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Allegra 30 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg
June 17, 2011 | Leave a Comment
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Tenormin (Atenolol)
May 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Tenormin (Atenolol)
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Generic Name: Atenolol
Brand Name: Tenormin
Generic Ingredients: Tenormin + Chlorthalidone Tenoretic
Generic Ingredient: Nebivolol Systolic
Type of Drug: Beta-adrenergic blocking agent.
Prescribed For: Tenormin alone or in combination is prescribed for high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, angina pectoris, and prevention of second heart attack and migraine. It is also usedto treat alcohol withdrawal, stage Ifight, and other anxieties. Nebivolol is currently approved only to treat high blood pressure. Both are used together with other blood-pressure-lowering medications.
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Tenormin is forsale online in the following dosages: 25, 50, 100 mg. Check with your doctor before you order Tenormin what dose pills you need to take and Buy Tenormin accordingly. It isnot recommendable to cut a crash pills, that is why if you need Tenormin 25 mg, do not buy Tenormin 25 mg planning to devide it into 4 parts. No prescription needed to buy Tenormin on line as well as other drug. Take an advantage of secure and convenient internet shopping for generic medications.
General Information
Tenormin is one of many beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, or beta blockers and primarily blocks the beta, receptor. Nebivolol blocks both the beta, and beta, receptors when taken at high doses by people whose liver breaks down the drug more slowly than average. These drugs interfere with the action of adrenaline and other chemicals in the body that affect many body functions. Individual beta blockers have different characteristics that can make them more suitable for certain conditions or people.
When used to treat high blood pressure, Tenormin may be used either alone or concurrently with other antihypertensive drugs, particularly with a thiazide-type diuretic.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take these drugs it you are allergic or sensitive to any of their ingredients or to other beta blockers. People with a severe allergy to any substance may be more sensitive to that allergen while taking a beta blocker.
People with angina who take these medicines for high blood pressure risk aggravating their angina if they suddenly stop taking the drug. These people should have their drug dosage reduced gradually over 1-2 weeks.
Tenormin should not be used by those with slow heartbeat, moderate to severe heart block (a condition affecting the heart’s conduction system), congestive heart failure unless it is due to a quickened heart rate that can be treated with Tenormin, or acute heart failure.
Tenormin and nebivolol should be used with caution if you have liver or kidney disease, because your ability to eliminate these drugs from your body may be impaired. Dose adjustments may be needed.
These drugs reduce the amount of blood the heart pumps. This reduction in blood flow may aggravate the condition of people with poor circulation or circulatory disease.
If you are undergoing major surgery, your doctor may want you to stop taking these drugs at least 2 days before surgery.
If you have pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), use Tenormin with caution.
Tenormin should be usedOfti caution in those with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other nonallergic bronchospastic diseases.
People with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to allergens may be unresponsive to usual doses of epinephrine while taking beta blockers.
Possible Side Effects
Tenormin
Side effects are relatively uncommon and usually mild; they usually develop early in the course of treatment and are rarely a reason to stop taking Tenormin.
Most common: impotence.
Less common: unusual tiredness or weakness, slow heartbeat, heart failure (symptoms include swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet), dizziness, breathing difficulties, bronchospasm, depression, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, disorientation, short-term memory loss, emotional instability, cold hands and feet, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, increased sweating, urinary difficulties, cramps, blurred vision, rash, hair loss, stuffy nose, facial swelling, itching, chest pain, back or joint pain, colitis, drug allergy (symptoms include fever and sore throat), and liver toxicity.
Rare: lupus erythematosus (chronic condition affecting the body’s connective tissue). Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Tenormin may interact with surgical anesthetics to increase the risk of heart problems during surgery. Some anesthesiologists recommend gradually stopping the drug by 2 days before surgery.
• Tenormin may interfere with the normal signs of low blood sugar and with oral antidiabetic drugs.
• Tenormin increases the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
other blood-pressure-reducing agents, including clonidine,
guanabenz, and reserpine; and calcium channel blockers,such as nifedipine.
• Aspirin-containing drugs, indomethacin, and sulfinpyrazone may interfere with the blood-pressure-lowering effect of atenoloi.
• Cocaine may reduce the effectiveness of all beta blockers.
• Tenormin may worsen the problem of cold hands and feet associated with taking ergot alkaloids, used to treat migraine. Gangrene is a possibility in people taking both anergot and Tenormin.
• Tenormin will counteract thyroid hormone replacements.
• Calcium channel blockers, diphenhydramine, flecainide, hydralazine, contraceptive drugs, propafenone, haloperidol, phenothiazine sedatives—molindone and others—quinolone antibacterials, and quinidine may increase the amount of Tenormin in the bloodstream and lead to increased Tenormin effects.
• Tenormin should not be taken within 2 weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAGI) antidepressant.
• Cimetidine increases the amount of Tenormin absorbed into the bloodstream from oral tablets.
• Tenormin may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-asthma drugs, including theophylline and aminophylline, and especially ephedrine and isoproterenol.
• Combining Tenormin with phenytoin or digitalis drugs may result in excessive slowing of the heart, possibly causing heart block (disruption of the electrical impulses that control heart rate).
• If you stop smoking while taking Tenormin, your dose may have to be reduced because your liver will break down the drug more slowly.
• Aluminum salts, barbiturates, calcium salts, cholestyramine, colestipol, ampicillin, and rifampin may reduce the effectiveness of Tenormin.
• Beta blockers may increase the effects of gabapentin, lidocaine, or prazosin, leading to undesirable reactions or toxicity.
• Beta blockers may block the effects of epinephrine.
• Fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, propafenone, quinidine, duloxetine, and terbinafine can substantially increase the amount of nebivolol in the blood by interfering with its breakdown by liver enzymes. Amiodarone, cimetidine, and sertraline also have this interaction but the effect is smaller. Avoid these combinations.
• Other drugs that can increase nebivolol levels but to a much smaller extent are antihistamines, celecoxib, chlorpheniramine, chlorpromazine, citalopram, clemastine, clomipramine, diphenhydramine, doxepin, doxorubicin, escitalopram, halotantrine, histamine, hydroxyzine, levomepromazine, methadone, metoclopramide, mibefradil, midodrine, moclobemide, perphenazine, ranitidine, haloperidol, ritonavir, ticlopidine, and tripelennamine.
• Dexamethasone, rifampin, and sildenafil reduce blood levels of nebivolol but the combined effect on blood pressure is moderate.
Food Interactions
These drugs may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose:
Tenormin
Adult: 50 mg a day. Some people may require doses of 100-200 mg a day. Dosages over 100 mg a day are not likely to produce additional benefit to those being treated for hypertension. People with kidney disease may need only 50 mg every other day. Older adults should be treated more cautiously and may need a lower dose.
Child: not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose include changes in heartbeat—unusually slow, unusually fast, or irregular—severe dizziness or fainting, breathing difficulties, bluish-colored fingernails or palms, and seizures. Heart failure and shock may also result from a beta blocker overdose. The victim should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
These drugs are meant to be taken continuously.
When ending treatment, dosage should be reduced gradually over a period of about 2 weeks. Do not stop taking these drugs unless directed to do so by your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal may cause chest pain, breathing difficulties, increased sweating, and unusually fast or irregular heartbeat.
Call your doctor at once if you develop back or joint pain, breathing difficulties, cold hands or feet, depression, rash, or changes in heartbeat. Tenormin may produce an undesirable lowering of blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting; call your doctor if this happens. Call your doctor if you experience persistent or bothersome anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, impotence, headache, itching, nausea or vomiting, nightmares or vivid dreams, upset stomach, insomnia, stuffy nose, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, or weakness.
Tenormin may cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Be careful when driving or performing complex tasks.
It is best to take beta blockers at the same time each day. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you take nebivolol and do not remember until your next dose, continue with your regular schedule. If you take Tenormin once a day and it is within 8 hours of your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. If you take Tenormin twice a day and it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Tenormin or nebivolol.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/breast-feeding: Infants born to women who took a beta blocker while pregnant had lower birth weights, low blood pressure, and reduced heart rates. These drugs should be avoided by pregnant women and women who might become pregnant while taking them.
