Friday, 31 August 2012

Levocetirizine


Pronunciation: LEE-voe-se-TIR-a-zeen
Generic Name: Levocetirizine
Brand Name: Xyzal


Levocetirizine is used for:

Treating allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Levocetirizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms and hives.


Do NOT use Levocetirizine if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Levocetirizine or to cetirizine

  • you have severe kidney problems or you are receiving dialysis

  • the patient is a child 6 months to 11 years old who has kidney problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Levocetirizine:


Some medical conditions may interact with Levocetirizine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have kidney or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levocetirizine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Ritonavir or theophylline because they may increase the risk of Levocetirizine's side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levocetirizine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Levocetirizine:


Use Levocetirizine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Levocetirizine by mouth with or without food. Take it in the evening unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • If you miss a dose of Levocetirizine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levocetirizine.



Important safety information:


  • Levocetirizine may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Levocetirizine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Levocetirizine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

  • The risk of drowsiness may be greater if you take Levocetirizine in high doses. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

  • Use Levocetirizine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Levocetirizine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levocetirizine while you are pregnant. Levocetirizine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levocetirizine.


Possible side effects of Levocetirizine:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Drowsiness; dry mouth; sore throat; tiredness; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling; dark urine; difficult or painful urination; dizziness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation); nosebleeds; seizure; shortness of breath; vision problems (eg, blurred vision); vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Levocetirizine side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; irritability; restlessness; severe drowsiness.


Proper storage of Levocetirizine:

Store Levocetirizine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levocetirizine out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Levocetirizine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Levocetirizine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levocetirizine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Levocetirizine resources


  • Levocetirizine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Levocetirizine Dosage
  • Levocetirizine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Levocetirizine Drug Interactions
  • Levocetirizine Support Group
  • 63 Reviews for Levocetirizine - Add your own review/rating


  • Levocetirizine Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • levocetirizine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Xyzal Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Xyzal Consumer Overview



Compare Levocetirizine with other medications


  • Allergies
  • Hay Fever
  • Urticaria

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

SPS Suspension


Pronunciation: SOE-dee-um POL-ee-STYE-reen SUL-foe-nate
Generic Name: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Brand Name: Examples include Kionex and SPS


SPS Suspension is used for:

Treating high potassium levels in the blood.


SPS Suspension is a potassium-removing resin. It works by drawing potassium into the large intestine and then removing it from the body.


Do NOT use SPS Suspension if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in SPS Suspension

  • you have low potassium levels in the blood

  • you have not yet had a bowel movement after recent surgery or if you have abnormal bowel function

  • you have obstructive bowel disease, constipation, or are at risk of constipation or impaction (eg, a history of impaction, chronic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic colitis, previous bowel surgery, a bowel blockage)

  • the patient is a newborn with decreased bowel activity

  • you are taking magnesium hydroxide or sorbitol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using SPS Suspension:


Some medical conditions may interact with SPS Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have swelling or fluid retention (edema), congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure

  • if you have kidney problems, dehydration, low blood volume, or abnormal blood electrolyte (eg, sodium, magnesium, calcium) levels

  • if you have a history of constipation, or bowel problems or surgery

  • if the patient is a premature newborn

  • if you are on a low-salt (sodium) diet or you are taking digoxin

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with SPS Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Sorbitol because the risk of severe bowel problems (eg, bleeding, inflammation, tearing) may be increased

  • Magnesium hydroxide because severe side effects (eg, seizures) may occur

  • Aluminum hydroxide because bowel blockage may occur

  • Lithium or thyroxine because their effectiveness may be decreased by SPS Suspension

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if SPS Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use SPS Suspension:


Use SPS Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • SPS Suspension is usually given at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using SPS Suspension at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use SPS Suspension. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

  • SPS Suspension can be taken orally, as an enema, or through a feeding tube, as directed by your doctor.

  • Shake well before each use.

  • If you take antacids or laxatives, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with SPS Suspension. Do not take magnesium hydroxide with SPS Suspension.

  • Do not heat SPS Suspension. It may not work as well.

  • Check with your doctor about what you should do if you miss a dose of SPS Suspension.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use SPS Suspension.



