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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...

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

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

nausea more tired or weaker than usual itching your skin or eyes look yellow stomach pain flu-like symptoms vomit blood there is blood in your bowel movement or it is black and sticky like tar unusual weight gain skin rash or blisters with fever swelling of the arms and legs, hands and feet Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Chest pain Weakness in one part or side of your body Slurred speech Swelling of the face or throat Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email

Serious side effects include: heart attack stroke high blood pressure heart failure from body swelling (fluid retention) kidney problems including kidney failure bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestine low red blood cells (anemia) life-threatening skin reactions life-threatening allergic reactions liver problems including liver failure asthma attacks in people who have asthma Subscribe to Drugs Information Center by Email

Today i recieve a article from Doctor's Guide regarding Desmopressin and i want to share with healthcare professionals. Health Canada is informing healthcare professionals that all intranasal formulations of desmopressin (DDAVP) are no longer indicated for the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) due to an increased risk of hyponatremia with the intranasal formulations.· All intranasal formulations of desmopressin are now contraindicated for the treatment of PNE.· All patients using intranasal formulations of desmopressin for treatment of PNE should be reassessed to determine their need for continued treatment and to discuss other options. If ongoing treatment is considered necessary, patients should be switched to the lowest starting dose of an oral formulation, with the dose increased only if necessary to control symptoms. Fluid intake and desmopressin dosage should be adjusted carefully in order to reduce the possibility of water retention and hyponatremia, especially i...

FDA is notifying healthcare professionals that both conventional and atypical antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients treated for dementia-related psychosis. In April 2005, FDA notified healthcare professionals that patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Since issuing that notification, FDA has reviewed additional information that indicates the risk is also associated with conventional antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are not indicated for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Furthermore, there is no approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Healthcare professionals should consider other management options. Physicians who prescribe antipsychotics to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis should discuss this risk of increased mortality with ...

FDA notified healthcare professionals that a BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide are to be added to the prescribing information to strengthen existing warnings about the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients taking fluoroquinolones for systemic use.Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This risk is further increased in those over age 60, in kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and with use of concomitant steroid therapy. Physicians should advise patients, at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation, to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, to avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and to promptly contact their doctor about changing to a non-fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug. Selection of a fluoroquinolone for the treatment or prevention of an infection should be limited to those conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. Subscribe to Drugs Info...