Posts Tagged ‘anaemia’

flumazenil A benzodiazepine antagonist used in anaesthesia to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
Dose: 200µg initially by i.v. injection, with subsequent doses of 100 pg at I -minute intervals, up to a maximum of I mg. Further doses may be given by i.v. infusion if drowsiness returns, as the action of flumazenil is brief. ( Anexate).
flunisolide A potent corticosteroid used locally in the more severe forms of hay fever and other nasal allergies.
Dose: 1)), nasal inhalation, 50pg (2 sprays), 2 or 3 times a day, continued for 2-3 weeks, or longer if required. (Syntaris).
flunitrazepam A benzodiazepine with a hypnotic action used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Dose: 0.5-2 nig. Side-effects include drowsiness, ataxia and visual disturbances. (Rohypnol). See page 152 and Table 22.
fluocinolone A topically active potent corticosteroid. Used as cream, ointment or gel (0.00625-0.025%) in severe, inflamed, corticosteroid-responsive skin disorders. Excessive application should be avoided. (Synalar).
fluocino”ide A potent locally effective anti-inflammatory steroid similar to fluocinolone, used as cream, ointment or lotion (0.05%). (Metosyn).
fluocortolone A locally acting corticosteroid used as cream or ointment (0.25%) in severe, inflamed skin conditions. (Ultralanum).
fluorouracil A cytotoxic agent used in the palliative treatment of carcinoma of the breast and gastrointestinal tract and other solid tumours.
Dose: 15 ingft orally or by i.v. infusion weekly, up to a total dose of 12-25 g. Side-effects include alopecia and dermatitis, but haeniatotoxicity, severe gastrointestinal disturbance and haemorrhage may limit treatment. Fluorouracil is used locally as a 5% cream (Efudix) in malignant skin lesions.
fluoxetine An antidepressant that acts by selectively inhibiting the uptake of serotonin. Given in single daily doses of 20 mg. Dose: 60 mg daily are given in bulimia nervosa. Side-effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness and anorexia; rash is an indication of withdrawal. It should not be used with other drugs that influence serotonin uptake. (Prozac). See page 128 and Table 11.
flupenthixol A tranquillizer similar to fluphenazine and used in the treatment of schizophrenia with apathy and withdrawal. It also has an antidepressant action.
Dose: 6-18 ing daily initially, with subsequent adjustment according to need. It may cause some restlessness and insomnia. Dose by deep i.m. injection, 20-40 mg every 2-4 weeks. Dose in depression: 500 pg 31ngdaily.The side-effects are similar to those of chlorpromazine. (Depixol; Fluanoxol). See page 168 and Table 30.
fluphenazine An antipsychotic drug with the actions and uses of chlorpromazine, but with reduced sedative and anticholinergic side-effects, although extra-pyramidal symptoms may be increased. Dose: 2- 10 mg initially in schizophrenia adjusted up to 20 ing daily. In severe anxiety states 1-4 mg. For depot treatment, 12.5-100 ntg of the decanoate by deep i.m. injection every 12-14 days according to response. (Modecate; Moditen). See page 168 and Table 30.
fluorescein An orange-red dye; solutions have a strong green fluorescence. Used as eye drops (1-2%) for detecting corneal lesions, as areas of cornea denuded of epithelium stain green.
fluorometholone A corticosteroid used as eye drops (0.10%) for inflammatory conditions of the eye. (FML).
flurandrenolone A potent locally acting corticosteroid used as a cream or ointment (0.0125%) in severe skin disorders not responding to other therapy. (Haelan). An adhesive tape is used for small resistant dermatoses.
flurazepam A benzodiazepine hypnotic for
the short-term treatment of insomnia.

flurbiprofen A non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug with the actions, uses and side-effects of naproxen. It is used in the relief of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid and arthritic conditions, and in other
nitisculoskeletal disorders.
Dose: 150 mg daily, after food, increased tip to 300 mg daily if necessary. Suppositories of 100 nig are available. Care is necessary in peptic ulcer and in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients. (Froben). See page 165 and’I'able 29.
flutamide An androgen blocking agent that inhibits the action of androgens on target organs. It is used in advanced prostatic cancer not responding to other drugs, usually in association with goserelin or related agents.
