Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with gastrointestinal anticholinergics or antispasmodics. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with gastrointestinal anticholinergics or antispasmodics.
Amantadine (eg, Symmetrel)
MAO Inhibitors (eg, Phenelzine)
Antacids (eg, Maalox)
Meperidine (eg, Demerol)
Anticholinergics, other (eg, bella donna alkaloids)
Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)
Nitrates (eg, Nitroglycerin)
Benzodiazepines (eg, Diazepam)
Phenothiazines (eg, Promethazine)
Beta Blockers (eg, Atenolol)
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many anticholinergic or antispasmodic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; bloating; constipation; abdominal pain; appetite loss; difficulty swallowing.
Nervous System: Confusion; excitement; restlessness; hallucinations; headache; nervousness; drowsiness; dizziness; lightheadedness; tingling; numbness; difficulty moving; fainting; disorientation; short-term memory loss; slurred speech; incoordination; coma; exaggerated sense of well-being; decreased anxiety; tiredness; speech disturbance; weakness; sleeplessness; fever; tremor.
Circulatory System: Pounding in the chest (palpitations); fast or irregular heartbeat.
Respiratory System: Difficulty breathing; nasal stuffiness; nasal congestion.
Skin: Rash; itching; flushing; decreased sweating; hives; skin disorder.
Other: Difficult urination; muscle weakness; visual problems; blurred vision; dry mouth; taste changes; urinary retention; impotence; reduced breast milk production and flow; enlarged pupils; eye sensitivity to light; increased eye pressure.
Guidelines for Use
Take exactly as prescribed.
Take 30 minutes before meals. Take mepenzolate with meals and at bedtime.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to "catch up" (unless advised by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
Notify your doctor if skin rash, flushing, rapid heartbeat, urinary retention, blurred vision or eye problems occur.
May cause dry mouth, difficulty in urination or constipation, or increased sensitivity to light. Notify your doctor if these effects persist or bec.ome severe.
If symptoms of fever, heatstroke and decreased sweating occur,discontinue the drug and contact a doctor immediately.
Signs of overdosage with these drugs include. Headache,nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat rhythm, dry skin, fever, difficulty in swallowing, excitation tiredness stupor, coma, respiratory depression and paralysis doctor if these instances occur.
Avoid alcohol and medicines (eg, tranquilizers, that cause drowsiness.
Sucking on hard sugarless candy, drinking fluids and oral hygiene can relieve dry mouth.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Store at room temperature.
The author also writes about precautions for drugs, uses and benefits of drugs and guidelines for using drugs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberts_Bairds
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Methods Of Increasing Breastfeeding Supply
As a first-time mother, you might feel that your baby is crying out for more milk than your breastfeeding supply. Naturally, you seek ways and means to increase the production of your breast milk so that your baby gets its complete requirements of milk. The following methods can help you increase your breastfeeding supply.
Frequent Feeding Increases Milk Supply
Frequent nursing of your baby helps to increase breastfeeding supply. The preferred frequency is every 3 hours at night and every 1 ½ to 2 hours in the day. Feeding the baby directly is a much better option than pumping as the process of feeding stimulates the breasts and as a result more milk is produced. The baby should be encouraged to breastfeed on both breasts but it should be allowed to nurse on each side as long as it wants.
Using A Hospital-Grade Electric Pump Helps
If due to any reason the baby is not in a position to nurse directly, you should use a hospital-grade electric pump. This method increases the production of Prolactin which is a hormone that stimulates increased milk production. The duration of the pumping should be at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Encourage Sucking And Avoid Supplements
You should encourage your baby to keep sucking at your breast instead of sucking pacifiers as it will stimulate breastfeeding supply. Supplements such as juice, formula, water and solid food should be avoided as your baby will feed less and thus there will be less stimulation for producing milk. Instead, you should take protein- and calcium-rich foods frequently along with plenty of water. You can find out whether your baby is having sufficient nutrition by watching its diapers and bowel movements.
