Monday, 10 September 2012

Sex hormone combinations


A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.

Sex hormone combinations are products that contain more than one sex hormone, either estrogen and progestin or estrogen and androgen.


Estrogens are a group of hormones that are synthesized mainly by the ovaries and a small amount is synthesized by the testes in males and by the adrenal cortex in both sexes. The placenta produces a fairly large amount of estrogen as well. The three main endogenous estrogens are estradiol, estriol and estrone.


Progestins are a group of naturally occurring or synthetic steroid hormones. The naturally occurring progestin is progesterone, which is secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary, the placenta and also (in small amounts) by the adrenal cortex and testes. It prepares the inner lining of the uterus for pregnancy, and if pregnancy occurs it maintains the uterus through the pregnancy and prevents ovulation by the ovaries during pregnancy.


Androgens are steroid hormones that stimulate development of male sex organs and sexual characteristics. Androgens are mainly released by the testes and small amounts are released by the adrenal cortex and ovaries.


The combinations, which have estrogen and progestin are used as birth control or to treat menopausal symptoms. Combinations with estrogen and androgen are used control menopausal symptoms.

See also

Medical conditions associated with sex hormone combinations:

  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Acne
  • Atrophic Urethritis
  • Atrophic Vaginitis
  • Birth Control
  • Endometriosis
  • Gonadotropin Inhibition
  • Hot Flashes
  • Hypoestrogenism
  • Menopausal Disorders
  • Menstrual Disorders
  • Oophorectomy
  • Osteoporosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Postmenopausal Symptoms
  • Prevention of Osteoporosis
  • Primary Ovarian Failure

Drug List:

Vaniqa


Generic Name: eflornithine topical (ee FLOOR nih theen)

Brand Names: Vaniqa


What is eflornithine topical?

Eflornithine interferes with a chemical in the hair follicles of the skin. This results in slower hair growth where eflornithine topical is applied.


Eflornithine topical is used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Eflornithine topical does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. Eflornithine topical will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.


Eflornithine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about eflornithine topical?


Eflornithine topical is for external use only.

Continue to use eflornithine topical even if you do not see immediate results. Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, however it may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment with eflornithine topical should be discontinued. Hair growth may return to pretreatment levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with eflornithine topical.


Who should not use eflornithine topical?


Do not use eflornithine topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. Eflornithine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether eflornithine topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether eflornithine passes into breast milk. Do not use eflornithine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Eflornithine topical has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use eflornithine topical?


Apply eflornithine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Eflornithine topical does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. It is not a hair remover (depilatory). You will need to continue using your current hair removal techniques. Eflornithine topical will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.


Eflornithine topical is for external use only.

Eflornithine topical is usually applied twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor.


Wash your hands before and after each application of eflornithine topical.


Remove any facial hair that is present using your current hair removal techniques. Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before applying eflornithine topical. Apply a thin layer of eflornithine topical to the affected areas of the face and nearby affected areas under the chin and rub it in thoroughly.


Cosmetics or sunscreen may be used after applying eflornithine topical, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them.


Do not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of eflornithine topical. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If eflornithine topical gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Eflornithine topical may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, or tingling, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If irritation develops, reduce the application of eflornithine topical to once a day. If irritation continues, stop using eflornithine topical and contact your doctor.


Continue to use eflornithine topical even if you do not see immediate results. Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, however it may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment with eflornithine topical should be discontinued. Hair growth may return to pretreatment levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with eflornithine topical.


Store eflornithine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?


If you miss a dose of eflornithine topical, skip the dose you missed and apply your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not apply a double dose of this medication or try to "make up" a missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


An overdose of eflornithine topical is not likely to occur. If the cream has been ingested, or if you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact your doctor, hospital emergency room, or poison control center for advice.


What should I avoid while using eflornithine topical?


Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If eflornithine topical gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Eflornithine topical side effects


Eflornithine topical may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, or tingling, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If irritation develops, reduce the application of eflornithine topical to once a day. If irritation continues, stop using eflornithine topical and contact your doctor.


Hair bumps (folliculitis) may also occur. If these continue, contact your doctor.


Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect eflornithine topical?


Before using eflornithine topical, talk to your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, especially if you are using any other topical preparations. You may not be able to use eflornithine topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with eflornithine topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.



