Drug Facts

Drugs from A to Z Topics

Archive for the ‘Nutritionals’


10/28, 2008

Weight loss pills

Losing weight is not an easy task and thus it requires great deal of hard work and determination. Brisk walks, regimented diet schedules, exercises, gyms and work outs are simply indispensable for losing weight effectively. There are times though when it gets simply impossible to extract time from the heavy schedule and use it to keep in shape. For such scenarios when a person wants to reduce weight and yet is incapable of, despite of sincere efforts, it is a quite disappointing point. It is basically for such people that weight loss pills have come to existence.

If you are slightly over weight and wish to lose some of those extra kilos without much grinding then beyond doubt, weight loss pills are the best option for you. These weight loss pills can be very easily availed online and in the markets as well. They are beneficial as they aid in losing weight very easily and effectively and that too without much grounding efforts. These pills can be found in various varieties online and so it may get a little difficult to choose the best one for you. In such a case when you are confused regarding which of the pills will work the wonders for you it is always advisable that you go through the various reviews of different weight loss pills. All reputed and authentic web sites provide you with these pills reviews so that your decision making process is simplified and thus give you an insight regarding the best pill.

One of the most popular weight loss pills is Acai Pure whose review can also be found on the web sites very easily. The Acai Pure is considered under the top 5 Acai Berry products as it has rich extracts of the berry. It has been tested to be absolutely safe and natural for consumption purposes and has no side effects as well. It has been known now as per many clinical studies that Acai Pure helps in reducing over 8- 25 lbs per month and causes no negative symptoms.


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06/26, 2008

De-Addiction of addicted now easy at Ambrosia Drug Rehab!

For those unfortunate lots who are struggling with some or the other addiction in their lives, life is hell. Many of them want to start a new life but lack the proper direction as to how and where to begin. No doubt, for addiction treatment, major thing that is required is a total change in physical, mental and spiritual environment of the patient. Well, no need to get disappointed, because such a center is there to help you, The Ambrosia Substance Abuse Treatment Center.

For those who have engulfed themselves in the vicious circle of drug abuse and alcoholism, a critical care by experts is required that is available here since twenty years. Giving individual attention to each patient and cater his every need including his emotional well-being is done very well. Drug rehab is not a child’s play. It requires immensely scrutinized therapy with a multifaceted approach.

The treatment also includes training family members in order to create a nurturing environment for the patient wherever he goes. Along with the actual patient, his family and friends also suffer from a kind of Substance Abuse. Yes, they try to manipulate their own behaviors according to the addicted person and this may cause certain unwanted changes in family set up. No wonder the rehab treatment here in the center incorporates all the family members along with the patient. Whether it is alcohol, marijuana, heroin or cocaine, the substance abuse leads to disaster and ruined family life. Timely management by expert hands may help one save his life as well as of those around him!


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03/24, 2008

Avail yourself top generic drugs that are similar to branded ones

If you are worried about the soaring prices of prescription drugs, here is the solace for you in the form of generic drugs. Well, you need not worry about the quality of medicines, because FDA never approves any generic drug unless it is similar in quality to branded ones. Just that they do not have any brand name. The generic drug market is having soaring sales. Let’s see what the top generic drugs on sale are.

Among the top generic drugs, there are Lisinopril, Atenolol, Amoxycillin, Alprazolam, Ibuprofen, Amitriptyline, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Omeprazole, etc, and many others. These are the drugs you like to have more frequently because of common health conditions and are cheaper than branded ones. Many doctors also dispense these generic drugs on their own after bulk purchase. This saves them lot of money and they can also dispense at lower costs.

If you want to know which generic drugs are used mostly and efficiently, the list of generic drugs is available online on various generic medicine sites. Here you can get information regarding generic drugs, number of units manufactured and number of prescriptions done. These generic drugs are same in safety and strength to the branded drugs. You can save almost 50 to 70% over generic drug purchase. Many hospitals too nowadays have started using generic medicines to make patients available similar treatment in low cost. Especially this is beneficial in developing countries where living conditions do not allow patients to use costly branded drugs. When they are equally effective, why not use them?


