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Cipflox (Ciprofloxacin 250mg)
Cipflox general information
What is Cipflox used for?
Cipflox tablets 250mg are an antibiotic medication used to treat uncomplicated and complicated bacterial infections in adults, caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria in various parts of the body. Cipflox tablets 250mg are used to treat pneumonia (community acquired as outpatients), caused by various bacteria, but should not be the antibiotic of first choice for pneumonia caused by Pneumococcus. Cipflox tablets 250mg are also use to treat infections of the skin and soft tissue, such as impetigo and cellulitis; also of the bones and joints, which can be very painful; and infections of the abdominal cavity such as peritonitis. Cipflox tablets 250mg are also used to treat infections of the urogenital system, including adnexitis (infection and inflammation of the ovary and the fallopian tubes), prostatitis (infection and inflammation of the prostate), gonorrhoea, infections of the efferent urinary tract like cystitis and pyelonephritis (infection and inflammation of the kidney). Cipflox tablets 250mg are used to treat sepsis, which is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of the body’s response to an infection. It is caused by chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection, which can result in damage to tissues and organs. Cipflox tablets 250mg may also be used after inhalation of anthrax spores, as post exposure prophylaxis to reduce risk of pulmonary disease. Cipflox tablets 250mg are also used to treat acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa; also complicated urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis due to E.coli in children over the age of 5 years.
How does Cipflox work?
Cipflox tablets 250mg contain the antibiotic ciprofloxacin that belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics and is a synthetic broad spectrum antibiotic with antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria including, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Enterobacter, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria and Chlamydia. Ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 250mg works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes (bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase) needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA. This action of ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 250mg kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection. Cipflox tablets 250mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
What does Cipflox contain?
Cipflox tablets 250mg contain the active ingredient ciprofloxacin, a synthetic broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, crospovidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, polydextrose, hypromellose, glycerol triacetate, macrogol.
Treating bacterial infection with Cipflox
Cipflox tablets 250mg contain ciprofloxacin a synthetic broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that used to treat uncomplicated and complicated bacterial infections in adults, caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria in various parts of the body. Infections that Cipflox tablets 250mg are suitable for include, pneumonia; infections of the skin, soft tissue bones and joints; infections of the urogenital system; infections of the abdominal cavity; sepsis and to reduce risk of pulmonary disease following inhalation of anthrax spores. Cipflox tablets 250mg are also used to treat acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis and complicated urinary tract infections in children over the age of 5 years. Ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 250mg works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA. This action of ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 250mg kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.
What are the side effects of Cipflox?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cipflox tablets 250mg include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, headache, altered taste, arthralgia (joint pain). Very rarely taking Cipflox tablets 250mg is associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture with increased risk if you are over the age of 60 years, taking systemic steroids or have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
When should Cipflox not be used?
You should not use Cipflox tablets 250mg if you:
- are allergic to ciprofloxacin or any ingredients in Cipflox
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have kidney or liver disease
- history of tendon disease/disorder related to quinolone treatment
- have epilepsy or a history of convulsion
- have a history of stroke, heart attack or heart failure, without discussion with your doctor
- have myasthenia gravis
- are taking medicines that interact with Cipflox, including the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, anti-arrhythmics like amiodarone, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptylene, macrolides antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, antipsychotics like olanzapine,, mineral supplements, sucralfate, omeprazole or antacids for ulcers and reflux, probenecid for gout, theophylline for asthma, caffeine and methylxanthines (found in some medicines and in drinks such as coffee, tea, cola), phenytoin for seizures, some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, anticoagulants like warfarin, oral antidiabetic medications like glibenclamide, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the antiemetic metoclopramide, the antidepressant duloxetine, ropinirole for Parkinson’s disease, clozapine for schizophrenia, sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
What medications interact with Cipflox?
