Sjögren’s Syndrome: Causes and Treatment

Symptoms The two leading symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome (pronounced “Schögren”) are dry mouth and dry eyes with associated symptoms such as conjunctivitis, difficulty swallowing and speaking, gingivitis, and tooth decay. The nose, throat, skin, lips and vagina are also frequently dry. In addition, many other organs may be affected less frequently and include muscle and … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Causes and Treatment

Simvastatin: Effects, Uses & Risks

Simvastatin is a classic statin and is used as a cholesterol-lowering agent. It was approved in 1990 and is used relatively frequently. What is simvastatin? Simvastatin, chemically (1S,3R,7S,8S,8aR)-8-{2-[(2R,4R)-4-hydroxy-6-oxooxan-2-yl]ethyl}-3,7-dimethyl-1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl-2,2-dimethylbutanoate, is a drug used primarily as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Simvastatin is structurally derived from the naturally occurring monacolin K, also known as lovastatin. Simvastatin is partially synthetically … Simvastatin: Effects, Uses & Risks

Colchicine

Products Medicines containing colchicine are no longer on the market in many countries. Drugs are available abroad that can be imported. It may also be possible to prepare an extemporaneous formulation in a pharmacy (difficulties: toxicity, substance). Stem plant Colchicine is the main alkaloid of the autumn crocus (Colchicaceae), which contains it particularly abundantly in … Colchicine

Propofol (Diprivan): Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Propofol is commercially available as an emulsion for injection or infusion (Disoprivan, generic). It has been approved in many countries since 1986. Structure and properties Propofol obtained by distillation (C12H18O, Mr = 178.3 g/mol, 2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a colorless to pale yellow, clear liquid that is sparingly soluble in water and miscible with hexane and … Propofol (Diprivan): Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Tacrolimus (Protopic, Prograf): Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Tacrolimus is commercially available in the form of capsules, sustained-release capsules, sustained-release tablets, as a concentrated solution for infusion, as granules, and as an ointment (Prograf, generic, Advagraf, Protopic, generic, Modigraf). It has been approved in many countries since 1996. This article refers to oral use; see also Topical Tacrolimus (Protopic Ointment). Structure and … Tacrolimus (Protopic, Prograf): Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Darbepoetin Alfa

Products Darbepoetin alfa is commercially available as an injectable (Aranesp). It has been approved in many countries since 2002. Structure and properties Darbepoetin alfa is a recombinant glycoprotein produced by biotechnological methods. It consists of 165 amino acids and has the same sequence as natural erythropoietin (EPO), which is formed in the kidney, except for … Darbepoetin Alfa

First-Pass Metabolism

The effect of the first liver passage For a perorally administered pharmaceutical agent to exert its effects at the site of action, it usually must enter the systemic circulation. To do so, it must pass through the intestinal wall, the liver, and part of the circulatory system. Despite complete absorption in the intestine, the bioavailability … First-Pass Metabolism

Orlistat: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Orlistat is available in many countries in the form of capsules and has been approved since 1998 (Xenical, 120 mg, Roche Pharmaceuticals). In 2009, it was also approved for self-medication after specialist consultation with healthcare professionals without a doctor’s prescription at half the dosage (Alli, 60 mg, GlaxoSmithKline). The generic Xenical drug Orlistat Sandoz … Orlistat: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole

Products Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are commercially available in tablet and syrup form (Bactrim, generics). The drug has been approved in many countries since 1969. The Bactrim syrup is no longer available, but a generic is available (Nopil syrup). The fixed combination of the two active ingredients is also called cotrimoxazole. Structure and properties Trimethoprim (C14H18N4O3, … Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms Irritant contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin. It often occurs on the hands and manifests in the following possible signs and symptoms: Redness Swellings Dry skin Scaling, often between the fingers Itching, burning, pain, tightness, tingling. Increased sensitivity, for example, to alcohol in disinfectants. Skin thickening Painful tears Crusts Erosions … Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Interactions

Definition When two or more drugs are combined, they may affect each other. This is especially true with regard to their pharmacokinetics (ADME) and effects and adverse effects (pharmacodynamics). This phenomenon is called interaction and drug-drug interaction. Interactions are usually undesirable because they can lead to, for example, loss of efficacy, side effects, poisoning, hospitalization, … Interactions