Tenormin and nebivolol pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors taking Tenormin should use the lowest effective dose as this group is more likely to have decreased heart, kidney, and liver function, and to be taking additional medications. Dosage adjustment of nebivolol is not necessary in seniors.
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20
Baclofen
May 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Baclofen
Generic Name: Baclofen
Type of Drug: Skeletal muscle relaxant.
Prescribed For: Muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury or disease, or other nervous system conditions; may also be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), hiccups, acid reflux, and as migraine prevention.
Baclofen may work by interfering with nervous system reflexes at the spinal cord, although it may also have some effect outside the spinal cord. Baclofen is chemically similar to a natural nerve transmitter known as GABA; baclofen’s effect on muscle spasm may be related to its effect on GABA nerve receptors.
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Cautions and Warnings
Do not take baclofen if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. It should not be taken for muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease because its benefit in these situations has not been proven. The condition of people with epilepsy or psychotic disorders may worsen while taking baclofen. About 4% of women with MS who take baclofen for less than 1 year develop ovarian cysts that usually disappear on their own. This is within the normal range for all women-1-5%—for developing ovarian cysts. Baclofen is excreted primarily through the kidneys, so patients with kidney disease or impaired kidney function should use baclofen with caution. Abruptly stopping baclofen can lead to hallucinations and seizure. Dosage should always be gradually reduced, except in cases of severe side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Baclofen
Baclofen may affect lab tests for liver function and can raise blood sugar levels.
Most common: drowsiness, low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, headache, and sleeplessness.
Less common: frequent urination, fatigue or lethargy, confusion, euphoria, excitement, depression, hallucinations, tingling in the hands or feet, muscle pain, ringing or buzzing in the ears, coordination difficulties, tremors, rigidity, weakness, loss of muscle tone, unusual eye movement and other muscle-control problems, double vision, pinpoint or wide-open pupils, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, dry mouth, appetite loss, changes in sense of taste, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bedwetting, difficulty urinating, painful urination, impotence, gash, Itching, swelling of the ankle, excessive sweating, weight gain, and stuffy MSe.
• Rare: slurred speech, blurred vision, seizure, fainting, chest pain, blood in the urine, and testing positive for blood in the stool. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above taking Baclofen.
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Baclofen Interactions
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and other nervous system depressants such as antihistamines, sedatives, or narcotic pain relievers while taking baclofen.
• Combining a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MA01) antidepressant with baclofen may cause drowsiness, nervous system depression, and low blood pressure.
• Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with baclofen may lead to severe muscle weakness.
• Baclofen may increase blood sugar. Diabetics may need to increase their dosage of antidiabetic drugs to account for this effect.
• Combining blood-pressure-lowering drugs with baclofen may lead to dizziness or fainting due to severe lowering of blood pressure.
Food Interactions
This drug may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
Adult and Child: Baclofen 5 mg 3 times a day for 3 days, gradually increased every 3 days until the desired effect is achieved, usually at Baclofen 40-80 mg a day. People with kidney disease require lower doses.
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Baclofen Overdosage
Symptoms of baclofen overdose include vomiting, loss of muscle tone, twitching, convulsions, pinpoint or wide-open pupils, drowsiness, blurred or double vision, breathing difficulties, seizure, and coma. Overdose victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information on Baclofen
Baclofen is a nervous system depressant. Take care when driving or doing anything that requires concentration and physical coordination.
Call your doctor if you develop persistent symptoms such as painful urination, constipation, nausea, headache, sleeplessness, or confusion.
Do not stop taking baclofen on your own. Abruptly stopping this drug may lead to hallucinations or seizure.
Your pharmacist may prepare a baclofen liquid. This mixture should be kept in the refrigerator and must be thrown away after I month.
If you forget a dose of baclofen and remember within 1 hour of your scheduled time, take it immediately. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Baclofen increases the chances of certain birth defects in lab animals. Pregnant women should only take baclofen after carefully weighing its possible benefits against its risks.
Baclofen taken by mouth passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula or receive the drug by injection directly into the spinal cord, because baclofen administered by injection does not pass into breast milk.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to nervous system side effects including hallucinations, depression, drowsiness, and confusion.
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13
Fenofibrate - Finasteride - Fioricet - Fiorinal - Fiorinal with Codeine
August 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Fenofibrate (fen-oe-Flli-brace) IM
Brand Names
Antara TriCor
Lipoten Triglide Lofibra
Type of Drug
Anti-hyperlipidemic (blood-fat reducer).
Prescribed For
High blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides; also prescribed for syndrome X, a condition which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
General Information
Fenofibrate works by interfering with the body’s ability to make triglyceride and by increasing its breakdown by enzymes in the body. It also reduces levels of uric acid, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol—and other blood lipids. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol—levels are increased. This drug should only be used in people with very high triglyceride levels who are at risk for pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and have not responded to other treatments, including statin drugs. Generic fenofibrate is not equivalent to the TriCor brand because of a new product formulation and should not be substituted for the brand unless your doctor approves of the switch.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take fenofibrate if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
People taking fenofibrate and other triglyceride-lowering drugs are mate WOV to die from causes unrelated to triglyceride levels. Fenofibrate reduces the risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event in people with high triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol, especially among people with diabetes. The evidence for this benefit is not as strong as it is for the statin drugs.
People taking fenofibrate and gemfibrozil may develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
People with liver or severe kidney disease should avoid fenofibrate. People with less severe kidney disease require reduced
dosage.
People taking fenofibrate are more likely to develop gallstones.
Fenofibrate can destroy muscle cells, leading to kidney failure, especially when combined with a statin cholesterol-lowering drug see “Drug Interactions”).
Possible Side Effects
• Most common: abnormal liver function, abdominal pain, and respiratory disorders.
♦ Common: rash, headache, upset stomach, pain, weakness, tiredness, and flu-like symptoms.
♦ Less common: joint pain, abnormal heart rhythms, reduced sex drive, dizziness, increased appetite, sleeplessness, tingling in the hands or feet, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, stomach noise or gas, frequent urination, vaginal irritation, runny nose, cough, sinus irritation, eye irritation, blurred vision, conjunctivitis (pinkeye). earache, and tiny particles inside the eye (”floaters”).
♦ Rare: allergic reactions including severe rash, itching, liver inflammation or enlargement, gallstones, gallbladder disease, muscle aches, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Combining fenofibrate and a statin cholesterol-lowering drug (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin) can lead to severe muscle pain, muscle cell destruction, and kidney failure. If you have extremely high blood-fat levels, the potential benefits of this combination may outweigh the risks. In people taking this combination, the health of muscles and kidneys must be monitored regularly via blood tests.
• Fenofibrate increases the effects of anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs. Your anticoagulant dosage may need an adjustment.
• Combining fenofibrate and cyclosporine can increase the risk of kidney toxicity. This combination should only be used if it is absolutely necessary and the lowest possible dosage is
taken.
• If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol (both are used
to reduce blood-fat levels) as well as fenofibrate, take the
fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after these
drugs.
Food Interactions
All forms of fenofibrate, except TriCor, should be taken with food to get the best effect. TriCor may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
These products may not be substituted for each other because of important dosage differences.
Antara
Adult: 43-130 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 43 mg a day. This dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
Lofibra
Adult: 67-200 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 67 mg a day. This beginning dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
Lipofen
Adult: 50-150 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 50 mg a day. This dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
TriCor
Adult: 48-145 mg a day.
Senior: Begin with 48 mg a day. This dosage also applies to
people with kidney disease. Child; mk recommended.
Triglide
Adult: 50-160 mg a day.
Senior: Begin with 50 mg a day. This dosage also applies to
people with kidney disease. Child: not recommended.
Overdosage
Little is known about the effects of fenofibrate overdose. Victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
People should take fenofibrate only after a triglyceride- lowering diet and other medications have failed. While taking fenofibrate, follow the diet recommended by your doctor.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Fenofibrate causes fetal injury and death in animal studies. When this drug is considered crucial by your doctor, its potential benefits must be carefully weighed against its risks.
This drug should not be taken by nursing mothers because of its potential to affect the nursing infant.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience side effects and should never start with more than the lowest recommended dosage.
Generic Name
Finasteride (fin-ASS-ter-ide) 19
Brand Names
Proscar Propecia
The information in this profile also applies to the following drug:
Generic Ingredient: Dutasteride Avodart
Type of Drug
Alpha-reductase inhibitor and androgen hormone inhibitor.
