Naltrexone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Naltrexone is a drug in the opioid antagonist group. The prescription drug is used in opioid withdrawal. What is naltrexone? Naltrexone is used in opioid addiction withdrawal and alcohol addiction treatment. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists are drugs that bind to opioid receptors and can partially or completely reverse the effects of opioids. … Naltrexone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Ivy

Products Ivy extracts are included in finished drug products and are available, for example, as syrups, drops, suppositories, and effervescent tablets. Dried ivy leaves are available in pharmacies and drugstores in open form. However, tea preparation is not very common. Stem plant Common ivy L. of the Aralia family is a perennial and evergreen root … Ivy

Butalbital

Products In many countries, drugs containing butalbital are no longer approved (e.g., Cafergot-PB). Combination products are still on the market in some countries, including the United States, where numerous products are available. Structure and properties Butalbital (C11H16N2O3, Mr = 224.3 g/mol) or 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid exists as a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder that is … Butalbital

Butamirate

Products Butamirate is commercially available as a syrup, drops, and depot tablets (e.g., NeoCitran cough suppressant, formerly Sinecod). It has been approved in many countries since 1965. Structure and properties Butamirate (C18H29NO3, Mr = 307.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as butamirate dihydrogen citrate. It has structural similarities to the antitussive butetamate. Butamirate is not … Butamirate

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

Antitussives

Products Antitussives are commercially available in the form of tablets, capsules, as cough syrups, and drops, among others. Structure and properties Antitussives do not have a uniform chemical structure. However, many are derived from natural opium alkaloids (opioids). Effects Antitussives have cough-irritating (antitussive) properties. They reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing attacks. Their effects … Antitussives

Aphrodisiacs

Effects Aphrodisiac Medical indications To promote sex drive or potency. Erectile dysfunction in men “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder” (decreased sexual drive). Active ingredients Use v.a. in erectile dysfunction: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the corpus cavernosum of the penis and act only during sexual stimulation: Sildenafil (Viagra) Tadalafil (Cialis) Vardenafil (Levitra) Prostaglandins must be … Aphrodisiacs

Hydrocodone

Products Hydrocodone was commercially available in tablet form in many countries between 1971 and 2018 (Hydrocodone Streuli, off label). In the United States, it is available in combination with acetaminophen (Vicodin, generic). Structure and properties Hydrocodone (C18H21NO3, Mr = 299.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as hydrocodontartrate (- 2.5 H2O), a white crystalline powder that … Hydrocodone

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Symptoms Possible symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include a chronic cough, mucus production, sputum, shortness of breath, chest tightness, breath sounds, lack of energy, and sleep disturbances. The symptoms often worsen with physical exertion. An acute worsening of chronic symptoms is referred to as an exacerbation. In addition, numerous systemic and extrapulmonary concomitant … Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Altitude Sickness

Symptoms Symptoms of altitude sickness are nonspecific and usually appear 6-10 hours after ascent. However, they can also occur after as little as one hour: Headache Dizziness Sleep disorders Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Fatigue and tiredness Rapid heartbeat Accelerated breathing, shortness of breath Severe symptoms: Cough Shortness of breath even at rest Tightness … Altitude Sickness

Medication Overuse Headache

Symptoms Medication-overuse headache, depending on the preexisting symptoms, manifests, for example, like a tension headache as bilateral, pressing pain, or like a migraine, unilateral, pulsating, and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. The pain occurs chronically for at least 15 days of the month, every other day or daily. When the … Medication Overuse Headache