Archive for the ‘corticosteroid’ Category

AEROBID Inhaler therapy AEROBID Inhaler several hundred times more potent

Monday, July 28th, 2008

One AEROBID Inhaler System is designed to deliver at least 100 metered inhalations. It is a corticosteroid that is several hundred times more potent in animal anti-inflammatory assays than the cortisol standard. Clinical studies have shown therapeutic activity on bronchial mucosa with minimal evidence of systemic activity at recommended doses. The following observations relevant to systemic absorption were made in clinical studies In one uncontrolled study a statistically significant decrease in responsiveness to metyrapone was noted in 15 adult steroid-independent patients treated with 2 A small but statistically significant drop in eosinophils from 11.

A 5% incidence of menstrual disturbances was reported during open studies, in which there were no control groups for comparison. More than 120 patients have been treated in open trials for two years or more. AEROBID inhaler is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation contraindicates its use
After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery or infections, particularly gastroenteritis.

To assess the risk of adrenal insufficiency in emergency situations, routine tests of adrenal cortical function, including measurement of early morning resting cortisol levels, should be performed periodically in all patients. An early morning resting cortisol level may be accepted as normal if it falls at or near the normal mean level. Localized infections with Candida albicansor, Aspergillus nigerhave occurred in the mouth and pharynx and occasionally in the larynx.

Positive cultures for oral Candidamay be present in up to 34% of patients. Although the frequency of clinically apparent infection is considerably lower, these infections may require treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy or discontinuance of treatment with AEROBID Inhaler. AEROBIDInhaler is not to be regarded as a bronchodilator and is not indicated for relief of bronchospasm. During such episodes, patients may require therapy with systemic corticosteroids. Transfer of patients from systemic steroid therapy to AEROBID Inhaler may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic steroid therapy. Persons who are on drugs which suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chicken pox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune children or adults on corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. If exposed to chicken pox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If chicken pox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

Particular care should be taken in observing patients post-operatively or during periods of stress for evidence of a decrease in adrenal function. During withdrawal from oral steroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active steroid withdrawal like joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude and depression, despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function. In particular, the effects resulting from chronic use of AEROBID on developmental or immunologic processes in the mouth, pharynx, trachea, and lung are unknown
Inhaled corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infection of the respiratory tract; untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, parasitic or viral infections; or ocular herpes simplex.

Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia may occur in patients on AEROBID Inhaler therapy. Although it is possible that in some patients this state may become manifest because of systemic steroid withdrawal when inhalational steroids are administered, a causative role for the drug and/or its vehicle cannot be ruled out. Information for Patients:Since the relief from AEROBID Inhaler depends on its regular use and on proper inhalation technique, patients must be instructed to take inhalations at regular intervals.

They should also be instructed in the correct method of use. Persons who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles

banner2a AEROBID Inhaler therapy AEROBID Inhaler several hundred times more potent
 
 
 

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Drug Interactions of Beclomethasone dipropionate- No interactions Salbutamol

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Drug Interactions of Beclomethasone dipropionate: No interactions have been reported
with Salbutamol. But Salbutamol and non-selective, beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol should not usually be prescribed together. Pregnancy: Administration of this combination of drugs during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. During lactation this combination should be used only if the expected benefit to the mother is likely to outweigh any potential risk to the neonate. As AEROCORT Inhaler contains salbutamol and beclomethasone dipropionate, the type and severity of side effects associated with each of the compounds may be expected.

Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta 2 agonist therapy
Common undesirable effects are tremor, headache, and tachycardia. Rare side effects are hypokalaemia, and peripheral vasodilatation. Very rare undesirable effects are hypersensitivity reactions including angio-oedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse , hyperactivity, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and extrasystoles), and paradoxical bronchospasm.As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur, with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with an alternative presentation or a different, fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator Therapy should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed, and, if necessary, alternative therapy instituted. Uncommon undesirable effects are palpitations, mouth and throat irritation, and muscle cramps.

For Beclomethasone dipropionate very common side effects are candidiasis of the mouth and throat, and hoarseness/throat irritation. Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush) occurs in some patients, the incidence of which is increased with doses greater than 400 mcg beclomethasone dipropionate per day. Patients with high blood levels of Candida precipitins , indicating a previous infection, are most likely to develop this complication
Patients may find it helpful to rinse out their mouth with water after using the inhaler.
Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy while continuing with beclomethasone dipropionate treatment. In some patients, inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate may cause hoarseness or throat irritation. It may be helpful to rinse out the mouth with water immediately after inhalation. Very rare undesirable effects are oedema of the eyes, face, lips and throat, respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea and/or bronchospasm), anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions, Cushing`s syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, glaucoma, paradoxical bronchospasm, anxiety, sleep disorders, and behavioural changes, including hyperactivity and irritability (predominantly in children).

As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator The beclomethasone dipropionate preparation should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed, and if necessary, alternative therapy instituted Uncommon undesirable effects are rashes, urticaria, pruritis, and erythema.

Beclomethasone dipropionate : Inhalation of the drug in doses in excess of those recommended may lead to temporary suppression of adrenal function. This does not necessitate any emergency action to be taken. Chronic side effects: Use of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in daily doses in excess of 1,500 mcg over prolonged periods may lead to adrenal suppression. Monitoring of adrenal reserve may be indicated.

