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Corticosteroids Inhalation Slows Pulmonary Function Decline in Cystic Fibrosis

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A recent publication in European Respiratory Journal has reported that inhaled corticosteroids  can slow the deterioration of  lung function in young children with cystic fibrosis.

The present study was led by Dr. De Boeck and colleagues who evaluated the effect of inhalational corticosteroids use on the evolution of lung function, growth, and insulin use in a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the Belgian Cystic Fibrosis Registry for the years 1998 to 2007. .

Eur Respir J. Posted November 11, 2010. Abstract
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In Allergic Rhinitis, Sublingual Immunotherapy Safe & Effective – Cochrane Systematic Review-

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews has published recently that sublingual immunotherapy is safe and effective  in allergic rhinitis.

For this study, the reviewers searched following

  • The Cochrane ENT Group Trials Register; CENTRAL (2010, Issue 3)
  • PubMed
  • EMBASE
  • CINAHL
  • Web of Science
  • BIOSIS Previews
  • Cambridge Scientific Abstracts
  • mRCT
  • Published & unpublished randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of sublingual immunotherapy in adults and children.

Studies were selected by 2 independent authors, who also examined the risk for bias. [Read more...]

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Eplerenone Appears To Be Better Than Spironolactone In Chronic Heart Failure In Diabetes

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Eplerenone is an aldosterone antagonist [Mineralocorticoid receptor blocker] seems to have metabolic advantages  over spironolactone in the treatment of chronic heart failure in diabetic patients. The study has been published in American Heart Journal, Nov 2010 issue.

Eplerenone does not increase hemoglobin A1c levels [Read more...]

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Aspirin Increases Risk Of Intracranial Hemorrhage In Patients of Alzhiemer Disease

November 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New study published in Stroke has pointed that use of aspirin does not slow the progression of the disease and may increase the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage. The study was based on systematic review of 2 trials.

Their report has been is published in the November issue of Stroke.

The authors however do not recommend against aspirin use in Alzheimer’s disease patients if there’s a clear cardiovascular indication. But the use of aspirin, otherwise, in patients of Alzheimer disease may be avoided.

Stroke. 2010;41:2690-2692.
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Propoxyphene Increases Heart Abnormalities – Withdrawn From US Market

November 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Prophoxyphene manufacturers have been asked to withdraw proxyphene from United States market. The decision applies to generic manufacturers and other products that contain propxyphene.

The drug has been withdrawn after new clinical data shows that drug has potentially serious or even fatal heart rhythm abnormalities has prompted.

Healthcare professsionals have been advised to  stop prescribing propoxyphene.

Patients under current prescription of propoxyphene are advised to contact their physician for a switch as soon as possible. However, they have been asked not to stop the drug immediately.

The effects of propoxyphene are not cumulative. Once patient stops taking the drug, the risk  goes away.

A phased withdrawal of propoxyphene is already underway in Europe. T

Via:Medscape
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How To Remember The Schedule Of Your Medication

November 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Taking your medicine at the advised schedule is very important. The dosage and timings of medicine are determined scientifically and for better compliance and effective treatment it is important to remember the dosage and timings.

Few medications are advised empty stomach  while others are advised after the meals. Some medications are are once daily where others may be two times, three times or more.

It is easy to remember the schedule if you have few medications to take but in chronic illnesses especially in elderly people, a number of medications may be required. [Read more...]

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Monitoring The Therapy Of The Patient of Chest Tuberculosis

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It is important to monitor the patient of tunerculosis. Once the patient is put on treatment do not expect any dramatic improvement in his clinical condition. Symptoms improve gradually over weeks. It is a good idea to explain this to the patient so that he is reassured and confident about his treatment.

About the regime

Four drugs are given daily for 2 months in the initial intensive phase. At the end of 2 months you have to take an important decision of withdrawing 2 of the 4 drugs. [Read more...]

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Side Effects of Drugs During Treatment of Tuberculosis

September 26, 2009 By 2 Comments

Isoniazid

Common side effects: Hepatitis, peripheral neuropathy
Uncommon side effects: Cutaneous reactions, arthralgia, drug induced lupus, optic neuritis, convulsions, mental symptoms aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia agranulocytosis, gynaecomastia.

[Read more...]

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What Are Side Effects of Corticosteroid Therapy

June 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Corticosteroids are very effective drugs in controlling the disease process but have potential for many side effects also. Most of the side effects are reversible and the patient is expected to revert back to the normal state after the treatment has been completed and the corticosteroids have been withdrawn.

Even when the side effects are serious, the effect of the side effect has to be evaluated in comparison with the seriousness of the disease being treated.

Following are the major side effects seen during therapy with corticosteroids along with the suggestions for their prevention and treatment:

Electrolyte imbalance: Most corticosteroids lead to retention of sodium in the body and excretion of potassium. This can lead to a feeling of extreme weakness, vomiting and even sudden death due to stoppage of the heart.

To prevent this, every patient who is given a dose higher than 20 mg of prednisolone a day, should be put on a salt-free diet and given additional amounts of potassium. Potassium can be given either in the form of potassium chloride or as potassium citrate. [Read more...]

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Corticosteroids In Systemic Therapy

June 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Corticosteroids are a group of substances which were originally discovered as hormones produced by adrenal cortex. Now however, a large number of chemical substances have been synthesized with several modifications in the original formula.

All these chemicals have biological properties similar to the original hormones, but these compounds are far more potent. Their relative potencies in terms of biological activity are:

Cortisone – 25 (equivalent potency in mg)
Hydrocortisone – 20 (equivalent potency in mg)
Prednisone – 5 (equivalent potency in mg)
Prednisolone – 5 (equivalent potency in mg)
Triamcinolone – 4 (equivalent potency in mg)
Dexamethasone – 0.7* (equivalent potency in mg)
Betamethasone – 0.7* (equivalent potency in mg)

For therapeutic use, however, 0.5 mg of dexamethasone or betamethasone is considered to be equivalent to 25 mg of cortisone.
Therapeutically, all these compounds are very potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immuno-suppressive agents. Thus, they can be used for the treatment of various types of allergic and auto-immune disorders. [Read more...]

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