Several medications interact with Cipflox tablets 250mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Cipflox or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction or increase side effects with Cipflox: the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, anti-arrhythmics like amiodarone, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptylene, macrolides antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, antipsychotics like olanzapine, theophylline for asthma, some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the immunosuppressant cyclosporine,
- Drugs that affect Cipflox: mineral supplements, sucralfate, omeprazole or antacids for ulcers and reflux, probenecid for gout, the antiemetic metoclopramide
- Drugs that are affected by Cipflox: the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, theophylline for asthma, caffeine and methylxanthines (found in some medicines and in drinks such as coffee, tea, cola), phenytoin for seizures, anticoagulants like warfarin, oral antidiabetic medications like glibenclamide, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the antidepressant duloxetine, ropinirole for Parkinson’s disease, clozapine for schizophrenia, sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
How should Cipflox be taken?
You should take your Cipflox tablets 250mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations, which for most infections is usually one tablet twice daily for 7 to 14 days, but the dose or length of time you need to take your Cipflox tablets 250mg for may be increased depending on the severity of your infection and your response to treatment. You should not consume dairy products that are high in calcium (milk and yoghurt) or calcium-fortified orange juice, unless they are part of a meal as this may affect the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight or UV-light as this can cause photosensitisation (sunburn-like skin reactions). You should continue to take your Cipflox tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
How long should you take Cipflox?
You should continue to take your Cipflox tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
Missed dose of Cipflox
If you miss a dose of Cipflox tablets 250mg 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 Cipflox be stored?
You should store your Cipflox tablets 250mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Cardizem CD 180mg (Diltiazem)
Cardizem general information
What is Cardizem used for?
Cardizem capsules 180mg are used to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure when at rest. Although there are usually no other symptoms, high blood pressure increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardizem CD capsules reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, by lowering blood pressure to normal resting levels. Cardizem CD can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications such as diuretics. Cardizem capsules 180mg are also used to treat chronic stable angina, to prevent symptoms like chest pain and to prevent heart attack; also to treat angina due to coronary artery spasm, which is an acute angina attack which can occur at rest.
How does Cardizem work?
Cardizem capsules 180mg contain diltiazem, which is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits the inflow of calcium ions across specific calcium channels in the cell membrane into smooth muscle cells of the heart (myocardium) and blood vessel walls (only arteries). Calcium is needed for smooth muscle cells to contract, so by blocking calcium channels, smooth muscle cells contraction is prevented. Diltiazem in Cardizem capsules 180mg blocks calcium channels in smooth muscle cells, allowing peripheral arteries to relax and widen (vasodilation) and this reduces the workload on the heart, the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body (negative inotropic effect), increases oxygen supply to the heart, and decreases blood pressure. Cardizem capsules CD also causes widening of the main arteries of the heart, increasing the oxygen supply to the heart and, as the heart workload is reduced, the demand for oxygen is also reduced, which prevents chest pain symptoms of angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
What does Cardizem contain?
Cardizem capsules 180mg contain the active ingredient diltiazem hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina, formulated for slow release over a 24 hours period. They also contain fumaric acid, purified talc, non-pareil seeds (sucrose), colloidal silica, white beeswax, ethylcellulose, castor oil, stearic acid, methacrylic acid copolymers, tributyl acetylcitrate, simethicone, gelatin, Brilliant Blue FCF CI 42090 and titanium dioxide.
What doses of Cardizem are available?
Cardizem CD capsules are available online form Inhouse Pharmacy in 3 doses:
- 120mg CDcapsule
- 180mg CD capsules
- 240mg CD capsules
Treating hypertension (high blood pressure) with Cardizem
Cardizem capsules 180mg contain diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure at rest), who are at risk of cardiovascular disease due to high blood pressure, although there are usually no other symptoms. Cardizem capsules 180mg can either be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics. Diltiazem in Cardizem CD capsules 180mg blocks the inflow of calcium ions, needed for contraction, into smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls (only arteries), which causes blood vessel walls to relax and peripheral arteries to widen. This action reduces the workload on the heart, which is the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body, as measured by blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure Cardizem capsules 180mg help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke and heart attack.