Increase Rest Periods And Take Fenugreek
When you take frequent periods of rest along with your baby, the physical proximity will make your baby want to nurse more. This will stimulate better production of milk. Moreover, breastfeeding supply can be increased by taking Fenugreek, a herb that is an excellent catalyst when taken along with increased nursing and pumping actions. Remarkable results are noticed after using it for as little as one to three days with a dosage of 2-4 capsules thrice a day. The side effects of this herb include diarrhea and worsening of asthma conditions. Moreover, the urine and the perspiration might get the odor of maple syrup but there is no need to worry. In any case, you should always consult a doctor regarding the dosage and side effects.
Breastfeeding supply can also be increased if you improve the quality of your own food intake and enrich the same with protein and calcium. You can also consult your doctor for proper medication that might improve low milk supply. In the US, prescription drugs such as Reglan (Metoclopramide) are sometimes advised for increasing breastfeeding supply.
During the breastfeeding stage, some mothers get conscious about the quality of breastfeeding supply or inadequate supply of breastmilk. In most cases, these doubts are unfounded and most mothers have adequate supply of breastmilk needed for the baby. However, if you face any such problem or issues related nursing, you can contact your doctor, who can suggest you some treatment in form of using a breastfeeding pump, protein and calcium intake or home remedies such as fenugreek. Neonatal Care provides more information on breastfeeding, pregnancy and related issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saurabh_K_Jain
Frequent Feeding Increases Milk Supply
Frequent nursing of your baby helps to increase breastfeeding supply. The preferred frequency is every 3 hours at night and every 1 ½ to 2 hours in the day. Feeding the baby directly is a much better option than pumping as the process of feeding stimulates the breasts and as a result more milk is produced. The baby should be encouraged to breastfeed on both breasts but it should be allowed to nurse on each side as long as it wants.
Using A Hospital-Grade Electric Pump Helps
If due to any reason the baby is not in a position to nurse directly, you should use a hospital-grade electric pump. This method increases the production of Prolactin which is a hormone that stimulates increased milk production. The duration of the pumping should be at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Encourage Sucking And Avoid Supplements
You should encourage your baby to keep sucking at your breast instead of sucking pacifiers as it will stimulate breastfeeding supply. Supplements such as juice, formula, water and solid food should be avoided as your baby will feed less and thus there will be less stimulation for producing milk. Instead, you should take protein- and calcium-rich foods frequently along with plenty of water. You can find out whether your baby is having sufficient nutrition by watching its diapers and bowel movements.
Increase Rest Periods And Take Fenugreek
When you take frequent periods of rest along with your baby, the physical proximity will make your baby want to nurse more. This will stimulate better production of milk. Moreover, breastfeeding supply can be increased by taking Fenugreek, a herb that is an excellent catalyst when taken along with increased nursing and pumping actions. Remarkable results are noticed after using it for as little as one to three days with a dosage of 2-4 capsules thrice a day. The side effects of this herb include diarrhea and worsening of asthma conditions. Moreover, the urine and the perspiration might get the odor of maple syrup but there is no need to worry. In any case, you should always consult a doctor regarding the dosage and side effects.
Breastfeeding supply can also be increased if you improve the quality of your own food intake and enrich the same with protein and calcium. You can also consult your doctor for proper medication that might improve low milk supply. In the US, prescription drugs such as Reglan (Metoclopramide) are sometimes advised for increasing breastfeeding supply.
During the breastfeeding stage, some mothers get conscious about the quality of breastfeeding supply or inadequate supply of breastmilk. In most cases, these doubts are unfounded and most mothers have adequate supply of breastmilk needed for the baby. However, if you face any such problem or issues related nursing, you can contact your doctor, who can suggest you some treatment in form of using a breastfeeding pump, protein and calcium intake or home remedies such as fenugreek. Neonatal Care provides more information on breastfeeding, pregnancy and related issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saurabh_K_Jain
Don't Leave Acid Reflux and GERD Untreated
Left untreated, gastroesophageal acid reflex disease (GERD) can lead to ulcers, swallowing difficulties, damage to vocal cords or teeth, and even esophageal cancer. In addition, GERD can hinder sleep, sex, exercise and workplace performance, and may contribute to asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. But patients often don't recognize it as a disease, so they delay treatment, according to a recent study.
