects

Accutane has rare instances of side effects- side effects of which some are serious and some normal. Normal side effects are Nausea, vomiting, stomach problems, abdominal pain, nosebleedings, urinary problems, pains, blurred vision, higher triglyceride levels, higher cholesterol, lower good cholesterol, etc.

Stop Taking Accutane if you feel....

Hair loss, severe gastrointestinal inflammations and bleedings, depression, psychosis, herpes simplex, suicidal tendencies, etc.

In 25 percent the drug may create high triglyceride levels.

In 6 percent the drug may create high cholesterol.

In 15 percent the drug reduces the good cholesterol.

The drug may increase pressure in the brain.

The drug is harmful to fetus; should not be taken during pregnancy.

Aventyl, Pamelor (Antidepressant Drug) Patient Information

2011-09-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Millions of people are suffering from depression across the world. Depression is, i would rather say, malfunction of neurons rather than of a organ. Anti depression medications are on top of the list of most abused drugs. It is important to learn about such medicine before starting administration. So lets have look at Nortriptyline anti depression medicine.

NORTRIPTYLINE: Aventyl or Pamelor is popular brand name of Nortriptyline. Aventyl is antidepressant medicine. It belongs to Tricyclic antidepressants drug class which inhibits the active uptake of biogenic amines NA, 5 HT and DA into their respective neurons. Nortriptyline is non selective for different amines but has more effect on NA than on 5-HT uptake,

Aventyl Indications: Manic depressive psychosis in the depressive phase. Neurotic, endogenous, reactive, involutional or masked depression.

Aventyl Dosage : Adults: 50-150 mg/day. Children: 8-11 yrs: 10-20 mg/day. >11 Yr: 25-35 mg/day. The dose should be given at the bed time with food.

Aventyl Contraindications: Narrow angle glaucoma. Urinary retention (specially in males with enlarged prostate. Acute myocardial infarction.)

Special Precautions : Treatment should not continue for longer than 3 months. Cardiovascular disease. Renal & hepatic impairment. Epilepsy, Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, hypomania or mania.

Paediatrics Precaution: Reduce the dose. Pregnancy & Lactation: Contraindicated. Elderly: Reduced dose necessary. Side-effects : Sedation & mental confusion, dry mouth, constipation, epigastric distress. Cardiac arrhythmias, jaundice, rash, tremors, altered vision.

Aventyl Drug interactions: Potentiates hypertensive effect of noradrenaline and anticoagulant action of coumarins. Severe hyperpyretic reaction with MAOIs, hence should not be used within 2 weeks of stopping MAOIs.Cimetidine increases the plasma concentration.

Ciprofloxacin a Second Generation Antibiotic drug

2011-08-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

CIPROFLOXACIN is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug with potent activity against broad spectrum of gram~positlve&gram-negative bacteria including Ps. acruginosa, Enterobcteriaceae and Staph aurous. Ciprofloxacin does no disturb normal anaerobic intestinal flora and, has significant post-antibiotic effect & thus prevent~ regrowth of bacteria. Its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of amino glycosides, third generation cephalosporins and other fluoroquinolones.

Indications of Ciprofloxacin: Respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract E.N T., skin infection, Gastrointestinal tract infection, abdominal Gynaecological. Bone, joint and severe systemic infections, Gonorrhea.

Ciprofloxacin 40ft mg/200 ml IV infusion 12 hourly is indicated for systemic infection, lower respiratory tract infections; skin and skin structure infections typhoid [ever. 8evere/complicated urinary tract infections. 8urgical procedure.

Ciprofloxacin Dosage: The dosage of Ciprofloxacin is deter mined on the basis of severity infection, type of infecting organism and age, weight and renal function of the patient. The recommended dosage schedule of oral ciprofloxacin is as follows:

i)Uncomplicated UTI: 250 m9 every 12 hourly

ii) Prostatitis and complicated UTI in patient with severe underlying structural abnormalities 500 mg every 12 hours.

iii) Lower respiratory tract infections: mild-25~ mg; moderate to severer- 500 mg; all every 1: hours. Dosage ot 750 mg every 12 hours should preferably be used in cases of infection wltl resistant gram-positive bacteria.

iv) ENT infections: 500 to 750 mg every 1: hours.

v) Bone and joint Infections: 500 to 750 mg every 12 hours.

vi) Gastroenteritis: 250mg every 12 hot4rs.

vii) ENT Infection: 500mg every 12 hours.

viii) Gynecological infections: 500 mg every 12 hours.

ix) Gonorrhea: 250 mg single dose.

x) Septicemia, bacteremia and intra-abdominal infections Initial IV ciprofloxacin therapy may be followed by oral 500 to 750 mg every 12 hours

Ciprofloxacin Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone derivative. Not recommended for use in children adolescents.

