Ativan is known by other names like Lorazepam and Temesta and functions like an anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, sedative, amnesic and anxiolytic. It is primarily used to cure anxiety and used to aid chemotherapy.  It has a high addictive potential and thus caution must be taken during its administration.

Dosage recommended

• Ativan is a white powder that is soluble in water and oil. It is available to be consumed orally in the form of tablets of 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg. It is also available as solution for intravenous injections, in ampoules of 1 ml with 2 mg or 4 mg Ativan.
• If admnisterd as intravenous injections, it takes 10 minutes to have an impact. If it is taken as oral medication, then it takes from 60 minutes to 120 minutes to take effect.

What it is used to cure

• Ativan is used to cure anxiety in its most common usage. It is however administered for short term usage during chronic anxiety; it acts fast and is rather useful in its effect.
• It is a sedative and has prominent hypnotic effects. Again used mainly for short term cure, it is effective on patients of insomnia.
• Ativan is generally given prior to an operation due to its amnesic and anxiolytic effects. It is used to reduce the amount on anaesthetic agent required during operations, and is most commonly used during dentistry and endoscopies. It is administered orally about 90-120 minutes before an operation and through the intravenous route about 10 minutes before the procedure.
• It reduces seizures in patients who are most prone to it or even epileptic attacks.
• Ativan is a Central Nervous System depressant and due to its anti convulsant impact it is used for treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Patients suffering from delirium are given this drug to sedate them
• Ativan is effective on patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
• It is effective on patients with Catatonia, or the inability to speak.

Precautions that must be taken

• If the medication is discontinued withdrawal symptoms are visible that include rebound anxiety and insomnia.
• Patients who are prone to allergy might be advised to avoid Ativan.
• It may result in asthma and respiratory failure in patients
• If a person is under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, he is advised against the use of Ativan, as the effect of the alcohol may be enhanced and severe intoxication may be caused.
• Sleep apnea may be worsened by use of Ativan.
• In case of pregnancy, the use of Ativan may cause harm to the unborn child as malformations in the cardiac or facial structure may result. There may also be a neonatal jaundice caused.
• Furthermore due to the presence of Ativan in milk, nursing mothers should also be advised against this medication.
• Children under 16 years should ideally not be provided Ativan, but it is at times used to cure seizures.
• Risk of falls and fractures are more in case of the elderly due to the hypnotic and sedative power of Ativan.

What are its Side Effects?

• If Ativan is taken in quantities beyond the prescribed dosage it has the potential to have a number of side effects.
• It can cause in increased hostility, aggression and anger outbursts. It can result in as much as a personality disorder, stress and frustration.
• Depressed patients may be drawn to motives of suicide due to the usage of Ativan.
• There may be an effect of amnesia or even prolonged sedation that can result as a fall out of the use of Ativan.

All about Ativan is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Abilify is the name under which the generic drug Aripiprazole is marketed. It is used to treat psychosis, mental disorders like bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

Psychosis is the result of a disconnect between the human mind and reality. Psychosis may result in delusions, hallucinations and a lack in order of thoughts. The patients are often unable to carry out a proper social interaction or even perform tasks that are of simple, regular in nature.

Abilify is one of the recent and most effective drugs developed to cure Psychosis. Abilify metabolises in the liver and is excreted through the faeces and urine. It is a purely prescription drug and hence should be consumed only after consulting a doctor.

Forms of Abilify

It can be taken as a tablet, orally disintegrating tablets, as a solution to be taken orally or even an intramuscular injection. These tablets are often available in different flavours like orange and vanilla.

Possible side-effects

There are a lot of possible side effects that can be caused if Abilify is not taken in proper dosage after consulting a doctor. Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation are some of the most common side effects. Abilify use can cause insomnia or even on the other hand result in sleepiness. In some rarer cases Abilify can cause tremors, seizures and the patient can even end up putting on an unusual amount of weight. Some patients may even complain of blood pressure changes and increased heart rates. If allergic reactions, speech problems or loss of consciousness is caused by the use of Abilify, then the patient should immediately consult the doctor. Suicidal tendencies can also be another negative effect of the use of this drug.

