Posts Tagged ‘bendrofluazide’

dimethicone Activated dimethicone is an antifoaming agent, said to reduce flatulence and protect mucous
membranes. It is a constituent of many antacid preparations. It is also present in some water-repellent skin creams.
dipipanana A rapidly acting morphine-like analgesic of value in the sever rain 4 to -1 dk–
Dose: 30-3450 mg (fail),, but it is usually• given in association with cyclizine as Diconal. The side-effects are similar to those of morphine.
dipivefrine A pro-drug that is converted into adrenaline after absorption. It is used
in chronic open angled- glaucoma as eye
drops (0.1%). (Propine). See page 138 and Table 16.
dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) An organic liquid, it has been used for the symptomatic relief of interstitial cystitis
(Hunner’s ulcer) by the bladder instillation of 50 ml of a 50% solution. (Rimso-50).
dinoprost Prostaglandin F,.. It has actions and uses similar to dinoprostone.
(Prostin 112).
dinoprostone A synthetic form of prostaglandin E,. It has been used to initiate contractions of the pregnant uterus. Dose: 500 pg orally to induce labour, repeated if necessary at hourly intervals; as vaginal tablets or gel, 3 mg. Side-effects are nausea, diarrhoea, shivering and dizziness. (Prostin E2; Prepidil).
dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate See dOCUSalC.
diodone injection A solution of a complex organic iodine compound, used as a contrast agent in X-ray examination of kidneys and ureters.
diphenhydramine One of the early antihistamines, with a more sedative action, and use(] in the temporary relief of insomnia. Dose: 10-25 trig. (Medinex. Nytol). It is also present in some cough preparations and nasal decongestants.
diphenoxylate A derivative that resembles codeine III reducing intestinal activity. It is used for the symptomatic relief of diarrhoea, and is usually given with a small dose of atropine to discourage excessive dosage and to reduce the risk of dependence. Dose: 10 mg initially, then 5 nig every 6 hours as required. (Lomotil;’Fropergen).
diphenylpyraline An antihistamine used as .I decongestant in colds and sinusitis. Present in Eskornadc.
dipyridamole An inhibitor of thrombus formation by reducing the adhesiveness of blood platelets in the arterial circulation. Dose: 300-600 mg daily before food. s I
ide-effects include nausea, diarrhoea and headache. (Persantill).
disodium cromoglycate See sodium cromoglycatc.
disodium etidronate See etidronate. disodium pamidronate See pamidronate.
disopyramide A quinidine-like drug used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias especially after myocardial infarction. Dose: 300-800 mg daily; dose by slow i.v. injection under ECG cover, 2 nig/kg up to 150 mg, followed by oral therapy as soon as possible. By its anticholinergic action care is necessary in glaucoma and prostatic enlargement. Contraindicated in heart block. (Dirythmin; Rythmodan). See page 1;6 and “fable 24.
distigmine An inhibitor of cholinesterase similar to neostigmine but with a longer action.
Dose: in the control of myasthenia gravis 5-20 mg as a single morning dose before breakfast; in urinary retention after surgery, 5 trig daily. It is sometimes used in neurogenic bladder disorders. Side-effects are nausea, abdominal cramp, diarrhoea and weakness. (Ubretid).
disulfiram When taken with even small amounts of alcohol, disulfiram permits the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, with side-effects such a flushing, giddiness, vomiting and headache that may be severe. Distilfiram is used in chronic alcoholism, but prolonged treatment and co-operation of the patient are essential.

Dose: after at least 24 alcohol free hours: 800 nig on the first day, falling over 5 days to 100-200 mg daily. Acute confusion may occur if given at the same time as tucLro-
llidazole. (Antabuse).
dithranol Synthetic compound used locally in the treatment of psoriasis. It is a powerful irritant, and treatment should be commenced with a simple ointment or zinc paste containing 0.1% ofdithranol, gradually increased to 1% if well tolerated. Higher concentrations are sometimes used in ’short -contact -time’ therapy.