Dose: 750 mg daily. Side-effects include gynacconiastia, and liver function should be checked. (Drogenil). See page 122 and Table 8.
folic acid A constituent of the vitamin B group. It is essential for cell division and the growth and development of normal red blood cells. The main therapeutic use is in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemias due to folic acid deficiency. Dose: 5 ing daily for 4 months initially;
ing weekly may be adequate after the haematological response has been obtained. Sometimes given with anti-epileptic drugs, as long-term therapy may cause a folic acid deficiency. Small doses are present in many iron preparations to prevent the inegaloblastic anaemia that may occur in later stages of pregnancy. It must not be used alone in pernicious anaemia, as it cannot prevent the degeneration of the central nervous system associated with that disease.
folinic acid A methotrexate antidote. It is given ai the end of a course of methotrexate to reduce the toxic effects on normal cells and in methotrexate-overdose. Dose: up to 120 mg over 24 hours by i.m. injection (or i.v.), with 60 mg orally for another 48-72 hours.
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fluticasone A corticosteroid of increased potency. Used as a metered dose pump for the prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and hay fever.
Dose: 100 pg (2 sprays) into each nostril mice a day in the morning. Maximum reliefmay not be obtained for 3-4 days. Systemic absorption extremely low. (Nixonaw.
fluvastatinV An inhibitor of the enzyme I I N46-CoA-reductase used in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.
Dose: 20-40 ing daily in the evening. (Lescol). See page 146,’I'able 20 and atorvastatin, provastatin and ‘inivastatin.
fluvoxamine An antidepressant that acts by inhibiting the central re-uptake of serotonin. It is used mainly for maintenance treatment during depressive illness. Dose: 100-300 mg, daily in the evening; a steady plasma level is normally reached within 10-14 days. Side-effects after initial nausea may include somnolence, constipation and agitation. It should not be used with other drugs that increase scrotonin uptake, or with aminophylline or theophylline. (Faverin). See page 128 and Table 11.
follitropin A recombinant form of the follicle stimulating hormone used in some forms of infertility. It is given by injection in doses dependent on the degree of ovarian response. (Puregon).
formaldehyde A powerful but toxic germicide used mainly in the disinfection of rooms, and as’formalsaline’ (5% in normal saline) for the preservation of pathological specimens. Warts have been treated with a 3% solution.
formestane An inhibitor of aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogens. It is used in advanced postmenopausal breast cancer, as it has a cytotoxic action mediated by causing an oestrogen deficiency state.
Dose: 250 mg by deep intragluteal injection at intervals of 2 weeks, with variations of the injection site. Side-effect are rash, pruritus and occasional vaginal bleeding. Mentaron). See page 122 and Table 8.
foscarnet An antiviral agent for the treatment of sight-damaging cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients as an alternative to ganciclovir.
Dose: 60 mg/kg daily by i.v. infusion for 2-3 weeks, with subsequent infusion at a rate dependent on renal function. (Foscavir). See page 144 and,ribic ig.
fosfestrol A water-soluble derivative of stilboestrol. It is metabolized by the enzyme acid phosphatase to liberate stilboestrol in tissues rich in that enzyme, and so it is of value in prostatic carcinoma.
Dose: 1)), slow i.v. injection, 600-1200 rni, daily for 5 days or more. Oral maintenance dose: 120-360 nig daily. perinea) pain is a side-effect. (I lonvan). See page 122 and Table 8.
fosfomycin A phosphorus-containing antibiotic used mainly for infections of the lower urinary tract.
Dose: 3 g nightly after voiding the
bladder. Also used prophylactically before prostatectomy. Rash, nausea and diarrhoea are side-effects. (Monuril).
fosinopril An ACE inhibitor indicated in hypertension when standard therapy is ineffective or unsuitable.
