Adalat is a dihydropyridine calcium blocker. It is mostly used for treating hypertension. and Angina Pectoris. Other conditions that benefit from Adalat are Raynaud’s phenomenon, Tetanus and Angina Pectoris. Brand names of the drug include Procardia and Nifedical. Adalat is a brand name given to the nifedipine component.

How Adalat works

The substance, nifedipine, treats the diseases by reducing the calcium content in your cells. Muscles need calcium to contract. By lowering calcium levels the muscles relax improving blood flow in the blood vessels and the heart. Adalat primarily focuses on the arteries. As the arteries expand through relaxation the blood pressure is reduced.

Side effects of Adalat

As with other medications, Adalat has some side effects. Generally most side effects are experienced by less than 10% of the users and their intensity differ from one person to another. It is best to do your research and consult your physician about possible drawbacks to any medication.
This drug has the following side effects:

- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Flushed appearance
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Swollen ankles
- Fast heart rate
- Visual disturbances
- Skin reactions like itching, sweating or rash
- Impotence
- Depression

Talk to Your Doctor

It is always wise to keep your doctor fully informed on all other drugs and medication you are taking. Certain combinations of different drugs can create adverse reactions and potentially harmful results. For instance, Rifampicin, lowers the blood level and renders the drug, Adalat ineffective. A simple adjustment in your medications by your doctor can often reduce or eliminate mild reactions such as dizziness, headaches or fainting. Consult your physician about safe drug interaction.
Who Should Avoid the Adalat drug?

There are certain people that should not take the drug, Adalat due to pre-exsiting conditions. During pregnancy and while breast-feeding women should avoid the use of Adalat. The same applies to patients with a history of heart conditions, children, and those suffering with blood disorders. Caution must be exercised if consuming Adalat by diabetics, anyone with liver or kidney difficulties or the elderly. Also it is not advised to take Adalat if you are allergic to calcium blockers like felodipine and amlodipine.

Is effective treatment of high blood pressure possible?

Yes, effective treatment of high blood pressure is possible. The danger of a stroke or heart attack may be reduced considerably by controlling high blood pressure. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully. Sometimes, when altering your diet and exercise regimen are not enough to control high blood pressure, your doctor will also prescribe medication.

Adalat

Popularity: 9% [?]

Posted by admin | No Comments »

Arava is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling associated with this disease, and staves off the joint damage that ultimately results.

Most important fact about this drug

You MUST NOT take Arava if you are pregnant; it can harm the developing baby. If you are still in your childbearing years, your doctor will want to see negative results from a pregnancy test before starting you on Arava. You’ll also need to use reliable contraceptive measures as long as you take the drug.

If you become pregnant while taking Arava, your doctor will stop the drug immediately and prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine (Questran) in 8-gram doses 3 times a day for 11 days. Questran helps to clear Arava from the bloodstream, possibly preventing harm to the unborn child.
How should you take this medication?

Your dosage of Arava will be decreased after the first 3 days. Never take more than your doctor prescribes.

–If you miss a dose…

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

–Storage instructions…

Store at room temperature away from light.

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Remember that you must not take Arava if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You’ll also need to avoid this drug if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about this medication

Arava is potentially damaging to the liver. Your doctor will test your liver function before starting Arava therapy, and will conduct monthly blood tests for a while after therapy begins. If you have significant liver disease, including hepatitis, you’ll be unable to take Arava. If you develop liver problems while taking the drug, your dose will have to be reduced or eliminated.

Theoretically, Arava may interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection. The drug is therefore not recommended for people with cancer, bone marrow problems, severe infections, AIDS, or any other immune system problems. You should also avoid immunization with live vaccines while taking Arava.

Arava has been known to cause rare but serious skin reactions. If you develop a skin rash or eruption, stop taking Arava and contact your doctor. Arava can also reduce your blood cell count. Notify your doctor promptly if any signs of this problem appear. Warnings include easy bruising, frequent infections, unusual fatigue, and paleness.

Poor kidney function can increase the amount of Arava in your system. Your doctor will prescribe the drug cautiously if you’re subject to kidney problems.

Arava does not appear to cause fetal harm when taken by the father prior to conception. Nevertheless, if you plan to father a child, your doctor will instruct you to stop taking Arava and will prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine to clear Arava from your system.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Arava is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arava with the following:

Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Arava while pregnant or breastfeeding. Taken during pregnancy, the drug can cause birth defects. And although it is not known whether Arava appears in breast milk, there is good reason to suspect that it will cause serious side effects in nursing infants.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Arava , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Arava

Popularity: 89% [?]

Posted by admin | No Comments »