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Drug Treatment of Common Gynaecological Aliments Premenstrual Syndrome It occurs in the second half of menstrual period. A variety of symptoms occur such as nervousness, irritation, mood changes, some pain in breasts and sometimes headache. These changes are due to hormones estrogen and progesterone. Drug Interaction Due to Smoking Theophylline (Aminophylline, Deriphyllin, Theolong, Theomac) This is a frequently prescribed bronchodilator to relieve and prevent symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. In smokers, the drug is more rapidly eliminated from the body than in non-smokers, and thus its level in the blood decreases faster, reducing the duration of action. Drugs and Medicines Used in Amoebiasis and Other Protozoal Infections Definition Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic one-celled microorganism (protozoan) called Entamoeba histolytica. Persons with amebiasis may experience a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and cramps. The disease may also affect the intestines, liver, or other parts of the body. Drug Combinations For High Blood Pressure Use of two to three drugs is common in the treatment of high BP and fixed dose combinations are available. Some commonly used combinations are given in the table below. Medcines and Drugs to Be Avoided During Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Adverse effects of drugs vary with the age of the unborn in the uterus. To know more about these, the nine months period of pregnancy can be divided into two phases: Drugs and Medicines Used in Disorders of The Heart Diltiazem (Dilzem 30 mg, Dilzem SR 90 mg) Its action on the heart rate is less than verapamil. It decreases blood pressure to a lesser extent than nifedipine. It relieves spasms of coronary arteries. It is also useful in PAT (Paoxysmal Atrial Tachycardia). Drug Therapy in Elderly With altered organ-functions, the effects and efficient removal of drugs is affected in elderly. Elderly are more likely to experience adverse effects of drugs. They may not be able to tolerate full doses of drugs. Medicines Used to Treat Eye Diseases Glaucoma Glaucoma is a condition in which the tension inside the eyeball is raised causing damage to the innermost layer of eye i.e. retina. Medicines and Drugs Used in Migraine Migraines,headaches which involve intense throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances as well as sensitivity to light and sounds, have been found to respond to a drug hitherto used to treat high blood pressure. Medications and Drugs Used in Tuberculosis Streptomycin This was the first drug introduced for the treatment of tuberculosis. It must be given by injection, as it is not absorbed through the intestines. This limits its long-term use. It is. bactericidal for extracellular (including cavity) tubercle bacilli through a direct action of inhibiting protein synthesis. Medicines and Drugs to Treat Peptic Ulcers What is an ulcer? An ulcer is damage to the inner lining (the mucosa) of the stomach or the upper part of the intestine (duodenum). A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is the main cause of ulcers in this area. Medicines Used in Heart Failure It is a very potent drug used orally and intravenously to treat severe CHF and oedema in lungs due to Left Heart Failure. Usual dose is 40 to 80 mg per day. Drug causes loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium. Therefore, it is necessary to get extra potassium (as potassium chloride) during its regular use. Drugs For Major Mental Illnesses Treatment Anti-psychotics (major tranquillizers) are used for the treatment of serious mental disorders. These agents bring about tranquility, peace and calmness of mind. These drugs are also called neuroleptic agents and have been introduced entirely as a result of research by pharmaceutical companies. Medicines and Drugs Used in Amoebiasis and Other Protozoal Infections This is a related drug to metronidazole but has the advantage of a longer duration of action, thus reducing the frequency of intake. The duration of treatment is shorter. Its adverse effects and precautions are similar to metronidazole but the cure rate is higher. It has a few adverse effects like metallic taste and nausea. Drugs For Migraine Treatment This drug blocks the receptors for the neurochemical serotonin in the brain and prevents dilatation of the blood vessels which cause a headache - most important factors in preventing migraine. It also has antihistamine and anti-acetylcholine effects. Its efficacy is low. Worm Infestations Medicines - Drugs Used in Worm Infestations In India, hookworm disease is mainly caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and amaricanus (hookworm). The ovum (egg) of the parasite grows into larva (baby parasite) in the soil, and usually penetrates the skin of those who