Dose: 100 mg/m’ by i.v. infusion over
I hour. Rapid and severe hypersensitivity reactions (hypotension, bronchospasm) may occur, and treatment must be irrnediat4y available. Reaction risks may be reduced by premedication with jexalnetha&one given the day before treatment and continued for 5 days. Rash, pruritus and neutropenia may occur, and blood counts and liver function tests are necessary. (Taxotere). See page 122 and Table 8.
docusate A surface-active agent used as a faeces -softening laxative.
Dose: ill, to 500 nig daily. (Dioctyl).
diuretics The most widely used group of diuretics is the thiazides, represented by bendrofluazide (see page 14I ). They act mainly by increasing the excretion of
sodium by inhibiting its re-absorption by the distal tubule of the kidney, and evoke a rapid response which may persist over 12-24 hours, although some, such as chlorthalidone, have a still longer action. They are given in mild cardiac failure, oedema and in hypertension, but in more severe conditions, and in pulmonary occlema, the more powerful ‘loop’ diuretics, such as frusemide, which act at a different point, are preferred. A side-effect of some thiazides is an increase in the excretion of potassium which may require the use of potassium supplements or a change to a potassium sparing diuretic such as trianiterene. Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, is a more powerful diuretic, of value in resistant oedema. Osmotic diuretics such as mannitol are used mainly in cerebral oedema. Simple diuretics such as potas slum citrate arc mainly used to alkalize the urine and promote diuresis in cystitis and similar conditions. See page 141 and Table 18.
dobutamine A sympathomimetic agent similar to isoprenaline, but with a more selective stimulant action on the beta, receptors in the heart. It increases cardiac contractility but is less likely to cause tachycardia. Useful in acute heart failure and cardiogenic and septic shock. Dose: 2.5-5 pg/kg/min by i.v, infusion, carefully adjusted to need. (Dobutr= Posiject). See page 141 and Table 18.
docetaxel A potent cytotoxic agent derived from the Pacific Yew. Used in advanced breast cancer resistant to other therapy.
domperidone An antiemetic that functions as a dopamine antagonist, as it prevents dopamine from reaching the receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (see antiemetics). It is mainly of value in the severe nausea and vomiting caused by cytotoxic drugs, and is also useful in fum clonal dyspepsia. It is of little value in postoperative and travel sickness.
Dose: 10-20 mg 4-8-hourly; 30-60 nig by suppository. Sedative side-effects are infrequent, as domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier. (Motilium). See page 77.
donepezil A reversible inhibitor of anti-cholinesterase. Alzheimer’s disease is linked with a deficiency of acetylcholine in the brain, and donepezil may relieve sonic of the symptoms of that disease by increasing brain acetylcholine.
Dose: 5-10 mg at night. Diarrhoea and muscle cramps are side-effects. (Aricept ).
dopamine A sympathomimetic agent with actions and uses similar to dobutamine. Dose: 2.5-10 pg/kg/min by slow i.v. infusion. Careful control ofdose is essential, as dopamine may cause vasoconstriction with higher doses and increase the risk of heart failure. (Intropin). Dopamine is also a central neurotransinifter, and a deficiency is associated with parkinsonism. See levodopa, page 141 and “table 18.
dopexamine A short-acting drug of the dopamine type but with a more powerful action on the 0,-receptors. It is used in heart failure during cardiac surgery.

chymotrypsin A proteolytic enzyme of the pancreas used in ophthalmology to facilitate intracapsular lens extraction. (Zonulysin).
cidofovir An antiviral agent used in cytomegalovirus retinitis resistant to ganciclivir.
Dose: 5 nig/kg by i.v. infusion every 2 weeks. (Vistide). See page 144 and ‘['able 19.
cilastatin See imipenem.
chlorthalidone A diuretic similar in action and uses to bendrofluazide, but with a longer duration of activity that permits a single morning dose. It is also useful in diabetes insipidus.
Dose: as diuretic 50-100 mg daily or on .illci nale days; in hypertension 25-50 mg; up to 350 mg daily in diabetes insipidus. (I lygrolon ). See page 148 and Table 21.
cholecalciferol See vitamin D.
cholestyramine An exchange resin that binds with bile acids in the intestines and prevents their absorption. Such acids are essential for cholesterol synthesis, and resin-binding leads indirectly to a lowering of plasma cholesterol levels.