In elderly patients

Abilify is especially harmful for elderly patients who suffer from diseases like dementia. In such cases Ablilify can cause a stroke.  Blood pressure patients or people prone to diabetes are advised against this medication. In the elderly the consumption of Abilify may also cause a death risk.

In Pregnant woman

Pregnant women are not known to be harmed by the use of Abilify. However the doctor should be notified of this condition before the drug is administered. The nursing baby however could be harmed by the parent’s consumption of Abilify as it passes into the breast milk.

In pediatric cases

Abilify is advisably used on patients who are above the age of 10 years. In younger cases it might cause more serious side effects as the usage of this drug may result in increased suicidal tendencies.

Some point to note

There is a debate when it comes to the use of Abilify as a monotherapy in bipolar depression, as while some studies categorise it as a cure for depression, others say that the drug can result in depression as one of its side effects

Abilify can be safely used with a mood stabilizer as maintenance therapy and treat manic symptoms.

One is also advice to not drink while under the medication of Abilify.

The legal status of Abilify

Abilify is a prescription drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Otsuka in United States has the patent for this drug till 2014 and it is marketed with Bristol-Myers Squibb along with them. Teva Pharmaceutical has challenged this patent in court in March 2007.

Conclusion

Over the years Abilify’s patient share has grown rapidly whereas other drugs have lost out in this regard. However besides Abilify other drugs that can treat the same symptoms include Zyprexa, Risperdal and Geodon.

All about Abilify is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol or Paracetamol is one of the most widely used pain relievers and fever reducers. Due to its content –acetyle-para-aminophenol, it is also abbreviated as APAP.

How it must be taken

• Acetaminophen is often sold simply over the counter without a prescription.
• However the dosage of the drug should be kept in mind.
• Overdoses above 100mg in a single dose, or 4000 mg for an adult in a day, can cause harm to the liver.
• The risk of liver damage is higher if Acetaminophen is consumed by people who have a high consumption of alcohol. In countries like New Zealand, Australia and the United States several cases of liver failure have even been noted due to the overdose of Acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen should not be taken for more than ten days without a doctor’s advice and in case of children under the age of three; it should not be administered at all without consulting a doctor.

What it is used to cure

• Acetaminophen can be used to cure mild aches like headaches and backaches
• The more severe category of pain like that during cancer or the pain felt by a patient after an operation.
• It is a common element used in medication of cold, flu and fever.

What are its side effects?

In normal circumstances the use of Acetaminophen will not cause any major side effects. However there might in some rare cases be symptoms like bleeding, persistent sore throat, easily getting bruised or other signs of allergy. Yellowing of eye and skin, breathing trouble, rash, itching, nausea, fatigue or stomach pain are some of the other symptoms caused by the overdose of Acetaminophen. In case of detecting such symptoms a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Precautions that must be taken

In case the patient has a history of allergies, he should tell the doctor about these allergies before taking Acetaminophen. According to most studies Acetaminophen is safe for consumption of pregnant women, but it can be found in breast milk so nursing mothers are advised to avoid it.

Forms of the Actaminophen

Acetaminophen is available in different forms- a capsule, a tablet, intravenous or intramuscular form, or even as a liquid suspension.

How it acts

• Acetaminophen is metabolised in the liver.
• It is usually called a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a limited anti inflammatory action. It acts of cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme producing prostaglandins- important cause of pain, inflammation and fever.

Conclusion

It is often used for purposes similar to aspirin. But due to its limited action of anti inflammatory symptoms, it is used more widely for pain and fever. Aspirin had pro clotting chemicals in it and inhibits cyclooxygenase, whereas Acetaminophen just reduces its production. Acetaminophen acts via two different pathways.

But it still remains one of the most widely used and trusted medication for fever and a pain reliever and is highly recommended by doctors.

