Category: Generics

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Escilatopram – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Introduction
 Escitalopram is an antidepressant and anxiety medication, available in oral tablet or liquid form under the brand names of Cipralex, Citanew, Es-Pramcit, Excita. It works by assisting in the restoration of a natural substance (serotonin) equilibrium in the brain.

Class of Medicine
Escitalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRI). It may increase your energy and emotions of well-being while also reducing anxiousness.

Mode of Action
By preventing the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, escitalopram raises intrasynaptic levels of the neurotransmitter. In comparison to less-selective SSRIs, escitalopram has the highest selectivity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) compared to the norepinephrine transporter (NET). As a result, the side-effect profile is quite modest.
Because escitalopram is a P-glycoprotein substrate, P-glycoprotein inhibitors like verapamil and quinidine may help it cross the blood-brain barrier. Escitalopram’s antidepressant-like effects were enhanced in a preclinical research in rats when it was combined with a P-glycoprotein inhibitor.

How should this medicine be used?
Escitalopram is available as a tablet and a liquid solution to be taken by mouth. It’s taken once a day, with or without food. Take escitalopram at the same time every day, either in the morning or in the evening, to help you remember to take it. 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. Take escitalopram exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.

Common Side Effects
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
drowsiness
increased sweating
dizziness
heartburn
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dry mouth
decreased appetite
weight loss
flu-like symptoms
runny nose
sneezing

Important Warning
When you take this drug, you could develop a dangerous illness called serotonin syndrome. It happens when there are dangerously high quantities of a natural brain chemical. It happens when your levels of serotonin, a natural brain chemical, are dangerously high. It’s most likely to happen if you combine this medication with other serotonin-boosting medications. Irritability, agitation, disorientation, hallucinations, tight muscles, tremors, and seizures are all signs of serotonin syndrome. If you have this, get immediate medical attention.

Irritability, agitation, anxiety, high or low mood, restlessness, changes in sleep habits, headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness, electric shock-like feelings, shaking, and confusion are all possible withdrawal side effects if you stop using this drug too soon. Do not discontinue taking escitalopram without first consulting your doctor. To avoid these withdrawal symptoms, he or she will gradually reduce your dose.

If you take aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), warfarin, or other anticoagulants, escitalopram can increase your risk of bleeding. If you see any bleeding or unusual bruising, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Cipralex
Citanew
Es-Pramcit
Excita

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Thiocolchicoside – An Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory

Introduction
Thiocolchicoside is a semi-synthetic colchicine derivative used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Muscoril, Thiolax, and Myolax are all examples of thiocolchicoside, a muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is a competitive GABAA receptor antagonist, as well as a potent glycine receptor antagonist and a weaker nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist.

* It has strong convulsant properties and should not be used by people who are prone to seizures.

Class of Medicine
Colchicine is a natural anti-inflammatory glycoside derived from the flower seeds of Superba gloriosa. Thiocolchicoside is a semi-synthetic derivative of colchicine. It’s a muscle relaxant with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mode of Action

Thiocholchicoside is a muscle relaxant that operates by binding to the GABA-A receptor selectively. It works by stimulating the GABA inhibitory motor pathway, which stops muscle contractions.

This medicine inhibits glycine receptors with the same efficacy as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and functions as a competitive GABA receptor antagonist. It has strong convulsant properties and should not be used in people who are prone to seizures.

Patients having hysterosalpingography are sedated with this drug in combination with glafenine and meprobamate. It is used to relieve painful muscle spasms. Thiocolchicoside works in reflex, rheumatic, and traumatic contractures as well as contractures with a central aetiology. It also helps with spastic hemiparesis sequelae, Parkinson’s disease, and iatrogenic Parkinson symptoms, such as neurodyslectic syndrome. Acute and chronic lumbar and sciatic pain, cervico-brachial neuralgia, persistent torticollis, and post-traumatic and post-operative pain are some of the additional disorders that may benefit from this medicine.

How should this medicine be used?
Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant used to treat back pain and other aches caused by diseases of the vertebral column or spinal cord, as well as to relieve pain following surgery. This drug works by interacting with particular receptors in the brain and spinal cord.