Prescribed for
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male-pattern baldness. May also play a role in preventing prostrate cancer.
General Information
Finasteride works by interfering with the action of the enzyme alphareductase, which converts testosterone into 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By suppressing DHT levels, finasteride reduces the size of the prostate in most men who take the drug for BPH. You may need to take finasteride for 6-12 months before its effects can be
assessed.
Urine flow improves in about 60% of men taking finasteride for BPH and symptoms improve in about 30%. In one study, men experienced a significant regression in prostate size after 3 months, and the reduction was maintained through the 12-month study period: these men experienced a significant improvement in urine flow that could be maintained up to 36 months.
Studies of finasteride for hair loss on the top and back-middle of the scalp show new hair growth in 65-80% of men taking the drug continuously for 2 years. The drug must be taken for 3 months or more before it begins to have an effect and must be taken continuously to maintain hair growth. Once you stop taking this drug, any new hair you have grown is likely to fall out in the next 12 months. Between 14-17% of men taking the drug continued to lose hair throughout the study period.
Finasteride has been studied as therapy following radical prostatectomy surgery and in the prevention of first-stage prostate cancer, acne in women, and unusual hairiness.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take finasteride if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
This drug should not be used in women or children. Pregnant women must not handle the tablets and capsules because of the risk to the fetus.
People who do not respond to finasteride may have a condition that causes BPH-like symptoms, such as prostate cancer, bladder or nerve disorders, or physical obstruction of the urinary tubes. Finasteride cannot be used to treat these conditions.
Because it is broken down in the liver, finasteride must be used with caution by people with liver disease.
Finasteride may mask symptoms of prostate cancer by causing a reduction in the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an increasingly acknowledged indicator of prostate cancer.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are generally mild and often subside with continued use of the drug.
Drug Interactions
• Finasteride may reduce the effectiveness of theophylline and aminophylline, although dosage adjustments usually are not required.
• Finasteride affects the PSA blood test used for prostate cancer screening. Be sure your doctor knows you are taking this drug if you have a PSA test done or are being tested for prostate cancer.
• Dustasteride blood levels may increase when mixed with ritonavir, ketoconazole, cimetidine, and ciprofloxacin, all of which are inhibitors of a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Blood levels of dutasteride also increase with verapamil and diltiazem.
Food Interactions
You may take finasteride with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Outasteride
Adult: 0.5 mg (1 capsule) once a day. Child: not recommended.
Finasteride
Adult: BPH-5 mg once a day. Male-pattern baldness-1 mg once a day.
Child: not recommended.
Women should not take finasteride. Overdosage
S%’& Ptecls are unlikely. Doses of dutasteride as high as 400 mg a day have been taken with no adverse side effects. Call your local poison control center or a hospital emergency room for more information. If you seek treatment, ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Possible Side Effects (continued)
v Common: impotence, loss of sex semen, breast tenderness an
• and drug sensitivity reaction
• rash.
x drive, decreased amount nd enlargement, testicular ions including lip swelling Special Information
Women who are or might be pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets because small amounts of the drug may be absorbed into the blood, possibly affecting the fetus.
If your sexual partner is or might be pregnant and you start taking finasteride, you must wear a condom during sex to avoid directly exposing her to finasteride in the semen.
Semen volume may decrease while on finasteride. Impotence or reduced sex drive is also a risk.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Call your doctor if you miss a dose for 2 or more days.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: This drug is not intended for women. Finasteride will harm the fetus if taken during pregnancy. It is not known if finasteride passes into breast milk.
Seniors: Seniors with liver disease should use this drug with caution.
Brand Name
Fioricet
Generic Ingredients
Acetaminophen + Butalbital + Caffeine 91
Other Brand Names
Americet Femcet
Dolgic LQ Margesic
Dolgic Plus Medigesic
Esgic Repan
Esgic-Plus Triad
Type 101 Drug
Barbiturate and analgesic (pain reliever) combination.
Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Fioricet is one of many combination products containing a barbiturate—butalbital—and an analgesic—acetaminophen. Products of this kind also often contain a sedative or a narcotic. Other analgesic combinations, such as Rorinal, substitute aspirin for
acetaminophen.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fioricet if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Use this drug with caution if you have kidney or liver disease or a history of porphyria.
Chronic (long-term) use of Fioricet may lead to drug dependence or addiction. It is not recommended for multiple or recurrent headaches.
Butalbital is a respiratory depressant and affects the central nervous system (CNS), producing drowsiness, tiredness, and an inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the CNS depression caused by this drug.
The safety and effectiveness of these medications have not been established in children under age 12.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Possible Side Effects
♦ Most common: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and a feeling of intoxication.
V Less common: weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movement, disorientation, dry mouth, constipation, facial flushing, changes in heart rate, palpitations, feeling faint, urinary difficulties, rash, and itching.
For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Acet-
aminophen (page 7).
Drug Interactions
• Combining Fioricet with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, or other CNS depressants may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
These medications may reduce the effectiveness of corticosteroids, contraceptives containing estrogen, beta blockers (e.g. propranolol), doxycycline, felodipine, griseofulvin, nifedipine, phenylbutazone, quinine, theophylline, warfarin, and tricyclic antidepressants.
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Food Interactions
Fioricet is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed; do not exceed 6 doses a day.
Overdosage
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold and clammy skin and lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, facial flushing, sweating, and thirst. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Fioricet may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
You should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Do not take Fioricet for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping Fioricet may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Call your doctor if your headache or pain persists or gets worse, or if you develop side effects that are bothersome or persistent.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one and continue
W<tkh IV61 schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Fioricet should not be taken during pregnancy. It is associated with birth defects, prolonged labor and delayed delivery, and breathing problems in newborns. Regular use of Fioricet during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fioricet passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Fioricet may cause babies to become tired, short of breath, or have a slow heartbeat. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Fioricet may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Seniors are also more likely to experience stimulation and disorientation.
Brand Name
Fiorinal
Generic Ingredients
Aspirin + Butalbital + Caffeine &9
Other Brand Names
Butalgen Fiorimor
Farbital Fortabs
Fiorigen Lanorinal
Type of Drug
Barbiturate and analgesic (pain reliever) combination. Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Pain relief products often combine an analgesic with a sedative. The analgesic ingredient in Fiorinal is aspirin; other brand-name products, such as Esgic and Fioricet, contain acetaminophen. The sedative ingredient in pain-relief combinations may be a barbiturate, narcotic, or other sedative. Fiorinal contains the barbiturate butalbital. Fiorinal also contains caffeine, which is ofte” \Ased in analgesic combinations that km,-M beadache because it enhances kkNt %m-relieving effect of aspirin.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fiorinal if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Do not give Fiorinal to children or teenagers with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to the aspirin content and danger of
Reye’s syndrome.
Use Fiorinal with extreme caution if you suffer from peptic ulcer,
problems with blood clotting or other bleeding disorders, or are
about to have surgery.
This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or
liver disease, diabetes, or a history of porphyria.
Long-term use of this drug may cause drug dependence and addiction. It is not recommended for the treatment of multiple recurrent headaches.
Butalbital is a respiratory depressant and affects the central nervous system (CNS), producing drowsiness, tiredness, and an
inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the CNS depression caused by butalbital.
The safety and efficacy of Fiorinal use in children under age 12 has not been established.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in Aspirin (page 110).
Possible Side Effects
✓ Most common: lightheadedness, dizziness, and sedation.
♦ Less common: nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and rash. For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Aspirin (page 110).
Drug Interactions
• Combining Fiorinal with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, or other CNS depressants may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
• Fiorinal may enhance the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), oral antidiabetes drugs, insulin, and mmsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ~VASAYDs).
• F10final may decrease the effectiveness of medications taken for gout, including probenicid and sulfinpyrazone.
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Aspirin (page 110).
Food Interactions
Fiorinal is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with
food if it upsets your stomach.
usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed. Do not exceed
6 doses a day. Overdosage
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold and clammy skin, lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, and thirst. Symptoms of mild overdose are rapid and deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in the ears, flushing, sweating, thirst, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. Severe overdose may cause fever, excitement, confusion, convulsions, liver or kidney failure, coma, and bleeding. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Fiorinal may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
Avoid alcohol while taking Fiorinal.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping this drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take Fiorinal for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
Call your doctor if your headache pain persists or gets worse, or if you develop any bothersome or persistent side effect.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Aspirin (page 110).
