Posts Tagged ‘mild hypertension’

carbon dioxide A colourless, non-inflamniable gas. It has a stimulating effect on the respiratory centre, and a mixture of 5% of carbon dioxide in oxygen is used for respiratory depression. Solid carbon dioxide is used to destroy warts, naevi, etc.
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors These drugs, represented by acetazolamide and dichlorphenamide, have been used as diuretics as they inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and bicarbonate in the kidneys. Their use has declined as more effective diuretics have become available. They also reduce the formation of the aqueous humour and so bring about a reduction in the iruraticular pressure, and are used in the treatment of glaucoma. See page 138 and Table 16.
carboplatin An analogue of cisplatin but with generally reduced side-effects, although the myelodepression may be more severe. It is used mainly in ovarian and small-cell lung cancer.
Dose: 40 nighn’ i.v. as a single dose, repeated after 4 weeks. Blood tests during treatments are essential. Severe renal impairment is a contraindication. ( Pai aplatin). See page 122 and Table 8.
carboprost A prostaglandin with a selective action oil the myornetrium, and used in post-partum haemorrhage not responding to ergometrine.
Dose: 250 pg initially by deep i.m. injection, with subsequent doses according to need up to a total of 2 mg (not for i.v. injection). Care in asthma, epilepsy and hypertension. Nausea and vomiting are side effects. (Hemabate).
carisoprodol A muscle relaxant used in niusculoskeletal disorders and muscle spasm.
Dose: I g daily. (Carisomi).
carmustine A cytoxic agent similar to 1-viustine. It is used mainly in brain tumours, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease, often in association with other drugs.
Dose: 200 rnghii2 by slow i.v, injection, repeated at intervals of 6 weeks. Side-effects are nausea, vomiting and burning at the injection site. A delayed bone-marrow depression is often a dose-limiting factor. (BICNU). See page 122 and Table 8.
Cef
carteolof A beta-adrenaergic blocking agent used as eye drops (0.1-0.2%) in glaucoma. Some systemic absorption may occur from eye drops, and care is necessary in asthma and bradycardia. (Teoptic). See page 138.
carvedilol A non-cardiac selective betablocker with the actions and uses of propanolol.
Dose: in hypertension 12.5 mg initially, rising to 25-50 mg as a single daily dose. (hucardic). See page 148 and Table 21.
cascara A mild purgative.
Dose: dry extract 100-250 nig, liquid extract and elixir 2-5 nil.
castor oil A mild purgative.
Dose: 5-20 nil. The oil has emollient properties and is used together with zinc ointment for pressure sores and napkin rash.
catecholamines A term applied to the synipathornimetic drugs adrenaline, dopamine, noradrenaline, and related compounds, indicating that they are derivatives of catechol.
CCNU See lomustine.
cefaclor An orally active cephalosporin antibiotic used mainly in urinary and respiratory infections.
Dose: 750 ing or more, up to 4 g daily, with reduced doses in renal impairment. Nausea and diarrhoea are side-effects, but all allergic reaction indicating sensitivity may require withdrawal of the drug. (Distaclor). SeeTable 34,
cefadroxil An analogue of cephalexin. It is well absorbed orally and gives high blood levels.
Dose: 1-2 g daily, (Baran), See page 248 and Table 34.
cefatnandole See cephamandole.
cefixime A cephalosporin with the actions, uses and side-effects of the cephalosporins generally, but effective in single daily doses of 200-400 mg. (Suprax). See page 248 and Table 34.
cefodizine A cephalosporin used in lower respiratory tract infections and in urinary tract infections.
Dose: 2 g (laity by i.m. injection or i.v.

Cefotaxime A cephalosporin with an ink reased activity against many Gram-negative organisms.
Dose: 2 g daily by injection, increased in severe infections tip to 12 g daily. A single dose of 1 g is given in gonorrhoea. The side-effects are those of the cephalosporins generally. (Claforan). See page 248 and Table 34.
cefoxitin A cephaniycin with a wide range of activity and an increased potency against Gram-negative bacteria. It is of value in many infections, and is also used in surgical prophylaxis.
Dose: 3-12 g daily by Lin. or i.v. injection. (NIefoxin). See page 248 and Table 34.
cefp1ronve A beta -lactaniase- stable cephalosporin with a wide range of activity. Dose: 2 g daily i.v. (Cefrom). See
page 248 and Table 34.
cefuroxime A cephalosporin often effective against some organisms resistant to penicillin, and with increased activity
against Haemophilus inflidenzae.    27 Dose: 3-6 g daily by injection. For surgical prophylaxis and in gonorrhoea a single dose of 1.5 g. Side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea, urticaria, rash and hypersensitivity reactions. (Zinacef). cefuroxime-axetil is an orally active form. Dose: 500 mg- I g daily. (Zinnat). See page 248 and fable 34.
celiprolol A selective 0, receptor blocking agent, with some stimulating action oil receptors. The former occur mainly in the heart, the latter in the bronchi and peripheral vessels. It is used in mild hypertension, as it has a vasodilatory and cardioselective action with reduced side-effects.
Dose: 200 mg daily, at breakfast. Occasional side-effects are nausea, headache and dizziness. (Celectol). See page 148 and Table 21.
ceflaodoxime An oral cephalosporin for respiratory tract infections.
Dose: 200-400 mg daily with food. (Orelox). See page 248 and Table 34.
ceftazidime A cephalosporin resistant to most beta-lactamases, and active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, although it is less active against Staphylococcus aureus. Valuable in both single and mixed infections.
Dose: 1-6g daily by injection, reduced in cases of renal impairment. In pseudontonal lung infections associated with cystic fibrosis, 1(4-150nit
g/kg daily. Side-effects include abdominal disturbance and local reactions at the injection site. (FortUol; Ket”adirn). See page 248 and Table 34.
cettibuten An oral cephalosporin similar to cefaclor, but with a longer action. Dose: 400 nigas a single daily (lose. (Cedax t. See page 248 and Table 34.
ceftriaxone A cephalosporin of the cefaclor
Jtype given as a single daily dose of I g by eep i.m. or slow i.v. injection, doubled in severe infections. With high doses vary injection site. (Rocephin). See page 248 and Table 34.
cephalexin An orally active cephalosporin Of value in infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts, and in naso-oral and soft-tissue infections.
Dose: 1-2 g daily, but lower (loses are indicated in renal impairment. Cephalexin is usually well tolerated, but sonic gastrointestinal disturbances may occur. (Ceporex; Kellex). See page 248 and Table 34.
cephalosporins A group of antibiotics with properties similar to those of the penicillins, but having a wider range of activity. Some are active orally, others may have to be given by injection.
Cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftizoxime have an increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria, but are less potent against Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-positive organisms generally. Cefititoxin is active against bowel organisms. An indication of the range and dose is given in the table on page 248. The higher doses are given in severe infections; reduced doses should be given in renal impairment. The main side-effect of the cephalosporins is hypersensitivity, and cross- sensitivity to the penicillins is not uncommon. Sensitivity to one is likely to extend to all members of the group. The cephalosporins call affect blood-clotting mechanisms.

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).