Dose: 10 mg daily initially, adjusted after •1 weeks up to 40 nig according to need. It is eliminated by the liver as well as the kidneys, and may have some advantages in renal impairment. (Staril). See ACE inhibitors, page 148 and Table 21.
framycetin An antibiotic resembling neomycin in general properties. Used in eye infections as drops or ointment 0.5%. (Soframycin).
friar’s balsam Contains benzoin, storax, aloes, balsam of tolu. Official name Compound Tincture of Benzoin. See benzoin.
frusemide A loop diuretic with a powerful and intense action of short duration. Often effective in conditions no longer responding to thiazide diuretics.
Dose: 20-40 mg daily or on alternate days, or 20-50 mg i.ma or i.v. Much larger oral doses, varying front 250 nie, up to a single maximum dose of 2g may be required in renal failure and oliguria. Side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea and cramp. Masix). See page 141 and’Fable 18.
fusidic acid See sodium fusidate.
gabapentin An anticonvulsant used in the L11111101 of the partial seizures of epilepsy, although the mode of action is not yet clear. Dose: 300 mg initially, slowly increased to 1.2 g daily according to need. Drowsiness, tremor and weight gain are some side-effects. Withdrawal is with slowly reduced doses over 2-3 weeks. (Neurontin). See page 136 and Table I5.
gallamine A synthetic non-depolarizing (competitive) muscle relaxant.
Dose: 80-120 mg initially i.v. with small subsequent doses according to need and response. The action of the drug may be terminated by the injection of neostigmine, 2.5-5 mg, together with atropine, 0.5-1 mg. (Flaxedil). Now used less frequently as tachycardia is a side-effect.
gamolinic acid A derivative of linoleic acid present in evening primrose oil. It is said to be of value in atopic eczema.
Dose: 320-480 mg daily. It is also used in mastalgia (breast pain) in doses of
240-320 mg daily, but the response is slow (8-12 weeks). (Epogam; Ffarnast).
gammaglobulin See immunoglobulin.
ganciclovir An antiviral agent similar to aciclovir, but more toxic. It is used only in sight- and life- threatening infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in immunocompromised patients.
Dose: by i.v. infusion, 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14-21 days, with mainte nance (lose of 5 mg/kg daily. Later oral dose 3 g daily. The solution is very alkaline, and injection requires care. Regular blood counts are essential. (Cvnievene). See page 144 an(Frable 19.
G-CSF human urnan granulocyte colony stimulating factor. See filgrastim and lenograstim.
fusafungine An antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties used for upper respiratory tract infections.
Dose: as aerosol spray 123 jig 5 boles  day. (Locabiotal).
Gee’s linctus A soothing cough linctus containing camphorated tincture of opium, oxymcl of squill and syrup of tolu.

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ethinyloestradiol A synthetic oestrogen formerly used to control menopausal symptoms and other conditions where oestrogen therapy is indicated.
Dose: 10-50 pg daily. It is present with a pi ugestogen in many oral contraceptive products. See page 264 and Table 40.
othosuximide An anticonvulsant for the treatment of petit trial epilepsy (absence seizures). May be used alone, or combined with other anticonvulsants, and it is often of value in patients not responding to other drugs.
Dose: 500 nig daily initially, gradually increased if required, to a maximum of 2 g daily. Care is necessary in renal or hepatic disease. Drowsiness, headache and gastrointestinal disorders are sonic side-effects. (F meside; Zaronlin). See page 136 and Table 15.
etidronate disodium A bisphosphonate used in Paget’s disease of bone, as it slows down the rapid turnover of bone and relieves the pain of that disease.
Dose: 5 nig/kg as a single daily dose between meals for 6 months or more. Side-effects are nausea and diarrhoea; high (loses may increase bone pain and the risks of fracture. (Didronel). Didronel PMO also contains calcium carbonate, and is used in the extended treatment of vertebral osteoporosis. See clodronate and pamidronate.
include nausea, alopecia and myelosuppression. (Vespid). See page 122 and Table 8.
eusol A chlorine antiseptic solution used as lotion, or as compress. The solution should be freshly prepared. Now less popular, thought to be irritant.
evening primrose oil See gamolenic acid.