Dose: in hyperlipidaemia: 12-24 g daily, wilh water; similar doses in the diarrhoea of Crohn's disease. It is also used in doses of 4-8 g daily to relieve the pruritus
associated with biliary obstruction. Side-effects are rash and gastrointestinal disturbances. Cholestyramine and related agents may interfere with the absorption of anticoagulants and other drugs. iQuestrari). See page 146 and Table 20.
choline theophyllinate A bronchodilator ,ilh the actions, uses and side-effects of anlinophyllille.
Dose: 400-1600 mg daily, after food. (C'I ioledyl). See page 118 and Table 6.
chorionic gonadotrophin A gonad-stimulating hormone prepared from the Urine of pregnancy. It has bten used in anovulalory sterility, metropathia haernorrhagica, habitual abortion and undescended testis.
cilazapril A long-acting ACE inhibitor with the actions, uses and side-effects of that group of drugs.
Dose: in essential hypertension 1 mg daily initially, increased up to 5 mg daily according to need. In renovascular hypertension 0.25-0.5 mg daily. (Vascace). See page 148 and'I'able 21.
cimitidine A selective histamine H, receptor antagonist. Unlike ordinary antihistamines, it inhibits gastric secretion, and is used in the treatment of peptic ulcer and other conditions of gastric hyperacidity. Dose: 8(m) nig daily for at least 4 weeks, doubled in severe conditions. Dose by i.m. or slow i.v. injection 200 mg 4-4-hourly. The dose should be reduce(] in renal impairment. The drug may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants and phenytoi ii. Side-effects include diarrhoea, rash and dizziness. It has some anti-androgen activity, and gynaecomastia is all occasional side-effect with high closes. (Dysparneu Tagarnet; Zila). See page 162 and Table 27.
cinchor-aine A local anaesthetic used as
ointment 1% in haemorrhoids and
pruritus. (Nupercainal).
cinnarizine An antihistamine, chiefly of value in Wniere’s disease, although it is also used in travel sickness and in peripheral vascular disorders.
Dose: 45-90 ing daily. Drowsiness and gastrointestinal disturbances are side-effects. (Stugeron).
cinoxacin A quinolone derivative with actions, uses and side-effects similar to i hose of nalidixic acid.

Dose: in urinary tract infections,  daily; prophylaxis 500mg daily. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment. (Cinobac).
ciprofbrate A blood-lipid lowering agent used in diet-resistant hyperlipidaemia as a single daily dose of 100-200 mg. (Modalim). See page 146 and Table 20.
ciprofloxacin A quinolone with a wide range of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Fronts. It is effective in many systemic infections, as well as in bone, joint and urinary infections, and in gonorrhoea, but is indicated mainly in infections resistant to other antibacterial agents. Dose: 500 mg -1.5 g daily for 5-7 days; in gonorrhoea, a single dose of 250 mg is given. In severe infections 200-400 mg daily by i.v, infusion for 5-7 days. Side-effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, rash and pruritus. plasma levels of theophylline may be increased and should be closely controlled. Care is necessary in convulsive disorders. (Ciproxin).
cisapride A gastrointestinal stimulant given to relieve gastro-oesophageal reflex and delayed gastric emptying.
Dose: .10-40 mg daily before meals, and at night, for some weeks. Side-effects are abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Drugs that delay the excretion of cisapride and may cause arrhythmias are erythromycin and clarithromycin-antigungal agents of the ketoconazole type should also be avoided. Unlike metoclopramide, it has no central antiemetic properties. (Alimix; Prepulsin).
cisatracurium A non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent with an intermediate duration of activity. It is used as a muscle- relaxing adjunct in general anaesthesia, and to facilitate tracheal ininhation. (Nimbly).
cisplatin A cytotoxic agent containing platinum bound in an organic complex. The action is linked with drug-induced changes in DNA structure that inhibit cell development. It is used in ovarian, testicular and other solid tumours, and in resistant malignant conditions, sometimes in association with other antineoplastic agents.