Special Populations
PregriancylBreast-feeding. Fiorinal should not be taken during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking it may experience prolonged labor, delayed delivery, and bleeding problems. Fiorinal increases the risk of birth defects and may cause breathing or bleeding prob-lems in newborns. Regular use of Fiorinal during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fiorinal passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Fiorinal may cause tiredness, shortness of breath, or slowed heartbeat in the baby. Nursing mothers who must take Fiorinal should use infant formula.
Seniors: Fiorinal may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Seniors are also more likely to experience stimulation and disorientation.
Brand Name
Fiorinal with Codeine
Generic Ingredients
Aspirin + Butalbital + Caffeine + Codeine Phosphate 19
Type of Drug
Barbiturate, narcotic, and analgesic (pain reliever) combination.
Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Fiorinal with Codeine is one of many combination products containing a barbiturate, an analgesic, and a narcotic. In Fiorinal with Codeine, butalbital is the barbiturate, aspirin is the analgesic, and codeine is the narcotic. These products often also contain a sedative, and acetaminophen may be substituted for aspirin.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fiorinal with Codeine if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. Even recommended doses of aspirin can cause severe allergic reaction in those with an aspirin allergy.
Do not take this medication if you suffer from peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, or a history of porphyria.
Use this medication with cautiOi) 11 you have kidney or liver
disease of diabetes.
Fiorinal with Codeine may cause postural low blood pressure (symptoms include dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying position).
Long-term use of this drug may cause drug dependence or addiction.
It is not recommended for treatment of multiple, recurrent head-
aches.
Fiorinal with Codeine is a respiratory depressant and affects the
central nervous system (CNS), producing sleepiness, tiredness, or inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the depression caused
by codeine and butalbital.
Do not give Fiorinal with Codeine to children or teenagers with
chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. The aspirin content presents the
danger of Reye’s syndrome.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in As-
pirin (page 110).
Possible Side Effects
✓ Most common: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting.
♦ Less common: dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, rapid heart rate, leg pain and muscle fatigue, urinary problems, rash, fever, earache, stuffy nose, and ringing in the ears. Narcotic analgesics may aggravate convulsions in those who have had them.
For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Aspirin (page 110).
Drug Interactions
• Interaction with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, or other drugs that produce sedation may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
• Taking Fiorinal with Codeine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant may cause increased central nervous system effects.
• This medication may reduce the effectiveness of medications for the treatment of gout including probenicid and sulfapyrazone.
• Fiorinal with Codeine may enhance the effects of blood thin- ners, oral antidiabetes drugs, insulin, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Aspirin (page 110).
Food Interactions
Fiorinal with Codeine is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed; do not ex-
ceed 6 doses a day.
Overdosage
Usual overdose symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold clammy skin and lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, and thirst. Symptoms of mild overdose include rapid and deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in the ears, flushing, sweating, thirst, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. Severe overdose may cause fever, excitement, confusion, convulsions, liver or kidney failure, coma, or bleeding. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
This drug may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping this drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take this drug for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
Call your doctor if you experience breathing difficulties, or persistent nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Aspirin (page 110).
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-teeding-. Fiorinal with Codeine should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking it may experience prolonged labor, delayed delivery, and bleeding problems. This drug increases the risk of birth defects and may cause breathing or bleeding problems in newborns. Regular use of Fiorinal with Codeine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fiorinal with Codeine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug may cause tiredness, shortness of breath, or a slow heartbeat in the baby. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: This drug may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Other effects that may be more prominent are stimulation, disorientation, lightheadedness, and dizziness or fainting when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position.
Aug
12
Dimenhydrinate - Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride - Disopyramide - Dofetilide
August 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Dimenhydrinate (dye-men-HYE-drih-nate) A
Brand Names
Calm-X Dramamine
Dimetabs Triptone
The information in this profile also applies to the following drugs: Generic Ingredient: Meclizine 91
Antivert Bonine
An tOmA 2S Meni-D
Antivert 50 Ru-Vert-M Antrizine
Type of Drug
Antihistamine and antiemetic (an agent that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting).
Prescribed For
Nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and dizziness associated with motion
sickness.
General Information
Dimenhydrinate, which depresses middle ear function, is a mixture of diphenhydramine—an antihistamine believed to be the active ingredient—and another ingredient. Meclizine is an antihistamine. It takes a little longer to start working than dimenhydrinate, but its effects last much longer. Meclizine does a better job of preventing motion sickness than treating its symptoms. It takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to work and lasts for 12-24 hours.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take dimenhydrinate if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. Newborn babies should not be given this drug.
People with a prostate condition, stomach ulcer, intestinal obstruction, bladder problems, difficulty urinating, glaucoma, asthma, or abnormal heart rhythms should use dimenhydrinate only while under a doctor’s care.
Because it controls nausea and vomiting, dimenhydrinate may hide the symptoms of appendicitis or overdoses of other drugs.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Most common: drowsiness.
♦ Less common: confusion; nervousness; excitation; restlessness; headache; sleeplessness, especially in children; tingling; heavy or weak hands; fainting; dizziness; tiredness; rapid heartbeat; low blood pressure; heart palpitations; blurred or double vision; difficult or painful urination; increased sensitivity to the sun; appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; upset stomach; constipation; nightmares; rash; drug reaction (symptoms include rash, itching, hives, and breathing difficulties); ringing or buzzing in the ears-, dry mouth, nose, or throat; stuffy nose-, wheezing: and increased chest phlegm OT chest tightness.
Drug Interactions
• This drug should not be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant.
• Taking dimenhydrinate with an alcoholic beverage, other antihistamine, sedative, or other central-nervous-system (CNS)
depressant may cause excessive dizziness, drowsiness, or other signs of depression.
• Side effects of anticholinergics may be increased when taken with dimenhydrinate.
• Combining dimenhydrinate and certain antibiotics that cause dizziness or other ear-related side effects may mask early signs of these side effects, especially in infants and children.
Food Interactions
Take dimenhydrinate with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Dimenhydrinate
Adult and Child (age 13 and over): 50-100 mg-1 or 2 tablets or 4-8 tsp.-30 minutes prior to travel; then every 4-6 hours; do not take more than 400 mg a day.
Child (age 6-12): 25-50 mg-1/2 or 1 tablet or 2-4 tsp.—every 6-43 hours; do not take more than 150 mg a day.
Child (age 2-5): up to 25 mg-1/2 or 1 tablet or 2 tsp.-every 6-8 hours; do not take more than 75 mg a day.
Child (under age 2): Consult your doctor.
Meclizine
Adult and Child (age 13 and over): 25-50 mg 1 hour before travel; repeat every 24 hours for duration of journey. Up to 100 mg a day in divided doses may be needed to control dizziness from other causes.
Child: not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteadiness, feeling faint, facial flushing, and dry mouth, nose, or throat. Convulsions, coma, and breathing difficulties may also develop. Overdose victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
N1 Maximum effectiveness against motion sickness, take dimenhydrinate 1-2 hours before traveling; it may still be effective if taken 30 minutes before traveling.
This drug may cause drowsiness: Be extremely cautious when driving, operating hazardous machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration.
Dimenhydrinate may cause dry mouth, nose, or throat. Sugarless candy, gum, or ice chips can usually relieve these symptoms. Constant dry mouth may increase the likelihood of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Pay special attention to oral hygiene while you are taking dimenhydrinate, and contact your doctor if dry mouth lasts more than 2 weeks.
If you forget to take a dose of dimenhydrinate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Animal studies suggest that meclizine may cause birth defects. Do not take any antihistamine without your doctor’s knowledge if you are or might be pregnant —especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, because newborns may have severe reactions to antihistamines.
Small amounts of dimenhydrinate may pass into breast milk. Dimenhydrinate may also slow milk production. Nursing mothers who must take dimenhydrinate should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to antihistamine side effects and should take the lowest effective dose.