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12/29, 2007

Levocarnitine- Type of Drug - Some Interactions occuring with levocarnitine

Type of Drug:

Amino acid derivative.

How the Drug Works:

Occurring naturally in the body, Localities is needed by the body for energy metabolism and to properly use fats.

Uses:

To supplement the diet of people born with primary carnation deficiency. Symptoms of primary carnitine deficiency include low blood sugar, lethargy, liver problems, heart problems, muscle weakness, neurologic disturbances, and impaired growth and development in infants.

Carnitor is used for the acute and chronic treatment of patients with internal metabolism errors that cause a secondary carnitine deficiency. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are also undergoing dialysis.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe L-carnitine for modifying abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to L-carnitine or any of its ingredients.

Kidney disease: Patients with kidney disease taking D, L-carnitine (not L-carnitine) have, on rare occasions, noted mild muscle weakness.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests include blood chemistries, vital signs, plasma L-carnitine concentrations, and overall clinical condition

Dosage

  Levocarnitine (L-Carnitine)  

Yes

otc L-Carnitine Tablets: 500 mg

Yes

otc L-Carnitine Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg

No

Rx Carnitor Tablets: 330 mg

No

Rx Carnitor Oral solution: 100 mg/mL

No

Rx Carnitor Injection: 500 mg/2.5 mL, 1 g/5 mL

No

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many L-carnitine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps; diarrhea.

Other: Body odor.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Dosage will be individualized.
  • Capsules and tablets - Take on an empty stomach.
  • Oral solution - Take alone or dissolve in drinks or liquid food. Consume slowly. Space doses evenly (eg, every 3 or 4 hours), prefer- ably with or after meals.
  • D, L-carnitine, sold in health food stores as vitamin BT’ inhibits L-carnitine and can cause a deficiency.
  • Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
  • Store at controlled room temperature (59° to B6°F).

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10/05, 2007

Zinc-Drug Interactions, Side Effects and Precautions of Use

The amount of zinc provided by a product varies with the zinc salt (formulation) contained in the product. For example, the salt zinc sulfate contains 23% zinc and zinc gluconate contains 14.3% zinc. The table above lists the zinc products by the amount of zinc contained in the product.

Type of Drug:

Mineral; trace element.

How the Drug Works:

Zinc is needed for normal tissue growth and repair and for protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

Uses:

To treat or prevent zinc deficiency. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include appetite loss; growth retardation; impaired taste or smell; hair loss; dwarfism; rashes; skin lesions; swelling or inflammation of the mouth, tongue, or eyelids; hangnails; and impaired wound healing.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe zinc for the common cold, acrodermatitis naturopathic (a severe digestive tract and skin disorder of early childhood), delayed wound healing, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, and senile dementia.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to zinc supplements or any of their ingredients.

Pregnancy: Because zinc deficiency is very rare, routine use of zinc supplementation during pregnancy is not recommended.

Breastfeeding: Breast milk concentrations of zinc decrease over time following delivery; extra dietary intake of zinc 7 mg/day for the first

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to zinc supplements or any of their ingredients.

Pregnancy: Because zinc deficiency is very rare, routine use of zinc supplementation during pregnancy is not recommended.

Breastfeeding: Breast milk concentrations of zinc decrease over time following delivery; extra dietary intake of zinc 7 mg/day for the first 6 months of breastfeeding and 4 mg/day during the second 6 months is recommenced.

Childroll:Consult doctor regarding use in childron under 12 years of old

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with oral zinc supplements. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following products interact with oral zinc supplements: fluoroquinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin) tetracyclines (eg, oxytetracycline)

Uses:

otc Zinc Gluconate (14.3% zinc) Tablets: 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg Yes
    Lozenges: 10.5 mg, 23 mg, 30 mg Yes
  Zinc Sulfate (23% zinc)    
otc Orazinc 110, Zinc 15 Tablets: 15 mg, 25 mg No
otc Orazinc 220, Zinc-220 Capsules: 50 mg Yes
Rx Zincate Capsules: 50 mg Yes