Important safety information:


  • Follow the diet program given to you by your health care provider. Avoid eating or drinking anything that contains the sweetener sorbitol.

  • Serious and sometimes fatal bowel problems (eg, bleeding, inflammation, tearing) have been reported with the use of SPS Suspension. Most of the patients who developed these problems while taking SPS Suspension were also taking sorbitol. The risk of bowel problems may also be increased if you have low blood volume, kidney problems, or a history of bowel problems or surgery. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience black, tarry, or bloody stools; constipation; stomach pain; swelling of the stomach; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

  • Lab tests, including blood potassium and other blood electrolyte levels, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), may be performed while you use SPS Suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Use SPS Suspension with caution in CHILDREN and the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially bowel problems.

  • SPS Suspension should not be used by mouth in NEWBORNS; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if SPS Suspension can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using SPS Suspension while you are pregnant. It is not known if SPS Suspension is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use SPS Suspension, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of SPS Suspension:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Appetite loss; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; changes in emotions, mood, or behavior; confusion; constipation; dizziness; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; muscle cramps, pain, spasms, or weakness; seizures; severe or watery diarrhea; stomach pain; swelling of the feet or hands; swelling of the stomach; trouble breathing; trouble thinking or concentrating; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: SPS side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; irritability; muscle, cramps, pain, weakness, or paralysis; trouble breathing; trouble thinking or concentrating.


Proper storage of SPS Suspension:

Store SPS Suspension at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep SPS Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about SPS Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • SPS Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about SPS Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More SPS resources


  • SPS Side Effects (in more detail)
  • SPS Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • SPS Drug Interactions
  • SPS Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for SPS - Add your own review/rating


Compare SPS with other medications


  • Hyperkalemia

Tuesday, 28 August 2012

chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine


Generic Name: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine (klor feh NEER a meen, dex troe meh THOR fan, and feh nill EH frin)

Brand names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough, C-Phen DM, C-Phen DM Drops, Cardec DM, Cardec DM Drops, Ceron-DM, Ceron-DM Drops, Cerose DM, Corfen-DM, CP Dec DM, CP Dec-DM Drops, De-Chlor DM, De-Chlor DR, Dec-Chlorphen DM, Dex PC, DM-PE-Chlor, Donatussin DM Drops, Ed A-Hist DM, HistadecDM, Maxiphen ADT, Mintuss DR, Nasohist-DM, Neo DM Drops, Nohist-DMX, Norel DM, P Chlor DM, PD-Cof, PD-Cof Drops, Poly-Tussin DM, Quartuss DM, Reme Tussin DM, Rondec-DM, Rondec-DM Drops, Rondex-DM, Rondex-DM Drops, Sildec-PE DM, Sildec-PE DM Drops, Tri-Vent DPC, Trital DM, Tussplex DM, Zotex-12D, ...show all 65 brand names.


What is chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.


Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is used to treat sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.


Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.


Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?


Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant. Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?


Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, or phenylephrine, or if you have:


  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease;


  • diabetes;




  • glaucoma;




  • heart disease or high blood pressure;




  • diabetes;




  • a thyroid disorder;




  • a stomach ulcer or a stomach obstruction,




  • emphysema or chronic bronchitis; or




  • an enlarged prostate or urination problems.



If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.


FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cough-and-cold medications may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.


How should I take chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?


Use this medication exactly as directed on the label or as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.


Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. If you use the effervescent tablet, drop the tablet in 8 ounces of water and allow it to dissolve completely. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.


Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.


Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.


Store the medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cough or cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?


This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medication. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by this medication.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant.

Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;




  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;




  • increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);




  • confusion, hallucinations;




  • slow, shallow breathing;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or




  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • blurred vision;




  • dry mouth;




  • nausea, stomach pain, constipation;




  • mild loss of appetite, stomach upset;




  • warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;




  • feeling excited or restless;




  • sleep problems (insomnia);




  • restless or excitability (especially in children);




  • skin rash or itching;




  • dizziness, drowsiness;




  • problems with memory or concentration; or




  • ringing in your ears.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 1 mg-5 mg-2.5 mg/5 mL oral liquid
20 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 2 mg-10 mg-5 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
10 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 2 mg-30 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:
1 to 2 tablets orally every 12 hours not to exceed 4 tablets daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 4 mg-15 mg-12.5 mg/5 mL oral syrup:
5 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 8 mg-30 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:
1 to 2 tablets orally every 12 hours not to exceed 3 tablets daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 0.75 mg-2.75 mg-1.75 mg/mL oral drops:
2 to 5 years: 1 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.
6 to 12 years: 2 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 1 mg-3 mg-1.5 mg/mL oral liquid:
2 to 5 years: 1 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.
6 to 12 years: 2 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 1 mg-3 mg-2 mg/mL oral drops:
2 to 5 years: 1 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours.
6 to 11 yrs: 2 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 1 mg-3 mg-3.5 mg/mL oral liquid:
6 to 11 months: 0.75 mL orally 4 times daily.
1 to 2 years: 1 mL orally 4 times daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 1 mg-5 mg-2.5 mg/5 mL oral liquid
6 to 11 years: 10 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.
12 years or older: 20 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 2 mg-10 mg-5 mg/5 mL oral liquid:
6 to 11 years: 5 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.
12 years or older: 10 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 2 mg-30 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:
6 to 11 years: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours not to exceed 2 tablets daily.
12 years or older: 1 to 2 tablets orally every 12 hours not to exceed 4 tablets daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 4 mg-15 mg-12.5 mg/5 mL oral syrup:
2 to 5 years: 1.25 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 7.5 mL daily.
6 to 11 yrs: 2.5 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 15 mL daily.
12 years or older: 5 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 30 mL daily.

Chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine 8 mg-30 mg-20 mg oral tablet, extended release:
12 years or older: 1 to 2 tablets orally every 12 hours not to exceed 3 tablets daily.


What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine?


Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:



  • an antidepressant;




  • a diuretic (water pill);




  • medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome;




  • celecoxib (Celebrex);




  • cinacalcet (Sensipar);




  • imatinib (Gleevec);




  • quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);




  • ranolazine (Ranexa)




  • ritonavir (Norvir);




  • sibutramine (Meridia);




  • terbinafine (Lamisil);




  • medicines to treat high blood pressure;




  • aspirin or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others);




  • bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol) or tolterodine (Detrol); or




  • a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others.



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine resources


  • Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine Drug Interactions
  • Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine Support Group
  • 6 Reviews for Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine - Add your own review/rating


Compare chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine with other medications


  • Cough and Nasal Congestion


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.

See also: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine side effects (in more detail)


Advicor


Pronunciation: NYE-a-sin/LOE-va-STAT-in
Generic Name: Niacin/Lovastatin
Brand Name: Advicor


Advicor is used for:

Improving cholesterol levels and lowering very high serum triglyceride levels, in combination with diet and exercise. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Advicor is a vitamin (niacin) and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (lovastatin) combination. Lovastatin works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. Exactly how niacin works is not totally understood. It is thought to work in the liver by blocking the production of low-density lipids (bad cholesterol) and increasing the production of high-density lipids (good cholesterol).


Do NOT use Advicor if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Advicor

  • you are pregnant or breast-feeding

  • you have active liver or peptic ulcer disease, abnormal liver tests, or a history of bleeding arteries

  • you are taking clofibrate, gemfibrozil, an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), an azole antifungal (eg, itraconazole), a macrolide antibiotic (eg, clarithromycin), a ketolide (eg, telithromycin), or mibefradil

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Advicor:


Some medical conditions may interact with Advicor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a history of alcohol abuse; yellowing of the skin or eyes; kidney, endocrine, metabolic, liver, or peptic ulcer disease; gout; diabetes; muscle disease; electrolyte disturbance; or uncontrolled seizures

  • if you are scheduled to have surgery; are receiving medicine that will help you not reject an organ transplant; have a severe infection or trauma; or are critically ill

  • if you have low blood pressure, heart disease, recurring chest pain, or a serious bleeding condition, or have had a recent heart attack

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Advicor. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Bosentan, carbamazepine, or rifampin because the effectiveness of Advicor may be decreased

  • Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole), fibrates(eg, clofibrate), cyclosporine, danazol, diltiazem, gemfibrozil, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, ketolides (eg, telithromycin), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin), nefazodone, streptogramins (eg, quinupristin), verapamil, or voriconazole because serious side effects, such as muscle weakness and wasting, may occur

  • Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Advicor

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Advicor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Advicor:


Use Advicor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • If you take 1 dose daily, take Advicor by mouth at bedtime with a low-fat snack (eg, low-fat yogurt, banana, crackers with a glass of milk) to minimize flushing and upset stomach, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

  • Take Advicor 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine.