All about Acetaminophen is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Actos is a known as Piolitazone and is used for treating the Type 2 of diabetes. This type of diabetes mellitus is the non-insulin-dependent category. It can also be used to cure fatty liver, but this usage is still at the experiment stages.

Effects of the Actos

• Actos is used only to cure Type 2 diabetes not used for Type 1. Infact can prove to be harmful if used in Type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• The effect Actos can have on pregnant women or those who are breast feeding is still not completely proven. If there is a need to take Actos medication during pregnancy a doctor must be consulted. Also if one is under the dosage of Actos and intends to get pregnant, this too should be consulted with the doctor.
• Dosage of Actos can at times result in the restarting of periods in women who had stopped having periods in a long time. Hence there are also chances of pregnancy that might result. Contraceptive use should be consulted with a doctor in such circumstances.

How it must be taken

The dosage of Actos can be used as monotherapy or in combination with insulin, metformin or sulfonylurea. 45 mg is the recommended quantity of usage in case it is being put to monotherapeutic use.

Precautions that must be taken

In case patients have a problem with the kidney or liver, the usage of Actos is not recommended. The renal sufficiency and liver should hence be checked before administering an Actos dosage. The liver enzymes should be monitored in patients before beginning an Actos dose.

For pediatric use Actos is not really recommended. There are tests being carried out to find out the effect of this drug on patients below the age of 18, but no conclusive results are yet available.

However Actos is widely use by elderly and there is no observed difference in the effectiveness or safety of the usage between them and the young.

What are its side effects?

• Actos has a number of possible side effects if it is not taken with proper doctor consultation. Actos can cause fluid retention especially when used together with other antidiabetic agents like insulin. This may result in heart failure. People prone to heart diseases are thus discouraged from using this drug.
• Patients who take insulin along with Actos also stand the risk of Hypoglycemia.
• Patients who have edema should take their Actos doses with caution. Actos is known to have worsened edema in certain cases.
• Patients may also suffer a weight gain when Actos is used alone or in combination with agents like insulin.
• Actos may cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels, hence affecting immunity.
• There is a great risk of bone fracturing in the patients who have type 2 diabetes and use Actos for treatment. This risk is increased in the female patients more than the male patients.
• Some patients complain of nausea, fatigue, dark urine, vomiting due to the usage of Actos.

All about Actos is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Acyclovir or Aciclovir also known by its chemical name acycloguanosine. It is marketed as Herpex, Acivir, and Zovirax and used as an antiviral drug. It cannot really cure the virus but instead it controls the spread of the virus so that the body can fight off the infection.

What is it used to cure

• It is most effectively used against the herpes virus which causes cold sores, genital herpes and chicken pox.
• The herpes virus is of two types’ herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus also known as shingles. The infections caused by herpes are extremely contagious and hence the patient should not come in contact with other people whom he can possibly infect with the disease. He must wash his hands thoroughly and not stop the dosage of Acyclovir is the symptoms of the disease reduce. The entire dosage should be administered to prevent relapse of the disease.
• Acyclovir can act against Varicella zoster virus, Epstein- Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus besides the known Herpes simplex virus.

What are its side effects?

• Some of the side effects of the use of this drug include nausea, diahorrea, headache, vomiting.
• In case of an overdose hallucinations may also be caused. In extreme cases Acyclovir may also result in reactions like seizures, coma, vertigo, dizziness, hepatitis and the like.
• Encephalopathy and injection site reactions are also seen as side effects of Acyclovir.
• The cream form of Acyclovir may cause dry and flaking skin, irritation and itch. In the eye a mild stinging sensation may be caused if Acyclovir is applied.
• Acyclovir should be avoided during pregnancy as it is a chromosome mutagen.

How should it be taken?

• Acyclovir is not too soluble in water and hence oral medication is not advisable. The intravenous administration of this drug is the most common. When orally consumed the effect of the drug takes a couple of hours.
• It is commonly marketed as tablets, intravenous injections, ointments and topical creams.
• A dosage of 800 mg every four hours of five times daily for 7-10 days is advisable to cure Herpes Zoster by Acyclovir. For genital herpes, the same dosage frequency of 200 mg of medication is prescribed. For chicken pox cases in children above 2 years 20mg/kg of body weight per dose orally four times a day, and for people above 40 kg of weight 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days is the dosage prescribed.