eye drops Weak solutions of drugs for the treatment of ocular conditions. They may be antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral in action, or maybe used for non-infective conditions such as glaucoma, or for diagnosis. For routine use they are supplied sterile in multiple-application containers, but are intended for individual use only. They contain preservatives, and for home use may be used for up to one month after the container has been opened. In eye Surgery, single application products should be used. Occasionally, enough of a drug may be absorbed from eye drops to have systemic effects, and corticosteroids, if used as eye drops over a prolonged period, may cause’steroid glaucoma’. Care should be taken with contact lenses, and ideally they Should not be worn during eye drop treatment. Soft contact lenses can absorb the preservatives, which may cause irritation.
etodolac A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) of the naproxen type, with similar actions, uses and side-effects. Dose: in rheumatoid conditions, 400 mg daily. (Lodine). See page 169 and
Table 29.
etomidate A short-acting i.v. hypnotic used lor the induction of anaesthesia. It causes little cardiac disturbance or hypertension, but muscle movement and pain may
occur during injection.
Dose: 300 pg/kg by i.v. injection.
f Ilypnomidate).
etoposide A cytotoxic agent used in small-cell lung cancer and resistant testicular cancers. It is given in daily doses based on skin area for 5 days, repeated after 21 days according to response.
Dose: 120-240 nighn’ daily orally; by i.v. infusion 60-120 mghn’, and care must be taken to avoid extravasation. Side-effect-,
Factor Vila A recombinant and active form of the blood coagulation Factor VII. The treatment of haemophilia with Factors Vill and IX is complicated by the development of antibodies to those factors. Factor Vila acts as a late stage in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, can function independently of Factors Vill and IX, and does not induce the formation of antibodies. It is used to control serious bleeding in haemophiliac patients and during surgery, under specialist supervision.
Dose: 60-120pg initially by i.v. injection, followed by a second dose after 2-3 hours, then 4-12-hourly as required for
2-3 weeks or more. (NovoSeven).
Factor Vill Haemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of the blood clotting agent Factor Vill, and highly purified preparations of human Factor VIII as well as recombinant forms are used as replacement therapy in doses based on the degree of deficiency of that factor. (Kogenate; Monoclate P; Recombinate).
Factor IX Haemophilia B is due to a deficiency of Factor IX, and preparations of that factor, obtained by monoclonal antibody techniques, are given i.v. in doses based on the degree of efficiency of the factor. (Monomine; Replenine).
famiclovir An antiviral agent similar to acyclovir, and used in herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes infections. Dose: 75 mg daily for 7 days. (Panivir). See page 144 and “fable 19.
famotidine An H,-receptor antagonist with the uses and side-effects of cinictidine, but a longer action.
Dose: in benign peptic ulcer, 40 ing at night lor,1-8 weeks; 20 mg at night for the prevention of recurrence, also used in reflex oesophagitis. In Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome, doses of 20 mg 6-hourly are given. ( Pepcid). See page 162 and] *able 27.
pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions.
Dose: 600-900 nig daily. Like other
NSAIDs, it may cause gastrointestinal disturbance and dizziness, but the incidence of rash requires withdrawal of the drug. (Leclet-fen). See page 165;uidfable 29.
fencifibrate A plasma-lipid regulating agent of the clofibrate type, with similar uses and side-effects.
Dose: 300 ing initial]),, with food, later 200-400 mg daily according to need. (Lipantil). See page 146 and Table 20.
fenoprofen A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agent. It is also used as a mild analgesic in a variety of painful conditions.
Dose: 900 mg-3 g daily. Side-effects include nausea, dizziness, vertigo and rash. (Fenoprofen; Progesic). See page 165 and Table 29.
fenoterol A sympathomimetic agent with the actions, uses and side-effects of salbutamol. Dose: by oral inhalation, 100-200 [Ig (1-2 puffs) up to 4 times a day. (Berotec). See page 118 and Table 6.
