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Monday, March 26, 2012

Abraxane

Generic Name: paclitaxel protein-bound (Intravenous route)

pak-li-TAX-el PROE-teen - bownd

Intravenous route(Powder for Suspension)

Paclitaxel protein-bound particles therapy should not be administered to patients with metastatic breast cancer who have baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1500 cells/mm(3). It is recommended that frequent peripheral blood cell counts be performed on all patients in order to monitor for the occurrence of bone marrow suppression. An albumin form of paclitaxel may substantially affect a drug's functional properties relative to those of drug in solution. Do not substitute for or with other paclitaxel formulations .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Abraxane

Available Dosage Forms:

Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mitotic Inhibitor

Uses For Abraxane

Paclitaxel protein-bound belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is used to treat cancer of the breast after other treatments have failed.

Paclitaxel interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by paclitaxel protein-bound, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, paclitaxel protein-bound is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:

Metastatic breast cancer, used alone for the treatment of breast cancer that has spread.

Before Using Abraxane

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of paclitaxel protein-bound in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of paclitaxel protein-bound in the elderly.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	D	Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Rotavirus Vaccine, Live

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Ethinyl Estradiol

Testosterone

Tretinoin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of Abraxane

You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Precautions While Using Abraxane

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Men who receive paclitaxel protein-bound should not father a child.

Paclitaxel can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, which will increase the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets in your blood, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, these are the precautions you can take to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection, or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or have painful or difficult urination.

Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in your urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.

Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.

Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects, such as a safety razor, fingernail clippers, or toenail clippers.

Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These could be symptoms of a condition called sensory neuropathy.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, tired, weak, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy or not alert.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Abraxane Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

blurred or double vision

chest pain

chills

cough

fever

loss of taste

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

shortness of breath

sneezing

sore mouth or tongue

sore throat

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing with exertion

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

wheezing

white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Less common

Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)

anxiety

bleeding

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

confusion

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness or lightheadedness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

low blood pressure or slow pulse

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves

palpitations

pinpoint red spots on the skin

sensation of pins and needles

severe, sudden headache

skin itching, rash, or redness

slow or irregular heartbeat

slurred speech

stabbing pain

sudden loss of coordination

sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

sudden, unexplained shortness of breath

sweating

swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area

unconsciousness

vision changes

Rare

Difficulty with speaking

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs

severe pain in the chest

slow speech

sudden onset of severe breathing problems

trouble speaking, thinking, or walking

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Cracked lips

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

lack or loss of strength

loss of hair

muscle pain or stiffness

nausea

pain in the joints

swelling

vomiting

Less common

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the site of injection

Rare

Nail changes

Observed during clinical trials

Disturbed color perception with your eyes

halos around lights

loss of vision

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

tunnel vision

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Abraxane side effects (in more detail)

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

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More Abraxane resources

Abraxane Side Effects (in more detail)
Abraxane Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Abraxane Drug Interactions
Abraxane Support Group
1 Review for Abraxane - Add your own review/rating

Abraxane Prescribing Information (FDA)

Abraxane MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Abraxane Consumer Overview

Compare Abraxane with other medications

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer, Metastatic

Friday, March 23, 2012

cetirizine and pseudoephedrine

Generic Name: cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (se TIR i zeen and SOO doe e FED rin)

Brand names: All Day Allergy-D, ZyrTEC-D, Goodsense Cetirizine D-12 Hour

What is cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

You should not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you are allergic to either drug, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydralazine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious side effects can occur if you take pseudoephedrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. You should not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you are allergic to either drug, or if you have:

narrow-angle glaucoma;

severe high blood pressure (hypertension);

severe coronary artery disease;

if you are unable to urinate; or

if you are allergic to hydralazine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have:

heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;

diabetes;

a thyroid disorder;

glaucoma;

kidney or liver disease;

an enlarged prostate; or

problems with urination.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine 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.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

How should I take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take one tablet every 12 hours, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may take this medication with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the medicine to be released at one time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever. Store cetirizine and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine dosage (in more detail)

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, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. 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 feeling restless or nervous, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, drowsiness, increased thirst, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble sleeping, or problems with urination.

What should I avoid while taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with pseudoephedrine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Pseudoephedrine is contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);

severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;

extreme feeling of fear or confusion;

increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

problems with vision; or

urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

tired feeling;

dry mouth;

nausea, stomach pain, constipation;

problems with concentration; or

ringing in your ears.

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.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

12 years or older:

1 tablet (5 mg-120 mg) orally twice daily.

What other drugs will affect cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by cetirizine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following drugs:

digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

blood pressure medication, especially methyldopa (Aldomet), mecamylamine (Inversine), or reserpine; or

diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More cetirizine and pseudoephedrine resources

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Side Effects (in more detail)
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Dosage
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Drug Interactions
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine Support Group
3 Reviews for Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine - Add your own review/rating

Compare cetirizine and pseudoephedrine with other medications

Hay Fever

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

See also: cetirizine and pseudoephedrine side effects (in more detail)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Periostat

Generic Name: doxycycline (DOX i SYE kleen)

Brand Names: Adoxa, Adoxa CK, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Avidoxy, Doryx, Monodox, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, Vibramycin, Vibramycin Calcium, Vibramycin Monohydrate

What is Periostat (doxycycline)?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Doxycycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others.