Conclusion

Acyclovir has hailed as a drug ushering in the new era of antiviral therapy and this granted the pharmacologist Gertrude B. Elion the 1988 Nobel Prixe in medicine for the development of the drug.

All about Acyclovir is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Adderall is a drug that is used to stimulate the central nervous system. It is a psychostimulant which increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Though it reduces concentration spans, it is known in increase alertness and reduces fatigue in the user.

Adderall is a Schedule II drug under the United States Controlled Substance Act.

What it is used to cure

• Adderall is available in two forms- the immediate and the extended release. The both are used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and only the immediate release formulation is used for narcolepsy.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder occurs before the age of 7 years, and is caused due to hyperactive impulse or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment. The patients are unable to interact effectively in a social setting; they have a lack of attention to details, poor organization skills, carelessness, intrusiveness and the like.
• Adderall is often used to treat clinical depression even severe cases of it. Patients who show no response to the usual antidepressants often respond to Adderall.
• Adderall also is used to cure Hypersomnia, epilepsy, obesity and senility.

Precautions that must be taken

• Adderall is a drug that is effective for use in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but precaution needs to be taken. Children with symptoms of psychosis are not advised to take this drug.
• Adderall is not recommended at all for children below the age of 3 years. A 2.5 mg dose is suitable for children from 3-5 years, and may be increased by 2.5 mg at weekly intervals till the best results are obtained. For older children a 5 mg dosage is prescribed that may be similarly increased.
• The effect of the drug, Adderall lasts for several hours, often its performance increasing as the day progresses, but its effect on extensive use over a period of time is still under experimentation.

What are its side effects?

Usage of Adderall can result in a number of side effects.

• It can affect the Cardiovascular system and result in increasing blood pressure, palpitations, etc.
• Adderall acts on the Central Nervous System thus may cause restlessness, dizziness, euphoria, depression, insomnia, tremors and headaches. In severe cases it may even result in a seizure or a stroke.
• The usage of Adderall results in weight loss, but at times this can reach an extreme situation and cause anorexia. The gastrointestinal tract gets affected by Adderall; hence diahorrea, constipation and other such disturbances may be caused.
• Addreall may also cause impotence and bring about a change in the libido.
• Skin rashes, epidermal necrolysis can also be caused.

Conclusion

Adderall being a Schedule II drug can cause psychological dependence on it and social disability may also be caused. Mental depression and extreme fatigue may be caused by overdose of the drug and in its most dangerous manifestations; psychosis and even schizophrenia may be caused by use of Adderall.

All about Adderall is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Abluterol is also known as Salbutamol and is widely used to relieve bronchospasm conditions like asthma and other chronic obtrusive pulmonary diseases. It is known by several other names like Ventolin, Asthalin, Proventil, ProAir, etc. depending on the company that is marketing it.

How it is taken

It is usually inhaled as that is what makes it most effective on the smooth bronchial muscles. Hence there are devices like the Rotahaler, Autohaler, or nebulizer that is used to facilitate the inhalation of Albuterol. It may be given as an inhalant orally or even intravenously.

Dosage of the drug

• It is not usually advised for children under the age of four years. The usual dosage is one inhalation in four to six hours. A more frequent dosage is not recommended.
• In case Albuterol is being used to prevent exercise induced bronchospasm, then the dosage is two inhalations about 15-30 minutes prior to exercise.

The mouthpiece of the inhaler with albuterol in it must be washed and dried at least once a week.

What are its side effects?

There may be some side effects to the administration of albuterol.