Treating angina with Cardizem
Cardizem capsules 180mg contain diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used to treat chronic stable angina and angina due to coronary artery spasm, which is an acute angina attack that can occur at rest. Diltiazem in Cardizem CD capsules 180mg blocks the inflow of calcium ions, needed for contraction, into smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls (only arteries), which causes blood vessel walls to relax and peripheral arteries to widen. Cardizem capsules 180mg reduces the workload on the heart and its demand for oxygen, while at the same time increasing oxygen supply to the heart, which prevents chest pain symptoms of angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
What are the side effects of Cardizem?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cardizem capsules 180mg include: headache, dizziness, flushing, bradycardia (slow heart rate), gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, gastric pain) oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet, face or hands), flushing, palpitations, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness.
When should Cardizem not be used?
You should not use Cardizem capsules 180mg if you:
- are allergic to diltiazem, other calcium channel blockers or any ingredients in Cardizem capsules
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have certain types of abnormal heart rhythm like sick sinus syndrome
- have heart problems including, congestive heart failure, left ventricular failure or myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion
- have hypotension (low blood pressure)
- have kidney or liver disease
- are taking medicines that interact with Cardizem, including: the muscle relaxant dantrolene, the antivirals atazanavir and ritonavir, cimetidine and ranitidine for gastric ulcers or reflux, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, benzodiazepines like diazepam, midazolam and triazolam for depression or anxiety, corticosteroids like methylprednisolone, beta-blockers like propranolol’ digoxin for heart failure, the antiepileptic carbamazepine, ithium for mood disorders, theophylline for asthma, rimonabant for obesity, alpha-blockers for prostate problems, the antiarrhythmic amiodarone, inhalation anaesthetics like halothane, nitrates for heart conditions, statins for high cholesterol like simvastatin
What medications interact with Cardizem?
Several medications interact with Cardizem capsules 180mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Cardizem 180 or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Cardizem: the muscle relaxant dantrolene; lithium for mood disorders; alpha-blockers for prostate problems; the antiarrhythmic amiodarone; nitrates for heart conditions
- Drugs that affect Cardizem: the antivirals atazanavir and ritonavir; cimetidine and ranitidine for gastric ulcers or reflux; benzodiazepines like diazepam
- Drugs that are affected by Cardizem: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine; benzodiazepines like midazolam and triazolam for depression or anxiety; corticosteroids like methylprednisolone; beta-blockers like propranolol, digoxin for heart failure, the antiepileptic carbamazepine; theophylline for asthma; rimonabant for obesity; inhalation anaesthetics like halothane; statins for high cholesterol like simvastatin
How should Cardizem be taken?
You should take your Cardizem capsules 180mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole, once daily, with or without food. The dose you take and for how long should be as recommended by your doctor. If required your doctor may increase your dose.
How long should you take Cardizem?
You should take your Cardizem capsules 180mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
Missed dose of Cardizem
If you miss a dose of Cardizem capsules 180mg 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 Cardizem be stored?
You should store your Cardizem capsules 180mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Prednisolone-AFT 1% Eye Drops
Prednisolone-AFT general information
What is Prednisolone-AFT used for?
Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% are used to treat inflammation of the eye, including inflammation of the ocular or bulbar conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye or sclera (white of the eye) and the palpebral conjunctiva that lines the inside of the eyelids. Also the cornea, which is the clear protective area at the front of the eye, and the anterior segment of the globe that includes the iris, pupil, lens, cornea and fluid filled anterior chamber. Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% are used as short-term treatment to relieve symptoms of eye inflammation, including irritation, burning, redness and swelling that are caused by chemicals, heat, radiation, allergy, or foreign objects in the eye, but they should not be used for viral, fungal or bacterial eye infection and is only suitable for steroid-responsive inflammation.
How does Prednisolone-AFT work?
Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% contain prednisolone, which is corticosteroid hormone and is a synthetic derivative of the natural glucocorticoid cortisol, with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Prednisolone in Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% acts directly through the glucocorticoid receptor that is expressed inside most cells of the body and regulates transcription of specific genes that control the inflammatory and immune response. The major therapeutic actions of prednisolone are to reduce the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells. This action reduces the swelling (oedema), redness and pain associated with inflammation and modifies the actions of cells involved in allergic and inflammatory responses, such as phagocytic migration.
