This section is designed to give you general information on drugs you may be taking. The drugs are listed by their generic names under the categories of illness in which they are most useful. At present this drug listing is small, but I will continue adding to it. If you have a specific medication you would like information on, please leave a message to that effect and I will add it. This will help me to make the list more complete. ÕÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͸ ³ ³ ³ ------Penicillins------ ³ ³ ³ ³ A. Amoxicillin ³ ³ B. Ampicillin ³ ³ C. Bacampicillin ³ ³ D. Cloxacillin ³ ³ E. Penicillin V ³ ³ ³ ÔÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ; AMOXICILLIN TRIHYDRATE Brand Names: Amoxil, Larotid, Polymox, Robamox, Trimos, Utimox, Wymox Usage: Systemic infections; acute and chronic urinary tract infections. Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersensitivity (rash), itching. Interaction With Other Drugs: Probenecid: Increases blood levels of penicillin. Probenecid is often used for this purpose. Other Considerations: Notify doctor of other drug allergies. Take with food to prevent gastric distress. Take exactly as prescribed and take entire quantity prescribed. AMPICILLIN Brand Names: Amcap, Amcill, Pfizerpen A, Principen, Roampicillin. AMPICILLIN SODIUM Brand Names: Omnipen-N, Pen A/N, Polycillin-N, Totacillin-N AMPICILLIN TRIHYDRATE Brand Names: Omnipen Usage: Systemic infections; acute and chronic urinary tract infections. Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), hypersensitivity (rash), itching. Interaction with other drugs: Probenecid: increases blood levels of penicillin. Probenecid is often used for this purpose. Other Considerations: Inform doctor of any drug allergies. Take medication exactly as prescribed and take entire quantity prescribed. Call doctor if rash, fever or chills develop. Take 1 to 2 hours before meals or 2 to 3 hours after. BACAMPICILLIN HYDROCHLORIDE Brand Names: Spectrobid Usage: Upper and lower respiratory tract infections; urinary tract infections; skin infections Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), hypersensitivity (rash), itching Interactions With Other Drugs: Probenecid: Increases blood levels of bacampicillin or other penicillins. Probenecid is often used for this purpose. Other Considerations: Inform doctor of any drug allergies. Take entire quantity prescribed. Call doctor if rash, fever, or chills develop. CLOXACILLIN SODIUM Brand Names: Cloxapen, Tegopen Usage: Systemic infections Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, stomach distress, diarrhea, hypersensitivity (rash, itching, chills, fever, sneezing, wheezing) Interactions With Other Drugs: Probenecid: Increases blood levels of penicillin. Probenecid is often used for this purpose. Other Considerations: Take exactly as prescribed and take entire quantity prescribed. Call doctor if rash, fever or chills develop. Take 1 to 2 hours before meals or 2 to 3 hours after. Take with full glass of water, not fruit juice or carbonated beverage, because acid will inactivate the drug. PENICILLIN V Brand Names: Betapen VK, Biotic-V-Powder, Bopen V-K, Cocillin V-K, Lanacillin VK, Ledercillin VK, Penapar VK, Pen-Vee-K, Pfizerpen VK, Robicillin-VK, SK-Penicillin VK, Uticillin VK, B-Cillin K Usage: Mild to moderate systemic infections. Possible Side Effects: Stomach distress, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, hypersensitivity (rash, itching, chills, fever, swelling) Interactions With Other Drugs: Neomycin: decreases absorption of penicillin. Probenecid: increases blood levels of penicillin. Probenecid is often used for this purpose. Other Considerations: Inform doctor of any drug allergies. Take medication exactly as prescribed and take entire quantity prescribed. Take 1 to 2 hours before meals and 2 to 3 hours after. Take with a full glass of water, not fruit juice or a carbonated beverage, because acid will inactivate the drug. ÕÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͸ ³ ³ ³ ------Non-narcotic Pain Relievers------ ³ ³ ³ ³ A. Acetaminophen ³ ³ B. Aspirin ³ ³ C. Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate ³ ³ D. Diflunisal ³ ³ E. Meclofenamate ³ ³ F. Sulindac ³ ³ G. Sulfasalazine ³ ³ ³ ÔÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ; ACETAMINOPHEN Brand Names: Acephen, Datril-500, Dolanex, Halenol, Liquiprin, Panadol, Phendex, tapar, Tempra, Tylenol, Valadol Usage: Mild pain or fever Possible Side Effects: Rash, itching, severe liver damage with over dosing Interactions With Other Drugs: Diflunisal: increases acetaminophen blood levels. Don't use together. Cholestyramine: inhibits acetaminophen's absorption. Avoid using together. Other Considerations: Be aware that high dosage or unsupervised chronic use can cause liver damage. Don't use for self-medication of high fever (103.1 degrees F), fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent fever unless directed by your doctor. Liquid form is recommended for children. ASPIRIN Brand Names: A.S.A., Aspergum, Aspirjen Jr., Bayer Timed-Release, Buffinol, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Measurin, Zorprin Usage: Arthritis; mild pain; fever; Blood clotting disorders. Possible Side Effects: Prolonged