  • Swallow Advicor whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Advicor.

  • Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Advicor in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. The risk may be greater with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (eg, more than one quart daily) while you are using Advicor. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Advicor.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks before taking Advicor to reduce the risk of an uncomfortable side effect caused by niacin (flushing). Taking non-enteric-coated aspirin or an aspirin-like medicine (such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] such as ibuprofen or naproxen) 30 minutes before taking Advicor may help reduce the risk of this side effect.

  • It may take several weeks for Advicor to work. Do not stop using Advicor without checking with your doctor.

  • If you miss a dose of Advicor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Advicor.



Important safety information:


  • Advicor may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Advicor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Flushing occurs with Advicor and may last for several hours. Flushing usually subsides after several weeks of consistent use. Talk with your doctor if flushing becomes bothersome. If flushing at night awakens you, get up slowly, especially if you feel dizzy or faint, or you are taking blood thinners.

  • Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages.

  • For best results, Advicor should be used alone with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

  • Advicor is only recommended if you have taken either lovastatin or long-acting niacin alone before and may need to further reduce your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. Tell your doctor if you have not taken either lovastatin or long-acting niacin before starting treatment with Advicor. Also tell your doctor if you have been taking a short-acting form of niacin before you begin taking Advicor. It is recommended that you take long-acting niacin for several weeks before using Advicor so your body can adjust to its effects.

  • Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems, may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while taking Advicor. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions.

  • If you stop taking Advicor for an extended period, contact your doctor before you start taking it again. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Advicor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • It is recommended that women of childbearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this drug since lovastatin may cause fetal harm.

  • Diabetes patients - Advicor may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

  • Lab tests, including liver function tests, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol tests, may be performed while you use Advicor. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Advicor should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Advicor if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Advicor is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Advicor.


Possible side effects of Advicor:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Back pain; chills; constipation; diarrhea; fainting; flu syndrome; flushing (itching, redness, tingling, warmth); gas; headache; increased heartbeat; indigestion; infection (fever, sore throat); itching; muscle aches; nausea; pain; pounding in the chest; rash; shortness of breath; stomach upset; sweating; swelling; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in amount of urine; change in taste; chest pain; dark urine; dizziness; increased thirst; joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort); numbness or persistent tingling of the skin; stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; unusual tiredness/fatigue; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing eyes or skin.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Advicor side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include irregular heartbeat; severe flushing/sweating; severe vomiting.


Proper storage of Advicor:

Store Advicor at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Advicor out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Advicor, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Advicor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Advicor. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Advicor resources


  • Advicor Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Advicor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Advicor Drug Interactions
  • Advicor Support Group
  • 1 Review for Advicor - Add your own review/rating


  • Advicor Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Advicor Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Advicor Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information



Compare Advicor with other medications


  • High Cholesterol
  • High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL

Thursday, 23 August 2012

Frova


Generic Name: frovatriptan (Oral route)

froe-va-TRIP-tan

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Frova

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antimigraine


Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Receptor Agonist, 5-HT1


Uses For Frova


Frovatriptan is used to treat severe migraine headaches. Many people find that their headaches go away completely after they take frovatriptan. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Frovatriptan often relieves other symptoms that occur together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.


Frovatriptan is not an ordinary pain reliever. It will not relieve any kind of pain other than migraine headaches. This medicine is usually used for people whose headaches are not relieved by acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers.


Frovatriptan has caused serious side effects in some people, especially people who have heart or blood vessel disease. Be sure that you discuss with your doctor the risks of using this medicine as well as the good that it can do.