More Vaniqa resources


  • Vaniqa Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Vaniqa Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Vaniqa Support Group
  • 8 Reviews for Vaniqa - Add your own review/rating


  • Vaniqa Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Vaniqa Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Vaniqa Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Vaniqa Consumer Overview



Compare Vaniqa with other medications


  • Hirsutism


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about eflornithine topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Vaniqa side effects (in more detail)


Sunday, 9 September 2012

Indapamide Mylan




Indapamide Mylan may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Indapamide Mylan



Indapamide

Indapamide is reported as an ingredient of Indapamide Mylan in the following countries:


  • Belgium

  • France

  • Italy

International Drug Name Search

Sunday, 2 September 2012

Norpace


Pronunciation: dye-soe-PEER-a-mide
Generic Name: Disopyramide
Brand Name: Norpace

Norpace sometimes produces new irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Therefore, it should be used in carefully selected patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.





Norpace is used for:

Correcting or preventing various types of life-threatening irregular heartbeats and heart rhythm disturbances.


Norpace is an antiarrhythmic. It works by stabilizing the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm (antiarrhythmic effect).


Do NOT use Norpace if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Norpace

  • you have second- or third-degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker, you were born with an irregular heartbeat due to QT prolongation, or your heart is in shock

  • you are taking astemizole, cisapride, a class III antiarrhythmic (eg, amiodarone, sotalol), a phenothiazine (eg, thioridazine), pimozide, a quinolone (eg, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin), or terfenadine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Norpace:


Some medical conditions may interact with Norpace. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a history of certain heart conditions or irregular heart rhythms (eg, enlargement or inflammation of the heart, heart block, heart failure, heart attack, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), diabetes, glaucoma, severe muscle weakness, high or low levels of potassium in the blood, or kidney or liver disease

  • if you have difficulty urinating due to an obstruction of the bladder neck or prostate problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Norpace. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Astemizole, beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cisapride, class III antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol), dofetilide, droperidol, ketolides (eg, telithromycin), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), phenothiazine (eg, thioridazine ), pimozide, quinolones (eg, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin), terfenadine, verapamil, or ziprasidone because side effects, such as life threatening irregular heartbeats, may be increased

  • Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the effectiveness of Norpace may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Norpace may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Norpace:


Use Norpace as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Norpace may be taken with or without food.

  • Take Norpace on a regular schedule around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

  • If you miss a dose of Norpace, take it if you remember within 4 hours. If it has been more than 4 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Norpace.



Important safety information:


  • Norpace may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Norpace.

  • Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities; heatstroke may occur.

  • Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Norpace.

  • Use Norpace with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Use Norpace with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Norpace during pregnancy. Norpace is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Norpace.


Possible side effects of Norpace:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Aches or pain; bloating; blurred vision; constipation; difficulty urinating; dizziness; dryness of the eyes, mouth, nose, or throat; fatigue; frequent and urgent urination; gas; general body discomfort; headache; muscle weakness; nausea; tiredness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fainting; fast or slow heartbeat; fever; lightheadedness; heart rhythm problems; severe difficulty urinating; shortness of breath; sore throat; swelling.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Norpace side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include change in heart rhythm; difficulty breathing; loss of consciousness.


Proper storage of Norpace:

Store Norpace at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep Norpace out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Norpace, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Norpace is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Norpace. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Norpace resources


  • Norpace Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Norpace Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Norpace Drug Interactions
  • Norpace Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Norpace - Add your own review/rating


  • Norpace Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Norpace Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Norpace Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Disopyramide Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Disopyramide Phosphate Monograph (AHFS DI)



Compare Norpace with other medications


  • Arrhythmia

Excel Roundworm Tablets





Dosage Form: FOR ANIMAL USE ONLY
Drug Facts

Active Ingredient


100mg Piperazine base as Piperazine Dihydrochloride, per each tablet.



Use


Effective against large roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina)



Warnings


Do not worm a kitten under six weeks of age.


Never worm a sick cat or kitten.


Consult your veterinarian in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism.


Not recommended for cats under 2 lbs. of body weight.


Not recommended for pregnant or nursing females.


Pets over 1 year old should have a recent negative heartworm blood test before de-worming.



Cautions


Although piperazine has a high degree of safety, an ocassional animal may show nausea, vomiting, or muscular tremors. Such side effects are usually associated with over dosage, therefore, the recommended dosage should be followed carefully. If symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian immediatelty.


Keep this product out of reach of children and pets to avoid unintended consumption.



Directions


Administer as follows:


Treatment should be given shortly after pet has eaten or with food. Dosage may be fed directly or added to food. For multiple pet households, feed directly to individual pet to ensure proper dosage.


Cats and kittens ( 6 weeks or older)


kittens 2-4lbs. administer 1/2 tablet, cats and kittens over 4 lbs., 1 tablet per 4 lbs. of body weight.