What does Prednisolone-AFT contain?
Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops contain the active ingredient prednisolone acetate (microfine suspension) 1.0%, a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to treat inflammation of the eye. They also contain benzalkonium chloride (preservative), carbomer 980, sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol, water.
Treating inflammation of the eye with Prednisolone-AFT
Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% contain prednisolone, which is corticosteroid hormone and is a synthetic derivative of the natural glucocorticoid cortisol, with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% are used for short-term treatment of steroid-responsive inflammation of the eye, including inflammation of the ocular or bulbar conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye or sclera (white of the eye) and the palpebral conjunctiva that lines the inside of the eyelids. Also the cornea, which is the clear protective area at the front of the eye, and the anterior segment of the globe that includes the iris, pupil, lens, cornea and fluid filled anterior chamber. Prednisolone in Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% acts directly through the glucocorticoid receptor inside the cells of the eye and regulates transcription of specific genes that control the inflammatory and immune response. The major therapeutic actions of prednisolone are to reduce the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells to reduce the swelling (oedema), redness and pain associated with inflammation and to modify the actions of cells involved in allergic and inflammatory responses, such as phagocytic migration. These actions of prednisolone in Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 1% help relieve symptoms of eye inflammation, including irritation, burning, redness and swelling that are caused by chemicals, heat, radiation, allergy, or foreign objects in the eye, but they should not be used for viral, fungal or bacterial eye infection and is only suitable inflammation.
What are the side effects of Prednisolone-AFT?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Prednisolone-AFT include: eye irritation like burning or stinging, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that may lead to glaucoma and optic nerve damage, delayed wound healing, cataract formation at the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular), visual disturbance (blurry vision) and allergic reactions. Long term use of corticosteroids can lead to infection of the eye and can mask infections; also to systemic effects.
When should Prednisolone-AFT not be used?
You should not use Prednisolone-AFT if you:
- are allergic to prednisolone or any ingredients in Prednisolone-AFT
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have a bacterial, viral or fungal eye infection
- have glaucoma or are at risk of developing glaucoma
- have recently had cataract surgery as corticosteroids can delay healing
- have mustard gas keratitis (inflammation of the cornea caused by the chemical mustard gas) and Sjogren’s keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva as a symptom of the autoimmune disease Sjogren’s syndrome)
How should Prednisolone-AFT be taken?
You should apply your Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops by shaking the bottle well, tilting your head back, pulling the lower eyelid to form a pouch and applying one drop into this conjunctival sac, using the dropper provided. You should apply your Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops 2-4 times daily or more frequently in the first 24-48 hours as required. You should see an improvement in symptoms after 2 days but continue to use your Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops for as long as recommended by your doctor but not for more than 10 days. If you wear soft contact lenses these should be removed before adding Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops into your eye, as the preservative can cause discolouration, and not returned for at least 15 minutes.
How long should you take Prednisolone-AFT?
You should see an improvement in symptoms after 2 days but continue to use your Prednisolone-AFT Eye Drops for as long as recommended by your doctor but not for more than 10 days.
Missed dose of Prednisolone-AFT
If you miss a dose of Prednisolone-AFT 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 Prednisolone-AFT be stored?
You should store your Prednisolone-AFT below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Vaclovir (Valaciclovir) 500mg
Vaclovir general information
What is Vaclovir used for?
Vaclovir tablets 500mg are used to treat infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), including cold sores (herpes labialis); also initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in people with a healthy immune system, and can prevent lesions when taken as soon as symptoms of an HSV recurrence appears. Vaclovir tablets 500mg are also used for suppression of recurrent genital herpes infections in people with an active immune system (immunocompetent) and to reduce the transmission of genital herpes to others. In HIV-infected patients who are immunocompromised, Vaclovir tablets 500mg are used for prevention (prophylaxis) of herpes infections. Vaclovir tablets 500mg are also used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox, caused by the closely related Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in children who are at least 2 years old. Vaclovir tablets 500mg are also used to treat Herpes zoster (shingles) caused by VZV in immunocompetent adults, provided the infection is less than 72 hours duration. Vaclovir tablets 500mg are also used to prevent opportunistic infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other herpes virus infections (HSV, VZV) following organ transplantation
How does Vaclovir work?