And physicians frequently have difficulty in finding Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux. Communication between them and their patients is often ineffective in promoting diagnosis and treatment, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), which developed the study along with drug companies.
According to a survey, 48% of those suffering from the disease waited over three months before visiting a doctor, with 25% waiting more than a year. In addition, 43% of GERD sufferers reported their disease was not diagnosed at their first doctor's visit. In fact, on the average, it took five visits over an eight-month period before Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux was started.
Up to 40% of GERD sufferers don't consider their condition to be a disease, according to the NCPIE survey, conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide. Of those, 53% attributed symptoms to something they ate, another 34% to stress. The NCPIE found that 75% of the GERD sufferers waited four months or more before visiting a physician because they thought they could treat the symptoms themselves. Patients spent more than $ 1 billion on nonprescription drugs in 1996 alone trying to remedy their problems.
The survey said 78% of those reporting GERD symptoms had never heard of the disease, yet the National Institute of Health says more than 60 million Americans suffer from GERD at least once a month and 25 million endure daily heartburn symptoms.
And treatment for the disease is readily available. "I have never found an insurer that said they didn't cover at least one of the anti-reflux drugs," said David Earnest, M.D., professor in the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section at the University of Arizona. A relatively new, "revolutionary class" of drugs proton pump inhibitors are an important new treatment alternative, according to Earnest.
Many physicians also recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and posture adjustments, to help prevent heartburn.
You may get additional relief by losing weight, sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated, and avoiding lying down right after meals. If necessary, drugs might also be considered. Metoclopramide (Reglan) increases the pressure exerted by the malfunctioning muscle. Cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) decrease the production of stomach acid. Antacids can be used after meals and at bedtime to neutralize stomach acid.
Learn how to treat acid reflux medically and naturally at: http://www.acid-reflux.ws Acid Reflux.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rita_Lambros-Segur
And physicians frequently have difficulty in finding Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux. Communication between them and their patients is often ineffective in promoting diagnosis and treatment, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), which developed the study along with drug companies.
According to a survey, 48% of those suffering from the disease waited over three months before visiting a doctor, with 25% waiting more than a year. In addition, 43% of GERD sufferers reported their disease was not diagnosed at their first doctor's visit. In fact, on the average, it took five visits over an eight-month period before Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux was started.
Up to 40% of GERD sufferers don't consider their condition to be a disease, according to the NCPIE survey, conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide. Of those, 53% attributed symptoms to something they ate, another 34% to stress. The NCPIE found that 75% of the GERD sufferers waited four months or more before visiting a physician because they thought they could treat the symptoms themselves. Patients spent more than $ 1 billion on nonprescription drugs in 1996 alone trying to remedy their problems.
The survey said 78% of those reporting GERD symptoms had never heard of the disease, yet the National Institute of Health says more than 60 million Americans suffer from GERD at least once a month and 25 million endure daily heartburn symptoms.
And treatment for the disease is readily available. "I have never found an insurer that said they didn't cover at least one of the anti-reflux drugs," said David Earnest, M.D., professor in the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section at the University of Arizona. A relatively new, "revolutionary class" of drugs proton pump inhibitors are an important new treatment alternative, according to Earnest.
Many physicians also recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and posture adjustments, to help prevent heartburn.
You may get additional relief by losing weight, sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated, and avoiding lying down right after meals. If necessary, drugs might also be considered. Metoclopramide (Reglan) increases the pressure exerted by the malfunctioning muscle. Cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) decrease the production of stomach acid. Antacids can be used after meals and at bedtime to neutralize stomach acid.