Frovatriptan is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Frova


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of frovatriptan in children with use in other age groups. However, frovatriptan is not recommended for use in patients younger than 18 years of age.


Geriatric


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of frovatriptan in the elderly with use in other age groups.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Almotriptan

  • Avitriptan

  • Dihydroergotamine

  • Eletriptan

  • Ergoloid Mesylates

  • Ergonovine

  • Ergotamine

  • Linezolid

  • Metergoline

  • Methylergonovine

  • Methysergide

  • Naratriptan

  • Pergolide

  • Rizatriptan

  • Sumatriptan

  • Zolmitriptan

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Citalopram

  • Desvenlafaxine

  • Duloxetine

  • Escitalopram

  • Fluoxetine

  • Fluvoxamine

  • Milnacipran

  • Paroxetine

  • Reboxetine

  • Sertraline

  • Sibutramine

  • St John's Wort

  • Tapentadol

  • Venlafaxine

  • Vilazodone

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure—Use of frovatriptan may cause this condition to become worse.

  • Coronary artery disease or

  • Heart attack (recent) or

  • Heart disease

  • Risk factors for coronary artery disease such as high cholesterol, family history, diabetes, obesity, women after menopause and men over 40 years of age—Use of frovatriptan may cause problems in patients with these risk factors.

  • Blood vessel disease, especially in the intestines and fingers—Use of frovatriptan may cause these conditions to become worse.

  • Bleeding in the brain or

  • Stroke (or history of)—Use of frovatriptan may increase the chance of having a stroke

Proper Use of Frova


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


Do not use frovatriptan for a headache that is different from your usual migraines. Instead, check with your doctor.


To relieve your migraine as soon as possible, use frovatriptan as soon as the headache pain begins. Even if you get warning signals of a coming migraine (an aura), you should wait until the headache pain starts before using frovatriptan. Using frovatriptan during the aura probably will not prevent the headache from occurring. However, even if you do not use frovatriptan until your migraine has been present for several hours, the medicine will still work.


Lying down in a quiet, dark room for a while after you use this medicine may help relieve your migraine.


If you are not much better 2 hours after a tablet is taken follow your health care provider's instructions concerning taking one additional dose. A migraine that is not relieved by the first dose of frovatriptan probably will not be relieved by a second dose, either. Ask your doctor ahead of time about other medicine to be taken if frovatriptan does not work. After taking the other medicine, check with your doctor as soon as possible. Headaches that are not relieved by frovatriptan are sometimes caused by conditions that need other treatment. However, even if frovatriptan does not relieve one migraine, it may still relieve the next one.


If you feel much better after a dose of frovatriptan, but your headache comes back or gets worse after a while, you may use one more tablet of frovatriptan. However, use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, and do not use it more often, than directed. Using too much frovatriptan may increase the chance of side effects.


Your doctor may direct you to take another medicine to help prevent headaches. It is important that you follow your doctor's directions, even if your headaches continue to occur. Headache-preventing medicines may take several weeks to start working. Even after they do start working, your headaches may not go away completely. However, your headaches should occur less often, and they should be less severe and easier to relieve. This may reduce the amount of frovatriptan or pain relievers that you need. If you do not notice any improvement after several weeks of headache-preventing treatment, check with your doctor.


  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Adults—Take one tablet (2.5 mg (milligrams) anytime after the start of your migraine headache. You may take a second tablet if your headache comes back after relief from the 1st dose. You should wait at least 2 hours between doses. Do not take more than 3 tablets in a 24 hour period.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using Frova


Check with your doctor if you have used frovatriptan for three headaches, and have not had good relief. Also, check with your doctor if your migraine headaches are worse, or if they are occurring more often, than before you started using frovatriptan.


Drinking alcoholic beverages can make headaches worse or cause new headaches to occur. People who suffer from severe headaches should probably avoid alcoholic beverages, especially during a headache.


Some people feel drowsy or dizzy during or after a migraine, or after taking frovatriptan to relieve a migraine. As long as you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.