Vaclovir tablets 500mg contain valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir that is more readily absorbed and is converted to acyclovir by the liver. Valacyclovir in Vaclovir tablets 500mg then works in the same way as acyclovir, as an antiviral agent that is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes; and also against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. Acyclovir inhibits the action of a viral enzyme (DNA polymerase), blocking viral DNA synthesis without affecting normal cellular processes. This prevents the virus replicating and therefore, stops the growth and spread of the virus, relieving symptoms of the infection and helping the body to fight off the infection. Vaclovir tablets 500mg will not cure a herpes infection, as the virus can lie dormant in infected cells until reactivated when immunity is low due to stress or other illness or even exposure to sunlight, causing new infections like cold sores and shingles; but it does reduce pain and help the sores caused by the infection to heal faster.
What does Vaclovir contain?
Vaclovir tablets 500mg contains the active ingredient valacyclovir 500mg, an antiviral used to treat herpes virus infections. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate in the tablet core and hypromellose, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol in the film coat.
Treating herpes infection with Vaclovir
Vaclovir tablets 500mg contain valacyclovir, an antiviral agent which is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes and also against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. HSV Infections are characterised by blisters which form in the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips or genitals and crust over to form a scab as they heal. Vaclovir tablets 500mg stop the virus in infected cells from being able to replicate and spread, helping to relieve symptoms and heal the blisters.
Treating shingles with Vaclovir-500
Vaclovir tablets 500mg contain valacyclovir, an antiviral agent which is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes and also against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the same type of herpes virus that causes the common childhood infection chicken pox (varicella). The blisters associated with chicken pox are characteristic of the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (of the herpes family) which migrate to nerve cells and remain dormant (not replicating) once chicken pox blisters have gone. Years later, the virus can be activated by stress, other illness or even exposure to sunlight, causing the virus to travel down the nerve and infect the skin again, replicating and causing the painful rash of blisters associated with shingles as well as nerve pain or post-herpetic neuralgia. Vaclovir tablets 500mg can help reduce the duration and severity of acute symptoms and rash as well as reduce zoster-associated pain.
Vaclovir for genital herpes
Vaclovir tablets 500mg contain valacyclovir, an antiviral agent which is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes, although HSV-I can also cause genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted disease characterised by painful sores and blisters around the genital areas. Genital herpes can recur several times, particularly if your immune system is low or compromised. Vaclovir tablets 500mg can be used to treat an initial infection of genital herpes and reduce painful symptoms; and is also used for suppression to prevent the infection recurring.
What are the side effects of Vaclovir?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Vaclovir tablets 500mg include headache, nausea, photosensitivity.
When should Vaclovir not be used?
You should not use Vaclovir tablets 500mg if you:
- are allergic to valacyclovir or any ingredients in Vaclovir
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have kidney or liver disease
- have had a bone marrow transplant
- are taking medicines that interact with Vaclovir-500, without discussion with your doctor, including probenecid (a treatment for gout), cimetidine for ulcers, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, the antiviral foscarnet, aminoglycoside antibiotics.
What medications interact with Vaclovir?
Several medications interact with Vaclovir and should either not be taken while you are taking Vaclovir or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that affect Vaclovir: probenecid (a treatment for gout), cimetidine for ulcers, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, the antiviral foscarnet, aminoglycoside antibiotics
How should Vaclovir be taken?
You should take your Vaclovir tablets 500mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, once, twice or three times daily depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. You should start taking your Vaclovir tablets 500mg as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms, such as tingling, burning, blisters. The dose you take, how often and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations. Your course of treatment may last for 3 to 10 days for an initial infection or longer, depending on your condition and whether you are taking Vaclovir tablets 500mg for initial or recurrent infection or for prevention.
How long should you take Vaclovir?