The highest suggested oral dose is 8 mg per 12 hours, with a maximum treatment period of 7 days. The highest dose taken intramuscularly (IM) is 4 mg every 12 hours for a maximum of 5 days 14. A study was conducted on the hepatotoxic potential of thiocolchicoside in addition to the aforesaid toxicity.

Common Side Effects
Itching
Skin rash
Swelling of face
Fainting
Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Yellowing of skin
Yellowing of eyes
Photosensitivity
Dry mouth
Headache
Dizziness
Should be avoided at all costs in pregnant and breastfeeding women

Important Warning
This medicine should be used with caution in individuals with kidney disease or impairment of normal kidney function due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, necessary dose changes, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the medical history and health status of the patient.
The usage of this drug may cause symptoms such as tiredness, impaired judgement, impaired body movements, and so on in some people. As a result, it is advised that you avoid undertaking any activities that demand high mental awareness while taking this medication, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

The use of this drug in children and adolescents under the age of 16 is not advised.
This drug should not be taken by pregnant women. If you are pregnant and taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.
Because of the considerable risk of harmful effects on the nursing infant, this medicine is not advised for use in breastfeeding women.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)

Muscoril
Thiolax
Myolax

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Ciprofloxacin | An Antibiotic | Quinolones | Fluoroquinolone

Introduction
Ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin, Novidat, Axcin, Cycin) is a fluoroquinolone of the second generation that is used to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses.
Ciprofloxacin has created a slew of antibiotic derivatives. It’s designed to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses via oral, intravenous.

Class of Medicine
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as quinolones. This antibiotic is used to treat a number of different bacterial infections. It won’t work if you have a viral infection (such as common cold, flu)

Mode of Action
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone of the second generation that is effective against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. It works by inhibiting the enzymes bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Ciprofloxacin has a 100-fold affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase compared to mammalian DNA gyrase. Fluoroquinolones have no cross resistance with other antibiotic classes, hence they may be useful in situations where other antibiotics are no longer effective. Ciprofloxacin inhibits topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV in bacteria. Ciprofloxacin targets DNA gyrase’s alpha subunits, preventing it from supercoiling bacterial DNA and thereby preventing DNA replication.

How should this medicine be used?

Ciprofloxacin is available in tablet, suspension (liquid), and extended-release tablet forms for oral use with or without food. The extended-release tablets are normally taken once a day, whereas the tablets and suspension are normally taken twice a day. The tablets and suspension can be administered as a single dosage to treat gonorrhoea. Ciprofloxacin should be taken at the same time(s) every day. Your treatment time will be determined by the sort of illness you have. The length of time you should take ciprofloxacin will be determined by your doctor. Ciprofloxacin should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.

Ciprofloxacin of one type cannot be used in place of another. Ensure that you only get the sort of Ciprofloxacin that your doctor prescribed.
Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products or calcium-fortified liquids on their own. You can, however, take Ciprofloxacin with a meal that contains these foods or beverages.
Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets or extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Tell your doctor if you can’t swallow the tablets whole.
If you’re taking the suspension, give the bottle a good 15-second shake before each usage to ensure that the drug is equally distributed. Chew the granules in the suspension before swallowing the precise dose.

During the first several days of your Ciprofloxacin medication, you should start to feel better. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. If you have a urinary tract infection and develop a fever or back pain during or after treatment, contact your doctor. These symptoms could indicate that your infection is getting worse.

Even if you feel better, keep taking Ciprofloxacin until the prescription is finished. Unless you encounter certain serious adverse effects indicated in the IMPORTANT WARNING under SIDE EFFECTS sections, do not discontinue taking Ciprofloxacin without consulting your doctor.

Common Side Effects

nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
heartburn
diarrhea
vaginal itching and/or discharge
pale skin
unusual tiredness
sleepiness

Important Warning
Some of the side effects may be serious, but they are quite rare. If you develop any of the symptoms listed below, stop taking Ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor right away.
Rash, hives, and itching, blistering or peeling of the skin
Eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs swelling
Hoarseness or stiffness in the throat, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing. Cough that isn’t going away or is becoming worse
Having pale skin or eyes is a sign that something is wrong with you. Urine that is dark in colour, or stool that is light in color
Feeling uneasy or shaking, a racing or fluttering heartbeat, sweating; frequent urination, trembling, impaired vision, or extreme worry; fainting or loss of consciousness; sudden chest, stomach, or back pain

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)

Ciproxin (Bayer)
Axcin (Novartis)
Cycin (HIGH-Q)
Novidat (Sami)
Suprox (Platinum)
Cyrocin (Highnoon)

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Omeprazole | A Proton Pump Inhibitor | PPI

Introduction
Omeprazole (Risek, Omega, Ruling, Losec) is a drug that lowers the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Stomach acid aids in the digestion of proteins, but too much can create problems such as ulcers and heartburn.

