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APO-Gabapentin 300mg
APO-Gabapentin general information
What is APO-Gabapentin used for?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are used to treat epilepsy in adults and children over 3 years who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures or fits of different types that can range from mild to severe. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial seizures, in which the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which the whole brain is involved. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are also used to control neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster), to reduce pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
How does APO-Gabapentin work?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is thought to work by controlling certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) that send nerve signals from the brain causing seizures or nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is an analogue of, and has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules does not work through the same receptors as GABA and therefore has a different mechanism of action to other GABA analogues like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, however, it does bind to a receptor in the brain, that has yet to be determined and it is thought to control neurotransmission via voltage-gated calcium channels, which are ion channels in the cell membranes of nerve cells involved in the propagation of electrical signals. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg reduce the amount of nerve excitation that causes epileptic seizures and nerve pain, which helps control symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
What does APO-Gabapentin contain?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain the active ingredient gabapentin sodium (300mg), an anticonvulsant that is used to control epileptic seizures and nerve pain. They also contain croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, gelatin (capsule), Black ink (SW-9008/SW-9009)
Treating epilepsy with APO-Gabapentin
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in adults and children who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate), which cause bursts of electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures. APO-Gabapentin 300mg capsules are not effective in forms of epilepsy that do not have seizures (absence and myoclonic). Although the exact mechanism of action of APO-Gabapentin 300mg is not known, it is thought to work by suppressing transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system which reduces epileptic seizures.
APO-Gabapentin for nerve pain
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is also effective at reducing nerve pain and is used to control several types of neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin 300mg is not known, it is thought to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which suppresses transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system, and this reduces pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
What are the side effects of APO-Gabapentin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg include dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, fever, lack of coordination (ataxia), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dry mouth, red swollen gums, muscle pain, cramps, back pain, forgetfulness, loss of concentration confusion or abnormal thinking, difficulty speaking, weight changes, hypertension, vasodilatation, visual disturbances, peripheral oedema (swelling of the hands or feet), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), skin rash, itching. Other side effects more common in children include: infection, emotional lability.
When should APO-Gabapentin not be used?
You should not use APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg if you:
- are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients in APO-Gabapentin
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have kidney disease
- have mixed seizure disorders that include absence seizures
- are taking medicines that interact with APO-Gabapentin including cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux, opiate analgesics like morphine
What medications interact with APO-Gabapentin?
Several medications interact with APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg and should either not be taken while you are taking APO-Gabapentin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with APO-Gabapentin: opiate analgesics like morphine
- Drugs that affect APO-Gabapentin: cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux,
How should APO-Gabapentin be taken?
You should take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, 3 times daily and do not allow more than 12 hours between doses. The dose you take depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually depending on how well your condition is controlled. You should not suddenly stop taking your APO-Gabapentin 300mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment. You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 300mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
How long should you take APO-Gabapentin?
You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 300mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Missed dose of APO-Gabapentin
If you miss a dose of APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should APO-Gabapentin be stored?
You should store your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg below 25°C in a cool dry place. Protect from heat light and moisture.
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APO-Gabapentin 100mg
APO-Gabapentin general information
What is APO-Gabapentin used for?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg are used to treat epilepsy in adults and children over 3 years who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures or fits of different types that can range from mild to severe. APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial seizures, in which the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which the whole brain is involved. APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg are also used to control neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster), to reduce pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
How does APO-Gabapentin work?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is thought to work by controlling certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) that send nerve signals from the brain causing seizures or nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is an analogue of, and has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules does not work through the same receptors as GABA and therefore has a different mechanism of action to other GABA analogues like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, however, it does bind to a receptor in the brain, that has yet to be determined and it is thought to control neurotransmission via voltage-gated calcium channels, which are ion channels in the cell membranes of nerve cells involved in the propagation of electrical signals. APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg reduce the amount of nerve excitation that causes epileptic seizures and nerve pain, which helps control symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
What does APO-Gabapentin contain?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg contain the active ingredient gabapentin sodium (100mg), an anticonvulsant that is used to control epileptic seizures and nerve pain. They also contain croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, gelatin (capsule), Black ink (SW-9008/SW-9009)
Treating epilepsy with APO-Gabapentin
APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in adults and children who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate), which cause bursts of electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures. APO-Gabapentin 100mg capsules are not effective in forms of epilepsy that do not have seizures (absence and myoclonic). Although the exact mechanism of action of APO-Gabapentin 100mg is not known, it is thought to work by suppressing transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system which reduces epileptic seizures.