Generic Name
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
(dye-fen-HYE-druh-mene hye-droe-KLOR-ide) 91
Brand Names
40 Winks
AllerM,ly,
AllerMax Maximum Strength Altaryl Children’s Allergy Banophen
Banophen Allergy
Benadryl Allergy
Benadryl Children’s Allergy* Benadryl Children’s Dye Free Benadryl Dye Free Allergy
Liquid Gels
Children’s Pediacare Nighttime Cough’
Compoz Gel Caps
Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid Diphen AF
Diphenhist
Dormin
Dytuss
Genahist
Midol PM
Miles Nervine
Nytol Quick Caps
Nytol Quick Gels Maximum Strength
Scot-Tussin Allergy*
Siladryl
Simply Sleep
Sleep-Eze 3
Sleepinol Maximum Strength Sleepwell 2-Nice
Snoozefast
Sominex Original Formula Sylphen Cough
TheraFlu Thin Strips Multi Symptom
Triaminic Thin Strips Cough and Runny Nose
Tusstat
Unisom
‘Some products in this brand-name group are alcohol- or sugar-free.
Type of Drug Antihistamine.
Prescribed For
Stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal allergy and for other symptoms of allergy such as itching, rash, and hives; also prescribed for motion sickness, insomnia, and Parkinson’s disease.
General Information
Antihistamines generally work by blocking the release of histamine (a chemical released by body tissue during an allergic reaction), drying the nose, throat, and eye secretions. Diphenhydramine is the most common active ingredient found in nonprescription sleep aids.
Cautions and Warnings
This drug should not be used if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. It should be avoided or used wilt extreme care if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach ulcer, intestinal abslmcfion, other stomach problems, difficulty urinating, or enlarged prostate. It should not be used by people who have sleep apnea or deep-breathing problems such as asthma. Use with care if you have a history of thyroid disease, heart disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or high blood pressure.
Drug Interactions
• This drug should not be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant.
• The effects of sedatives, sleeping medications, and other central-nervous-system (CNS) depressants will be intensified when combined with diphenhydramine hydrochloride; it is extremely important that doses of these drugs are properly adjusted.
• This drug increases the intoxicating and sedating effects of alcohol.
Food Interactions
Take this drug with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Allergy
Adult: 25-50 mg 3-4 times a day.
Child (over 20 tbs.): 12.5-25 mg 3-4 times a day.
Nighttime Sedation
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 25-50 mg at bedtime.
couqh. SIN%
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 25 mg every 4 hours; do not take more than 150 mg in 24 hours.
Child (age 6-12): 12.5 mg every 4 hours; do not take more than 75 mg in 24 hours.
mouth, and weakness.
g, rash, sensitivity to bright light, per-
s, lowering of blood pressure, head-
t, sleeplessness, dizziness, disturbed sion, restlessness, nervousness, irri- eling “high”), tingling and weakness of lurred or double vision, ringing in the , appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, con- urinary difficulties, thickening of lung s of the chest, wheezing, nasal stuffi-
h, nose, or throat.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Common: drowsiness
✓ Less common: itching
• fever, chills
• rapid heartbeat
confusion
euphoria (feelin
hands or feet, blurre
• upset stomach
• diarrhea, secretions, tightnes
• and dry
Child (age 2-6): 6.25 mg every 4 hours; do not take more than
25 mg in 24 hours.
Child (under age 2): not recommended.
Thin Strips
TheraFlu
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 1 strip every 4 hours; do not take more than 6 strips in 24 hours.
Triaminic
Child (age 6-12): 1 strip every 4 hours; do not take more than 6 strips in 24 hours.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose include depression or stimulation—especially in children; dry mouth; fixed or dilated pupils; flushing; and upset stomach. Overdose victims should be made to vomit with ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy. Take the overdose victim to a hospital emergency room immediately if you cannot induce vomiting. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
This drug may cause drowsiness. Be extremely cautious when driving or operating hazardous equipment.
If you are taking this medication for motion sickness, take the first dose at least 30 minutes prior to exposure.
If you forget to take a dose of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Animal studies have shown that some antihistamines may cause birth defects. Do not take any antihistamine without your doctor’s knowledge if you are or might be pregnant—especially during the last 3 miDMIns of pregnancy—because newborns may have severe reactions to antihistamines.
SMM) amounts of antihistamine pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to antihistamine side effects and may require lower dosages.
Generic Name
Disopyramide (die-soe-PIE-rah-mide) 92
Brand Names Norpace
Type of Drug Antiarrhythmic.
Prescribed For Abnormal heart rhythms.
General Information
Disopyramide phosphate slows the rate at which nerve impulses are carried through heart muscle, reducing the response of heart muscle to those impulses. It acts on the heart similarly to the more widely used antiarrhythmic medications procainamide hydrochloride and quinidine sulfate. Disopyramide is often prescribed for people who do not respond to other antiarrhythmic drugs.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take disopyramide if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients or if you have heart block, unless you have a cardiac pacemaker.
This drug can worsen heart failure or trigger severely low blood pressure. It should be used in combination with another antiarrhythmic agent or beta blocker with caution.
In rare instances, disopyramide has caused a reduction in blood-sugar levels. Therefore, the drug should be used with caution by diabetics, older adults—who are more susceptible to this effect—and people with poor kidney or liver function. Ask your doctor if you should have your blood-sugar levels checked while taking this drug.
Because of its anticholinergic effects, men with a severe prostate condition and people who have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or severe difficulty uritx;aA:jng should use disopyramide with caution.
People with liver or kidney disease must take a reduced dose of disopyramide.
Potassium levels affect the action of disopyramide. People with blood potassium levels that are out of the normal range must correct this imbalance before starting disopyramide.
Norpace CR
Possible Side Effects
♦ Most common: dry mouth, urinary difficulty, and constipation.
♦ Common: blurred vision; dry eyes, nose, and throat; frequent urination; nausea; stomach pain or bloating; gas; dizziness; fatigue; headache; and nervousness.
♦ Less common: itching, rashes, muscle weakness, generalized aches and pains, not feeling well, low blood-potassium levels, increases in blood-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, heart failure, and low blood pressure.
♦ Rare: Rare side effects can occur in almost any part of the body. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Phenytoin and rifarnpin may increase the rate at which the body removes disopyramide from the blood. Your disopyramide dose may need alteration if this combination is used. Other drugs known to increase drug breakdown by the liver, such as barbiturates and primidone, may also have this effect.
• Other antiarrhythmic drugs, such as procainamide and quinidine, may increase the effect of disopyramide, making dosage reduction necessary. At the same time, disopyramide may reduce the effectiveness of quinidine.
• When disopyramide is combined with a beta-blocking drug, increased disopyramide effects, additive effects, or depression of heart function may result.
• Azole antifungals, clarithromycin, diclofenac, doxycycline, erythromycin, imatinib, isoniazid, nefazodone, nicardipine, propofol, protease inhibitors, telithromycin, and verapamil may increase the amount of disopyramide in your blood, causing abnormal heart rhythms or other cardiac effects.
• Disopyramide may reduce the effectiveness of oral anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs. Your doctor should check your anticoagulant dosage to be sure you are getting the right amount.
• Hydantoins may cause a decrease in the effectiveness of disopyramide.• Disopyramide may increase the amount of digoxin in your blood, though the amount of the increase is not likely to af-
fect your heart.
• St. John’s wort may decrease disopyramide levels.
Food Interactions
Disopyramide should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1
hour before or 2 hours after meals. Usual Dose
Adult: 400-800 mg a day (divided into 2 or 4 doses for the immediate-release form). In severe cases, 400 mg every 6 hours may be required. This level of dosage should be monitored in the hospital. The sustained-release preparation is taken every 12 hours. People with reduced kidney function should receive a lower dosage, depending on the degree of kidney function present. People with liver failure should take 400 mg a day.
Child (age 13-18): 2.5-7 mg a day per lb. of body weight. Child (age 5-12): 4.5-7 mg a day per lb. of body weight. Child (age 1-4): 4.5-9 mg a day per lb. of body weight.
Child (under age 1): 4.5-13.5 mg a day per lb. of body weight.