Dose: by i.v.  for 5 days a month, or 15-120 mgIm’ monthly. Blood tests are essential
throughout treatment. Side-effects, which may be severe, include nausea, vomiting, and oto-, nephro- anti
citalopram A selective serotoninreuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Dose: used in depression in single daily doses of 20 ing, increased up to 40 mg daily. Treatment for at least 6 months necessary to avoid relapse. (Cipraruil). See page 128 and Table 11.
cladribine A new agent used by specialists in hairy cell leukaemia. (Leustat).
clarithronlycin A macrolide antibiotic similar to erythromycin, but with better absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side-effects.
Dose: 250 rug twice a day for 7 days, doubled in severe infections. Care in hepatic an([ renal impairment. It may potentiate the effects of warfarin and digoxin. Should not be given with astemizole or terfenadine (risk of arrhythinias). (Khricid).
clavulanic acid An inhibitor of betalactanlase. Many penicillin-resistant organisms contain that enzyme in the cell wall, which inactivates the penicillin before it call enter the cell and exert its bacterial action. clavulanic acid inhibits such enzyme activity, and so facilitates the penetration of the antibiotic into the bacterial cell. It is used in association with amoxycillin as coamoxiclav (Augmentin) and with ticarcillin as Tinientin, in the treatment of infections due to amoxycillin-resistant bacteria.
clemastine An antihistamine used in allergic rhinitis, urticaria and allergic derniatoses.
Dose: I mg twice a day. In common with other antihistamines, it may cause drowsiness, and anticholinergic side-effects such as dryness of the mouth. H avegil). See
page 110 and Table 2.
clindamycin An antibiotic used mainly in staphylococcal bone and joint infections not responding to other drugs. It is also useful in anaerobic abdominal infections.  A serious side-effect is a potentially fatal pseudomernbranous colitis, and the drug should be withdrawn immediately if diarrhoea occurs. See vancomycin and nietronidazole.

cephamandole A cephalosporin more resistant to inactivation by penicillinases. It is of value in serious infections resistant to other antibiotics.
Dose: 2-12 g daily by i.m. or i.v. injection. : Kellidol). See page 248 and Table 34.
cephazolin A cephalosporin with the
general properties of the group.
Dose: 1-12 g daily by injection. (Kefzol). See page 248 and Table 34.
cephradine A cephalosporin active orally as well as by injection.
Dose: 1-2 g orally daily; in severe infeclions 2–8g daily by injection. (Velosef). See page 248 .
certoparin A low molecular weight form of heparin. Used in prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism.
Dose: 3000 units once a day by s.c. injection (1-2 hours before surgery) for 7-10 days. (Alphaparin). See enoxaparin.
cetirizine A slower-acting antihistamine with reduced sedative effects, as it does not pass the blood-brain barrier to any extent. The anti-cholinergic side-effects are also reduced.
Dose: 10 nigat night. (’Lirtels). See page 110 and Table 2.
cetrinnide A detergent with some antiseptic properties. It is used chiefly in association with chlorhexidine.
charcoal Activated charcoal is a powerful adsorbent, and is used in the treatment of overdose or poisoning by many toxic drugs by preventing further absorption. Dose: 50g orally. It is also used in the charcoal - haenioperfusion system to promote elimination from the circulation of sonic already absorbed poisons. Charcoal has also been used as impregnated dressings to deodorize foul smelling wounds and ulcers,
chenodeoxycholic acid A bile acid
derivative that has it solvent action on cholesterol-containing gallstones, and it is useful when surgical removal of the stones is contraindicated.
Dose: I g once daily, but prolonged treatment is necessary. Side-effects are diarrhoea and pruritus, and ursodcoxycholic acid, which has fewer side-effects, is often preferred. Chenodeoxycholic acid is not suitable for the dissolution of radio-opaque gallstones. (Chendol; Chenofalk).
chloral hydrate A water-soluble hypnotic with a rapid action that is useful in the treatment of insomnia in children and the elderly.
Dose:    g. It must be given well-diluted to reduce the gastric irritant side-effects, and is contraindicated in gastritis, and severe renal, hepatic and cardiac disease. (Notre). Chloral betaine (Well-dorm) is a less irritant alternative. See page 152 and Table 22.
chlorambucil An orally active cytotoxic drug used mainly in the treatment of lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Dose: 100-200 pgfkg daily for 4-8 weeks. It k sometimes used as an immunosuppressant in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in doses of 2.5-7.5 mg daily. Chloranibucil is generally well tolerated, [)of [)one marrow depression may occur, and haematological control during treatment is essential. (Leukeran). See page 122 and Table 8.
chloramphenicol A wide-range, orally active antibiotic but now used only in life-threatening infections where other drugs arc unsuitable.