After initial dose on day one, do not administer again until day 10. On day 10, repeat initial dose. Then administer every 30 days to prevent reinfestation.



Other Information


Store between 20-25C (68-77F)



Inactive Ingredients


Dicalcium phosphate Dihydrate, FD C Blue #1, Isopropyl  Alcohol, magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Water, USP Purified.



Excel Roundworm De-Wormer


Effectively Removes Roundworms


For Cats and Kittens


30 Tasty


Chew Tabs










EXCEL 
roundworm de-wormer for cats and kittens  tablet, chewable










Product Information
Product TypeOTC ANIMAL DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)24730-706
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
PIPERAZINE (PIPERAZINE)PIPERAZINE3 g  in 7.5 g


















Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
DIBASIC CALCIUM PHOSPHATE DIHYDRATE 
FD&C BLUE NO. 1 
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 
MAGNESIUM STEARATE 
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE 
POVIDONE K30 
WATER 


















Product Characteristics
ColorblueScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize9mm
FlavorImprint CodeNONE
Contains      














Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
124730-706-081 BOX In 1 BOXcontains a BLISTER PACK (24730-706-17)
124730-706-177.5 g In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within the BOX (24730-706-08)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
unapproved drug other02/17/2010


Labeler - United Pet Group (931135730)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Lloyd Inc.791573233manufacture
Revised: 04/2010United Pet Group



Saturday, 1 September 2012

cholecystographic agent


Class Name: cholecystographic agent (Oral route)


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Bar-Test

  • E-Z-Disk

  • Gastrografin

  • Hypaque Sodium

  • Kruschen Salts

  • MD-Gastroview

  • Ocu-Disal

  • Perchloracap

  • Readi-Cat

  • Volumen

In Canada


  • Acb

  • Baro-Cat

  • Colobar-100

  • Epi-C

  • Epi-Stat

  • Esobar

  • Esopho-Cat Esophageal Cream

  • E-Z-Cat

  • E-Z-Hd

  • E-Z-Jug

  • E-Z-Paque

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Suspension

  • Powder for Suspension

  • Tablet

  • Paste

  • Capsule

  • Solution

Uses For This Medicine


Oral cholecystographic agents are radiopaque agents. Radiopaque agents are drugs used to help diagnose certain medical problems. These agents contain iodine, which blocks x-rays. Depending on how the radiopaque agent is given, it localizes or builds up in certain areas of the body. When radiopaque agents are inside the body they will appear white on the x-ray film. This creates the needed distinction, or contrast, between one organ and other tissues. This will help the doctor see any special conditions that may exist in that organ or part of the body.


The oral cholecystographic agents are taken by mouth before x-ray tests to help check for problems of the gallbladder and the biliary tract.


These radiopaque agents are to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.


Ipodate was discontinued by the United States manufacturer in 1999.


Before Using This Medicine


In deciding to receive a diagnostic test, the risks of taking the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For these tests, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Although there is no specific information comparing use of cholecystographic agents in children with use in other age groups, tests using iopanoic acid in children have not shown that these agents cause different side effects or problems in children than they do in adults.


Geriatric


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of cholecystographic agents in the elderly with use in other age groups, these agents are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.


Pregnancy


Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in humans with any of these agents. Studies in animals have been done only with iocetamic acid, which has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems. However, on rare occasions, other radiopaque agents containing iodine have caused hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the baby when given in late pregnancy. Also, x-rays of the abdomen are usually not recommended during pregnancy. This is to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.


Breast Feeding


Iocetamic acid, iopanoic acid, and tyropanoate pass into the breast milk, and the other agents may pass into the breast milk also. However, these radiopaque agents have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.


Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of diagnostic tests in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Asthma, hay fever, or other allergies (history of) or

  • Previous reaction to penicillins or to a skin test for allergies—Patients with these conditions have a greater chance of having a reaction, such as an allergic reaction.

  • Heart disease—Other problems, such as low blood pressure or slow heartbeat, may occur.

  • Kidney disease or

  • Liver disease (severe)—Serious kidney problems may result.

  • Overactive thyroid—A sudden increase in symptoms, such as fast heartbeat or palpitations, fatigue, nervousness, excessive sweating, and muscle weakness may occur.

Proper Use of This Medicine


Take this radiopaque agent with water after dinner the evening or evenings before the examination, following the directions of your doctor. Keep drinking an adequate amount of water, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


Do not eat or drink anything but water after taking the medicine. Also, avoid smoking or chewing gum.