Overdosage
Overdose symptoms are breathing difficulties, abnormal heart rhythms, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, overdosage can lead to death. Overdose victims should be made to vomit with ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy—to remove any remaining drug from the stomach. Call your doctor or poison control center before doing this. If you must go to a hospital emergency room, ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container. Prompt and vigorous treatment can mean the difference between life and death in severe overdosage.
Special Information
Disopyramide may cause symptoms of low blood sugar: anxiety, chills, cold sweats, drowsiness, excessive hunger, nausea, nervousness, rapid pulse, shakiness, uaus~M% weakness, tiredness, or cool, pale skim If kNSN)appens to you, eat some chocolate, candy, U rilher high-sugar food, and call your doctor at once.
Disopyramide can cause dry mouth, urinary difficulty, constipation, or blurred vision. Call your doctor if these symptoms become severe or intolerable, but do not stop taking the medication without your doctor’s approval.
If disopyramide is required for a child and capsules are not appropriate, your pharmacist can make a liquid product. Do not do this at home: This medication requires special preparation. The liquid should be refrigerated and protected from light and should be thrown away after 30 days.
Do not crush, chew, or open sustained-release capsules.
If you forget to take a dose of disopyramide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
PregnancylBreast-feeding: Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using it, because it will pass into the fetus and may affect its development. When disopyramide is considered crucial by your doctor, its potential benefits must carefully be weighed against its risks.
Disopyramide passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors, especially those with liver or kidney disease, are more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
Generic Name
Dofetilide (DOH-fet-a-lyed)
Brand Name Tikosyn
Type of Drug Antiarrhythmic.
Prescribed For
Specific abnormal heart rhythms.
General Information
Dofetilide is used to establish and maintain normal sinus rhythm in the heart. Dofetilide is available only to hospitals and doctors who receive specific training and education on how to use this drug because of the risks associated with using it.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take dofetilide if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Dofetilide is reserved for people whose abnormal heart rhythms have not responded to other drugs. People taking dofetilide must be in a hospital or other facility for at least 3 days where appropriate blood tests can be performed to monitor kidney and heart function.
This drug is cleared through the kidneys. Poor kidney function increases the amount of dofetilide in the body. Liver disease has no effect on dofetilide blood levels.
Dofetilide, like other antiarrhythmic drugs, can cause severe and sometimes fatal abnormal rhythms of its own.
Do not take dofetilide without first talking to your doctor if you have a low blood level of potassium or magnesium.
Women may be at a greater risk for some arrhythmias caused by dofetilide.
Possible Side Effects
Serious heart arrhythmias can develop in up to 31b% of patients taking up to 1000 mcg a day of dofetilide. People taking daily doses above 1000 mcg a day are at up to 5 times greater risk for arrhythmias.
• Most common: headache, chest pain, and respiratory infection.
♦ Common: difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness.
♦ Less common: flu; sleeplessness; accidental injury; back pain; diarrhea; abdominal pain; angina; anxiety: joint pain; weakness; atrial and ventricular arrhythmia; high blood pressure; pain; heart palpitations; swollen legs, ankles, or arms; sweating; and urinary infections.
♦ Rare: some arrhythmias, heart attack, hives, slow heartbeat, stroke, facial or other paralysis, tingling in the hands or feet, cough, liver damage, migraine, fainting, and sudden death. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
‘D?Ug Interactions
Dofetilide should not be given with drugs that are known to interact with it. Dofetilide must be stopped at least 2 days before any potentially interacting drug is taken.
• Do not mix dofetilide with any product containing verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, or trimethoprim, used for urinary infections. These combinations can substantially raise the amount of dofetilide in the blood.
• Some drugs may increase the amount of dofetilide in the blood by inhibiting enzymes that break it down in the liver. They include delavirdine, indinavir, btonavir, saquinavir, amiodarone, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, cannabis, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, mifepristone, nefazodone, norfloxacin, mibefradil, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS), troleandomycin, and zatirlukast.
• Some drugs may reduce the amount of dofetilide in the blood by stimulating enzymes that break it down in the liver, including efavirenz, nevirapine, carbamazepine, corticosteroids, modafanil, phenobarbital and other barbiturates, phenytoin, pioglitazone, and rifampin. Amiloride, metformin, megestrol, and triamterene can interfere with the elimination of dofetilide via the kidney, raising blood levels of the drug.
• Other drugs that can increase the effects of dofetilide are Other antiarrhythmic drugs, bepridil, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants.
• Mixing dofetilide with digoxin may lead to a ventricular arrhythmia called torsade de pointes. Thiazides, furosemide, and other potassium-depleting diuretics can also increase the risk of this arrhythmia.
Food Interactions
Grapefruit juice may increase dofetilide blood levels.
Usual Dose
Adult: 125-500 mcg twice a day.
Child (under 18 years): not recommended.
Overdosage
Dofetilide overdose is likely to cause significant heart rhythm problems. Overdose victims must be treated symptomatically by their cardiologist.
Special Information
Read all information supplied to you before you begin taking this medication and read it again if anything in your treatment program changes.
Tell your doctor about any changes in your prescription or nonprescription drug use or in your use of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplement products.
Be sure that any other doctor or hospital that treats you and might prescribe another drug knows you are taking dofetilide.
Call your doctor at once if you develop any signs of altered electrolyte balance including excessive or prolonged diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, appetite changes, or excessive thirst.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Dofetilide causes birth defects in animal studies. Pregnant women should take this drug only after discussing with their doctors its potential benefits and risks.
It is unknown whether dofetilide passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who take it should consider using infant formula.
Seniors: Older adults may take this drug without special restriction.
Aug
1
Chlordiazepoxide
August 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Chlordiazepoxide (klor-dye-az-uh-PDX-ide) 91
Brand Name
Librium
Type of Drug Benzodiazepine sedative.
Prescribed For
Anxiety, tension, fatigue, agitation, and withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism; also prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and panic attacks.
General Information
Chlordiazepoxide is a member of the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines work by a direct effect on the brain. They can relax you and make you more tranquil or sleepier, or they can slow nervous system transmissions in such a way as to act as an anticonvulsant. Many doctors prefer benzodiazepines to other drugs that can be used to similar effect because they tend to be safer, have fewer side effects, and are usually as effective, if not more so.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take chlordiazepoxide if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients or to another benzodiazepine, including clonazepam.
Chlordiazepoxide can aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma, but you may take it if you have open-angle glaucoma and are receiving therapy for it.
Other condkjo(\SiVN\,NhjCb chlordiazepoxide should be used with caution are severe depression, especially with suicidal tendencies, severe lung disease, sleep apnea (intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep), liver disease, drunkenness, and kidney disease.
Chlordiazepoxide should not be taken by psychotic patients because it is not effective for them and can trigger unusual excitement, stimulation, and rage. It has also produced similar reactions among hyperactive and aggressive pediatric patients.
Chlordiazepoxide is not intended for more than 3-4 months of continuous use. Your condition should be reassessed before continuing chlordiazepoxide beyond that time.
Chlordiazepoxide may be addictive. Drug withdrawal may develop if you stop taking it after only 4 weeks of regular use, but is more likely after longer use. It may start with anxiety and progress to tingling in the hands or feet, sensitivity to bright light, sleep disturbances, cramps, tremors, muscle tension or twitching, poor concentration, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, appetite loss, sweating, and changes in mental state.
Dosage of chlordiazepoxide should be decreased gradually over 4-8 weeks after prolonged use.
Possible Side Effects
Weakness and confusion may occur, especially in seniors and in those who are sickly.
♦ Most common: mild drowsiness during the first few days of therapy.
✓ Less common: depression, lethargy, disorientation, edema, headache, inactivity, slurred speech, stupor, dizziness, tremor, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, inability to control urination, sexual difficulties, irregular menstrual cycle, changes in heart rhythm, low blood pressure, fluid retention, blurred or double vision, itching, rash, hiccups, nervousness, inability to fall asleep, and occasional liver - dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
♦ Rare: Rare side effects can occur in almost any part of the body. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Chlordiazepoxide is a central-nervous-system depressant. Avoid alcohol, other sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, mono-amine oxidase inhibitor and other antidepressants, and antihistamines. Taking chlordiazepoxide with these drugs may result in excessive depression, tiredness, sleepiness, breathing difficulties, or related symptoms.
• Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of chlordiazepoxide by increasing the rate at which it is broken down by the body.