APO-Gabapentin for nerve pain
APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is also effective at reducing nerve pain and is used to control several types of neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin 100mg is not known, it is thought to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which suppresses transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system, and this reduces pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
What are the side effects of APO-Gabapentin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg include dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, fever, lack of coordination (ataxia), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dry mouth, red swollen gums, muscle pain, cramps, back pain, forgetfulness, loss of concentration confusion or abnormal thinking, difficulty speaking, weight changes, hypertension, vasodilatation, visual disturbances, peripheral oedema (swelling of the hands or feet), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), skin rash, itching. Other side effects more common in children include: infection, emotional lability.
When should APO-Gabapentin not be used?
You should not use APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg if you:
- are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients in APO-Gabapentin
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have kidney disease
- have mixed seizure disorders that include absence seizures
- are taking medicines that interact with APO-Gabapentin including cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux, opiate analgesics like morphine
What medications interact with APO-Gabapentin?
Several medications interact with APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg and should either not be taken while you are taking APO-Gabapentin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with APO-Gabapentin: opiate analgesics like morphine
- Drugs that affect APO-Gabapentin: cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux,
How should APO-Gabapentin be taken?
You should take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, 3 times daily and do not allow more than 12 hours between doses. The dose you take depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually depending on how well your condition is controlled. You should not suddenly stop taking your APO-Gabapentin 100mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment. You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 100mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
How long should you take APO-Gabapentin?
You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 100mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Missed dose of APO-Gabapentin
If you miss a dose of APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should APO-Gabapentin be stored?
You should store your APO-Gabapentin capsules 100mg below 25°C in a cool dry place. Protect from heat light and moisture.
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APO-Pravastatin 40mg
APO-Pravastatin general information
What is APO-Pravastatin used for?
APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg are used to lower high levels of cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) and other fats (triglycerides) in the blood to reduce health risks associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), including heart attack and angina that can be caused by high cholesterol. There are usually no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, which may be due to lifestyle (high-fat diet and lack of exercise) or can be inherited (familial hypercholesterolaemia) and is not always lifestyle dependent. APO-Pravastatin 40 is used in conjunction with a low-fat diet, when lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) are not sufficient to lower total and LDL-cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, without clinical evidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), to reduce risk of CHD and reduce the need for surgery; also to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and to treat patients with a history of stroke, to reduce the need for surgery and reduce the risk of stroke or peripheral vascular disease. APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg are also used to treat patients who have already had a heart attack or have unstable angina, to reduce the risk of another heart attack or stroke, regardless of cholesterol levels. APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg are also used to help increase chances of survival in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy following heart transplant when there is a risk of hyperlipidaemia (increased blood fats); and to reduce the risk of acute rejection in kidney transplant patients.
How does APO-Pravastatin work?
APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg contain pravastatin, which belongs to a group of cholesterol-lowing medications called statins. Cholesterol is needed by the body for many functions such as building cell membranes, producing certain hormones and transporting fat soluble vitamins around the body, however, if there is more cholesterol than the body needs, it becomes deposited in the artery walls where it can build up and harden, blocking the arteries and increasing risk of heart disease. Pravastatin in APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an important enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. This action lowers levels of total cholesterol in the blood as well as reducing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) that can cause arteries to become hardened and blocked, and also increases levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) that helps unblock hardened arteries. APO-Pravastatin 40 only blocks cholesterol that is produced in the liver and has no effect on cholesterol that comes from fat in food, which is why a low-fat diet is important even when you are taking APO-Pravastatin 40.
What does APO-Pravastatin contain?
APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg contains the active ingredient pravastatin sodium, a cholesterol-lowing medication belonging to the group of drugs called statins. They also contain lactose monohydrate , microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, Iron oxide yellow, Brilliant blue FCF.
Treating high cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) with APO-Pravastatin
APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg contain the cholesterol-lowing statin medication pravastatin, which is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats (triglycerides) in the blood to reduce health risks associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), including heart attack and angina that can be caused by high cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed by the body for many functions such as building cell membranes, producing certain hormones and transporting fat soluble vitamins around the body, however, if there is more cholesterol than the body needs, it becomes deposited in the artery walls where it can build up, blocking the arteries and increasing risk of heart disease. Pravastatin in APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an important enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. This action lowers levels of total cholesterol in the blood as well as reducing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) that can cause arteries to become hardened and blocked, and also increases levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) that helps unblock hardened arteries. APO-Pravastatin 40 only blocks cholesterol that is produced in the liver and has no effect on cholesterol that comes from fat in food, which is why a low-fat diet is important even when you are taking APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg.
What are the side effects of APO-Pravastatin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg include: constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, bladder problems, skin rash, itching. More serious side effects are less common and may include tingling in the hands or feet (paraesthesia), muscle and joint pain.