Fansidar Pyriniethamine, 25 mg with sulfadoxine 500 mg. Both these antimalarial drugs block the formation of folinic acid in the malarial parasite, but the combination is more effective. Mainly used with quinine in resistant filciparum malaria. (Fansidar is no longer recommended for prophylaxis, as fatalities have followed such use.)
felodipine A calcium antagonist used in the treatment of hypertension generally (see calcium channel blocking agents). Dose: 5 nig daily initially, adjusted to maintenance doses up to to mg daily. ‘I abiets should be taken in the morning, and swallowed whole with water. No adjustment of dose necessary for elderly patients, but care is required in marked hepatic impairment. Hypotension with tachycardia may occur with susceptible patients. (Plendil). See page 148 and Table 21.
felypressin A vasopressin derivative, used as a vasoconstrictor in local anaesthetic solutions for dental use, when sympathetic pressor drugs are contraindicated.
fenbufen A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) used for the relief of
fentanyl A narcotic analgesic, used mainly in thiopentone anaesthesia to increase the response and permit a reduction in dose of thiopentone, especially in poor-risk patients. It is also used with droperidol to produce a state of neuroleptanalgesia. Dose: 50-200 pg by i.v. injection.
(Subli niaze). Also used as a patch for the relief of chronic pain. (Durogesic).
fenticonazole An antifungal used in vaginal candidiasis as pessaries of 200 mg. (Lonlexin).
ferrous sulphate, fumarate, gluconate & succinate These iron salts are used in the prophylaxis and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemias. Ferrous sulphate is the standard drug, given in doses of 600 mg daily, but it may cause gastric disturbance in some patients, and ferrous fumarate, gluconate and succinate are better tolerated alternatives. Sonic better tolerated slow-release products are available, but may be less well absorbed. Ferrous sulphate tablets are potentially dangerous for small children, and death has occurred after accidental administration. See desferrioxamine.

fexofenadine An antihistamine with the general properties of that group of drugs. It is less likely to affect the ability to drive. Dose: 120 mg once daily. See
page 110 and Table 2.
fibrinolytic agents Drugs used to break up blood clots, and so are of value in thrombosis. See alteplase, anistreplase, streptokinase and urokinase.
filgrastim A recombinant form of human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), one of a group of natural growth factors concerned with bone marrow activity. It stimulates the development of neutrophils, the production of which is depressed during cytotoxic therapy. The neutropenia thus caused increases the risks of infection, but the neutrophil count can be restored by filgrastim. It is used mainly in the neutropenia associated with the cytotoxic treatment of non-myeloid malignancy. Dose: 500 000 units/kg daily by s.c. injection or i.v. infusion for 14 days, or until the neutrophil count return, to normal. Double doses are given after bone marrow transplanlation.The main side-effects are musculoskeletal pain and dysuria.  See lenograstini and molgrastirn.
His, and is of value in serious ventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles.
Dose: 200-400 mg daily. May he given by slow i.v. injection in doses of 2 iiig/kg in acute conditions resistant to other therapy, and under hospital control. Care is necessary in patients with pacemakers, and in renal impairment. Dizziness and visual disturbances are side-effects. (Tainhocor). See page 141 and Table 18.
flucloxacillin A derivative of cloxacillin, that is absorbed more readily when given orally. It is used mainly in infections due to penicillinase-producing penicillin-resistant staphylococci.
Dose: I g daily before food; by injection 1 -4 g daily, but larger doses arc given in very severe infections. Side-effects are those of the penicillins generally. (Floxapen). See co-fluanipicil.
fluconazole A systemically acting synthetic antifungal agent.
Dose: in oral candidiasis, 50 ing daily for 7-14 days: in vaginal candidiasis, a single dose of 1.50 mg. Dose in systemic candidiasis and cryptococcosis, 200-400 mg daily orally or by i.v. infusion. Side-effects include nausea and abdominal discomfort. Combined treatment with
asternizole, cisapride or terfenadine should be avoided. (Dillucan).
finasteride An inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, and so prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the biologically active form of the male hormone. It is used for the symptomatic relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as prolonged therapy promotes a reduction in the size of the prostate gland.