• The effects of chlordiazepoxide may be prolonged when it is
taken with cimetidine, contraceptive drugs, disulfiram, flu-
oxetine, isoniazid, ketoconazole, metoprolol, probenecid,
propoxyphene, propranolol, rifampin, or valproic acid.
• Theophylline may reduce chlordiazepoxide’s sedative effects.
• If you take antacids, separate them by at least 1 hour from your chlordiazepoxide dose to prevent them from interfering with the passage of chlordiazepoxide into the bloodstream.
• Chlordiazepoxide may increase blood levels of digoxin and the chances for digoxin toxicity.
• Levodopa + carbidopa’s effectiveness may be reduced by chlordiazepoxide.
• Phenytoin blood concentrations may be increased when taken with chlordiazepoxide, resulting in possible phenytoin toxicity.
Food Interactions
Chlordiazepoxide is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Adult: 5-100 mg a day. This range is due to individual response related to age, weight, disease severity, and other characteristics.
Child (age 6 and over): may be given if deemed appropriate by a doctor. Starting dose-5 mg 2-4 times a day. Maintenance dose—up to 30 mg a day for some children, but must be individualized to obtain maximum benefit.
Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose are confusion, sleepiness, poor coordination, lack of response to pain such as a pin prick, loss of reflexes, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, and coma. The victim should be lakes to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Chlordiazepoxide can cause tiredness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, or similar symptoms. Be careful if you are driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require concentration.
If you forget a dose of chlordiazepoxide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Chlordiazepoxide may cause birth defects if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Avoid chlordiazepoxide while pregnant.
Chlordiazepoxide may pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take chlordiazepoxide should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors, especially those with liver or kidney disease, are more sensitive to the effects of chlordiazepoxide and generally require smaller doses to achieve the same effect.
Aug
1
Cetirizine
August 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Cetirizine (seh-TERE-ih-zene)
Brand Name Zyrtec
The information in this profile also applies to the following drugs:
Generic Ingredient: Azelastine
Generic Ingredient: Fexofenadine 91 Allegra
Generic Ingredient: Levocetirizine 91 Xyzal
Type of Drug Antihistamine.
Prescribed For
Azelastine: runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and post-nasal drip. Cetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching and for asthma. Fexofenadine: sneezing, stuffy and runny nose; scratchy throat and mouth; and itchy, watery, and red eyes caused by seasonal allergies. Levocetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching.
General Information
Antihistamines generally work by blocking the release of histamine (a chemical released by body tissue during an allergic reaction) from the cell at the H, histamine receptor site, drying up secretions of the nose, throat, and eyes. Cetirizine causes less sedation than older antihistamines and appears to be just as effective. Levocetirizine is the active portion of the cetirizine molecule and is as effective as cetirizine with a similar side effect profile.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take cetirizine if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
People with kidney disease should receive reduced dosages of cetirizine and levocetirizine. Do not take these drugs if kidney disease is severe. Children with kidney disease should not receive levocetirizine.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Common: headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, runny nose, and sore throat.
✓ Less common: nosebleeds, stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, nausea, upset stomach, changes in bowel habits, nervousness, and fever (children).
♦ Rare: fainting and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Cimetidine may increase the level of azelastine in the blood.
• Cetirizine is less likely than other antihistamines to interact with drugs.
• Ritonavir increases the amount of levocetirizine and slows its breakdown in the body. This may result in increased levocetirizine side effects.
Food Interactions
• Ceterizine and levocetirizine may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
Azelastine Nasal Spray
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 1-2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.
Child (age 5-11): 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.
Cetirizine
Adult and Child (age 6 and over): 5-10 mg once a day depending on symptoms. Reduce dosage in people with kidney disease. Child (age 1-5): 2.5-5 mg a day.
Child (age 6 months-1 year): 2.5 mg a day.
Fexofenadine
Adult (age 12 and over): 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day. People with kidney disease should take 60 mg a day.
Child (age 6-11): 30 mg twice a day.
Levocetirizine
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 5 mg every evening.
Child (age 6-11): 2.5 mg (1h tablet) every evening. Dosage for children should not exceed 2.5 mg a day. Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Drug overdose is likely to cause severe side effects. Overdose victims should be Oven ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy—to make them vomit and be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Use extra caution while doing anything that requires concentration, such as driving a car or operating hazardous machinery.
Report sore throat, unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, weakness, or any other unusual side effect to your doctor. Do not combine these drugs with alcohol or other nervous system depressants. Do not put azelastine nasal solution into your eyes.
If you forget to take a dose of cetirizine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Oral antihistamines are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. But do not take any antihistamine without your doctor’s knowledge if you are or might become pregnant—especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, because newborns may have severe reactions to antihistamines.
Small amounts of antihistamine pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take cetirizine should use infant formula.
Seniors: Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion in seniors. Dosage reduction may be recommended depending on kidney function.
Jul
16
Alprazolam
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Alprazolam (al-PRAY-zoe-lam) CGI
Brand Names
Niravam Xanax Xanax XR Type of Drug
Benzodiazepine sedative.
Prescribed For
Generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety associated with depression; panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
General Information
Alprazolam is a member of a group :)f drugs known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines directly affect the brain. They can relax you and make you more tranquil or sleepier, or they can slow nervous system transmissions in such a way as to act as an anticonvulsant. Many doctors prefer benzodiazepines to other drugs that can be used to similar effect because they tend to be safer, have fewer side effects, and are usually as effective, if not more so.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take alprazolam if you know you are allergic or sensitive to it or to another benzodiazepine drug, including clonazepam.
Alprazolam can aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma, but you may take it if you have open-angle glaucoma and are receiving therapy for it.
Other conditions where alprazolam should be avoided are: severe lung disease, sleep apnea (intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep), liver disease, drunkenness, and kidney disease. In each of these conditions, the depressive effects of alprazolam may be enhanced or could be detrimental to your overall condition.
Alprazolam should not be taken by psychotic patients because it is not effective for them and can trigger unusual excitement, stimulation, and rage.
Alprazolam is meant to be used for no more than 3-4 months in a row. Your condition should be reassessed before continuing your medicine beyond that time.
Alprazolam may be addictive. When used to treat panic disorder, alprazolam is frequently prescribed in doses exceeding 4 mg a day. Studies show that these higher doses may cause physical and emotional dependence, making it very difficult to stop taking the drug. Drug withdrawal may develop if you stop taking it after only 4 weeks of regular use but is more likely after longer use and at higher doses. It may start with anxiety and progress to tingling in the hands or feet, sensitivity to bright light, sleep disturbances, cramps, tremors, muscle tension or twitching, poor concentration, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, appetite loss, sweating, and changes in mental state. Severe withdrawal symptoms may include seizures.
Your dosage should be reduced gradually (0.5 mg decrease every 3 days) to prevent drug withdrawal symptoms.
Possible Side Effects
V Most common: mild drowsiness during the first few days of therapy. Weakness and confusion may occur, especially in seniors and in those who are sickly. If these effects persist, contact your doctor.
V Less common: depression, lethargy, disorientation, headache, inactivity, slurred speech, stupor, dizziness, tremors, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, inabilityto control urination, Possible Side Effects (continued)
sexual difficulties, irregular menstrual cycle, changes in heart rhythm, low blood pressure, fluid retention, blurred or double vision, itching, rash, hiccups, nervousness, inability to fall asleep, and occasional liver dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
V Rare: withdrawal seizures. Rare side effects can occur in almost any part of the body. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Alprazolam is a central-nervous-system depressant. Avoid alcohol, other sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAGI) antidepressants, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Taking alprazolam with these drugs may result in excessive depression, tiredness, sleepiness, breathing difficulties, or related symptoms.
• Smoking may reduce the amount of alprazolam in your blood by 50%. Smokers may need larger doses.
• The effects of alprazolam may be prolonged when taken together with cimetidine, contraceptive drugs, disulfiram, fluoxetine, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metoprolol, probenecid, propoxyphene, propranolol, and valproic acid.
• The effects of some benzodiazepines may be decreased by rifampin.
• Theophyllines may reduce alprazolam’s sedative effects.
• If you take antacids, separate them from your alprazolam dose by at least 1 hour to prevent them from interfering with the absorption of alprazolam into the bloodstream.
