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Clarithromycin | A Macrolide Antibiotic

clarithromycin town pharmacy
IntroductionClarithromycin available under the brand names of Klaricid, Claritek, Clarion and more, is an antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of infections.
It’s used to treat chest infections like pneumonia, as well as skin diseases like cellulitis and ear infections.
Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, is also treated with it.People who are allergic to penicillin and antibiotics that are related to penicillin, such as amoxicillin, may take clarithromycin.
Class of MedicineClarithromycin belongs to the macrolide antibiotics family of drugs. It works by preventing bacteria from growing. Colds, flu, and other viral diseases will not respond to antibiotics like clarithromycin.
Mode of ActionBy attaching to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, clarithromycin, a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin, suppresses bacterial protein production. Binding prevents amino acid translocation during translation and protein assembly by inhibiting peptidyl transferase activity.
Medical UsesClarithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections such pneumonia, bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs), and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat.
Avaiability & UsageClarithromycin in gernerally available in Tablet and Syrup forms.

Indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

For 7-14 days, take 250-500 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 7 days (extended release)

Acute Sinusitis of the Maxilla
Indicated for the treatment of mild to severe infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae susceptible isolates.

For 14 days, take 500 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 14 days (extended release)

Infection with Mycobacterium
Treatment and prophylaxis for mycobacterial infections are recommended.

For 7-14 days, take 500 mg every 12 hours.

Use in combination with other antimycobacterial medications to treat disseminated infection caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (eg, ethambutol)

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a type of stomach ulcer.
When treating individuals with active or history of peptic ulcer disease, this medication is recommended for H pylori eradication.

For 10-14 days, take 500 mg every 8-12 hours.

Administer with bismuth subsalicylate, amoxicillin, H2 receptor antagonist, or proton pump inhibitor as part of a 2- or 3-drug combination therapy.

Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days

Pneumonia acquired in the community
Susceptible isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae are used to treat mild to moderate illnesses.

For 7-14 days, take 250 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 7 days (extended release)

250 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days for skin/skin structure infection

Pertussis is a kind of pertussis that causes (Off-label)
Off-label use for pertussis treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis

For 7 days, take 500 mg PO twice a day.

Side EffectsGeneral Side Efeects in more than 1%
Gastrointestinal (GI) effects, general (13%)
Abnormal taste (adults, 3-7%)
Diarrhea (3-6%)
Nausea (adults, 3-6%)
Vomiting (adults, 1%; children, 6%)
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 4%)
Abdominal pain (adults, 2%; children, 3%)
Rash (children, 3%)
Dyspepsia (2%)
Heartburn (adults, 2%)
Headache (2%)
Elevated prothrombin time (PT; 1%)
Caution
(while taking with other medicine)
Heart and Blood Vessel Problems.

In patients with these conditions, clarithromycin may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. It could happen a year or ten years after taking this medication. If you are concerned about this risk, consult your doctor. This medication may cause diarrhoea, which can be severe in some cases.

Important WarningClarithromycin may cause QT prolongation, which is a heart rhythm problem. This condition can result in rapid, erratic heartbeats. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea can be caused by almost all antibiotics, including clarithromycin.
Available BrandsKlaricid
Claritek
Clarion

 

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Ibuprofen – NSAID – An Everyday Pain Killer

IntroductionIbuprofen available under brand name of Brufen is a common pain reliever used to treat a variety of aches and pains, such as back pain, period pain, and toothache. It also helps with inflammation from strains and sprains, as well as arthritis discomfort.
Class of MedicineIbuprofen belongs to the NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the creation of a chemical that causes pain, heat, and inflammation in the body
Mode of ActionIbuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme essential for prostaglandin synthesis via the arachidonic acid pathway. COX is required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). After then, PGH2 is converted to prostaglandins. As a result of ibuprofen’s suppression of COX, the body’s production of prostaglandins is reduced.

