Paracetamol

Paracetamol: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Paracetamol is an antipyretic(fever reducing) and analgesic (pain killer) drug primarily used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain associated with common cold, flu, toothaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other conditions.

Paracetamol is most commonly used by people who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin. Although, it is not effective against inflammation, compared to Aspirin or Ibuprofen it is well tolerated by most people, including children and has few side effects, if any. In the United States, Paracetamol is known as Acetaminophen.

PARACETAMOL SIDE EFFECTS

Paracetamol rarely causes side effects as long as it is taken as directed. However, prolonged or habitual use of Paracetamol may lead to liver damage or failure. Rare side effects of Paracetamol include hives, rash, short breath. If you experience any Paracetamol side effects, stop taking the medicine and report it to your health care provider right away.

PARACETAMOL CAUTION

People with known liver problem or condition should not take Paracetamol. Combining Paracetamol with alcohol increases the likelihood of liver toxicity.

Every year more than 800,000 people in the United States alone, die from the so-called Tylenol poisoning (Tylenol is a brand name of Paracetamol/Acetaminophen in the US), which is caused by taking more than recommended doses of Paracetamol or by habitual or long term use.

Do not take Paracetamol if fever lasts for more than 3days and if pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days, unless advised by your physician.

As with any medicine, if you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before taking Paracetamol.

Paracetamol interactions

Consult with your physician before combining Paracetamol with any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), blood thinners like warfarin, and oral contraceptives.



Combining Paracetamol with alcohol increases the likelihood of liver toxicity.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any herbs as some may interfere with Paracetamol's effectiveness.

High doses of Vitamin C (1000-3000mg/day) may increase the level of Paracetamol in the body.

PARACETAMOL DOSES

It is best that Paracetamol taken with food or milk.

CHILDREN INCLUDING INFANTS

Doses of Paracetamol may be repeated every 4 hours, not to exceed 5 times a day.

Liquid form (special cup is provided)

4-11 months: teaspoon

12-23 months: teaspoon

2-3 years: 1 teaspoon

4-5 years: 1 teaspoons

Tablets

6-8 years: 4 tablets (2 teaspoons)

9-10 years: 5 tablets (2 teaspoons)

11-12 years: 6 tablets (3 teaspoons)

12 and older: Adult dose

ADULTS

700-1000mg every 6 hours up to 4 times a day (max. 4000mg/day).

PARACETAMOL OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Paracetamol overdose may include excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

In case of a Paracetamol overdose, seek medical attention right away.

If you miss a dose of Paracetamol, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Paracetamol.

http://www.themedicine.net/drugs/paracetamol.html

Diclofenac Potassium

diclofenac potassium,

the potassium salt of diclofenac, administered orally in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, a variety of nonrheumatic inflammatory conditions, pain, and dysmenorrhea.

Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.

diclofenac potassium

Cataflam, Novo-Difenac-K (CA), Novo-Difenac-SR (CA)

Pharmacologic class: Cyclooxygenase inhibitor, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Therapeutic class: Nonopioid analgesic, antiarthritic

Pregnancy risk category C

FDA Boxed Warning

• Drug may increase risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for it may be at greater risk.
• Drug increases risk of serious GI adverse events, including bleeding, ulcers, and stomach or intestinal perforation. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning. Elderly patients are at greater risk.
• Drug is contraindicated for treatment of perioperative pain in setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Action

Unclear. Thought to block activity of cyclooxygenase, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses of vasodilation and swelling and blocking transmission of painful stimuli.

Availability

Tablets: 50 mg, 75 mg

Tablets (delayed-release): 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg

Tablets (extended-release): 100 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Analgesia; dysmenorrhea

Adults: Initially, 100 mg P.O., then 50 mg t.i.d. as needed

➣ Rheumatoid arthritis

Adults: Initially, 50 mg P.O. three to four times daily. After initial response, reduce to lowest dosage that controls symptoms. Usual maintenance dosage is 25 mg t.i.d.

➣ Osteoarthritis

Adults: Initially, 50 mg P.O. two to three times daily. After initial response, reduce to lowest dosage that controls symptoms.

➣ Ankylosing spondylitis

Adults: 25 mg P.O. four to five times daily. After initial response, reduce to lowest dosage that controls symptoms.

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment
• Elderly patients

Off-label uses

• Post-radial keratotomy symptoms
• Dental pain

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components, other NSAIDs, or aspirin
• Active GI bleeding or ulcer disease

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• severe cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease; bleeding tendency
• history of porphyria or asthma
• concurrent anticoagulant use
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children.