Learn how to treat acid reflux medically and naturally at: http://www.acid-reflux.ws Acid Reflux.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rita_Lambros-Segur
What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux GERD
Did you know that your stomach has the same acidity as battery acid? It's no wonder then, that heartburn is so painful when that same acid comes up the esophagus. In some cases, vomit arises resulting from a weakened or relaxed esophageal valve. In other cases, the acid vapors cause a tightness in the chest and temporarily disrupts oxygen flow to the heart, making many people fear they're having a heart attack. Every year 4.6 million Americans visit their doctors to see if they have acid reflux GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
At what point does the occasional heartburn become full-blown acid reflux GERD? If you have chronic heartburn two or more days per week over a several month period, then you probably have GERD symptoms. People have varying sensitivity to stomach acids as well. If you frequently eat within an hour or two of going to sleep and find yourself awake coughing, with a hoarse voice and bitter taste in your mouth the next morning, then you most likely have supine reflux. Over half the people with it suffer nighttime symptoms as well. If left unchecked, then esophagus damage and asthma can occur. Additionally, your reflux symptoms may signify poor nutrition, which can turn into a whole myriad of life-threatening diseases and disorders.
When you see your doctor about acid reflux, there are several tests to determine if your heartburn may damage the esophagus or internal organs. The first test is called an Endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube and video camera are passed into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Don't worry - you'll be sedated and you won't feel a thing! The second test your doctor may perform is called a Barium Esophagram. This test observes the shape of the esophagus, looking for abnormalities in the stomach and throat. You'll drink a chalky liquid containing barium, which coats the esophagus and stomach, and allows them to be viewed in an X-ray. A third procedure, known as Esophageal pH Monitoring, tests for the amount of acid in the esophagus over time. In one variation of this test, a tiny tube goes in through the nose, into the esophagus and an acid monitor on the tip measures acid levels over a 24-hour period.
The other way to monitor consists of attaching a medicine capsule sized monitor during an endoscopy, which tests acid over a 48-hour period when the monitor is passed out like food. While these may seem uncomfortable, keep in mind that it's better than dealing with a rotted esophagus later!
The treatment options for acid reflux GERD varies from patient to patient. Some people take antacids, which neutralize the stomach acids and helps to control the symptoms. Other patients take mucosal protective agents to protect the esophagus. Sucralfate suspension, available only by prescription, acts like a gel layer that blocks stomach juices from rising out of the stomach. The thick Alginic acid is an over-the-counter method where the heartburn medicine floats on top of stomach acid to block esophagus contact.
A third treatment involves Promotility or Prokinetic Agents (prescribed Metoclopramide) which encourages the stomach to empty acid before it becomes a problem. A fourth option helps you reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by giving patients Acid-suppressive H2 Receptor Antagonists or Proton Pump Inhibitors. In addition to these measures, doctors usually advocate that patients try to lose weight, quit smoking, wear looser fitting clothes, eat smaller meals, buy new pillows and avoid eating by several hours before sleeping. Trigger foods like chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine, citrus, tomatoes and high fat foods are also to be avoided. It may seem like a hefty price to pay, but consider that the cost is your life!
Visit us for more information on heartburn cause & symptoms, acid reflux symptoms and acid reflux info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith
At what point does the occasional heartburn become full-blown acid reflux GERD? If you have chronic heartburn two or more days per week over a several month period, then you probably have GERD symptoms. People have varying sensitivity to stomach acids as well. If you frequently eat within an hour or two of going to sleep and find yourself awake coughing, with a hoarse voice and bitter taste in your mouth the next morning, then you most likely have supine reflux. Over half the people with it suffer nighttime symptoms as well. If left unchecked, then esophagus damage and asthma can occur. Additionally, your reflux symptoms may signify poor nutrition, which can turn into a whole myriad of life-threatening diseases and disorders.