Frova Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Less common
  • Chest pain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More Common
  • Dizziness

Less common
  • Acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, stomach discomfort, upset or pain

  • dry mouth

  • fatigue, such as unusual tiredness or weakness

  • flushing, such as feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally upper chest

  • headache

  • hot or cold sensation

  • nausea

  • skeletal pain, such as pain in bones

  • tingling, burning, or prickly sensations

  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Frova side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Frova resources


  • Frova Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Frova Dosage
  • Frova Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Frova Drug Interactions
  • Frova Support Group
  • 15 Reviews for Frova - Add your own review/rating


  • Frova Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Frova Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Frova Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Frova MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Frova with other medications


  • Migraine

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Tolinase


Generic Name: tolazamide (Oral route)

tole-AZ-a-mide

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Tolinase

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Hypoglycemic


Chemical Class: 1st Generation Sulfonylurea


Uses For Tolinase


Tolazamide is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by a type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not work properly to store excess sugar and the sugar remains in your bloodstream. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems in the future .


Proper diet is the first step in managing type 2 diabetes, but often medicines are needed to help your body. Tolazamide belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It causes your pancreas to release more insulin into the blood stream .


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .


Before Using Tolinase


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of tolazamide in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tolazamide in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver or kidney problems, which may require an adjustment of dosage in patients receiving tolazamide .


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Acarbose

  • Alatrofloxacin

  • Balofloxacin

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Clinafloxacin

  • Disopyramide

  • Enoxacin

  • Fleroxacin

  • Flumequine

  • Gatifloxacin

  • Gemifloxacin

  • Grepafloxacin

  • Levofloxacin

  • Lomefloxacin

  • Moxifloxacin

  • Norfloxacin

  • Ofloxacin

  • Pefloxacin

  • Prulifloxacin

  • Rufloxacin

  • Sparfloxacin

  • Temafloxacin

  • Tosufloxacin

  • Trovafloxacin Mesylate

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Acebutolol

  • Aceclofenac

  • Acemetacin

  • Alclofenac

  • Alprenolol

  • Apazone

  • Atenolol

  • Benoxaprofen

  • Betaxolol

  • Bevantolol

  • Bisoprolol

  • Bitter Melon

  • Bromfenac

  • Bucindolol

  • Bufexamac

  • Carprofen

  • Carteolol

  • Carvedilol

  • Celiprolol

  • Clofibrate

  • Clometacin

  • Clonixin

  • Clorgyline

  • Dexketoprofen

  • Diclofenac

  • Diflunisal

  • Dilevalol

  • Dipyrone

  • Droxicam

  • Esmolol

  • Etodolac

  • Etofenamate

  • Felbinac

  • Fenbufen

  • Fenoprofen

  • Fentiazac

  • Fenugreek

  • Floctafenine

  • Flufenamic Acid

  • Flurbiprofen

  • Glucomannan

  • Guar Gum

  • Ibuprofen

  • Indomethacin

  • Indoprofen

  • Iproniazid

  • Isocarboxazid

  • Isoxicam

  • Ketoprofen

  • Ketorolac

  • Labetalol

  • Levobunolol

  • Lornoxicam

  • Meclofenamate

  • Mefenamic Acid

  • Meloxicam

  • Mepindolol

  • Metipranolol

  • Metoprolol

  • Moclobemide

  • Nabumetone

  • Nadolol

  • Naproxen

  • Nebivolol

  • Nialamide

  • Niflumic Acid

  • Nimesulide

  • Oxaprozin

  • Oxprenolol

  • Oxyphenbutazone

  • Pargyline

  • Penbutolol

  • Phenelzine

  • Phenylbutazone

  • Pindolol

  • Pirazolac

  • Piroxicam

  • Pirprofen

  • Procarbazine

  • Propranolol

  • Propyphenazone

  • Proquazone

  • Psyllium

  • Selegiline

  • Sotalol

  • Sulfadiazine

  • Sulfamethoxazole

  • Sulindac

  • Suprofen

  • Talinolol

  • Tenidap

  • Tenoxicam

  • Tertatolol

  • Tiaprofenic Acid

  • Timolol

  • Tolmetin

  • Toloxatone

  • Tranylcypromine

  • Zomepirac

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.


