Methotrexate: Effects, Areas of Application, Side Effects

How methotrexate works Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug that is used in high doses for numerous cancers and in low doses for rheumatic diseases, among others. Depending on the dose used, it has an inhibitory effect on cell division (cytostatic) or a dampening effect on the immune system (immunosuppressive) and an anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) effect. In … Methotrexate: Effects, Areas of Application, Side Effects

Rituximab

Products Rituximab is commercially available as a concentrate for the preparation of an infusion solution and as a solution for subcutaneous injection (MabThera, MabThera subcutaneous). It has been approved in many countries and in the United States since 1997 and in the EU since 1998. Biosimilars are available in some countries, including many (2018, Rixathon, … Rituximab

Enterohepatic Circulation

Definition Pharmaceutical agents are excreted primarily in the urine and, via the liver, in the bile in the stool. When excreted via the bile, they re-enter the small intestine, where they may be reabsorbed. They are transported back to the liver via the portal vein. This repetitive process is called the enterohepatic circulation. It prolongs … Enterohepatic Circulation

Sulfasalazine: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Sulfasalazine is commercially available as tablets and as dragées with an enteric coating (salazopyrin, salazopyrin EN, some countries: azulfidine, azulfidine EN, or RA). It has been approved in many countries since 1950. EN stands for enteric coated and RA for Rheumatoid Arthritis. EN dragées have a coating to prevent irritation and improve gastric tolerance. … Sulfasalazine: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes and Treatment

Symptoms Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory and systemic joint disease. It manifests as pain, symmetrically tense, achy, warm, and swollen joints, swelling, and morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour. Initially, the hands, wrists, and feet are most affected, but later numerous other joints are also affected. Over time, deformities and rheumatoid … Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes and Treatment

Neuraminidase Inhibitor

Products Neuraminidase inhibitors are commercially available in the form of capsules, powder for oral suspension, powder inhalers, and injectables. The first agents to be approved were zanamivir (Relenza) in 1999, followed by oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Laninamivir (Inavir) was released in Japan in 2010 and Peramivir (Rapivab) in the USA in 2014. The public is most familiar … Neuraminidase Inhibitor

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

TNF-Α Inhibitors

Products TNF-α inhibitors are commercially available as injectable and infusion preparations. Infliximab (Remicade) was the first agent from this group to be approved in 1998, and in many countries in 1999. Biosimilars of some representatives are now available. Others will follow in the next few years. This article refers to biologics. Small molecules can also … TNF-Α Inhibitors

Hydroxychloroquine

Products Hydroxychloroquine is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Plaquenil, auto-generic: Hydroxychloroquine Zentiva). It has been approved in many countries since 1998. Unlike the closely related chloroquine, it is currently on sale. Generic drugs are registered. Structure and properties Hydroxychloroquine (C18H26ClN3O, Mr = 335.9 g/mol) is an aminoquinoline derivative. It is present in … Hydroxychloroquine

Oseltamivir

Products Oseltamivir is commercially available as capsules and as a powder for oral suspension (Tamiflu). It has been approved in many countries since 1999. Generics were first registered in the EU in 2014 (ebilfumin) and in many countries in 2018. Structure and properties Oseltamivir (C16H28N2O4, Mr = 312.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as oseltamivir … Oseltamivir

Metamizole: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Metamizole is commercially available as drops, tablets, suppositories, and injectables (Minalgin, Novalgin, Novaminsulfon Sintetica, generics). It has been used medicinally since the 1920s. Structure and properties Metamizole (C13H17N3O4S, Mr = 311.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as metamizole sodium. This is the sodium salt and monohydrate of the active ingredient. Metamizole sodium is a … Metamizole: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Methotrexate: Effects, Uses & Risks

Methotrexate is used as a drug for chemotherapy in various malignant tumor diseases. It is a cytostatic drug that prevents the rapid cell division of cancer cells. The drug is also used successfully not only in cancer therapy but also as a basic therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory processes. What is methotrexate? Methotrexate is used … Methotrexate: Effects, Uses & Risks