When you see your doctor about acid reflux, there are several tests to determine if your heartburn may damage the esophagus or internal organs. The first test is called an Endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube and video camera are passed into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Don't worry - you'll be sedated and you won't feel a thing! The second test your doctor may perform is called a Barium Esophagram. This test observes the shape of the esophagus, looking for abnormalities in the stomach and throat. You'll drink a chalky liquid containing barium, which coats the esophagus and stomach, and allows them to be viewed in an X-ray. A third procedure, known as Esophageal pH Monitoring, tests for the amount of acid in the esophagus over time. In one variation of this test, a tiny tube goes in through the nose, into the esophagus and an acid monitor on the tip measures acid levels over a 24-hour period.
The other way to monitor consists of attaching a medicine capsule sized monitor during an endoscopy, which tests acid over a 48-hour period when the monitor is passed out like food. While these may seem uncomfortable, keep in mind that it's better than dealing with a rotted esophagus later!
The treatment options for acid reflux GERD varies from patient to patient. Some people take antacids, which neutralize the stomach acids and helps to control the symptoms. Other patients take mucosal protective agents to protect the esophagus. Sucralfate suspension, available only by prescription, acts like a gel layer that blocks stomach juices from rising out of the stomach. The thick Alginic acid is an over-the-counter method where the heartburn medicine floats on top of stomach acid to block esophagus contact.
A third treatment involves Promotility or Prokinetic Agents (prescribed Metoclopramide) which encourages the stomach to empty acid before it becomes a problem. A fourth option helps you reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by giving patients Acid-suppressive H2 Receptor Antagonists or Proton Pump Inhibitors. In addition to these measures, doctors usually advocate that patients try to lose weight, quit smoking, wear looser fitting clothes, eat smaller meals, buy new pillows and avoid eating by several hours before sleeping. Trigger foods like chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine, citrus, tomatoes and high fat foods are also to be avoided. It may seem like a hefty price to pay, but consider that the cost is your life!
Visit us for more information on heartburn cause & symptoms, acid reflux symptoms and acid reflux info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith
Kava Kava - Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Dosage
Kava
Alternative Names:
Piper methysticum, Waka, Kawa, Awa, Lawena, Sakau, Yaqona.
Herb Description
The kava plant (Piper methysticum) is a member of the pepper family, and is widely cultivated throughout the Pacific Islands. Kava is a hardy perennial which reach up to 3 to 4 metres. It is believed to originate from Melanesia, and grow well in the sun-drenched islands of Polynesia. In the U.S. are sold as food supplements and marketed for the remediation of premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, occasional insomnia and stress. These food products are generally in the type of raw plant material or concentrated extracts, which are got by using either acetone or ethanol extraction or cryoprecipitation .
Kava contain a good amount of active properties stems from the kavalactones found in its roots. This make a pleasurable and favorable experience every time for the consummate kava drinker. It has mild psychoactive and antianxiety properties . It has been a popular liquid refreshmentm with Pacific Islanders in traditional celebrations for the past 3000 years. Kava is effective for treating malady such as cramps & migraine headaches and but best of all, it keeps the mind active as the body relaxes. Based on many European randomized controlled trials, kava apperats to be efficacious for mild anxiety or stress. The relative efficacy of kava compared to usual doses of pharmaceutical anxiolyric drugs is not known.
Uses and Benefits
kava extracts are commonly used as an herbal product in North America for anxiety, stress, tension, and insomnia. A mildly psychoactive beverage made from the rhizome of the kava plant has been used for centuries by South Pacific Islanders, both ceremonially and socially, reportedly with relaxing or calming properties.
Kava is a wonderful medication that eliminates pain, but its modus operandi as a pain reliever has yet to be determined . Kava is an effective muscle relaxant and can make the pain of an aching back, a sore neck, or any other cramped, sore, or injured muscle disappear. Product containing the herbal composition of kava are promoted for abate stress, anxiety, tension & efficacious for sleeplessness, menopausal symptoms and other uses.
Its tea made from kava powder can used to make tinctures to use as drops either directly on the tongue or mixed in with beverages, or packed into capsules for easy intake. It has also been used as a remediation for fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections.
