Drugs Information Center(DIC)

Cardiovascular healthcare professionals, Pharmacists agreed to work with  FDA to conduct studies to obtain additional information that will allow a better understanding and characterization of the effects of genetic factors and other drugs (especially the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)) on the effectiveness of clopidogrel. FDA is aware of published reports that clopidogrel (marketed as Plavix) is less effective in some patients than it is in others. Differences in effectiveness may be due to genetic differences in the way the body metabolizes clopidogrel or that using certain other drugs with clopidogrel can interfere with how the body metabolizes clopidogrel. These studies should lead to a better understanding about how to optimize the use of clopidogrel.  Until further information is available FDA recommends the following:  Healthcare providers should continue to prescribe and patients should continue to take clopidogrel as directed, because clopidogrel has demonstrated benefits in pr...

Statins work by blocking the action of the liver enzyme that is responsible for producing cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause a buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. That buildup can eventually cause the arteries to narrow or harden. Sudden blood clots in these narrowed arteries can cause a heart attack or stroke. Statins lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. At the same time, they lower triglycerides and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Statins may also tend to stabilize plaques in the arteries. That makes sudden blood clots less likely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while taking statins can improve the effectiveness of this drug. Be sure to: eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet get regular physical activity limit alcohol intake avoid smoking Most people who take statins tolerate them very well. But some people experience statin side effects. The most common statin side effects include: headache difficulty sleeping flushing of...

Category : Aminosalicylates Sulfasalazine is a combination of 5-aminosalicylic acid (‘5-ASA') and sulfapyridine; sulfapyridine acts only as a carrier to the colonic site of action but still causes side-effects. In the newer aminosalicylates, mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid), balsalazide (a prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid) and olsalazine (a dimer of 5-aminosalicylic acid which cleaves in the lower bowel), the sulphonamide-related side-effects of sulfasalazine are avoided, but 5-aminosalicylic acid alone can still cause side-effects including blood disorders (see recommendation below) and lupus-like syndrome also seen with sulfasalazine. Cautions Aminosalicylates should be used with caution in renal impairment, during pregnancy and breast-feeding; blood disorders can occur. Blood disorders: Patients receiving aminosalicylates should be advised to report any unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura, sore throat, fever or malaise that occurs during treatment. A blood count should be...

Antibiotic-associated colitis (pseudomembranous colitis) is caused by colonisation of the colon with Clostridium difficile which may follow antibiotic therapy. It is usually of acute onset, but may run a chronic course; it is a particular hazard of clindamycin but few antibiotics are free of this side-effect. Oral vancomycin or metronidazole are used as specific treatment; vancomycin may be preferred for very sick patients. Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email

Indications : Constipation Category : Bulk forming Laxative.  Cautions   Adequate fluid intake should be maintained to avoid intestinal obstruction—it may be necessary to supervise elderly or debilitated patients or those with intestinal narrowing or decreased motility. Contra-indications :  difficulty in swallowing, intestinal obstruction, colonic atony, faecal impaction Side-effects   Flatulence, abdominal distension, gastro-intestinal obstruction or impaction; hypersensitivity reported Counseling   Preparations that swell in contact with liquid should always be carefully swallowed with water and should not be taken immediately before going to bed.

Celgene has issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter describing a controlled clinical study suggesting that Innohep may increase the risk for death, compared to unfractionated heparin when used to treat elderly patients with renal insufficiency. It recommended consideration of alternatives to Innohep when treating these patients for deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. Read the complete MedWatch 2008 Safety summary, at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Innohep Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email

Anaphylaxis (IgE-mediated) Penicillins F Sulfonamides F Serum F Cephalosporins F Bromelin R Cimetidine R Papain F Pancreatic extract I Psyllium I Subtilase I Tetracyclines I Allergen extracts I Ll-Asparaginase F Pyrazolone analgesics I Cyclooxygenase inhibition Aspirin/nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs F Phenylbutazone I Acetaminophen R Anaphylactoid mast-cell degranulation Narcotic analgesics I Ethylenediamine R Iodinated-radiocontrast media F Platinum R Local anesthetics I Steroidal anesthetics I Iron–dextran complex I Pancuronium bromide R Benzalkonium chloride I Direct airway irritation Acetate R Bisulfite F Cromolyn R Smoke F N-acetylcysteine F Inhaled steroids I F, frequent; I, infrequent; R, rare. Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email