Dose: 2g daily orally, but in severe infections, -So niglkg daily by i.v. injection. Care is necessary when giving chloramphenicolo infants as it may cause so-called ‘grey syndrome’. Side-effects include nausea, neuritis and aplastic anaemia. Chloromycetin is also used locally in skin, eye and ear infections. (Chloromycetin; Kcinicetine).
chlordiazepoxide A benzodiazepinc used mainly in [tic short-term treatment of anxiety and alcoholism.
Dose: 30 mg daily, increased in severe anxiety up to 100 mg daily, with half closes fix elderly patients. Withdrawal of treatment should be gradual to avoid rebound effects. Side-effects include dizziness, drowsiness and ataxia. Prolonged use carries the risk of dependence. (Librium).

chlorhexidine An antiseptic of high potency and a wide range of activity, although it is ineffective against spores and viruses. For preoperative skin preparation, a 0.5% solution in alcohol is often used; an aqueous solution (0.05%) is for general topical application. Chlorhexidine is also used as a  solution for bladder irrigation. A general purpose cream and an obstetric cream are also available. Solutions of chlorhexidine may become contaminated with Pseudomonas, and all aqueous solutions should he sterilized. (1-libitane).
irreversible retinal damage. Other side-effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, rash and prutiros. (Axioclor,). Swe page 16.3.
chlorothiazide The first of the thiazide diuretics, now largely replaced by bendrofluazide and similar drugs. Dose: 1 -2 g daily in oedematous states; 0.i-1 g daily in hypertension. Potassium supplements may be necessary with extended treatment. (Saltiric). See page 148 and Table 21.
29
chlormethiazole A sedative with anticonvul’ant properties.
Dose: in severe insomnia in the elderly, 200-400nigorally; in alcohol withdrawal conditions, 400-800 mg initially, reduced and withdrawn over a 9-day period. It may also be given by i.v. infusion as a 0.8% solution. Chlonnethiazole has also been given by injection in status epilepticus and the toxaemia of pregnancy in doses according to need and response. Side-effects are sneezing, gastrointestinal disturbances and headache. (Heminevrit) See page 136 and Table Ii.
chloroform Once widely used as a general anaesthetic, but now obsolete. Used as chloroform -water in mixtures as a preservative and flavouring agent, and for its carminative effects.
chloroquine An antimalarial drug used for both prophylaxis and treatment of benign and malignant tertian malaria. It should be noted that chloroquine- resistant strains of Plasmodiunifialciparurn are becoming increasingly common, and a return to treatment with quinine may be necessary. Dose: adult prophylaxis, 300nig once a week; (Or treatment of an attack of malaria, oWnig initially followed by 300mg daily for 2-3 days. Seriously ill or vomiting patients should be given 2(XI-300 ing by Lin. or slow i.v. injection, repeated once ifncccssary L)cfi)rc oral treatment can be tolerated. Other dosage schemes are also in use, and for details reference should be made to standard works on the treatment of malaria. It has also been used in hepatic anioebiasis, but nietronidazole is now often preferred. Chloroquinc also has an action in rheumatoid inflammatory conditions similar to that of penicillamine, dose: 150 mg daily after food. Such use requires care, as extended therapy is necessary, and the drug may cause corneal opacity and
chloroxylenol A general purpose antiseptic present in some popular products. Of no value against Pseudornonas. aeruginosa or Proteus.
chlorpheniramine An antihistamine with the action, uses and side-effects of the group, including drowsiness.
Dose: 16-24 mg daily: 10-20 mg by Lin. or .c. injection as required. (Piriton). See page 110 and Table 2.
chlorpromazine A powerful tranquillizer or antipsycholic agent with a wide range of activity on the central nervous system. It is widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses, in agitation and tension, and the management of refractory patients. It is also effective as an antienietic in terminal illness; in the short-term treatment of severe anxiety; and for the control of intractable hiccup.