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many zinc users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Guidelines for Use:

  • Dosage will be individualized.
  • If stomach upset or nausea occurs, take with food or liquid.
  • Avoid taking with foods high in bran, calcium, phosphorus, or phylactery.
  • Do not exceed the prescribed or recommended dose. Vomiting is likely to occur with doses greater than 2 g.
  • Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) _ Adults: 12 to 15 mg
  • Common sources of zinc - Cooked dry beans, meat, eggs, liver, sea­foods, wheat germ, whole grain products.
  • Store at controlled room temperature (59 0 to 86°F). Protect from moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

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09/26, 2007

VITAMIN B2 - How Vitamin B2 Works? - Side Effects of Use

Type of Drug:

Water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin not stored by the body.

How the Drug Works:

Riboflavin (vitamin B 2 ) acts in a variety of important metabolic processes in the body and promotes healthy skin and vision.

Uses:

To treat and prevent riboflavin deficiency. Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include itching and burning eyes, lips, mouth, or tongue; sensitivity to light; sore throat; mouth or tongue inflammation; scrotal or vulva skin changes; skin inflammation; red eyes; cataract formation; dry lips and corners of the mouth; or scaly skin inflammation on the face and scalp.

Precautions:

Multiple vitamin deficiencies: It is unusual for riboflavin deficiency to Occur alone. Other vitamins and protein may also be needed. Consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Pregnancy: Adequate, well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate risk to the fetus. In doses that exceed RDA, risk cannot be ruled out. However, potential benefits to the mother may justify the potential risks to the fetus. Consult your doctor.

Breastfeeding: Riboflavin is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Doses:

otc Riboflavin/Vitamin B2 Tablets: 50mg, 100 mg, 400 mg Yes

Guidelines for Use:

  • Most people on balanced diets do not need vitamin supplements. People with excessive alcohol intake, mal absorption, or poor diets are at risk for riboflavin deficiency.
  • Dosage for treatment of deficiency states is 5 to 10 mg/day
  • May cause a yellow discoloration of the urine when taken in large doses.
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) _ Males: 1.4 to 1.8 mg Females: 1.2 to 1.3 mg
  • Common sources of riboflavin - Meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, broccoli, turnips, asparagus, spinach, enriched and fortified grains, cereals, and bakery products.
  • Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from moisture.

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09/24, 2007

Vitamin B 3 - Some Benefits on Usage of Vitamin B3

Type of Drug:

Water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin not stored by the body. Nicotinamide (niacin amide) is chemically related to niacin.

How the Drug Works:

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a biochemical entity involved in fat metabolism, tissue respiration, and energy production. Vitamins do not give people energy, even though they are involved in the energy production process in the body.

Niacin and nicotinamide both act as vitamins in the body. However, only niacin dilates blood vessels in the face, neck, and chest and lowers cholesterol and tryingly levels in the blood.

Uses:

The following information pertains primarily to uses of niacin in doses rotor than the incommoded Dilatory Allowanco (RDA).

To prevent or to treat niacin deficiency. Niacin requirements may be increased during periods of increased calorie use (recovery from illness or injury).

To prevent and to treat pellagra. Pellagra is rare. It Occurs most frequently in alcoholics, the poorly-nourished elderly, and people on unusual diets. It also occurs in areas where much corn is eaten, because the niacin in corn is bound to indigestible constituents, making it unavailable for use by the body.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: allergy to niacin or any of its liver disease ingredients peptic ulcer, active bleeding, arterial

Use with caution in the following situations: alcoholics heart disease angina, unstable jaundice, history of bleeding, arterial, history of liver disease, history of diabetes MI, acute phase gallbladder disease peptic ulcer, history gout

Diabetes mellitus: Niacin may decrease glucose tolerance. Diet or blood sugar lowering drugs may have to be adjusted. Consult your doctor before taking niacin supplements.

Gout: Niacin may cause an increase in uric acid levels, possibly causing a gout attack.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use doses in excess of the RDA only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Niacin appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established in doses that exceed the RDA.