• Alprazolam may raise digoxin blood levels and the chances of digoxin toxicity.
• The effect of levodopa + carbidopa may be decreased if it is taken together with alprazolam.
• Combining alprazolam with phenytoin may increase phenytoin blood concentrations and the chances of phenytoin toxicity.
Food Interactions
Alprazolam is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Anxiety Disorder
Adult: 0.25-0.5 mg 3 times a day. Dosage must be tailored to your individual needs with a maximum dose of 4 mg a day. Child (under age 18): not recommended.
Panic Disorder
Adult: 1 -10 mg a day.
Child (under age 18): not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose are confusion, sleepiness, poor coordination, lack of response to pain such as a pinprick, loss of reflexes, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, and coma. The victim should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Alprazolam can cause tiredness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, or related symptoms. Be careful if you are driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require concentration.
Anyone taking alprazolam for more than 3 or 4 months at a time may have a drug withdrawal reaction if the medicine is stopped suddenly (see “Cautions and Warnings”). Do not stop taking alprazolam, or increase or decrease the dosage, without first consulting your doctor.
If you forget a dose of alprazolam, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. If you take Xanax XR, take your full daily dose once a day in the morning. Do not chew or crush Xanax XR tablets.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Alprazolam may cause birth defects if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. You should avoid alprazolam while pregnant.
Alprazolam may pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take alprazolam should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors, especially those with liver or kidney disease, are more sensitive to the effects of alprazolam and generally require smaller doses to achieve the same effect.
Jul
3
Leukotriene Modifier Montelukast (Singulair)
We used to think Singulair was a very cool drug. It is an oral prescription medicine that blocks the effects of those inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes. So, it only made sense to us that a drug like Singulair would relieve symptoms. This medication is widely prescribed to ease the breathing problems associated with asthma. Research suggests, however, that Singulair is only modestly effective for alleviating itching, sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. It is roughly comparable to antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin). One study reported that Singulair, which costs more than $3 per pill, was no more effective than the oral decongestant pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for relieving typical allergy symptoms. 56 Generic pseudoephedrine is far less expensive than Singulair. It is harder to purchase these days because pharmacists can only dispense it from behind the counter. You don’t need a prescription, but you will have to sign for it. Too many people used pseudoephedrine to make the illegal drug methamphetamine, so states and the federal government cracked down on easy access.
The research demonstrating that pseudoephedrine is quite effective in relieving allergy symptoms has forced us to reevaluate this old and inexpensive vasoconstrictor. It works by shrinking blood vessels in the nose. Perhaps that’s why so many drug companies now add this OTC ingredient to their antihistamines. Whenever you see a D appended to the name of an allergy medicine, you can pretty much assume that there is a decongestant on board, and frequently it is pseudoephedrine. It is found in Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Clarinex-D, Zyrtec-D, and other similar formulations.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
Most allergy experts believe that these steroid sprays are the most effective treatments available and should be the first-line therapy. They are not likely to cause drowsiness or sedation and should be safe for people who must drive or operate machinery.
Side effects: Nasal irritation, stinging, burning, and bleeding. Other adverse reactions may include sore throat (and, rarely, yeast infections), headache, nausea, and cough. Rare adverse reactions may include perforation of the septum, nasal ulcers, reduced growth. rate in children, glaucoma, cataracts, and asthma symptoms.
Downside: These drugs are pricey and may alter the senses of taste and smell.
Cost: Approximately $85 to $95 for brand•name nasal sprays. Generic flunisolide is $35 to $40 per bottle.
O.I would like to point out a side effect of allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine for nasal decongestion. Taking Claritin-D left me completely unable to fall asleep. I was literally up all night with a racing heartbeat. I have had insomnia problems before, so I did not immediately associate this with the medication and continued to take it for 5 days. I was so sleep deprived that I couldn’t work. I finally read the warning about nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. I called my doctor, who said I should switch to Claritin (non-D). On this drug I sleep like a baby. I found that some OTC allergy medicines I had taken for years also contain pseudoephedrine. I suspect this contributed to my earlier insomnia problems. I urge anyone with insomnia to check all medications for pseudoephedrine. It does not affect everyone, but some of us just can’t handle even a small amount.
A. Millions of people struggle with insomnia and many don’t realize that the medicines they take may be contributing to their problem.
Decongestants aren’t the only culprits. Antihistamines, antidepressants, asthma medicines, blood pressure pills, and pain relievers are some of the drugs that can cause insomnia.
As popular as pseudoephedrine may be, there are some side effects to be alert for. Many people complain of insomnia, anxiety, agitation, headache, nausea, dizziness, and tremor. The most serious adverse reactions are elevated blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Men with prostate enlargement must avoid this decongestant because it can make urination much more difficult.
Jul
3
Allergy Medications: Antihistamines
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Antihistamines
Antihistamines have been the mainstay of allergy treatment for decades. The so-called first-generation drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), brompheniramine (Dimetane, Dimetapp), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) are linked to drowsiness and cognitive impairment 47 Second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) have been promoted as nonsedating. Because they were supposed to be so much safer and better tolerated than the old-fashioned drugs, many came with a very steep price tag ($2 to $3 per pill). But there is growing concern that when given in doses that are adequate to relieve allergy symptoms, even these newer compounds may cause some sedation in some patients and produce mild impairment.48 Researchers now believe that “a clear and consistent distinction between sedating and nonsedating antihistamines does not exist.”‘
What this means is that the allergy victim is truly caught on the horns of a dilemma. Suffering with allergies makes you spacey, sleepy, and irritable and can impair your ability to function. Antihistamines can also cause sedation and impair performance. If such drugs only partially control symptoms (a fairly common situation), then you may end up with the worst
Claritin used to be the most widely prescribed antihistamine on the market. When it lost patent protection, the company took it OTC. Compared to many of the older nonprescription antihistamines, loratadine is probably less likely to cause drowsiness at recommended doses. We have seen no data to suggest that it is less effective than pricier prescription antihistamines.
Side effects: Headache, sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, and stomach upset. Liver problems may be a rare adverse reaction. Downside: More expensive than old-fashioned antihistamines. Insurance companies may deny you affordable access to drugs like Allegra now that loratadine is available OTC. Loratadine may cause sedation and impair driving in susceptible people. Do not assume you are safe behind the wheel. Cost: Approximately $5 to $10 for a month’s supply when purchased generically in bulk. The brand-name Claritin can cost two to four times that much.
In such a confusing situation, we would normally suggest that the allergy sufferer experiment with a variety of antihistamines to try and determine which one works best and is least troublesome in terms of side effects. The difficulty is that people are notoriously bad at assessing their level of impairment. There is a warning on the label of Benadryl and many other OTC allergy medicines reminding users that “marked drowsiness may occur” and urging them to “be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.” Such cautions are as meaningless as telling a drunk to be careful behind the wheel. In fact, researchers have reported that diphenhydramine”had a greater impact on driving than alcohol did. These scientists discovered that “drowsiness ratings were not a good predictor of impairment, suggesting that drivers cannot use drowsiness to indicate when they should not drive.”
By the way, did you know that you could be arrested for driving while impaired after taking an OTC allergy pill? If your driving skills are not up to par, an officer can give you a ticket even though you have no alcohol in your system.
So, dear reader, we have no easy answers. We would like to say, if you have allergies, do not drive, especially if you are taking antihistamines. That would be the only prudent thing. We know that some people will disobey such a suggestion, however. Some experts believe that fexofenadine (Allegra) may be one of the least sedating and safer antihistamines to take if you must drive. Others point out that even this non-sedating antihistamine may pose problems at higher doses. If driving or operating machinery is essential or if you must make important decisions, we encourage you to look for other options besides oral antihistamines.
There is now a prescription antihistamine nasal spray called azelastine (Astelin). It is fairly fast acting but has the disadvantage of requiring twice-daily nasal spritzing. Some data suggest it may be as effective as oral antihistamines. Side effects may include a bitter taste in the mouth (20 percent of patients), headache, drowsiness (11 percent of patients), nasal burning or inflammation, sore throat, dry mouth, sneezing, fatigue, and dizziness. A 1 -ounce bottle can cost $75 to $85. Not exactly a perfect solution to the problem, eh?