Dose: 5 nig daily for 6 months or more. Side-elfects are reduced libido and impotence. (Proscar). See page 164 and Table 28.
flavoxate An antispasmodic of value in urinary disorders such as dysuria, frequency and related conditions. Dose: 600 mg daily. Side-effects include dry mouth and blurred vision. Contraindicated in glaucoma and bladder obstruction. (Urispas).
flecainicle An orally active anti-arrhythmic
agent of the lignocaine type. It chiefly
influences conduction in the bundle of
flucytosine An antifungal agent used in systemic yeast infections such as candidiasis and cryptococcosis.
Dose: 100-200 mg/kg daily i.v. It may Cause sonic bone marrow depression, and sensitivity tests should be carried out before and during treatment, as resistance to the drug may limit its value. Care is necessary in renal and hepatic inipairmclit. Side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea and rash. (Alcobon).
fludarabine A fluorinated cytotoxic agent used in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CI.L) after other treatment has failed. Dose by i.v. infusion 25 mg/in’ for 5 days a nionth. It is generally well tolerated, but myclosuppression may occur as with related drugs. (Fludara).

co-fluampicil -tablets of flucloxacillin and ampicillin
co-flumactone Tablets of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide.
colchicine The alkaloid obtained from meadow saffron. It is used in acute gout. Dose: 500mg every 2 hours until relief is obtained. A total dose of 10mg should not be exceeded, but relief of pain or the onset of vomiting or diarrhoea usually renders full doses unnecessary. It is also used prophylactically in doses ol’500pg 2 or 3 times a day during early treatment with allopurinol, probericcid and sulphiripyrazone. Gire is necessary in the elderly, and in renal impairment. See page 140 and’I'able 17.
corticotrophin The adrenocorticotrophic hormone of the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates the production of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex. It is now used mainly as a test of adrenocortical function. See tetracosactrin.
Hydrocortisone.
cortisone one of the corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal cortex. Although it is rapidly absorbed orally, it is inactive until converted in the liver to hydrocortisone. It therefore has the actions, uses and side-effects of hydrocortisone, which is often the preferred corticosteroid. It should be noted that cortisone is of no value for topical application. See hydrocortisone, page 250 and Table 36.
colestipol An exchange resin used in hyperlipidaemia that acts by binding with bile salts in the gut and preventing their reabsorption, and so indirectly lowers the plasma level of cholesterol.
Dose: 10-30g daily. May interfere with the absorption of many drugs. (Colostid). See page 146 and Table 20.
colfoseeril A pulmonary surfactant used in the respiratory distress syndrome of the new-born. (Exosurf). See beractant.
colistin An antibiotic used mainly for bowel sterilization.
Dose: 4.5-9 mega-units daily. In systemic gram-negative infections 2 mega-units 8-hourly by injection have been used, but less toxic antibiotics are now preferred. Colonlycin).
collodion When applied to the skin, it dries to form a flexible film, and is used as a vehicle for the extended local application of drugs such as salicylic acid.
co-phenotrope tablets of diphenoxylate
and atropine. (Lomotil; Tropergen).
co-prenozide Tablets of oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide. (Trasidex).
co-proxamol Tablets  and paracetamol. (Distalgesic).
corticosteroids Hormones secreted by the cortex of the suprarenal gland. The principal hormone is hydrocortisone but more potent synthetic derivatives such as dexamethasone are also in use.
co-tenidone Tablets of atenolol and chlorthaliclone. (Tenoretic).
co-triamterzide Tablets of hydrochlorothiazide and triannerine. (Diazide).
co-trimoxazole A mixture of trimethoprini and sulpliaiiietlioxazole. Trimethoprim, like the sulphonamides, interferes with the folic acid cycle of bacterial metabolism, but at a different point, and the mixture has an increased antibacterial action. It was once widely used, but is now advised only for Prieunjocystis carinii pneumonia. Occasionally given in acute bronchitis and urinary infections when no other drug is acceptable.