Ciprofloxacin Special Precautions: Use with caution in patients of renal impairement, cerebal arteriosclerosis or epilepsy. Keep patient well hydrated to prevent crystalluria.
Pediatrics: Safety not established.

Pregnancy: Contraindicated.

Lactation: Drug passes in to breast milk may affect the infant adversely.

Elderly: No special problem.

Ciprofloxacin Side effect: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, restlessness and arthralgia.
Drug Interaction: Magnesium, aluminum calcium, iron and zinc antacids decrease ciprofloxacin absorption. Potentiates oral anticoagulants. Rifampicin reduces serum concentration of ciprofloxacin. CNS excitation occur with concurrent administration of quinolones and NSAIDs.

Supplements That are Good for Heart

2011-08-07T02:16:00.000-07:00

Antioxidants
When the cholesterol in the plaque in our arteries becomes oxidised, it can rupture and cause a heart attack. Antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and A selenium and coenzyme Q10 can help prevent this.

Homocysteine-reducing Vitamins
High levels of homocysteine in the blood contribute to the narrowing of arteries. Recent studies have shown that vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can control this.

Niacin (Nicotinic acid; a B complex vitamin)
Niacin lowers levels of bad cholesterol and raises that of the good. It is also one of the few drugs that can lower the bad Lp(a) cholesterol. Unfortunately it can cause quite unpleasant flushing, although new "no flush" preparations are now available and niacin may soon become a front-line cholesterol-lowering drug.

Selenium
Selenium works together with vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Coenzyme Q10 (Also known as ubiquinone)
An essential nutrient in every cell of our body, coenzyme Q10 is required to produce energy. Although its use is not supported by the conventional medical community there are a number of studies showing it may have benefits for heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. In conjunction with vitamin E it is a powerful antioxidants.

Fish Oil
People in communities which have a high level of fish in their diet tend to have a low incidence of heart disease. The omega-3 in fish - also found in flax seed oil - have beneficial effects on blood clotting, stabilizing artery walls and heart rhythms.

Magnesium
Magnesium is needed by many of our cells, including those in our heart. People given intravenous magnesium after a heart attack recovers better and has fewer complications, suggesting that it may be lacking in our cells. It is thought that it may also stabilize some heart rhythm disorders. It also helps relax our muscles, thus helping us get a good night's sleep.

Garlic
Garlic has long been as being good for the health and people living in countries in which garlic is widely eaten lower rates of heart disease - but whether it's the garlic or other factors still remains to be proven.

Avandia, a Diabetes Medicine Information You Should Know About

2011-07-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Avandia and its uses

Avandia is drug to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes or diabetes type 2. Rosiglitazone maleate is generic equivalent of avandia. Avandia lowers sugar level in blood. It is so far the most successful medicine to treat diabetes mellitus type 2 with lesser side effects as compare to other diabetes drugs. It enables the body to consume glucose by producing more insulin. By interfering process of glucose formation, avandia also lowers the production of glucose.

Avandia should be administered along with diet and exercise suggested by physician.

Avandia acts in two ways to maintain blood sugar level in body.

* Produces insulin so that glucose can be consumed by cells.
*Maintains good functionality of mast cells.

For overweight diabetic patients avandia may also be used with metformin (Avandamet). For patients allergic to metformin are given avandia in combination with sulphonylurea (Amaryl). In rare cases it may be given with metformin and sulphonylurea.

Working Mechanism

Avandia is used when mast cells of pancreas are unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is key hormone helpfull to break down glucose and generate energy. Lack of insulins cause to increase glucose level in blood. Rosiglitazone maleate helps mast cells to produce more insulin. It also ensures good functionality of mast cells.