Dose: initially 75 mg orally daily, slowly increased as required. In psychotic states, Lip to I g daily. Single doses of 25-50 mg may be given by deep imi. injection in acute conditions. Suppositories of 100 mg are also available. Side-effects include extrapyramidal and anticholinergic symptoms, drowsiness, hypotension, weight gain, rash, jaundice and haemolytic anaemia. prolonged use may cause pigmentation of the skin and eyes. Care is necessary in hepatic and renal dysfunction. Skin sensitization may occur after Contact With solutions of chlorpromazine. Margactil). See page 168 and’I'able 30.
chlorpropamide A long-acting hypoglycaemic agent of the sulphonylurea type. It is effective only if some insulin-secreting cells are still functional. It is used mainly in mild diabetes mellitus occurring in middle-aged patients not responding to dietary control. Its long action makes it unsuitable for elderly diabetics.

bendrofluazide A widely used diuretic of the thiazide group, with a powerful and prolonged action. It is used in congestive heart failure, oedema and mild hypertension. In more severe hypertension it is given together with other drugs to increase the overall response.
Dose: 2.5-10 ing daily. It causes some loss of potassium, so potassium supplements are required if treatment is prolonged. Side-CffeCtS include rash and thrombocytopenia. Renal failure is a contraindication. (Aprin= Neo-Naclex). See page 1,18 and fable 21.
benorylate A compound of aspirin and paracetamol, with the general properties of both drugs, but generally better tolerated than aspirin. Used in arthritic conditions and for the relief of painful musculoskeletal disorders.
Dose: 3-6 g daily. Like aspirin, it may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and increase the action of oral anticoagulants. (Benoral).
benperidol A tranquillizer of the haloperidol type with similar side-effects, but used to control antisocial sexual behaviour in adults.
Dose: 0.25-1.5ingdaily. (Anquil).
benserazide An enzyme inhibitor used with Ivvodopa in parkinsonism. It inhibits the breakdown of levodopa to dopamine, enabling large amounts to reach the brain, and so permits a reduction in dose and a smoother response. Some of the side-effects of levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting, may also be reduced, although the incidence of involuntary movements may increase.
Dose: 12.5 mg with 50 ing of levodopa. (N-ladopan). See page 160 and Table 26.
benzalkonium chloride A detergent with antiseptic properties present in various skin preparations. It is also used as a preservative in cyc drops.
benzhexol A spasmolytic drug used mainly to relieve the tremor and rigidity of parkinsonism.
Dose: I mg initially, slowly increased to 5-15 mg daily according to need. Side-effects include mouth dryness, dizziness and blurred vision. Care is necessary with high doses as some psychiatric disturbances may occur anti    withdrawal of the
drug, but abrupt discontinuance of treatment should be avoided. Benzhexol should be used with care in cases of glaucoma, hepatic and cardiac disease or urinary disturbances. (Arcane; Broflex). See
page 160 and Table 26.
benzocaine A local anaesthetic for topical .ipplication. Used as lozenges (100 mg) for painful oral conditions; ointment
(5- 1 0(y.); suppositories 200 mg.
benzodiazepines A widely used group of drugs with a powerful action on the central nervous system. ‘rhey appear to have a selective action on certain seroionin receptors. The type of action varies within the group, and they may be used as sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, anticonvul&-ints or muscle relaxants. As hypnotics they have virtually replaced the barbiturates, as they have a wide margin of safety and are less dangerous in overdose. Prolonged use should he avoided as dependence remains a possibility. The withdrawal of treatment with benzodiazepines should be gradual, as otherwise confusion, convulsions and toxic psychoses may occur. Nitrazepam has a relatively long action as a hypnotic, whereas flunitrazepam has a shorter action. Diazepam is the preferred drug for controlling the spasms of tetanus. Hypnotic pnotic benzodiazepines include flunitrazepam, flurazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, nitrazeparnand temazepam.Those used as anxiolytics are alprazolam, bromazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clorampate, diazepam, ketazolam, lorazepam, medazepam and oxazepam. Most of these diazepines are referred to briefly under the above names. See page 117 and,rable 5.
benzoic acid It has fungistatic properties similar to salicylic acid, and has been used as Whitfield’s ointment (Compound Benzoic Acid Ointment) for the treatment of ringworm.
bemoan A balsamic resin used mainly as Compound Tincture of Bemoan for pressure sores and stoma care.
benzoyl peroxide An antifungal agent used locally for superficial fungal infections. It is also used, together with sulphur, as a cream or gel for acne.
benzthiazide A thiazide diuretic present with trianiterene in Dytide.