Side Effects
Excess or continual use of kava supllemnts may result in scaly, yellowed skin. In few cases kava has been reported to produce severe liver toxicity, including hepatitis and liver failure in some people who have used dietary supplements containing kava extract. It has been associated with many cases of abnormal tonicity of muscle.
Kava appears to be well tolerated at prescribed therapeutic doses, but there is potential for advrser effects with higher than recommended doses and for drug ractions. Rare, serious reactions such as hepatitis may occur,would the herb should not be used in patients with liver disease. It would be prudent for patients susceptible to extrapyramidal side effects such as those with Parkinson's disease or those using drugs such as antipsychotics or metoclopramide, to avoid kava until interactions have been more clearly defined. Likewise, kava should not be mixed with CNS depressants such as benzodazepiness or alcohol.
Side effects of the standardized preparalions were rare and mild in the controlled trials. There were isolated reports of stomach complaints, restlessness, drowsiness, tremar, and headache. Gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions have been reported in 2.3% of patients in open trials.
Dosage
The usual prescribed dose of kava is 140 to 250 mg daily of the kava pyrone constituents, in 2 to 3 divided doses. In European studies, the most common dose was 70 mg t.i.d. (210 mg daily), but ranged from 60 to 210 mg daily . In U.S. brands kava pyrone content usually varies between 30% and 55%. Kava extracts are commonly available in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms.
Drug Interactions
There is limited data on drug interactions with kava. Severe disorientation has been reported in a patient using a U.S. kava product in conjunction with alprazolam, cimetidine, and terazosin; whether his symptoms were actually due to a drugherb interaction is unknown. Therapeutic doses of a European kava preparation reportedly did not affect safety-related performance when administered with alcohol, but a liquid kava preparation did potentiate the CNS-depressant properties of alcohol in a separate study.
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines for common ailments and diseases. For more information on Black Cohosh visit our site on health care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Mathew
Alternative Names:
Piper methysticum, Waka, Kawa, Awa, Lawena, Sakau, Yaqona.
Herb Description
The kava plant (Piper methysticum) is a member of the pepper family, and is widely cultivated throughout the Pacific Islands. Kava is a hardy perennial which reach up to 3 to 4 metres. It is believed to originate from Melanesia, and grow well in the sun-drenched islands of Polynesia. In the U.S. are sold as food supplements and marketed for the remediation of premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, occasional insomnia and stress. These food products are generally in the type of raw plant material or concentrated extracts, which are got by using either acetone or ethanol extraction or cryoprecipitation .
Kava contain a good amount of active properties stems from the kavalactones found in its roots. This make a pleasurable and favorable experience every time for the consummate kava drinker. It has mild psychoactive and antianxiety properties . It has been a popular liquid refreshmentm with Pacific Islanders in traditional celebrations for the past 3000 years. Kava is effective for treating malady such as cramps & migraine headaches and but best of all, it keeps the mind active as the body relaxes. Based on many European randomized controlled trials, kava apperats to be efficacious for mild anxiety or stress. The relative efficacy of kava compared to usual doses of pharmaceutical anxiolyric drugs is not known.
Uses and Benefits
kava extracts are commonly used as an herbal product in North America for anxiety, stress, tension, and insomnia. A mildly psychoactive beverage made from the rhizome of the kava plant has been used for centuries by South Pacific Islanders, both ceremonially and socially, reportedly with relaxing or calming properties.
Kava is a wonderful medication that eliminates pain, but its modus operandi as a pain reliever has yet to be determined . Kava is an effective muscle relaxant and can make the pain of an aching back, a sore neck, or any other cramped, sore, or injured muscle disappear. Product containing the herbal composition of kava are promoted for abate stress, anxiety, tension & efficacious for sleeplessness, menopausal symptoms and other uses.
Its tea made from kava powder can used to make tinctures to use as drops either directly on the tongue or mixed in with beverages, or packed into capsules for easy intake. It has also been used as a remediation for fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections.