Contraindications

Avandia is contraindicated if....

Patient is allergic to any of its ingredients
Insulin treatment is going on
Recent history of heart failure
Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Interactions

Before start taking avandia you should know these.....

Avandia may increase weight. As stated earlier avandia should be taken with proper (calorie controlled) diet.
Patients with heart related problem in past should not take this medicine. Patients with no heart issue in past should consult doctor in case short breath and rapid weight gain.

Avandia may increase risk of fluid retention if taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.

Below list of drugs may decrease efectiveness of avandia by lowring its presense in blood.

carbamazepine
rifampicin
phenobarbital
phenytoin

Side Effects

Avandia shows least side effects compare to other diabetes drugs.

Abnormal liver function
vision problem (blurred vision)
weight gain
Headache
Tiredness
Dizziness
Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
Swelling because of fluid retention
heart failure

An Introduction to Antihypertensive Drugs

2011-07-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Antihypertensive Drugs

Antihypertensive drug include:

Diuretics ("water pills")
Beta Blockers
Alpha Blockers
Alpha-Beta Blockers
Sympathetic Nerve Inhibitors
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Calcium Channel Blockers
Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from flowing into heart muscle cells and muscle cells of the blood vessel walls, resulting in slowing of heart rate and relaxation of blood vessels.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (formal medical name angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists, known as "sartans" for short). These agents are sometimes prescribed together, for instance an ACE inhibitor along with a calcium channel blocker.
Beta blockers lower high blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the force of contraction of the heart.
Common calcium channel blockers include:

Amlodipine (Amlodipine )
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Felodipine (Plendil)
Isradipine (DynaCirc)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan)

Amlodipine Medication
Amlodipine (generic norvasc) is an antihypertensive type of medicine called a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). Amlodipine medication is used to treat high blood pressure (also called "hypertension"). It is also used to treat a type of chest pain called angina. Angina is often a pain or pressure in your chest that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not get enough blood.
Amlodipine medication works to relax your blood vessels. This lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. This means that blood pressure can be lower, and angina pain can be reduced or controlled.
In general, antihypertensives work through one or more of the following mechanisms:

By Decreasing Blood Volume
By Opening Up Blood Vessels, either by Inhibiting Constriction (narrowing) or Stimulating Dilation (widening), to make it easier for blood to flow through the arteries.
By Decreasing Rate and/or Force of Contraction of the Heart, thus decreasing the amount of blood pumped through the arteries.

Side Effects of Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives have in common that they can overcompensate for high blood pressure, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.

Lightheadedness, Dizziness, or Fainting would be an initial indication of inadequate blood pressure levels.
Note: Decreased blood pressure in a mother also has the potential to harm her developing baby. Since blood volume determines the amount of blood filtered/urine processed by the kidneys, antihypertensives have effects on that organ as well. Although in general blood-pressure-lowering medicines reduce strain on the kidney, some antihypertensives like sartans can nevertheless worsen kidney disease.

Another major concern with hypertensives is that they can aggravate congestive heart failure. As with most any drug, blood-pressure-lowering medications can have milder side-effects as well. While on an antihypertensive, report any changes in your condition to your health care provider.

Nexium, a Most Effective Heartburn Medicine

2011-07-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

Information About Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

What is Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Working of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Interaction of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Esomeprazole Magnesium is generic equivalent of Nexium, it is used for treatment of (SGRD) Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and healing of Erosive Esophagitis.Generic nexium prevents or/and treat gastric ulcer, caused as a side-effects of NSAID (Non-steroidal anit-inflammatory) drugs like diclofenac for the treatment of arthritis.

What is Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic Nexium belong to calss Proton Pump Inhibitor. Generic Nexium is proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Generic nexium (Esomeprazole) reduces descretion of acid in the gastric parietal peritoneumme called H+/K+-ATPase. Although it is the combination R- isomers and S-isomer it is called S-isomer omeprazole. As it inhibits excessive descrtion of acid in stomach it is also indecated for condition Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How Generic Nexium Works?