When should APO-Pravastatin not be used?
You should not use APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg if you:
- are allergic to pravastatin or any other statin or any ingredients in APO-Pravastatin
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have kidney or liver disease
- are taking medicines that interact with APO-Pravastatin including: other lipid-lowering medications like gemfibrozil, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics erythromycin or clarithromycin
How should APO-Pravastatin be taken?
You should take your APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg with a glass of water once a day, preferably in the evening after your evening meal, although you can take APO-Pravastatin 40 with or without food. APO-Pravastatin 40 is most effective at night when your body is resting and your liver is producing the most cholesterol. Your doctor may recommend that you start on a lower dose and then increase your dose to 40mg which is the maximum dose. You should see your cholesterol levels fall to within normal limits within 4 weeks, but you should continue to take APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for the rest of your life as APO-Pravastatin 40 helps keep your cholesterol levels from being too high but if you stop taking APO-Pravastatin 40, your cholesterol levels may rise again.
How long should you take APO-Pravastatin?
You should see your cholesterol levels fall to within normal limits within 4 weeks, but you should continue to take APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for the rest of your life as APO-Pravastatin 40 helps keep your cholesterol levels from being too high but if you stop taking APO-Pravastatin 40, your cholesterol levels may rise again.
Missed dose of APO-Pravastatin
If you miss a dose of APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should APO-Pravastatin be stored?
You should store your APO-Pravastatin tablets 40mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Psoriasis Treatments
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-allergic, chronic skin condition that has a genetic predisposition and can affect anyone at any age. It is characterised by red scaly patches of skin ranging from mild, with a few patches usually at the backs of the knees and elbows, and minimal discomfort, to severe with psoriatic lesions covering large areas of the body and causing extreme itching, pain and discomfort. Psoriasis is thought to be an automimmune disease, where certain cells of the immune system (T lymphocytes) are triggered to overproduce inflammatory chemicals, particularly TNF alpha, a cytokine that stimulates excessive growth and proliferation of keratinocytes (epidermal skin cells), causing thickening and scaling of the skin as well as inflammation.
Treatment for psoriasis
Calcipotriol is a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D (also known as 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25(OH)2D3). Vitamin D is primarily involved regulating calcium metabolism but has other actions including inhibition of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell differentiation and immunomodulation. Calcipotriol binds to the same receptor in skin cells as Vitamin D and has the same activity in regulating cell growth and differentiation but is less effective in terms of calcium metabolism. Calcipotriol is used as a topical treatment for psoriasis and helps to prevent over production of hardened keratinocytes and restores normal cell growth and behaviour to the epidermal skin cells.
Tazarotene is a retinoid pro-drug of Vitamin A that affects skin cell behaviour and helps reverse abnormal changes in keratinocyte behaviour; it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Both medications reduce the inflammation, scaling and thickening of psoriatic plaques and relieve symptoms of psoriasis.
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Cold Sore Treatments
What are cold sores?
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a virus that infects mucous membrane cells and exists in two forms;HSV I that infects the lips, mouth and face, and HSV-II that infects the genitals. A cold sore is the result of an infection with HSV I and early warning signs of active virus include a tingling sensation on the lips or face. If untreated at an early stage the virus will multiply rapidly and within 24 hours a cold sore will form, starting as small blisters on the surface of the skin, which join up to form a weeping sore. This is when the virus is contagious and can spread to form more cold sores or can infect others by direct contact. Eventually the immune system kicks in to kill the virus and the cold sore crusts over to form a scab as it heals.
Once infected with HSV it is always possible that re-infection will occur, as the virus can persist undetected by travelling down a nerve fibre and lying dormant or inactive in a nerve cell, to be reactivated under certain conditions, such as by stress, illness, sunlight or a compromised immune system.
Treatments for cold sores
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat infection with HSV-1. It is a nucleoside analogue, which means that it becomes incorporated into the viral DNA within the host cell and replaces building blocks needed for viral DNA synthesis. This inhibits the action of viral DNA polymerase and prevents normal viral DNA synthesis, without affecting normal processes of the host cells, which prevents the virus replicating and therefore stops the growth and spread of the virus. If applied to the skin within 24 hours of the first tingle, acyclovir can prevent a cold sore from developing. However, it can be used at any stage of infection, to prevent spread of infection, reduce and relieve painful symptoms, and speed up the heeling process to help heal blisters and sores caused by the infection. Acyclovir can also be taken orally to suppress recurrent infection of HSV and to prevent infection in people who are immunocompromised. Valacyclovir is a similar antiviral to acyclovir and is a prodrug of acyclovir that is more readily absorbed and is converted to acyclovir by the liver.
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