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), blood glucose, and liver function tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with niacin. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with niacin:

  • Beta blockers (eg, propranolol)
  • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin)
  • Sulfinpyrazone (eg, Anturane)

Doses:

Rx Nicotinic Acid/Niacin1 Capsules, sustained-release: 500 mg

Yes

    Capsules, timed-release: 500 mg

Yes

  Niacor Tablets: 500 mg

Yes

otc Nicotinic Acid/Niacin1 Tablets: 50 mg, 100 mg.250 mg, 500 mg

Yes

    Tablets, -timed-release: 250 mg 500 mg

Yes

    Capsules, extended-release: 250 mg, 400 mg

Yes

    Capsules, sustained-release: 125 mg, 500 mg

Yes

    Capsules, timed-release:250 mg, 500 mg

yes

  Sio-Niacin Tablets, controlled-release:250 mg,500 mg, 750 mg

Yes

  Nlcotinex Elixir: 50 mg/5 mg

No

otc Nicotinamide/Niacinamid Tablets : 100 mg,500 mg,

Yes

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many niacin users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach distress or pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; indigestion; activation of peptic ulcer.

Skin: Rash; hives; itching; dry skin; flushing; tingling of skin; sensation of warmth; thickening and brownish discoloration of the skin in bony folds.

Other: Headache; low blood pressure; dimming of vision; abnormal heart rhythms; liver dysfunction; lab test abnormalities; elevated blood sugar; yellowing of the skin or eyes; gout; vision changes.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Most people on balanced diets do no need vitamin supplements.
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) ­ Adult males: 15 to 20 mg Adult females: 13 to 15 mg
  • For hyperlipidemia - Usual target dosage is 1 to 2 g 2 or 3 times daily. Do not exceed 6 g/day. For pellagra - Take up to 500 mg/day.
  • Niacinamide - Usual dosage is 100 to 500 mg/day.
  • Sustained-, extended-, or timed-release products - Take whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
  • Do not substitute sustained-, extended-, or timed-release preparations for immediate-release (crystalline) nicotinic acid.
  • May cause stomach upset. Take with meals.
  • If dizziness occurs, avoid sudden changes in posture.
  • Flushing appears frequently with oral therapy and generally begins 20 minutes after ingestion and lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Flushing is transient and will usually subside after 3 to 6 weeks of continued therapy. The flush response can be reduced by slowly increasing the dose (100 mg 3 times daily each week), administering with food or milk, or by administering either a ministerial anti-inflammatory drug (eg, ibuprofen) or aspirin 60 minutes prior to niacin administration.
  • Discontinue use and contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur: Persistent flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, general unwell feeling); hives; loss of appetite; decreased urine output associated with dark-colored urine; muscle discomfort such as tender, swollen muscles or muscle weakness; irregular heartbeat; or dimming of vision.
  • Common sources of niacin - Liver, meat, fish, chicken, nuts, legumes, green vegetables, yeast, potatoes, and whole-grain enriched cereals and breads.
  • Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
  • Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).

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07/16, 2007

Vitamins A and D Drug Information - Uses and Benefits

Vitamin combinations

Uses:

Dietary supplement

Guidelines for Use:

  • Dosage will be individualized.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
  • Most people on regular diets do not need vitamin supplements.
  • Capsules - Take with meals. Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Drops - Administer directly into mouth using dropper, or mix with formula, fruit
    juice, cereal, or other food. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.
  • Emulsion - Shake well before using. Store at room temperature.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.

Doses:

  Vitamin A & D Tablets

10,000/tablet

400/tablet

 

  Tri- Vi-Sol Drops,Vi-Daylin ADC Oral Solution

1500/mL

400/mL

35/mL

  Norwegian Cod Liver Oil Capsules

1250/capsule

130/capsule

 

  Scott’s Emulsion

1250/5 mL

100/5 mL

 

  Cod Liver Oil USp

5000/5 mL

500/5 mL

 

  Norwegian Cod Liver

5000/5 mL

400/5 mL

 

  Oil

4600/5 mL

460/5 mL

 


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