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MEDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY

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1. Vitamin A and its derivatives (isotretinein, Accutane and etretinate) Women who are pregnant should not take regular vitamins. Too many vitamins can harm your baby. For example, very high levels of vitamin A have been linked with severe birth defects. Significant risk of spontaneous abortion [20] and risk of many significant anomalies 2. ACE inhibitors (May cause fetal hypotension, kidney damage in the fetus when used in II and III trimester, decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid and deformities of face, limbs and lungs) 3. Anticoagulants- warfarin During 1 st Trimester- defects like nasal hypoplasia and a depressed nasal bridge; termed as Fetal warfarin Syndrome During 2 nd and 3 rd Trimester- risk of fetal malformations 4. Anti-thyroids (Methimazole, Carbimazole) - Overactive and enlarged Thyroid gland. 5. Anticonvulsants- Carbamazepine (Risk of birth defects)                                  Sodium valproate (Increased risk cleft palate and abnormalities of the heart,
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Basics of Oral Anti-diabetic drugs

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The sulfonylureas and meglitinides increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. _ Metformin inhibits glucose production by the liver and decreases insulin resistance. _ The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay absorption of glucose by the intestine. _ The thiazolidinediones decrease insulin resistance. _ The dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors promote the release of insulin from the pancreas after eating a meal. It is  necessary  to know before starting these drugs that  all the diabetes drugs have the potential to cause side effects and lifestyle changes have benefits to your health beyond controlling blood sugar, most doctors will recommend you try diet and lifestyle modifications first — before you try a drug. Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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FDA Adds 8 Drugs to Watch List

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1.  Cetirizine HCl        =========>     Oculogyric crisis 2.  Codeine sulfate       =========>   Respiratory depression or arrest  resulting in death in children taking                                                        codeine who are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid  metabolizers 3.  Fluoroquinolone  =========>  Retinal detachment 4.  Olmesartan  medoxomil    =========> Malabsorption resulting in severe  diarrhea and weight loss        5.  Proton pump  inhibitors    =========> Pneumonia               Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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EFFECT OF ACETAMINOPHEN ON BLOOD PRESSURE

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Acetaminophen produces its analgesic effect by inhibiting the same cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin H2 synthase, that is the target of NSAID and aspirin. However, acetaminophen blocks this enzyme at its peroxidase catalytic rather than at the cyclooxygenase catalytic site. Therefore, the acetaminophen-mediated inhibition is sensitive to changes in the tissue peroxide levels; higher concentrations of peroxide in activated leukocytes and platelets block the effect of acetaminophen on inflammation and platelet thrombosis. However, acetaminophen is able to inhibit prostaglandins in the central nervous system, thus providing relief of pain and fever. Therefore, acetaminophen is not an NSAID or anti-thrombotic agent.   Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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Ultram

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Ultram is the Generic form of Ultram. ULTRAN ® (tranadol hydrochloride  tablets) is a prescription medication indicated for the management of  moderate to moderately severe pain. ULTRAM received U.S. Food and Drug  Administration (FDA) approval in March, 1995. Ultram has been  prescribed to more than 55 million patients worldwide and ULTRAM has  been prescribed to more than 21 million patients in the United States  alone. Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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Tenecteplase versus Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke

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Intravenous alteplase is the only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Tenecteplase, a genetically engineered mutant tissue plasminogen activator, is an alternative thrombolytic agent. Tenecteplase was associated with significantly better reperfusion and clinical outcomes than alteplase in patients with stroke who were selected on the basis of CT perfusion imaging. Source Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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“Gatifloxacin can cause severe hyperglycemia”

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A 65-year-old woman with no history of diabetes, developed hyperglycemia, after taking Gatifloxacin. She was admitted to the hospital with a one day history of abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Her blood glucose was 1,121 mg/dL (normal range 70 to 100 mg/ dL). She had a history of high BP, transient ischemic attacks, hyperlipidemia and renal failure. The patient was receiving Gatifloxacin 200 mg daily for 9 days empirically for bronchitis, which was started during a prior hospitalization. After admission, she responded well to an insulin infusion combined with subcutaneous doses of regular insulin. (Ann Pharmacother. 2005; 39(7):1349–1352) Reports of hypoglycemia with other fluoroquinolones have been documented, but only Gatifloxacin is reported to cause severe hyperglycemia Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email
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