bleeding time; ringing in the ears and hearing loss; nausea, vomiting, gastric distress, hidden bleeding, rash, bruising, hypersensitivity manifested by shock and/or asthma. Interactions With Other Drugs: Ammonium chloride (and other urine acidifiers): increased blood levels of aspirin products. Monitor for over dose. Antacids in high doses (and other urine alkalinizers): decreased levels of aspirin products. Corticosteroids: Enhanced elimination. Monitor for decreased effects. Oral anticoagulants and heparin: increase risk of bleeding. Avoid using together if possible. Other Considerations: Do not use if you have a gastric ulcer, or gastric bleeding. Recommended that children or teenagers with chicken pox or influenza-like illness not be given salicylates (aspirin). Give with food, milk, antacid, or large glass of water to reduce gastric distress. CHOLINE MAGNESIUM TRISALICYLATE Brand Name: Trilisate Usage: Arthritis; mild-to-moderate pain and fever. Possible Side Effects: Tinging in the ears and hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, gastric distress, hidden bleeding, rash, hypersensitivity manifested by shock and/or asthma. Interactions With Other Drugs: Ammonium chloride: increased blood levels of salicylates. Antacids in high doses: decreased levels of salicylates. Corticosteroids: enhance salicylate elimination. Monitor for decreased salicylate effect. Oral anticoagulants and heparin: increase risk of bleeding. Avoid using together if possible. Other Considerations: Do not use if you have gastric ulcer or gastric bleeding. Recommended that it not be given to children or teenagers with chicken pox or influenza-like illness. Take with food or full glass of water. DIFLUNISAL Brand Names: Dolobid Usage: Mild to moderate pain and osteoarthritis Possible Side Effects: Dizziness, insomnia, headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, excess gas, rash, itching. Interactions With Other Drugs: Aspirin, antacids: Decreased diflunisal blood levels. Other Considerations: May take with water, milk, or meals. MECLOFENAMATE BRAND NAMES Meclomen BASIC INFORMATION Habit forming? No Prescription needed? Yes Available as generic? No Drug class: Anti-inflammatory (non-steroid) USES Treatment for joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling of arthritis and gout. DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION How to take: Capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food. When to take: At the same times each day. If you forget a dose: Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose). What drug does: Reduces tissue concentration of prostaglandins (hormones which produce inflammation and pain). Time lapse before drug works: Begins in 4 to 24 hours. May require 3 weeks regular use for maximum benefit. Don't take with: See interaction column and consult doctor. OVERDOSE Symptoms: Confusion, agitation, incoherence, convulsions, possible hemorrhage from stomach or intestine, coma. What to do: *Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately. *See emergency information. POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS Symptoms What to do ------------------------------------------------------ Life-threatening: None expected. Common: *Dizziness, nausea, pain. Continue. Call doctor when convenient. *Headache. Continue. Tell doctor at next visit. Infrequent: *Depression; drowsiness; Continue. Call doctor when ringing in ears; convenient. constipation or diarrhea; vomiting; swollen feet, legs. Rare: *Convilsions; confusion; Discontinue. Call doctor rash, hives, or itchy right away. skin; blurred vision; black, bloody or tarry stool; difficult breathing; tightness in chest; rapid heartbeat; unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in urine; jaundice. *Frequent, painful or Continue. Call doctor when difficult urination; convenient. fatigue, weakness. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Don't take if: *You are allergic to aspirin or any non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drug. *You have gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis, ileitis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure or bleeding problems. *You are younger than 15. Before you start, consult your doctor: *If you have epilepsy. *If you have Parkinson's disease. *If you have been mentally ill. *If you have had kidney disease or impaired kidney function. Over age 60: Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Pregnancy: Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child. Breast-feeding: May harm child. Avoid. Infants and children: Not recommended for anyone younger than 15. Use only under medical supervision. Prolonged use: *Eye damage. *Reduced hearing. *Sore throat, fever. *Weight gain. Skin and sunlight: No problems expected. Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs. Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment. Others: No problems expected. POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS Generic Name or Drug Class Combined Effect --------------------------------------------------------- Acebutolol Decreased antihypertensive effect of acebutolol. Anticoagulants (oral) Increased risk of bleeding. Aspirin Increased risk of stomach ulcer. Cortisone drugs Increased risk of stomach ulcer. Furosemide Decreased diuretic effect of furosemide. Gold compounds Possible increased likelihood of kidney damage. Ketoprofen Increased possibility of internal bleeding. Minoxidil Decreased minoxidil effect. Oxprenolol Decreased antihypertensive effect of oxprenolol. Oxphenbutazone Possible stomach ulcer. Phenylbutazone Possible stomach ulcer. Probenecid Increased meclofenamate effect. Thyroid hormones Rapid heartbeat, blood- pressure rise. POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES Interacts with Combined effect ---------------------------------------------------------- Alcohol: Possible stomach ulcer or bleeding. Beverages: None expected. Cocaine: None expected. Foods: None expected. Marijuana: Increased pain relief from meclofenamate. Tobacco: None expected. SULFASALAZINE BRAND NAMES Azulfidine Salazopyrin Azulfidine En-Tabs SAS-500 BASIC INFORMATION Habit forming? No Prescription needed? Yes Available as generic? Yes Drug class: Sulfa (sulfonamide) USES Treatment for ulceration and bleeding during active phase of ulcerative colitis. DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION How to take: Tablet--Swallow with liquid. Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Liquid--Shake carefully before measuring. When to take: At the same times each day, evenly spaced. If you forget a dose: Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose). What drug does: Anti-inflammatory action reduces tissue destruction in colon. Time lapse before drug works: 2 to 5 days. Don't take with: See interaction column and consult doctor. POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS ________________________________________________________________________ Symptoms What to do Life-threatening: None expected. Common: Itchy skin, rash. Discontinue. Call doctor right away. Headache, nausea, Continue. Call doctor when vomiting, diarrhea, when convenient. appetite loss. Orange urine. Continue. Tell doctor at next visit. Infrequent: Red, peeling or Discontinue. Call doctor right blistering skin; away. sore throat; fever; swallowing difficulty; unusual bruising; aching joints or muscles; jaundice. Dizziness. Continue. Call doctor when convenient. Rare: Painful urination; Discontinue. Call doctor right low back pain; away. numbness, tingling, burning feeling in feet and hands. OVERDOSE Symptoms: Less urine, bloody urine, coma. What to do: Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately. See emergency information. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Don't take if: You are allergic to any sulfa drug. Before you start, consult your doctor: If you are allergic to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, oral antidiabetics or thiazide or loop diuretics. If you are allergic by nature. If you have liver or kidney disease. If you have porphyria. If you have developed anemia from use of any drug. Over age 60: Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Pregnancy: Risk ot unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use. Breast-feeding: Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply. Infants and Children: Don't give to infants younger than 1 month. Prolonged use: May enlarge thyroid gland. You may become more susceptible to infections caused by germs not responsive to this drug. Request frequent blood counts, liver- and kidney-function studies. Skin and sunlight: May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp. Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Avoid if you feel dizzy. Otherwise, no problems expected. Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear. Others: Drink 2 quarts of liquid each day to prevent adverse reactions. If you require surgery, tell anesthetist you take sulfa. Pentothal anesthesia should not be used. POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS ________________________________________________________________________ Generic name or drug class Combined effect Aminobenzoate potassium Possible decreased sulfa effect. Antibiotics Decreased sulfa effect. Anticoagulants (oral) Increased anticoagulant effect. Anticonvulsants (hydantoin) Toxic effect on brain. Aspirin Increased sulfa effect. Calcium supplements Decreased sulfa effect. Digoxin Decreased digoxin effect. Iron supplements Decreased sulfa effect. Isoniazid Possible anemia. Methenamine Possible kidney blockage. Methotrexate Increased methotrexate effect. Oxyphenbutazone Increased sulfa effect. Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) Decreased sulfa effect. Penicillins Decreased penicillin effect. Phenylbutazone Increased sulfa effect. Probenecid Increased sulfa effect. Sulfinpyrazone Increased sulfa effect. Sulfonureas May increase hypoglycemic action. Trimethoprim Increased sulfa effect. Vitamin C Possible kidney damage. Avoid large doses of vitamin C. POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES ________________________________________________________________________ Interacts with Combined effect Alcohol: Increased alcohol effect. Beverages: Less than Kidney damage. 2 quarts of fluid daily. Cocaine: None expected. Foods: None expected. Marijuana: None expected. Tobacco: None expected. Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253