  • Ethanol

Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Alcohol intoxication or

  • Underactive adrenal glands or

  • Underactive pituitary gland or

  • Undernourished condition or

  • Weakened physical condition or

  • Any other condition that causes low blood sugar—Patients with these conditions may be more likely to develop low blood sugar while taking tolazamide .

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (ketones in the blood) or

  • Type I diabetes—Should not be used in patients with these conditions .

  • Fever or

  • Infection or

  • Surgery or

  • Trauma—These conditions may cause temporary problems with blood sugar control and your doctor may want to treat you temporarily with insulin .

  • Heart disease—Use with caution. May make this condition worse .

  • Kidney disease or

  • Liver disease—Higher blood levels of this medicine may occur, which may cause serious problems .

Proper Use of Tolinase


Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed .


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For type 2 diabetes:
      • Adults—At first, 100 to 250 milligrams (mg) once a day taken with breakfast or the first main meal. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. The dose is usually not more than 1000 mg per day.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using Tolinase


Your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .


Check with your doctor right away if you start having chest pain or discomfort; nausea; pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck; shortness of breath; sweating; or vomiting while you are using this medicine. These may be symptoms of a serious heart problem, including a heart attack .


It is very important to follow carefully any instructions from your health care team about:


  • Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.

  • Counseling—Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes may need special counseling about diabetes medicine dosing changes that might occur because of lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise and diet. Furthermore, counseling on contraception and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in patients with diabetes during pregnancy.

  • Travel—Keep your recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times.

  • In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says you have diabetes and a list of all of your medicines .

Too much tolazamide can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when it is used under certain conditions. Symptoms of low blood sugar must be treated before they lead to unconsciousness (passing out). Different people may feel different symptoms of low blood sugar. It is important that you learn which symptoms of low blood sugar you usually have so that you can treat it quickly and call someone on your health care team right away when you need advice .


Symptoms of low blood sugar include anxiety; behavior change similar to being drunk; blurred vision; cold sweats; confusion; cool, pale skin; difficulty in thinking; drowsiness; excessive hunger; fast heartbeat; headache (continuing); nausea; nervousness; nightmares; restless sleep; shakiness; slurred speech; or unusual tiredness or weakness .


If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, or sugar cubes; or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drink, or sugar dissolved in water. Also, check your blood for low blood sugar. Glucagon is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms such as seizures (convulsions) or unconsciousness occur. Have a glucagon kit available, along with a syringe or needle, and know how to use it. Members of your household also should know how to use it .


Tolinase Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Abdominal or stomach pain

  • chills

  • clay-colored stools

  • dark urine

  • diarrhea

  • difficulty swallowing

  • dizziness

  • fast heartbeat

  • fever

  • headache

  • hives

  • itching

  • loss of appetite

  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

  • rash

  • shortness of breath

  • skin rash

  • tightness in chest

  • unpleasant breath odor

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

  • vomiting of blood

  • wheezing

  • yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known
  • Agitation

  • back, leg, or stomach pains

  • black, tarry stools

  • bleeding gums

  • blood in urine or stools

  • chest pain

  • coma

  • confusion

  • convulsions

  • cough or hoarseness

  • decreased urine output

  • depression

  • difficulty breathing

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • fatigue

  • fever with or without chills

  • fluid-filled skin blisters

  • general body swelling

  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness

  • hostility

  • increased thirst

  • irritability

  • itching of the skin

  • lethargy

  • light-colored stools

  • lower back or side pain

  • muscle pain or cramps

  • muscle twitching

  • nausea or vomiting

  • nosebleeds

  • painful or difficult urination

  • pale skin

  • pinpoint red spots on skin

  • rapid weight gain

  • seizures

  • sensitivity to the sun

  • skin thinness

  • sore throat

  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

  • stupor

  • swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

  • swollen or painful glands

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:


Symptoms of overdose
  • Anxiety

  • cold sweats

  • cool, pale skin

  • increased hunger

  • nervousness

  • nightmares

  • shakiness

  • slurred speech

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Less common
  • Indigestion

  • passing of gas

Rare
  • Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

  • sensation of spinning

Incidence not known
  • Redness or other discoloration of skin

  • severe sunburn

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Tolinase side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Tolinase resources


  • Tolinase Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Tolinase Dosage
  • Tolinase Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Tolinase Drug Interactions
  • Tolinase Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Tolinase - Add your own review/rating


  • Tolinase Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Tolinase MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Tolinase Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Tolazamide Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Tolazamide Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Tolazamide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Tolinase with other medications


  • Diabetes, Type 2

Saturday, 18 August 2012

trovafloxacin


Generic Name: trovafloxacin (troe va FLOCKS ah sin)

Brand Names: Trovan


What is trovafloxacin?