Side Effects
Excess or continual use of kava supllemnts may result in scaly, yellowed skin. In few cases kava has been reported to produce severe liver toxicity, including hepatitis and liver failure in some people who have used dietary supplements containing kava extract. It has been associated with many cases of abnormal tonicity of muscle.
Kava appears to be well tolerated at prescribed therapeutic doses, but there is potential for advrser effects with higher than recommended doses and for drug ractions. Rare, serious reactions such as hepatitis may occur,would the herb should not be used in patients with liver disease. It would be prudent for patients susceptible to extrapyramidal side effects such as those with Parkinson's disease or those using drugs such as antipsychotics or metoclopramide, to avoid kava until interactions have been more clearly defined. Likewise, kava should not be mixed with CNS depressants such as benzodazepiness or alcohol.
Side effects of the standardized preparalions were rare and mild in the controlled trials. There were isolated reports of stomach complaints, restlessness, drowsiness, tremar, and headache. Gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions have been reported in 2.3% of patients in open trials.
Dosage
The usual prescribed dose of kava is 140 to 250 mg daily of the kava pyrone constituents, in 2 to 3 divided doses. In European studies, the most common dose was 70 mg t.i.d. (210 mg daily), but ranged from 60 to 210 mg daily . In U.S. brands kava pyrone content usually varies between 30% and 55%. Kava extracts are commonly available in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms.
Drug Interactions
There is limited data on drug interactions with kava. Severe disorientation has been reported in a patient using a U.S. kava product in conjunction with alprazolam, cimetidine, and terazosin; whether his symptoms were actually due to a drugherb interaction is unknown. Therapeutic doses of a European kava preparation reportedly did not affect safety-related performance when administered with alcohol, but a liquid kava preparation did potentiate the CNS-depressant properties of alcohol in a separate study.
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines for common ailments and diseases. For more information on Black Cohosh visit our site on health care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Mathew
Stomach Med Raises Risk of Tardive Dyskinesia
The FDA recently announced that it has received numerous reports of patients who had been on metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) for more than twelve weeks who then developed Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tardive Dyskinesia ("TD") is a serious neurological disorder, characterized by uncontrollable, involuntary body movements such as lip smacking, tongue thrusting, eye blinking and bulging, head jerking, facial grimacing, puckering and pursing of the lips, and involuntary movements of the fingers, as though the patient were playing an invisible piano. The movements are not controllable, and they are continuous, stopping only when the person sleeps. Tardive Dyskinesia may persist for months, even years after the medication has been discontinued, and is usually not reversible. There is no known treatment for TD. The majority of people who develop TD continue to have symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Metoclopramide, marketed as Reglan, Octamide, and Maxolon, is a drug which increases the stomach's ability to empty digested food and move it on to the small intestine. Slowed stomach-emptying sometimes becomes a problem in diabetes, and many users of metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) are diabetics. Other uses include treatment of heartburn in gastroesophageal reflux when first-line drugs have not worked, and management of nausea and vomiting in migraines and in cancer treatment.
Prescribing literature for metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) has always recommended that metoclopramide should be used for no more than twelve weeks, because increased use and higher dosages exposes the patient to greater risk of developing TD. In its announcement, the FDA cited a study in which 20% of patients were maintained on metoclopramide for longer than three months.
Patients who are on short term metoclopramide therapy should be aware that there are other anti-nausea drugs and other drugs which can assist with slow stomach emptying. Patients should consult their doctor about alternatives.
If you or a loved one has taken metoclopramide and have developed TD symptoms, you should immediately notify your prescribing physician, and be guided by your physician's advice.
If you or a loved one has taken metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) and has developed symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, you should consult the prescribing physician as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with TD, you should immediately consult an experienced pharmaceutical attorney who handles dangerous drug cases for review of a potential claim against the manufacturer.