Dose: 120 nig/kf; daily lot- 14 days; 960 ing 12-hourly by i.v. infusion. (Bactrin); Septrin).
coumarins Compounds that depress the formation in the liver of prothrombin and other blood coagulation factors. See warfarin and phenindione.
counter-irritants Substances, also referred to as rubifacients, that, when applied to the skin, produce a mild, local irritation and inflammation, and give symptomatic relief in painful conditions of the muscles and joints. Creams and liniments containing methyl salicylate, turpentine, capsicum resin and menthol are examples of rubifacients.
crisantaspase Asparagine is an aminoacid essential for the development of some malignant cells. Crisantaspase is an enzyme, also known as asparaginase, that breaks down asparagine, and so has an indirect cytotoxic action. It is used to induce remission in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children.
Dose: (after pre-treatment with other drugs): 1000 units/kg by slow i.v. injection daily for 10 days. Side-effects include anaphylactic reactions, and skin tests to detect hypersensitivity
are essential before initial and re-treatment. (Erwinase).
crotamiton An ascaricide and antipruritiL. Used by local application as cream or lotion (10%) in the treatment of scabies and itching conditions. (Eurax).
crystal violet A dyestuffwith a selective action against Gram-positive organisms and yeasts. Used as a 0.5% solution for infected skin conditions, and for skin
preparation.
cyanocobalamin The anti-anaemic factor present III liver. It is specific in the treatment of pernicious anaemia and its neurological complications, and of value in some other anaernias due to nutritional deficiencies.
Dose: in pernicious anaemia, I Ing by i.m. injection at monthly intervals. It has been largely replaced by hydroxocobalamin, which has a more prolonged action. (Cytanien). See page 112 and’I'able 3.
cyclizine An antihistamine, used mainly in I ravel sickness and nausea generally. Also useful in vertigo.
Dose: 100-150 mg daily. Side-effects include dryness of the mouth, headache and drowsiness. (%Ialoid).
cyclopenthiazide A thiazide diuretic with the actions, uses and side-effects of bend roll tiazide.
Dose: I mg initially, 250-500mg daily or on alternate days, in the morning, according to need. (Navidrex). See page 148 and Table 21.
cyclopentolate An anticholinergic agent use(] to produce cycloplegia and mydriasis. The action is more rapid and less prolonged than atropine, particularly in children. (Mydrilate).
cyclophosphamide A widely used alkylating
cytotoxic agent, active orally and by injec-
tion. Used in I lodgkin’s disease, chronic
lymphocytic leukaemia and lymphomas. Dose: 100-300 Ing daily, orally or i.v., or 300 mg-1 g weekly. A high fluid intake is necessary, as a metabolite may cause hacm- ( )rrhagic cystitis, and it is sometimes used with mesna to reduce the risk of such cystitis. Nausea and vomiting are common side-effects, as is epilation with high doses. (Endoxana). See page 122 and Table 8.
cyclopropane An inhalation anaesthetic of high potency with which induction and recovery are rapid. It causes some respiratory depression and cardiac irregularities, and its administration requires care. It is used with closed-circuit apparatus as it forms an explosive mixture with air and oxygen. Supplied in orange-coloured cylinders.
cycloserine An antibiotic used in
pulmonary tuberculosis when standard drugs are ineffective. Occasionally used in urinary infections.
Dose: 250-750 mg daily. Side-effects include drowsiness, vertigo and rash. See page 170 and Table 31.
cyclosporin An antibiotic with a powerful inuininosuppressant action. It is used under expert control to prevent graft rejection in organ and bone marrow transplantation, and in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVI-ID). Prolonged therapy over some months may be required. Side-effects may include tremor, gastrointestinal disturbance, hypertrichosis and nephrotoxicity (Neural; Sandinimun).
cyproheptadine A compound with antihistamine and antiserotonin properties. Sonic allergic reactions are due not only to histamine, but also to serotonin, and cyproheptadine is useful in conditions not responding completely to an antihistamine. Dose: 4-20 ing daily. It has been used as an appetile stimulant in doses of 12 mg daily and in refractory migraine. (11criactin). See page 110 and Table 2.
cyproterone An anti-androgen used to reduce libido in sexual deviants. Dose: 50-100 nig daily. It is also used in the palliative treatment of prostatic carcinoma, particularly in advanced cases that have become resistant to other therapy. Dose: 300 mg daily.