Prolongation of the QT Interval

Symptoms Drug-induced prolongation of the QT interval can rarely lead to severe arrhythmias. This is polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, known as torsade de pointes arrhythmia. It can be seen on the ECG as a wave-like structure. Due to the dysfunction, the heart cannot maintain blood pressure and can only pump insufficient blood and oxygen to the … Prolongation of the QT Interval

Laxative

Products Laxatives are available in numerous dosage forms. These include, for example, tablets, drops, suppositories, powders, granules, solutions, syrups and enemas. Structure and properties Laxatives do not have a uniform chemical structure. However, groups can be identified (see below). Effects Laxatives have laxative properties. They stimulate bowel emptying by different mechanisms depending on the active … Laxative

Solifenacin

Products Solifenacin is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Vesicare, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 2006. Structure and properties Solifenacin (C23H26N2O2, Mr = 362.5 g/mol) is a tertiary amine and a phenylquinoline derivative that has structural similarities to atropine. It is present in drugs as (1)-(3)-solifenacin succinate, a white … Solifenacin

Norovirus

Symptoms Infection with norovirus manifests as gastroenteritis with diarrhea without blood in the stool and/or with violent, even explosive vomiting. Vomiting is more common in children. Furthermore, accompanying symptoms such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, muscle pain, headache, and mild fever may occur. An asymptomatic course is also possible. The duration of the … Norovirus

Trimebutin

Products Trimebutin is commercially available as granules and in the form of film-coated tablets (debridate). It has been approved in many countries since 1990. Structure and properties Trimebutine (C22H29NO5, Mr = 387.5 g/mol is present in drugs as trimebutin hydrogenomaleate. Effects Trimebutin (ATC A03AA05) is prokinetic and stimulates intestinal motility. Effects are due to binding … Trimebutin

Paracetamol: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Paracetamol is commercially available in the form of tablets, film-coated tablets, melting tablets, effervescent tablets, as granules, drops, syrups, suppositories, soft capsules, and infusion solution, among others (e.g., Acetalgin, Dafalgan, Panadol, and Tylenol). Paracetamol was not approved until the 1950s (Panadol, Tylenol), although it was developed in the 19th century. It has been registered … Paracetamol: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes and Treatment

Symptoms Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder that manifests itself in the following persistent or recurrent symptoms: Lower abdominal pain or cramping Diarrhea and/or constipation Flatulence Change in bowel habits, impaired defecation. Incontinence, urge to defecate, feeling of incomplete emptying. The symptoms improve with defecation. Some patients suffer mainly from diarrhea, others from … Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes and Treatment

Interactions with Grapefruit Juice

Background That grapefruit juice can cause drug-drug interactions was discovered by chance in a clinical trial in 1989 and confirmed in an experiment by the same research group in 1991 (Bailey et al, 1989, 1991). This showed that simultaneous ingestion of grapefruit juice with the calcium channel blocker felodipine significantly increases the bioavailability of felodipine. … Interactions with Grapefruit Juice

Abdominal Pain (Stomach Ache)

Symptoms Abdominal pain manifests as diffuse or clearly localizable pain or cramps in the abdominal area. They may be accompanied by digestive complaints such as diarrhea, flatulence, and vomiting. To be distinguished from this are stomach pains that occur at about the level of the sternum. Causes There are numerous causes of abdominal pain or … Abdominal Pain (Stomach Ache)

Appetite Stimulants

Effects Appetite stimulant Indications Loss of appetite Active ingredients By cause: herbal bitter agents and spices: E.g. wormwood, ginger, take half an hour before meals. Prokinetics: Metoclopramide (Paspertin). Domperidone (Motilium) Antihistamines and anticholinergics: Pizotifen (Mosegor, out of commerce), cyproheptadine (out of commerce in many countries). Antidepressants: E.g. mirtazapine, caution: some antidepressants such as the SSRIs … Appetite Stimulants

Prucalopride

Products Prucalopride is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Resolor). It was approved in many countries and in the EU in 2010. Structure and properties Prucalopride (C18H26ClN3O3, Mr = 367.87 g/mol) is a dihydrobenzofurancarboxamide. It has structural similarities to the prokinetic cisapride (prepulside, out of commerce). Effects Prucalopride (ATC A03AE04) has enterokinetic properties, … Prucalopride

Stomach Burn

Symptoms The leading symptoms of stomach burning include an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone and acid regurgitation. The burning sensation occurs primarily after eating, and pain along the esophagus may radiate. Other accompanying symptoms include hoarseness, coughing, nausea, difficulty swallowing, sleep disturbances, respiratory problems, a foreign body sensation in the throat, and enamel changes. … Stomach Burn