Trovafloxacin has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.


Trovafloxacin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.


Trovafloxacin is used to treat serious infections including pneumonia, complicated abdominal infections, gynecologic and pelvic infections, and skin infections.


Trovafloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about trovafloxacin?


Trovafloxacin has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.


Rarely, trovafloxacin has been associated with the development of serious liver injury that has resulted in liver transplant and/or death. Stop taking trovafloxacin and consult your doctor immediately if you develop fatigue, decreased appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, or dark urine. These may be early signs of liver damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Trovafloxacin can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. A severe sunburn may result, even with minimal sun exposure. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun. Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before and 2 hours after a dose of trovafloxacin. These medicines decrease the effectiveness of trovafloxacin. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Trovafloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trovafloxacin?


Do not take trovafloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take trovafloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment. Trovafloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether trovafloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take trovafloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Trovafloxacin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant by affecting bone development. Do not take trovafloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The safety and effectiveness of trovafloxacin in patients younger than 18 years of age has not been established. Children generally should not take trovafloxacin.

How should I take trovafloxacin?


Take trovafloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

Trovafloxacin can be taken with or without food.


Take all of the trovafloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before and 2 hours after a dose of trovafloxacin. These medicines decrease the effectiveness of trovafloxacin. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Trovafloxacin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a trovafloxacin overdose include seizures, poor coordination, tremors, drooping eyelids, and slow breathing.


What should I avoid while taking trovafloxacin?


Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Trovafloxacin can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. A severe sunburn may result, even with minimal sun exposure. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Trovafloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Trovafloxacin side effects


Rarely, trovafloxacin has been associated with the development of serious liver injury that has resulted in liver transplant and/or death. Stop taking trovafloxacin and consult your doctor immediately if you develop fatigue, decreased appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, or dark urine. These may be early signs of liver damage. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking trovafloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately :

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or




  • muscle or joint pain or inflammation.



If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking trovafloxacin and talk to your doctor:



  • dizziness or lightheadedness;




  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;




  • abdominal pain;




  • headache;




  • itching or a rash; or




  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.



Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


Trovafloxacin Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Intraabdominal Infection:

Complicated: 300 mg IV followed 24 hours later by 200 mg orally every day for 7 to 14 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Nosocomial Pneumonia:

300 mg IV once, followed 24 hours later by 200 mg orally once a day for 10 to 14 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Pelvic Infections:

Initial dose: 300 mg IV every 24 hours during the acute phase of infection. Change to oral therapy as soon as clinical conditions permit.

Maintenance dose: 200 mg orally every 24 hours for a total course of 14 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

Community-acquired: 200 mg oral or IV once, followed 24 hours later by 200 mg orally once a day for 7 to 14 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

200 mg (oral or IV) followed by 200 mg orally every day for 10 to 14 days.


What other drugs will affect trovafloxacin?


Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc, for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of trovafloxacin. These medicines decrease the effectiveness of trovafloxacin.

Also, morphine given intravenously (IV) may decrease the absorption of trovafloxacin. Generally, these two medicines should not be given at the same time.


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with trovafloxacin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.



More trovafloxacin resources


  • Trovafloxacin Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Trovafloxacin Dosage
  • Trovafloxacin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Trovafloxacin Drug Interactions
  • Trovafloxacin Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Trovafloxacin - Add your own review/rating


  • trovafloxacin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Trovan Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare trovafloxacin with other medications


  • Intraabdominal Infection
  • Nosocomial Pneumonia
  • Pelvic Infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Skin and Structure Infection


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about trovafloxacin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?


Trovafloxacin has been withdrawn from the U.S. market.


See also: trovafloxacin side effects (in more detail)