Your doctor may order a special diet or use of a laxative or enema in preparation for your test, depending on the type of test. If you have not received such instructions or if you do not understand them, check with your doctor in advance.


Precautions While Using This Medicine


Make sure your doctor knows if you are planning to have any future thyroid tests. The results of the thyroid test may be affected, even weeks or months later, by the iodine in this agent.


Side Effects of This Medicine


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Itching

  • skin rash or hives

  • unusual bleeding or bruising (with iopanoic acid only)

Symptoms of overdose
  • Diarrhea (severe)

  • nausea and vomiting (severe)

  • problems with urination

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More common
  • Diarrhea (mild)

  • nausea and vomiting (mild to moderate)

Less common
  • Abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps

  • diarrhea (severe)

  • difficult or painful urination

  • dizziness

  • frequent urge to urinate

  • headache

  • heartburn

  • nausea and vomiting (severe or continuing)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.



The information contained in the Thomson Healthcare (Micromedex) products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Healthcare products.

Friday, 31 August 2012

Acetasol HC


Generic Name: hydrocortisone and acetic acid (Otic route)


hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone, a-SEE-tik AS-id


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Acetasol HC

  • Vosol HC

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination


Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid


Chemical Class: Acetic Acid (class)


Uses For Acetasol HC


Corticosteroid and acetic acid combinations are used to treat certain problems of the ear canal. They also help relieve the redness, itching, and swelling that may accompany these conditions.


These medicines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Corticosteroid and acetic acid combinations are available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Acetasol HC


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


There is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in children under 3 years of age with use in other age groups.


Geriatric


Although there is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Rotavirus Vaccine, Live

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Aldesleukin

  • Bupropion

  • Quetiapine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Alatrofloxacin

  • Alcuronium

  • Atracurium

  • Balofloxacin

  • Cinoxacin

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Clinafloxacin

  • Colestipol

  • Enoxacin

  • Fleroxacin

  • Flumequine

  • Gallamine

  • Gemifloxacin

  • Grepafloxacin

  • Hexafluorenium

  • Itraconazole

  • Levofloxacin

  • Licorice

  • Lomefloxacin

  • Metocurine

  • Moxifloxacin

  • Norfloxacin

  • Ofloxacin

  • Pefloxacin

  • Primidone

  • Prulifloxacin

  • Rifapentine

  • Rosoxacin

  • Rufloxacin

  • Saiboku-To

  • Sparfloxacin

  • Temafloxacin

  • Tosufloxacin

  • Trovafloxacin Mesylate

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Any other ear infection or condition—Otic corticosteroids may worsen existing infections or cause new infections

  • Punctured ear drum—Using otic corticosteroids when you have a punctured ear drum may damage the ear

Proper Use of hydrocortisone and acetic acid

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain hydrocortisone and acetic acid. It may not be specific to Acetasol HC. Please read with care.


To use:


  • Lie down or tilt the head so that the affected ear faces up. Gently pull the ear lobe up and back for adults (down and back for children) to straighten the ear canal. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for several (about 5) minutes to allow the medicine to run to the bottom of the ear canal. A sterile cotton plug may be gently inserted into the ear opening to prevent the medicine from leaking out. At first, your doctor may want you to put more medicine on the cotton plug during the day to keep it moist.

To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, avoid touching the dropper or applicator tip to any surface as much as possible (including the ear). Also, always keep the container tightly closed.


For patients using hydrocortisone and acetic acid ear drops:


  • Do not wash the dropper or applicator tip, because water may get into the medicine and make it weaker. If necessary, you may wipe the dropper or applicator tip with a clean tissue.

Do not use corticosteroids more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.


Do not use any leftover medicine for future ear problems without first checking with your doctor. This medicine should not be used if certain kinds of infections are present. To do so may make the infection worse.


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For hydrocortisone and acetic acid

  • For ear drops dosage form:
    • For ear infections:
      • Adults and children over 3 years of age—Use 3 to 5 drops in the affected ear every four to six hours for the first twenty-four hours, then 5 drops three to four times daily.

      • Children under 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.


Do not stop treatment abruptly.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using Acetasol HC


If your condition does not improve within 5 to 7 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.


Acetasol HC Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Less common
  • Anorexia, weakness, weight loss (in children)

  • stinging, itching, irritation, or burning of the ear

There have not been any other side effects reported with this medicine. However, if you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



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More Acetasol HC resources


  • Acetasol HC Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Acetasol HC Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Acetasol HC Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Acetasol HC - Add your own review/rating


  • Acetasol HC Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Acetasol HC otic Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Acetasol HC Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



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