Posts Tagged ‘flunitrazepam’

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.

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).