Doxycycline is also used to treat blemishes, bumps, and acne-like lesions caused by rosacea. Doxycycline will not treat facial redness caused by rosacea.

Doxycycline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Periostat (doxycycline)?

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in life.

Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using doxycycline.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to doxycycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).

Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, or if you are allergic to sulfites.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking doxycycline. Children should not use doxycycline. Doxycycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years old. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Periostat (doxycycline)?

To make sure you can safely take doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

liver disease;

kidney disease; or

asthma or sulfite allergy.

If you are using doxycycline to treat gonorrhea, your doctor may test you to make sure you do not also have syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use doxycycline if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in life. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Doxycycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking doxycycline. Children should not use doxycycline. Doxycycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years old.

How should I take Periostat (doxycycline)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take doxycycline with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking doxycycline.

Different brands of doxycycline may have different instructions about taking them with or without food.

Most brands of doxycyline may be taken with food or milk if the medicine upsets your stomach. Take Oracea or Periostat on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

You may open a Doryx capsule or break up a Doryx tablet and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of cool water right away.

Do not crush, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. The enteric coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose 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 the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Doxycycline will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using doxycycline. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Using expired doxycycline can cause damage to your kidneys.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Periostat (doxycycline)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking doxycycline and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Doxycycline can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking doxycycline.

Periostat (doxycycline) side effects

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

severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

diarrhea that is watery or bloody

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, mild diarrhea;

upset stomach;

mild skin rash or itching; or

vaginal itching or discharge.

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 Periostat (doxycycline)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);

isotretinoin (Accutane);

tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, Vesanoid);

an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;

a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;

minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or

a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with doxycycline. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Periostat resources

Periostat Side Effects (in more detail)
Periostat Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Drug Images
Periostat Drug Interactions
Periostat Support Group
0 Reviews for Periostat - Add your own review/rating

Periostat MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Periostat Prescribing Information (FDA)

Periostat Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Doxycycline Prescribing Information (FDA)

Doxycycline Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Doxycycline Monograph (AHFS DI)

Doxycycline MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Adoxa MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Alodox Prescribing Information (FDA)

Doryx Prescribing Information (FDA)

Doryx Delayed-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Doxycycline Calcium Monograph (AHFS DI)

Monodox Prescribing Information (FDA)

Ocudox Convenience Kit MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Oracea Consumer Overview

Oracea Prescribing Information (FDA)

Vibra-Tabs MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Vibramycin Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Periostat with other medications

Periodontitis

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about doxycycline.

See also: Periostat side effects (in more detail)

Monday, March 19, 2012

praziquantel

Generic Name: praziquantel (PRAZ i KWON tel)

Brand Names: Biltricide

What is praziquantel?

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by Schistosoma worms, which enter the body through skin that has come into contact with contaminated water. Schistosoma worms are found in Africa, South America, Middle Eastern countries, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.

Praziquantel is also used to treat infection with liver flukes, caused by a type of worm found in East Asia. This worm enters the body while eating contaminated fish.

Praziquantel should not be used to treat parasitic infections in the eye.

Praziquantel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about praziquantel?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to praziquantel, or if you have take rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate) in the last 4 weeks.

Before taking praziquantel, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or a history of seizures or epilepsy.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Praziquantel may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Praziquantel should be taken with a meal. Do not crush or chew the praziquantel tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking praziquantel?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to praziquantel, or if you have take rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate) in the last 4 weeks.

To make sure you can safely take praziquantel, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

headaches, confusion;

seizures (or a history of seizures or epilepsy);

lumps (nodules) under your skin;

kidney disease;

heart disease; or

liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. Praziquantel is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Praziquantel 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. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

How should I take praziquantel?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Praziquantel is usually taken 3 times in one day. Your doses should be taken 4 to 6 hours apart on that day.

Praziquantel should be taken with a meal.

You may need to break a praziquantel tablet in order to get the correct dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush or chew the praziquantel tablet or portion of a tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Praziquantel dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking praziquantel?

Praziquantel may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with praziquantel and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Praziquantel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

tired feeling;

headache, dizziness;

nausea, upset stomach;

mild fever; or

mild 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.

Praziquantel Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Nanophyetus salmincola:

20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 3 doses (as a 1 day treatment)

Usual Adult Dose for Schistosoma japonicum:

20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 3 doses (as a 1 day treatment)

Usual Adult Dose for Schistosoma mekongi:

20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 3 doses (as a 1 day treatment)

Usual Adult Dose for Schistosoma haematobium:

20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 3 doses (as a 1 day treatment)

Some clinicians recommend 20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 2 doses (as a 1 day treatment).

Usual Adult Dose for Schistosoma mansoni:

20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 3 doses (as a 1 day treatment)

Some clinicians recommend 20 mg/kg orally every 4 hours for 2 doses (as a 1 day treatment).

Usual Adult Dose for Fasciolopsis buski (Intestinal Fluke):