• The patients may experience increased sweating, edema, cramps especially in the legs, dryness in their mouth, rashes or even in some cases diabetes mellitus. Palpititions and dizziness are other side effects of the use of Albuterol.
• In some rare cases hypertension, vertigo, insomnia and headaches can be also caused due to the inhalation of albuterol.
• Inhaled Albuterol may also cause paradoxical bronchospasms which can be deadly. If these are caused the medication should be immediately discontinued.
• In some instances the asthmatic conditions of the patient may deteriorate due to the use of Albuterol.
• A higher blood pressure or increased pulse rate are some other symptoms that patients may experience. Depression, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders can also be caused by the side effect of the drug.
• Some experiments have shown that palate and limb defects have been exhibited in children whose pregnant mothers were being treated with abluterol. During labour and delivery the usage of albuterol should be limited as it may interfere with uterine contractility.

Conclusion

The United States Drug and Food Administration prohibited the use of inhalers that have chloroflouro carbons. Thus the albuterol inhalers will also have to be phased out if they contain chlorofluorocarbons, and alternative inhalers have to be produced.

However Albuterol is one of the most widely used treatments of asthma and bronchospasms and pulmonary blockade conditions. Over 85% bronchodilator prescriptions suggest this medication.

All about Albuterol is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Allopurinol is a xanthin oxide inhibitor that is used to treat hyperuricemia or the excess uric acid in blood plasma. It is also known as Zyloprim, or Puricos, Allohexal, Progout, or Zyloric.

It blocks the production of uric acid and also decreases the purine metabolism that causes the production of uric acid in the body. 

Dosage of the drug

Allopurinol is administered at 200-300 mg per day for patients with mild gout and 400-600 mg for those with severe gout. At a minimal dosage level, 100-200 mg must be given and a maximum of 800 mg

Allopurinol is best taken following meals with a sufficient fuel intake. In case of children between age group of 6-10 years who are suffering from hyperuricemia, 300 mg might be administered, while children below 6 years can be given 150 mg of the medication.

Allopurinol is taken mostly orally with 100-mg flat, cylindrical tablets.

 What it is used to cure

• Allopurinol is used to treat the excess production of uric acid in human blood plasma.
• It however does not stop or completely cure the chronic gout, but instead prevents future attacks.
• Chemotherapeutic treatment can produce hyperuricemia, and thus Allopurinol is used to keep that condition in check.
• Kidney stone treatment often uses Allopurinol in the medication.
• It can be used on patients who have poor kidney function
• It is prescribed to patient suffering from leukemia; lymphoma as well as these diseases may cause an increased level of uric acid in the blood.

Side effects

• Allopurinol might cause chronic gout or rather the increase the attack of gout in patients already suffering from it.
• A rash may develop as a reaction to Allopurinol. In such cases a doctor must be consulted and the medication must be stopped. Such skin reactions may even prove fatal if not taken note of
• In some rare cases the side effects may also cause hepatitis
• It can also result in worsening of the renal function
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome is another common side effect of the use of Allopurinol
• Some patients complain of diahorrea, nausea on the use of Allopurinol

Precautions that must be taken 

• There is usually no harm to the foetus due to the use of Allopurinol.
• However in case of nursing mothers the use of Allopurinol should be restricted because it is found in breast milk and its effects on infants is not known

All about Allopurinol is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Alprazolah is also known by names like Niravam, Xanax or Xanor. It is a drug that acts in minimal time, and is used to cure anxiety, panic attacks, and depression due to its sedative and hypnotic muscle relaxing effect.

What it is used to cure 

Alprazolam is used to treat panic disorders in patients. It treats severe anxiety and tremors too. Anxiety disorders are given short term relief by the use of this drug. It is usually used for short term treatment and rarely administered over longer periods.

There are some studies that even classify Alprazolam’s use as an anti depressant. There are however many debates about its use as the cure for clinical depression, and studies are still in progress.

Side Effects 

• The use of Alprazolam can cause allergic reactions. Hives, swelling of the face, throat and other facial features are caused by such allergy.
• There may be some yellowing of the skin or eyes in which case a doctor should be consulted as jaundice may be caused.
• There may be signs of either euphoria or dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, vertigo, in a patient under the action of Alprazolam.
• There may be hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies that arise in a person.
• Memory functions may be affected by use of Alprazolam
• Slurred speech may also occur, however it is rather uncommon.
• If symptoms such as rage, aggression, hostility are seen, then the medication should be discontinued.

