This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
Take this medication as directed. Try to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant blood level of the medication and is most effective.
This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness. These effects should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seeks immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other affects not listed above, contact doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms of genital herpes are present to prevent infecting your partner. Inform your doctor if this medication does not appear to decrease the frequency or severity of recurrent infections.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Your blood group
A person's A B O type depends upon the presence of absence of two genes --the A and B genes. These genes are encoded on chromosome 9. They determine part of the configuration of the red blood cell surface.
A person can be A, B, AB, or O. If a person has two A genes, their red blood cells are type A. If a person has two B genes, their red cells are type B. If the person has one A and one B gene, their red cells are type AB. If the person has neither the A nor B gene, they are type O.
The situation with antibodies in blood plasma is just the opposite. Someone with type A red cells has anti-B antibodies (antibodies directed against type B red cells) in their blood plasma. Someone with type B red cells has anti-A antibodies in plasma. Someone who is type O has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma. And someone who is type AB has neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies in plasma.
It is most important to determine the A B O status of both donor and recipient in transplants and transfusions by typing and cross-matching. A B O incompatibility in such procedures can be a disaster.
The first recorded blood transfusion may have taken in 1492.
A person can be A, B, AB, or O. If a person has two A genes, their red blood cells are type A. If a person has two B genes, their red cells are type B. If the person has one A and one B gene, their red cells are type AB. If the person has neither the A nor B gene, they are type O.
The situation with antibodies in blood plasma is just the opposite. Someone with type A red cells has anti-B antibodies (antibodies directed against type B red cells) in their blood plasma. Someone with type B red cells has anti-A antibodies in plasma. Someone who is type O has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma. And someone who is type AB has neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies in plasma.
It is most important to determine the A B O status of both donor and recipient in transplants and transfusions by typing and cross-matching. A B O incompatibility in such procedures can be a disaster.
The first recorded blood transfusion may have taken in 1492.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy that are due to histamine. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine
Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness.
Fexofenadine is used for the treatment of seasonal allergies and chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children 6 years of age or older.
The most common side effects of fexofenadine are nausea, vomiting, weakness and sleepiness.
In controlled clinical studies there were no interactions with other drugs that significantly affected the safety or effectiveness of fexofenadine.
For seasonal allergies the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. Children 6-11 years of age should be given 30 mg twice daily. For chronic urticaria, adults and children 12 years or older should use 60 mg twice daily, and children 6-11 years of age should use 30 mg twice daily. Fexofenadine can be taken with or without food.
Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness.
Fexofenadine is used for the treatment of seasonal allergies and chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children 6 years of age or older.
The most common side effects of fexofenadine are nausea, vomiting, weakness and sleepiness.
In controlled clinical studies there were no interactions with other drugs that significantly affected the safety or effectiveness of fexofenadine.
For seasonal allergies the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. Children 6-11 years of age should be given 30 mg twice daily. For chronic urticaria, adults and children 12 years or older should use 60 mg twice daily, and children 6-11 years of age should use 30 mg twice daily. Fexofenadine can be taken with or without food.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The common cold
The common cold is arguably the most common illness in humans. It is also one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. As the most frequently occurring illness in the world, it is also a leading cause of doctor visits.
What causes the common cold, and how is it spread?
Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds.
1. Wash your hands often.
This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.
2. Avoid touching your face.
Most importantly, avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eye areas if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.
3. Keep household surfaces clean.
Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
4. Throw tissues away after use
Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left.
5. Control stress & Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.
While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.
What causes the common cold, and how is it spread?
Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds.
1. Wash your hands often.
This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.
2. Avoid touching your face.
Most importantly, avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eye areas if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.
3. Keep household surfaces clean.
Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
4. Throw tissues away after use
Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left.
5. Control stress & Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.
While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Desloratadine
Desloratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Desloratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desloratadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Desloratadine 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 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Desloratadine 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:
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• fever, flu symptoms;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• muscle pain;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• headache;
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.
Desloratadine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
What other drugs will affect desloratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect desloratadine. 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.
Desloratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
Before taking desloratadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Desloratadine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of desloratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine (Claritin).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desloratadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Desloratadine 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 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Desloratadine 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:
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• fever, flu symptoms;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• muscle pain;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• headache;
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.
Desloratadine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
>=6m <12m: 1 mg orally once a day
>=1y <6y: 1.25 mg orally once a day
>=6y <11y: 2.5 mg orally once a day
>=12 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day
What other drugs will affect desloratadine?
There may be other drugs that can affect desloratadine. 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.