benztropine An anticholinergic drug, used to relieve the rigidity, tremor and salivation of Parkinson’s disease. It also has some sedative action, and in some cases may be preferred to benzhexol. Like benzhexol, it is sometimes useful in the control of drug-induced extrapyramidal svillptoms.
Dose: 0.5-6 mg daily. In severe conditions, it may be given by injection of
1-2 mg, repeated according to response. The side-effects are those of the anticholinergic drugs generally. (Cogentin). See page 160 and Table 26.
benzydamine A mild analgesic used as a mouthwash (0.15%) for painful conditions of the mouth and throat, and as a cream (31YO for musculoskeletal pain.
benzyl benzoate A clear liquid with an aromatic odour. It is used as an emulsion in the treatment of scabies by two applications to the whole of the body except the head.
benzyl penicillin See penicillin.
beta-Mockers in cardiac failure, heart block and bradycardia. See pages 114 & 148, and Tables 4 & 21.
betahistine A vasodilator with some of the properties of histamine. Used to reduce the vertigo of N!6ni&e’s disease. Should be used with care in asthmatics and in peptic ulcer.
Dose: 16-48 ing daily. (Sere).
betarnethasone A corticosteroid characterized by its low dose, increased anti-inflammatory action, and reduced side-effects. It has virtually no salt-retaining properties, and causes little increase in the urinary excretion of potassium. It is indicated in all inflammatory, allergic and other conditions requiring corticosteroid therapy - with the exception of Addison’s disease and after adrenalectomy when a salt-retaining steroid is required.
Dose: 0.5-5 mg daily; in cerebral oedema, 5 20 mg by Lin. or i.v. injection. In asthmatic states, oral aerosol inhalation of M)pg (eight puffs) daily; for inflaninialory conditions of the eye, car and nose, a 0, PN, solution is used locally. (Belnesol).
beractant A pulmonary surfactant used in the respiratory distress syndrome of premature infants, by endotracheal tubing within 8 hours of birth. Monitor heart rate and arterial oxygenation. (Survanta). See also colfesceril, poractant and pumactant.
beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents Adrenaline and related catecholamines are released into the circulation during exercise and stress, and stimulate cardiac output by acting oil the beta-adrenoceptor sites in the heart. When such stimulation is excessive the increased oxygen demand of the heart may cause myocardial insufficiency and angina. Drugs such as propranolol block these receptor sites and so indirectly reduce cardiac stimulation, and are of value in the control of angina, cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension. Some blocking agents also act on other receptor sites and may cause bronchospasm by releasing histamine. Newer drugs, represented by acebutolol and nicroprolol, are more cardioselective, and others such as sotalol are of more value in hypertension. Sonic of these blocking agents,such as atenolol, are less likely to reach the central nervous system and so may cause fewer sleep disturbances. By their nature and depressant action on the myocardium, care is necessary when giving
betaxolol A beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent of the propranolol type, with similar properties and side-effects, but with a more cardioselective action. It is used mainly in the treatment of hypertension. Dose: 20 mg once daily. Betaxolol is also used as eye drops (0.5%) in ocular hypertension and glaucoma. (Betoptic-, Kerlone). See page 148 and Table 21.
bethanechol A parasympathominictic agent used in reflex oesophagitis, paralytic ileus and postoperative urinary retention. Dose: 30-120 mg daily before food. Side-effects are nausea, bradycardia and colic. Care is necessary in asthma and cardiovasculardiscase. (Myotoninc).
bethanidine A blocking agent that has an anfihypcttcnsivc action by inhibiting the release of noradrenaline from post-ganglionic adrenergic nerve endings. It is useful in resistant hypertension, and when other agents are not well tolerated, and is usually given in association with a thiazide diuretic or a beta-Mocker.
Dose: 20-200 ing daily. Postural hypotension, nasal congestion and diarrhoea are side-effects. (Bendogen).