Administration

• Give on empty stomach 1 hour before or after a meal.
• If drug causes GI upset, give with milk or meals.
• Make sure patient swallows extended-release form whole without chewing or crushing.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	10 min	1 hr	8 hr
P.O. (delayed)	30 min	2-3 hr	8 hr
P.O. (extended)	Unknown	5-6 hr	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, headache

CV: hypertension

EENT: tinnitus

GI: diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, heartburn, peptic ulcer, GI bleeding, GI perforation

GU: dysuria, frequent urination, hematuria, proteinuria, nephritis, acute renal failure

Hematologic: prolonged bleeding time

Hepatic: hepatotoxicity

Skin: eczema, photosensitivity, rash, contact dermatitis, dry skin, exfoliation

Other: allergic reactions (including edema), anaphylaxis

Interactions

Drug-drug. Anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, cephalosporins, plicamycin, thrombolytics: increased risk of bleeding

Antihypertensives, diuretics: decreased efficacy of these drugs

Antineoplastics: increased risk of hematologic adverse reactions

Colchicine, corticosteroids, other NSAIDs: additive adverse GI effects

Cyclosporine, probenecid: increased risk of diclofenac toxicity

Digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, theophylline: increased levels of these drugs, greater risk of toxicity

Potassium-sparing diuretics: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, electrolytes, lactate dehydrogenase, urine uric acid: increased values

Bleeding time: prolonged

Hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, serum uric acid, urine electrolytes, white blood cells: decreased values

Drug-herbs. Anise, arnica, chamomile, clove, dong quai, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, and others: increased risk of bleeding

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased risk of adverse GI effects

Patient monitoring

• Monitor hepatic and renal function.
• Observe for and report signs and symptoms of bleeding.
• Assess for hypertension.
• Monitor sodium and potassium levels in patients receiving potassium-sparing diuretics.
• Weigh patient to detect fluid retention. Report gain of more than 2 lb in 24 hours.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take drug on empty stomach 1 hour before or after a meal.
• Advise patient not to lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking drug, to minimize esophageal irritation.
• Instruct patient to stop taking drug and contact prescriber promptly if he experiences ringing or buzzing in ears, dizziness, GI discomfort, or bleeding.
• Caution patient not to take over-the-counter analgesics during diclofenac therapy.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

Nursing Spectrum Drug Handbook 2009. © 2009 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/diclofenac+potassium

Erythromycin

-Science Dictionary

erythromycin (ĭ-rĭth'rə-mī'sĭn) Pronunciation Key An antibiotic obtained from the bacteria Streptomyces erythreus, effective against many gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

-Encyclopedia

erythromycin

drug synthesized by the soil bacterium Streptomyces erythraeus and used in the treatment of throat infections, pneumonia, and other diseases. Erythromycin, an antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of vital proteins in susceptible bacteria, may be either bacteriostatic (i.e., inhibiting bacterial reproduction but not killing bacterial cells) or bactericidal (i.e., killing bacteria by direct action), depending on its concentration and the type of microorganism against which it is used. Among the disease-causing agents susceptible to erythromycin are Staphylococcus aureus, several species of Streptococcus, Mycoplasma species, Legionella pneumophila (the bacterium that causes Legionnaire disease), and Corynebacterium diphtheriae (the causative agent of diphtheria).

Learn more about erythromycin with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Cite This Source

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/erythromycin

Erythromycin

What is erythromycin?

Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Macrolide antibiotics slow the growth of, or sometimes kill, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive

Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent bacterial endocarditis and attacks of rheumatic fever.

Erythromycin may also be used for other purposes.

Important information about erythromycin

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

If you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take erythromycin

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or delayed-release pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The delayed-release pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Erythromycin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Before taking erythromycin

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cisapride (Propulsid); or

• pimozide (Orap).

Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.

FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Erythromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take erythromycin?

Take erythromycin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Erythromycin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or delayed-release pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The delayed-release pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet form of erythromycin must be chewed before swallowing.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using erythromycin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or hearing loss.

What should I avoid while taking erythromycin?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Erythromycin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Erythromycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to erythromycin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed or fainting;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious erythromycin side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain;

• dizziness, headache, feeling tired;

• vaginal itching or discharge; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect erythromycin?

Many drugs can interact with erythromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• cilostazol (Pletal);

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• disopyramide (Norpace);

• quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);

• sildenafil (Viagra);

• tacrolimus (Prograf);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theobid, and others);

• verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

• vinblastine (Velban);

• alprazolam (Xanax) or triazolam (Halcion);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene);

• a cholesterol-lowering medication such as lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor);

• ergotamine (Ercaf, Cafergot, Ergostat, Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); or

• any other antibiotics.

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with erythromycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Erythromycin resources

• Erythromycin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Erythromycin Drug Interactions
• Erythromycin Support Group
• 11 Reviews for Erythromycin - Add your own review/rating

http://www.drugs.com/erythromycin.html