Salbutamol side effects : Hypokalaemia may occur following overdose with salbutamol
The preferred antidote for overdosage with salbutamol is a cardioselective beta-blocking agent, but beta-blocking drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchospasm. Generic beclomethasone inhalation aerosols are not yet available
What should your health care professional know before you use beclomethasone
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox an unusual or allergic reaction to beclomethasone, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
breast-feeding.

Beclomethasone Dipropionate: important information about beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

What is the most important information you should know about beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation? Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency. What should you avoid while taking beclomethasone dipropionate  inhalation?  Beclomethasone inhalation can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor if you have been exposed to someone with measles or chicken pox.

What other drugs will affect beclomethasone inhalation? If you are also using a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways to improve breathing), use it first before using the beclomethasone inhaler This will allow more beclomethasone to reach your lungs There may be other drugs that can affect beclomethasone inhalation

What happens if you have an overdose of beclomethasone inhalation?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine
An overdose of beclomethasone inhalation is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect.

Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States. These effects were similar to those obtained by the inhalation of a single dose of salmeterol before the control inhalation test, and significantly better than those observed after a single dose of beclomethasone inhaled before the allergen test. Neither salmeterol nor beclomethasone had any significant effect on sputum or blood inflammatory changes 7-48 h after allergen inhalation. The latter result excludes a more positive judgement on the possible anti-inflammatory action of salmeterol .banner1a Beclomethasone Dipropionate: important information about beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation

However, the results do indicate that potent functional effects of a single dose of salmeterol can mask the airway inflammatory cell influx caused by inhaled allergen. Withdrawal and discontinuation of the corticosteroid should be done slowly and carefully. Controlled clinical studies have shown that orally-inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity in pediatric patients. To minimize the systemic effects of orally-inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids, each patient should be titrated to the lowest effective dose. May suppress the immune system, patients may be more susceptible to infection. Use with caution in patients with systemic infections or ocular herpes simplex.

Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, cataracts, or tuberculosis, Central nervous system: Agitation, depression, dizziness, dysphonia, headache, lightheadedness, mental disturbances. Dermatologic: Acneiform lesions, angioedema, atrophy, bruising, pruritus, purpura, striae, rash, urticaria
Endocrine & metabolic: Cushingoid features, growth velocity reduction in children and adolescents, HPA function suppression, weight gain.

banner2a Beclomethasone Dipropionate: important information about beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation
 
 
 

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Beclomethasone dipropionate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Beclomethasone dipropionate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in medication guide. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use beclomethasone inhalation until you are well. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Beclomethasone dipropionate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Do not use beclomethasone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old. Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis. Use beclomethasone medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Beclomethasone comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Beclomethasone will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using beclomethasone inhalation.To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. It is important to use beclomethasone inhalation regularly to get the most benefit.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency. Store beclomethasone inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. What happens if you miss a dose of beclomethasone inhalation? Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skipthe missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not useextra medicine to make up the missed dose.banner1a Beclomethasone dipropionate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby

Where can you get more information about Beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation?
Your pharmacist has information about beclomethasone inhalation written for health professionals that you may read. What are the possible side effects of beclomethasone inhalation? Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as: headache; dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat; white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or hoarseness or deepened voice.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

banner2a Beclomethasone dipropionate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby
 
 
 

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Beclomethasone is a type of steroid immediate relief from beclomethasone

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Beclomethasone is a type of steroid used for respiratory problems. Beconase and Vancenase are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and to prevent reg rowth of nasal polyps following surgical removal. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work It is not intended for rapid relief, but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely. Beclomethasone is prescribed in an oral inhalant or a nasal spray form.

Use this medication only as preventive therapy, and take only the dose prescribed. Although some people begin to notice improvement within a day or two, it may take 1 or 2 weeks for the full benefits to appear. If there’s no improvement after 3 weeks, let your doctor know. During the first week, you’ll probably take the usual number of tablets. After that, you’ll be instructed to slowly reduce the number of tablets, replacing them with the inhalant. Be sure to take the drug regularly, even if you have no symptoms. Get answers from our experts and community members

Beclomethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid that produces anti-inflammatory activity.
In rare instances, hypersensitivity reactions (such as hives, rash and bronchospasm) have been reported following the oral and intranasal inhalation of beclomethasone dipropionate. Inflammation occurs in both large and small airways.
Corticosteroids have multiple anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting both inflammatory cells and release of inflammatory mediators. Inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate probably acts topically at the site of deposition in the bronchial tree after inhalation

Beclomethasone is used to relieve allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms (sneezing, itching, runny/stuffy nose) It may also be used to prevent the return of growths in the nose (nasal polyps) after removal by surgery. Beclomethasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages. Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using beclomethasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the bottle gently before each use.
Remove the safety clip and plastic cap. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the spray if you are using a bottle for the first time or if you have not used it for 7 days. A fine spray means that the pump is primed properly. banner1a Beclomethasone is a type of steroid immediate relief from beclomethasone

Spray Beclomethasone into the nose, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Close one nostril with a finger and lean your head slightly forward. Insert the spray tip into the other nostril. Spray the medication into the open nostril. Breathe in gently through the nostril, then gently breathe out through your mouth. If more sprays are prescribed, repeat in the same nostril.
Then repeat for the other nostril if so directed. Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using the medication. Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes or onto the middle of the inside of your nose (nasal septum). Replace the plastic cap and safety clip after each use. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

banner2a Beclomethasone is a type of steroid immediate relief from beclomethasone
 
 
 

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