walk barefoot. From the skin, the larva reaches the intestines through the blood and there it grows into an adult worm. Parkinson's Disease Medicines - Drugs For Parkinson's Disease Levodopa is the drug of first preference in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is a precursor of dopamine, a neurochemical, which is deficient In the brain of patients of this disase. Levodopa travels easily to the brain and gets converted into dopamine. This drug provides 50% relief in more than half the patients. Drugs Used in Malaria For It's Treatment These drugs originate from a Chinese plant and are effective in cerebral malaria and in chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria. These drugs are potent and rapid-acting and their use is increasing. Drugs To Treat Constipation Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of magnesia 8% suspension). This is a mild purgative which can be used even in pregnant women and children. It absorbs water from the intestines to form the bulk and make the stools soft. Besides purgative action, it counteracts acidity in the stomach. Drugs for Epileptic Disorders Treatment Primidone, which is a deoxybarbiturate, is a useful agent in the treatment of grand mal and psychomotor epilepsy. It is generally given in combination with diphenylhydantoin in order to achieve better results in the treatment of grand mal epilepsy and myoclonic seizures. Drugs Used in Tuberculosis A significant advancement in the treatment of tuberculosis has taken place in recent years. The development of resistance to drugs is prevented by using two or more drugs. The long duration of treatment (1 to 2 years) has been shortened by the introduction of short course chemotherapy. Drugs for Peptic Ulcer These drugs have completely changed the management of acid peptic disorders. General effects of these drugs are a marked reduction in stomach acid production in response to meals and other stimuli is observed. Usually ulcers heal with adequate doses and there is no disturbance of the bowel activity. Drugs Used to Treat Tuberculosis It is an antibiotic which has revolutionized the treatment of tuberculosis in recent years. It kills the bacteria (bactericidal effect). It attacks the nucleus of the bacterial cell (causing disappearance of its ribosome). Bacterial resistance to rifampicin can be reduced by combining it with isoniazid or other drugs as described hereafter. Drugs and Medicines to Treat High Blood Pressure All the tissues and organs of the body need nourishment in the form of oxygen, glucose, and minerals for their normal functioning. This nourishment is carried by the blood to various sites through the blood vessels by the pumping action of the heart. With each contraction of the heart, blood is pushed into the arteries. Antibiotics Medicines and Antifungal Drugs Selection of Antibiotics: Before selecting an antibiotic, the presence of infection must be establishment as also the indispensability of the use of an antibiotic. To employ an antibiotic in case of just any fever is not justified. Once it is certain that an antibiotic must be used, the choice of antibiotic becomes cirtical. Medicines and Drugs Used in Amoebiasis Amoebiasis is a worldwide disease, particularly common in tropical countries and places where public hygiene and sanitation are poor. Amoebic infection is caused by an organism, Entamoeba histolytica (EH) which usually spreads through contaminated food and water. Treatment and Drugs For Constipation If a person suffering from constipation has been taking purgatives, these should be stopped gradually. The system will probably return to normal by taking enough soups, vegetables, and fruits. However, a worrying type individual may need to take mild laxatives as a temporary measure. Epileptic Disorders Medicines and Drugs This drug belongs to the category of iminostilbenes and is used in the treatment of psychomotor and grand mal epilepsy. Nowadays it is considered as the drug of first choice for grand-mal epilepsy. It provides partial or complete relief to at least 65% of the patients. Diabetes Medicines and Drugs These drugs decrease the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates, promote their oxidation in the tissues, and also reduce conversion of fats and proteins into glucose in the liver. They reduce elevated blood glucose levels only and do not produce hypoglycemia (fall in blood glucvose levels below normal). Malaria Medicines and Drugs Precautions. It should not be used in patients with a history of epilepsy or any psychiatric disorder. It should not be used in children below two years. Avoid its use with quinine, quinidine or any other drugs which may cause disturbance of heart beat before or after mefloquine. It should not be used during pregnancy. Driving or operating any machinery should be avoided. Drugs Used in Common Eye Diseases Blindness is a major