Precautions that must be taken 

• Alprazolam is a drug that can be habit forming and result in physical dependent.
• A patient may feel withdrawal symptoms when the use of the drug is stopped.
• Alprazolam should be taken with caution in individuals who suffer from glaucoma, liver deficiencies like cirrhosis and are prone to allergies.
• Pregnant women are advised not to consume Alprazolam because it may cause symptoms in the unborn child. The child may develop respiratory problems if the pregnant mother is under the effect of this drug.
• Alprazolam makes its presence felt even in the milk of the mother, hence nursing mothers are told to avoid the use of this drug. This is because it may cause their children to become lethargic and lose weight.
• Alertness is reduced due to the use of Alprazolam; hence the elderly must be cautious during the use of this drug.
• Overdose of the drug may have consequences like hypotension, difficulty staying awake, muscle weakness and in some rare cases even death. Death however is caused when Alprazolam is taken in combination with other drugs.
• It is often used for purely recreational purposes, but the addictive tendencies and the withdrawal symptoms it exhibits should warn potential consumers.  

Conclusion

 The United States Government has classified Alprazolam as a Schedule IV drug in the Controlled Substances Act, thus proving exactly how potent it is.

All about Alprazolah is a post from: Prescription Drugs

Ambien is a trade name for the medicine Zolpidem. It is also known as Adormix, Hypnogen, and Sanval depending on who markets it. It has the chemical composition of Zoldisem tartrate and is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic.

It is available in tablets of 5mg and 10 mg strength and is usually taken orally. It however is sparingly soluble in water. The dosage of Ambien in adults of 10 mg per day just before the patient goes to sleep.

What is it used to cure 

• Ambien is used to treat insomnia for a short period of time and other related brain disorders.
• It is quick in its action and acts within approximately 15 minutes.
• It is often used by air force pilots in United States to put them to sleep after a mission.
• It can act as a muscle relaxant
• Ambien has hypnotic effects
• Ambien improves the brain functioning and mobility of patients suffering from diseases like akinetic mutism. It aids patients who are suffering the condition of being a vegetable by working on their brain injuries that cause the state.
• The drug is also known to be effective in the cure of the coma state. If a patient is in a minimally conscious coma, he can be fully recovered by the use of Ambien. In earlier times the drug was administered to put coma patients to sleep, however the use has been modified based on the results.

Precautions to be taken 

• While driving under the influence of Ambien road accidents may be resulted in.
• In case of use by the elderly precautions must be taken as due to the hypnotic effects of Ambien, falls may be caused, causing graver trouble.

Results of an overdose 

• An overdose of Ambien can cause memory impairment.
• Moreover some of the other serious impacts include excessive sedation or the patient may even progress to coma
• There is also a possibility of death especially when consumed with alcohol.

What are its Side effects? 

• Ambien use might cause patients to sleep walk or indulge in other alike activities in their sleep. Patients have even been found to be driving, eating or performing similar activities while sleeping under the influence of Ambien.
• Ambien acts on the brain functioning and hence as possible side effects it can cause aberrations in the brain like hallucinations, delusions, or altered thought processes. A sense of euphoria is another possible side effect.
• The bodily balance of a human being can be disrupted due to poor coordination of the motor organs.
• An increased appetite is noticed in some patients
• Ambein users may also feel an increased libido as a side effect
• Again due to its effect on the brain amnesia may be caused
• When the use of Ambein is stopped patients may complain of relapse of insomnia and even in some cases headache.
• During Ambien use patients are often found to be in negative mood, in a weak tired state
• There is a risk of dependence and addiction on the Ambein drug and patients even exhibit withdrawal symptoms on stopping the use of Ambein.

All about Ambien is a post from: Prescription Drugs