Most states have laws called statutes of limitation which specify how long after an event you may file a claim or a lawsuit related to the event. Because of these statutes, it is urgent that if you or a loved one believes you have a claim, you will want to contact an experienced plaintiff's attorney so that your claim can be evaluated before the time limit is reached.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), you may wish to contact a pharmaceutical attorney who handles dangerous drug cases for review of a potential claim against the manufacturer. Pharmaceutical litigation attorney Gayle Blatt is currently evaluating claims related to Metoclopramide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayle_Blatt
Tardive Dyskinesia ("TD") is a serious neurological disorder, characterized by uncontrollable, involuntary body movements such as lip smacking, tongue thrusting, eye blinking and bulging, head jerking, facial grimacing, puckering and pursing of the lips, and involuntary movements of the fingers, as though the patient were playing an invisible piano. The movements are not controllable, and they are continuous, stopping only when the person sleeps. Tardive Dyskinesia may persist for months, even years after the medication has been discontinued, and is usually not reversible. There is no known treatment for TD. The majority of people who develop TD continue to have symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Metoclopramide, marketed as Reglan, Octamide, and Maxolon, is a drug which increases the stomach's ability to empty digested food and move it on to the small intestine. Slowed stomach-emptying sometimes becomes a problem in diabetes, and many users of metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) are diabetics. Other uses include treatment of heartburn in gastroesophageal reflux when first-line drugs have not worked, and management of nausea and vomiting in migraines and in cancer treatment.
Prescribing literature for metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) has always recommended that metoclopramide should be used for no more than twelve weeks, because increased use and higher dosages exposes the patient to greater risk of developing TD. In its announcement, the FDA cited a study in which 20% of patients were maintained on metoclopramide for longer than three months.
Patients who are on short term metoclopramide therapy should be aware that there are other anti-nausea drugs and other drugs which can assist with slow stomach emptying. Patients should consult their doctor about alternatives.
If you or a loved one has taken metoclopramide and have developed TD symptoms, you should immediately notify your prescribing physician, and be guided by your physician's advice.
If you or a loved one has taken metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) and has developed symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, you should consult the prescribing physician as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with TD, you should immediately consult an experienced pharmaceutical attorney who handles dangerous drug cases for review of a potential claim against the manufacturer.
Most states have laws called statutes of limitation which specify how long after an event you may file a claim or a lawsuit related to the event. Because of these statutes, it is urgent that if you or a loved one believes you have a claim, you will want to contact an experienced plaintiff's attorney so that your claim can be evaluated before the time limit is reached.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), you may wish to contact a pharmaceutical attorney who handles dangerous drug cases for review of a potential claim against the manufacturer. Pharmaceutical litigation attorney Gayle Blatt is currently evaluating claims related to Metoclopramide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayle_Blatt
Pharmacologie
La pharmacologie est la discipline qui étudie les mécanismes d'interactions entre une substance active et l'organisme dans lequel il évolue, de façon à pouvoir ensuite utiliser ces résultats à des fins thérapeutiques, comme par exemple l'élaboration d'un médicament (principalement) ou son amélioration (entre autres). Ainsi, la pharmacologie intègre des concepts et données issus de la physiologie, physio-pathologie, biochimie, génétique et biologie moléculaire.
Mais le champ de la pharmacologie est en fait plus large, puisqu'elle étudie également les moyens d'administration des médicaments, les interactions médicamenteuses, et les effets néfastes de ces médicaments (effets latéraux, effets secondaires).
Cette discipline à la fois pharmaceutique et médicale est fortement liée à la recherche clinique, à la santé publique (pharmacovigilance) mais aussi à la biologie
article source:http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacologie
Mais le champ de la pharmacologie est en fait plus large, puisqu'elle étudie également les moyens d'administration des médicaments, les interactions médicamenteuses, et les effets néfastes de ces médicaments (effets latéraux, effets secondaires).
Cette discipline à la fois pharmaceutique et médicale est fortement liée à la recherche clinique, à la santé publique (pharmacovigilance) mais aussi à la biologie
article source:http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacologie
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