health problem the world over. It is estimated that there are approximately 50,000,000 blind persons in the world and another approximately 150,000,000 with diminished or impaired vision who are unable to function effectively. The factors causing visual disability, are discussed briefly in this chapter. Migraine Medicines and Drugs Dihydroergotamine Mesylate (Dihydergot, DHE 45). This can be used by the intramuscular or intravenous route. Its effect is less pronounced than ergotamine. Only a small percentage of persons respond to this drug. Treatment and Drugs For Peptic Ulcers General measures consist of physical and mental rest, and control of diet. The diet should be bland in nature, and comprise small and frequent meals. In an acute peptic ulcer a meal consisting mainly of milk given frequently. Mental Depression Medicines New Generation Anti-depressants : Due to a large number of side-effects caused by the tricyclic antidepressants and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, efforts have been made by pharmaceutical research groups to bring out newer and safer drugs. Medicines and Drugs Used in Parkinson Disease Treatment You only have to see a patient of Parkinson's disease once to be able to make an instantaneous diagnosis of this disease in another. The symptoms are distinct. James Parkinson after whom the disease is named, was the first to give a complete account of this disease in 1817: He described it thus: Drugs Used in Disorders of the Heart The heart is a unique organ in our body. It pumps blood to all parts of body untiringly and continuously. Do you know how the heart gets its energy? Not from the blood in its cavities but from special blood vessels which penetrate into its muscles and are called coronary arteries. Medicines to be Used in Infective Diarrhea and Severe Diarrhea The drugs in this group are used for overcoming diarrhea due to infection. These include furazolidone, sulfonamides, and antibiotics. Drugs Used in Epileptic Disorders You may have witnessed a typical roadside scene where a person has suddenly fallen down and people have gathered around him, saying that he has had an attack of mirgi (the Hindi name for epilepsy). Epilepsy is characterized by fits with loss or disturbance of consciousness, leading to an inability to maintain posture. Medicines and Drugs Used in Major Mental Illnesses Treatment Mental illness is one of the most complicated disorders about which very little is known. No one likes to be labelled as mentally sick. In India, mental illness is a stigma, and the relatives of usually try to keep the patient isolated. Medicines For Heart Failure Treatment The heart pumps blood, which supplies nourishment to all parts of the body, including itself. Medicines to be Used in Mental Depression Treatment Tricyclic antidepressants are commonly used in the treatment of mental depression. The exact mechanism of action is not known. Medicines Used in Migraine Treatment An attack of migraine may last for several hours and varies in severity. In some, attack is mild and required simple pain relievers. Medicines For Osteoporosis Treatment Bones always imply hardness. What would happen if bones are no longer hard and tough? The term osteoporosis means 'porosity of bones'. Drugs and Medicine Used in Malaria About two decades ago it was thought that malaria had been eradicated from India. However, recently, there has been a resurgence of this disease. Drugs Used in Mental Depression All of us go through cyclic variations in moods - sometimes happy and cheerful, and at other times, sad and depressed. Do we always need drugs when we are depressed? Drugs and Medicine Used in Migraine When the first edition of this book was published 26 years ago we thought that in a few years there will be clear cut knowledge on the cause of migraine and specific treatment will be found out. Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Diarrhea Diarrhea may be non-specific as is caused by fear, anxiety or apprehension, and indigestion. People on the move are often afflicted with traveller's diarrhoea due to the change in environment. Specific diarrhea is caused by infection in the intestines, a systemic disease, or by drugs. Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Constipation Most people are extremely particular about two rituals every morning: defecation and a bath. One of the most important concerns relating to cleansing of the bowels daily is the belief, that all ailments from ague to plague are caused by constipation and if the bowel is not cleansed at least once a day, purgatives are necessary. Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Diabetes Diabetes or diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition in which there is absolute or a relative lack of insulin in the body. Insulin, a hormone synthesized and secreted by the pancreas, is responsible for controlling the circulating levels of the blood sugar (glucose). Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Asthma The best description of asthma is given in a story of a patient who came to a doctor and gasped. 'Doctor, if you can take my air out, I swear, I will never breathe in again.' During an asthmatic attack there is difficulty in breathing, more especially in breathing air out. Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of High Blood Pressure There were hardly any drugs for the treatment of this condition. It was only in the latter half of the last century, that medical science made rapid advancements, and today drugs allow a hypertensive patient to live a near normal life are available. Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Sleeplessness Nitrazepam is effective in initiating and maintaining sleep even when used for a prolonged period. It produces sleep like natural sleep, that is, it does not inhibit REM sleep which is a part of natural sleep. Medicines For Nausea and Vomiting Nausea is a desire to vomit, which mayor may not culminate in vomiting. Vomiting sometimes serves a useful purpose by getting rid of noxious substances from the stomach, but often leads to troublesome and deleterious consequences. Drugs for Treatment of Common Skin Disorders The skin may not appear to be as vital as the heart or the brain, but, nevertheless, a healthy skin is essential for life and a skin disease can make life unbearable. Drugs for Treatment of Fungal Infections Chaya, a young lady, consulted a gynaecologist for a infection in the groin. A corticosteroid ointment (Betnoyate) was prescribed. She did not get any significant relief and returned to hospital after a week. She was asked to continue the same treatment. Drugs Used in Diabetes - Choice of Insulin The choice of an insulin depends upon the condition of the patient. In emergencies such as diabetic coma, crystalline insulin (only soluble insulin) is preferred because of its quick onset of action. It is repeated at 6-hour intervals given intravenously usually, until the situation is under control. Anxiety Medicines - Drugs Used in Anxiety These are tranquillo-sedative drugs which fall into the category of benzodiazepines and have gained tremendous popularity. Since these drugs are known to counteract anxiety and tension, they have been indiscriminately used by both the patients and the physicians. Drugs Used in Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the great killers of children in India. It is characterized by frequent passage of liquid or semisolid stools and may be accompanied by abdominal (gripping) pain. Drugs to Be Avoided During Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon in women. It is accompanied by changes in the body giving rise to certain abnormal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Drugs Used in Cough A cough is a sudden expiratory thrust of air from the lungs. It is essentially a protective reflex. Drugs Used for Overcoming Sleeplessness Sleep, like wakefulness, is a natural phenomenon. Humans spend almost one-third of their lifetime sleeping. During sleep the activity of the brain is altered, but not completely suppressed. It is an accepted fact that periodically the body needs rest. Drugs Used in Anxiety First of all, let us understand what we really mean by 'anxiety'. In medical terminology, the meaning of this word is somewhat different from what it is used for in everyday life Drugs Used in Allergy The word 'allergic' is often used loosely and has become almost a part of our general conversation. In a way it has become synonymous with 'dislike'. Asthma Drugs - Medicines Used in Bronchial Asthma Bronchial asthma is characterised by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes resulting in narrowing of the airways. Any kind of inhaled stimulus, such as air pollutants, strong odours, tobacco smoke, etc can trigger coughing and wheezing. Drugs that Prevent Nausea and Vomiting A single or a few doses of phenothiazines and other drugs can be used for symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting. These agents are very effective in preventing vomiting due to any underlying cause. Drugs For Enhancing Brain Functional Capacity While the use of CNS stimulants has declined due to non-specific nature of their actions, a new class of drugs called 'Cerebral Activators' has been introduced. It is claimed that these drugs improve the brain functions particularly in dementia - a condition of brain characterized by loss of intellect and memory, and may have a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Lower Cholesterol Levels Drugs The blood circulating in the body consists of blood cells and a straw coloured liquid called plasma. Plasma is made up chiefly of proteins and water, and fats (lipids) are carried with these proteins.

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