PGH2 produces prostaglandins, which are key mediators of feelings like pain and inflammatory processes including fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen’s antipyretic effects may be due to its influence on the hypothalamus, which results in vasodilation, increased peripheral blood flow, and subsequent heat dissipation.

Medical UsesIbuprofen is a common pain reliever used to treat a variety of aches and pains, such as back pain, period pain, and toothache. It also helps with inflammation from strains and sprains, as well as arthritis discomfort. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and a syrup that you ingest.
Avaiability & UsageIbuprofen is available in form of Tablet, Syrup and Cream (for external use)

Adults should take one or two 200mg pills three times each day. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe a larger dose of up to 600 mg to be taken four times each day. This should only be done under the guidance of a physician.
Allow at least 6 hours between doses if you take ibuprofen three times a day. Allow at least 4 hours between doses if you’re taking it four times a day.

If you’re in constant pain, ask your doctor about slow-release ibuprofen tablets or capsules. These are usually taken once or twice a day in the evening. If you’re taking ibuprofen twice a day, wait 10 to 12 hours between doses.

Ibuprofen tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. Ibuprofen tablets and capsules should be taken after a meal or snack, or with a glass of milk. It will be less prone to cause stomach discomfort.

Side EffectsMore than 1 in 100 people experience the common negative effects of ibuprofen taken by mouth. If these side effects annoy you or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:

headaches
feeling nauseous
feeling unwell (nausea)
being unwell (vomiting)
wind \sindigestion

Caution
(while taking with other medicine)
Some drugs don’t combine well with ibuprofen.

When ibuprofen is applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth, it is less likely to interact with other medications.

Before taking ibuprofen or applying it to your skin, tell your doctor if you’re taking any of the following medications for your safety:

    • Warfarin, for example, is a blood thinner.
    • Aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
  • high blood pressure medications
  • Betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone are examples of steroid medications.
  • Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin are examples of antibiotics.
  • Citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine, or sertraline are examples of antidepressants.
  • Gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide, and tolbutamide are examples of diabetes medications.
Important WarningIf you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away.

  • Swollen ankles
  • Blood in your pee, or not peeing at all – these can be indicators of a kidney problem.
  • Black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of stomach bleeding.
  • Severe chest or stomach discomfort – this could indicate a hole in your stomach or gut, as well as trouble breathing or worsening asthma symptoms.
Available BrandsBrufen

 

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Flurbiprofen – NSAID – Pain Killer

Introduction

Flurbiprofen, also known as Froben, Inflamatix, Ansaid, Rasbid, and other brand names, is an NSAID that is used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that has antibacterial efficacy against Trichophyton species, Microsporum species, and Epidermophyton species.

Class of Medicine
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include flurbiprofen. It works by inhibiting the creation of a chemical that causes pain, heat, and inflammation in the body.

Mode of Action
Flurbiprofen’s anti-inflammatory activity is mediated through reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and PGG2 to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) in the prostaglandin production pathway, similar to other NSAIAs. This successfully lowers the levels of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation, discomfort, swelling, and fever. Flurbiprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor that suppresses both COX-1 and COX-2 activity. In terms of prostaglandin inhibitory activity, it is likewise one of the most powerful NSAIAs.

How should this medicine be used?
Flurbiprofen is available in tablet form, that must be swallowed. It’s commonly taken twice a day, up to four times a day. Flurbiprofen should be taken at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and if there is anything you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you.

Common Side Effects

Upset stomach
Constipation
Diarrhea
Gas
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Important Warning

This drug has the potential to produce a serious allergic reaction. Hives, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the neck or tongue, and chest pain are all possible symptoms. If you’ve had any of these symptoms or asthma after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, don’t use flurbiprofen.

If you have a peptic ulcer or a bleeding issue, you should not use Flurbiprofen, unless a physician advises you otherwise.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Froben
Inflamatix
Ansaid
Rasbid