Medicines of Comman use

From DrugPedia: A Wikipedia for Drug discovery

There are many medicines that we use in day to day life, without knowing complete information about them. Here are some examples of Drugs that we use in our daily life whenever we feel some discomfort like cold, mild fever etc. The information given here is just for general knowledge and must not consider as medical prescription. please consult your doctor in case of any severe illness.

Contents 1 Paracitamol 2 Aspirin 3 Diazepam 4 Ibuprofen 5 Benadryl

[edit] Paracitamol

( N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol ; APAP ) Pronouncation: (a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen) Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic

Pharmacology

Inhibits prostaglandins in CNS, but lacks anti-inflammatory effects in periphery; reduces fever through direct action on hypothalamic heat-regulating center. Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Rapid and complete from the GI tract. T max is 0.5 to 2 h; 4 h after overdosage.

Distribution

Distributed throughout most body fluids. Binding to plasma proteins is variable.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized by hepatic conjugation (94%), and about 4% is metabolized by CYP-450 oxidase to toxic metabolite.

Elimination

The t ½ is about 2 h. 90% to 100% is recovered in the urine within the first day, primarily as inactive metabolites. 5% is excreted as unchanged drug.

Special Populations

Hepatic Function Impairment

The half-life may increase 2-fold or more in patients with liver disease.

Neonates and cirrhotic patients

The t ½ is slightly prolonged.

Indications and Usage

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to common cold or flu, backache, headache, arthritis, menstrual and premenstrual cramps, muscular aches, sore throat, toothache; temporarily reduces fever. Unlabeled Uses

Pain and fever prophylaxis after vaccination.

Side-effects of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Acetaminophen. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Acetaminophen:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine or pale stools; unusual fatigue; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

[edit] Aspirin

What is aspirin?

Generic Name: aspirin (oral) (AS pir in)

Aspirin is in a group of drugs called salicylates. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain, and also to reduce fever or inflammation. It is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and angina. Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Important information about aspirin

Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Symptoms include black, bloody, or tarry stools, and coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Aspirin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Before taking aspirin

Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to aspirin, or if you have:

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
• an allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.

Before taking aspirin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma or seasonal allergies;
• stomach ulcers;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure;
• gout; or
• nasal polyps.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take aspirin. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Ibuprofen may make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby's heart, and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking this medication. Aspirin 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.

Aspirin 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 aspirin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
• fever lasting longer than 3 days;
• swelling, or pain lasting longer than 10 days; or
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, heartburn;
• drowsiness; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

[edit] Diazepam

Generic Name: diazepam (dye AZ e pam)

Brand names: Valium, Valrelease

What is diazepam?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Diazepam is used for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Diazepam may also be used to relieve agitation, shakiness, and hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal and relieve certain types of muscle spasms. It may also be used to treat seizures, insomnia, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Diazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed.

Important information about diazepam

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use diazepam if you are pregnant.

Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by diazepam. Diazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Diazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before taking diazepam

Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to diazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Diazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Diazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The sedative effects of diazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking diazepam. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old.

Diazepam 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 any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• muscle twitching, tremor;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious diazepam side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
• slurred speech;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• headache;
• drooling;
• skin rash; or
• loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

[edit] Ibuprofen

Generic Name: ibuprofen (eye byoo PROE fen)

Brand Names: Advil, Genpril, Ibu-200, Midol, Motrin, Nuprin

What is ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Ibuprofen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide

Important information about ibuprofen

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use ibuprofen. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of this medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever. Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.

Before taking ibuprofen

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• polyps in your nose; or
• liver or kidney disease,
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
• if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ibuprofen. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. However, taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take this medication during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen - for the consumer

Ibuprofen

All medicines can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ibuprofen:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach pain or upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ibuprofen:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

[edit] Benadryl

Generic Name: diphenhydramine (dye fen HYE dra meen)

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is an antihistamine. Benadryl blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

Benadryl is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Benadryl is also used to suppress coughs, to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat mild forms of Parkinson's disease.

Benadryl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Important information about Benadryl Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benadryl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benadryl. Before taking Benadryl Do not take Benadryl if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking Benadryl, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
• a stomach ulcer;
• an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
• hypertension or any type of heart problems; or
• asthma.

You may not be able to take Benadryl, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Benadryl is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Benadryl without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and side effects could occur in a breast-feeding baby. Do not take Benadryl without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Benadryl. You may require a lower dose of Benadryl.

Benadryl side effects

Stop taking Benadryl and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Benadryl and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
• headache;
• dry mouth; or
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.