Excess production is the most common reason for Erosive Esophagitis, peptic ulcer and Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Generic nexium is type of PPIs(Proton pump inhibitor) called vacuolar-type which highly inhibits Acid-generating ATPase found in lysosomes of leukocytes and osteoclasts and its activities. Human body produces acid that helps digestive system to digest food. In excessive decrestion of acid condition like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, acid enters and flows through food pipe which results in heartburn. Nexium produces achiral sulphenamide in acidic compartment which stops formation of such acids. Excess of acid also cause inflamation on lining of oesophagus (Food pipe). Helicobacter pylori bacteria causes unnecessary acid production in stomach which finally results in peptic ulcer. Nexium along with amoxicillin and clarithromycin have found to be very effective on ulcer in stomch caused when infacted with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.

Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) Dosage or Administration

Generic Nezium is avialable in two strengths, 20mh and 40mg. Daily dose of 20 to 40 mg and can prevent formation of gastric acid.

Overdose

Look for immediate emergency medical aid incase of any side effects listed below...

Intense or low itching on skin anywhere on body (hives)
Short breathing
seizures
Swelling of face
Loosing coordination

Precautions for Taking Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic nexium should not be taken if the person is hypersensitive to the any of the ingredients chemical compound of generic nexium. Hypersensitive person may get Angioedema and anaphylactic shock.It is prudent for preganant women not to take generic nexium as no study have been conducted to observe its effects on pregenant women.

Interaction of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Other comparatively less harmful side effects may caused by Nexium are...

drowsiness
diarrhea
Dry mouth.
Headsche
nausea
constipation, vomiting or abdominal pain

generic nexium buy

Types Of Drug For HeartBurn Gastroesophageal Reflux

2011-07-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Cells located in stomach of human body secrets acid and makes food digestion easy. Secreted acid is damaging in nature. To prevent damage of stomach from acid, stomach is internally covered by mucosal membrane. Entire gastrointestinal tract is covered with mucosal membrane. This mucosal membrane lining in gastrointestinal tract prevents erosion may caused by acid. In some people such protection covers gets damaged for number of reasons. Acid comes in contact with stomach muscles and causes ulcer.

What is Acid Reflux?

Since sole purpose of secreted acid is to help food digestion it should not go to other organs. Sphincter, a part between the oesophagus and the stomach works as barrier to prevent acid coming into oesophagus. Damaged sphincter allows acid to go to oesophagus and cause irritation. This is called 'Acid Reflux' which is more commonly known as acidity.

Types of Drugs to Treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease

There are seven types of drugs being used to treat Gastroesophagel reflux disease. Depending upon action and mechanism drugs are divided into seven different categories.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors blocks the proton pumping process. The process that secrets acid is called gastric H+/K+ ATPase or gastric hydrogen potassium ATPase or Proton pumping. Proton pump inhibitor drugs blocks that process and stops excess of acid production. Drugs that fall in this category are.....

Prilosec (Omeprazole)
Nexium (Esomeprazole)
Protonix (Pantoprazole)
Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
Aciphex (Rabeprazole)
Kapidex (Dexlansoprazole)

These five drugs are the most effective for the treatment of acid reflux and ulcer.

Gastric H2 receptor blockers

Ranitidine
Famotidine
Cimetidine

These drugs decrease acid secretion by competitively antagonizing histamines to its parietal cells receptors. Mechanism of working of these drugs is similar to antihistamine. More powerful effect of proton pump inhibitor drugs suppressed its popularity.

Antacids

Antacids are quite different in mechanism. Antacids work by increasing hydrogen ions in acidic solution. Hydrogen ions decrease acidity.

Alginic acid Gaviscon

This drug works by coating mucosal membrane and also, like antacids, increases pH. Alginat creates barrier and stops acid from refluxing.

Prokinetics

These drugs increase contractions of small intestine, strengthen the lower part of and accelerates gastric emptying.
Cisapride (this drugs has been withdrawn from market)
Reglan (metoclopramide) is also a prokinetic drug.

Sucralfate

Carafate

This drug works in three ways. Sucralfate.....

Reacts with hydrochloric acid in stomach and forms gell like substance that keeps buffering acid
Forms protective layer on ulcer to prevent further damage. Protective layer formed by sucralfate also help to heal and prevent esophageal damage.
Blocks diffusion of hydrogen ions.

Mosapride

Mosapride is an agonist that inhibits 5-HT4. It is used to treat acid reflux and dyspepsia.