Class of Medicine
Omeprazole belongs to the class of medicine called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Mode of Action
Let’s have a look at the causes of acid-related illnesses. As we all know, the stomach produces acidic fluid that helps with digestion, nutritional absorption, and sterilization of microorganisms found in our food.

While useful, the acidic fluid produced by our stomach can be harmful to the gastrointestinal system, which is why the human body has developed a number of defense mechanisms.

Excessive acid production, on the other hand, might overwhelm our defensive mechanisms, resulting in damage, unpleasant symptoms, and even disease.

PPIs, such as omeprazole, work by inhibiting the enzyme hydrogen-potassium ATPase, which elevates acid levels in the stomach. Omeprazole can help cure ulcers and heartburn by lowering the production of acid in the stomach.

How should this medicine be used?
The way you take omeprazole is determined by why you’re taking it. Omeprazole is usually taken once a day, in the morning, and can be taken with or without meals. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to take omeprazole twice daily, which you should do once in the morning and once at night.

Depending on the ailment being treated, different omeprazole dosages are recommended:

Common omeprazole dosages for dyspepsia are 10-20 mg per day.

Common omeprazole dosages for acid reflux and heartburn are 20-40 mg per day.

Common omeprazole dosages for stomach ulcers are 20-40 mg per day.

In some circumstances, your doctor may advise you to start taking omeprazole at a larger dose for a few weeks before gradually decreasing it. Alternatively, you could start taking omeprazole twice a day and gradually reduce to once a day after a few weeks.

Common Side Effects
Omeprazole use may cause common side effects like:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Fever (in children)
  • Respiratory system symptoms (in children)

Some of the negative effects may be serious but very rare.
Rashes, hives, itching, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness
Irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
Excessive tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness
Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
Severe diarrhea with watery stools
Bone fracture of the hip, wrist or spine
Vitamin B-12 and magnesium deficiency

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Most common brands available in the market are as under
Risek (Getz)
Omega (Ferozsons)
Ruling (HIGH-Q)
Maag (Webros)
Omsta (Highnoon)
Protole (Global)
Opepzole (Global)

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Tizanidine | An Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist

Introduction
Tizanidine (Ternelin, Movax, Musidin) is a drug comes in the for of tablet, is used to treat Muscle Spasms. Muscle Tightness, Soreness, and Stiffness as common symptoms. Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, and muscle stiffness are common conditions for which this medication is prescribed.

Class of Medicine
Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the short-term treatment of muscle spasticity

Mode of Action
Tizanidine belongs to the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist class of medicines. A drug class is a group of pharmaceuticals that all operate in the same way. These medicines are frequently used to treat illnesses that are similar to each other.
Tizanidine inhibits the activity of muscle-controlling neurons in the spinal cord. This aids in the reduction of muscle spasms. Tizanidine is a short-acting medication used to treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, stroke, a brain injury, or a spinal cord injury 9. Musculoskeletal injury may also be to blame 5. Muscle spasticity, regardless of the aetiology, can be a very painful and debilitating condition.

How should this medicine be used?

Dosage for adults (ages 18 years and older)
2 mg every 6–8 hours as needed is a typical starting dosage.
Increased dosage: Until your symptoms are under control, your doctor may raise your dosage by 2–4 mg. Any increases will be spaced out by 1–4 days.
3 pills in 24 hours is the maximum dosage.
Dosage for children (ages 0–17)
Children have not been examined with this medicine. It should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Dosage for Seniors (ages 65 years and older)
Older persons’ kidneys may not function as well as they once did. Your body may process medications more slowly as a result of this. As a result, a greater amount of a medicine remains in your body for a longer period of time. This increases your chances of experiencing negative side effects.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)

Ternelin (Novartis)
Musidin (Martin Dow)
Movax (Sami)