You should continue to take your Vaclovir-500 for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for 3-10 day, or longer depending on your condition and what you are being treated for.
Missed dose of Vaclovir
If you miss a dose of Vaclovir tablets 500mg 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 Vaclovir be stored?
You should store your Vaclovir tablets 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Cardizem CD 240mg (Diltiazem)
Cardizem general information
What is Cardizem used for?
Cardizem capsules 240mg are used to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure when at rest. Although there are usually no other symptoms, high blood pressure increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardizem CD capsules reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, by lowering blood pressure to normal resting levels. Cardizem CD can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications such as diuretics. Cardizem capsules 240mg are also used to treat chronic stable angina, to prevent symptoms like chest pain and to prevent heart attack; also to treat angina due to coronary artery spasm, which is an acute angina attack which can occur at rest.
How does Cardizem work?
Cardizem capsules 240mg contain diltiazem, which is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits the inflow of calcium ions across specific calcium channels in the cell membrane into smooth muscle cells of the heart (myocardium) and blood vessel walls (only arteries). Calcium is needed for smooth muscle cells to contract, so by blocking calcium channels, smooth muscle cells contraction is prevented. Diltiazem in Cardizem capsules 240mg blocks calcium channels in smooth muscle cells, allowing peripheral arteries to relax and widen (vasodilation) and this reduces the workload on the heart, the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body (negative inotropic effect), increases oxygen supply to the heart, and decreases blood pressure. Cardizem capsules CD also causes widening of the main arteries of the heart, increasing the oxygen supply to the heart and, as the heart workload is reduced, the demand for oxygen is also reduced, which prevents chest pain symptoms of angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
What does Cardizem contain?
Cardizem capsules 240mg contain the active ingredient diltiazem hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina, formulated for slow release over a 24 hours period. They also contain fumaric acid, purified talc, non-pareil seeds (sucrose), colloidal silica, white beeswax, ethylcellulose, castor oil, stearic acid, methacrylic acid copolymers, tributyl acetylcitrate, simethicone, gelatin, Brilliant Blue FCF CI 42090 and titanium dioxide.
What doses of Cardizem are available?
Cardizem CD capsules are available online form Inhouse Pharmacy in 3 doses:
- 120mg CDcapsule
- 180mg CD capsules
- 240mg CD capsules
Treating hypertension (high blood pressure) with Cardizem
Cardizem capsules 240mg contain diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure at rest), who are at risk of cardiovascular disease due to high blood pressure, although there are usually no other symptoms. Cardizem capsules 240mg can either be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics. Diltiazem in Cardizem CD capsules 240mg blocks the inflow of calcium ions, needed for contraction, into smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls (only arteries), which causes blood vessel walls to relax and peripheral arteries to widen. This action reduces the workload on the heart, which is the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body, as measured by blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure Cardizem capsules 240mg help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke and heart attack.
Treating angina with Cardizem
Cardizem capsules 240mg contain diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used to treat chronic stable angina and angina due to coronary artery spasm, which is an acute angina attack that can occur at rest. Diltiazem in Cardizem CD capsules 240mg blocks the inflow of calcium ions, needed for contraction, into smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls (only arteries), which causes blood vessel walls to relax and peripheral arteries to widen. Cardizem capsules 240mg reduces the workload on the heart and its demand for oxygen, while at the same time increasing oxygen supply to the heart, which prevents chest pain symptoms of angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
What are the side effects of Cardizem?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cardizem capsules 240mg include: headache, dizziness, flushing, bradycardia (slow heart rate), gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, gastric pain) oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet, face or hands), flushing, palpitations, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness.
When should Cardizem not be used?
You should not use Cardizem capsules 240mg if you:
- are allergic to diltiazem, other calcium channel blockers or any ingredients in Cardizem capsules
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have certain types of abnormal heart rhythm like sick sinus syndrome
- have heart problems including, congestive heart failure, left ventricular failure or myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion
- have hypotension (low blood pressure)
- have kidney or liver disease
- are taking medicines that interact with Cardizem, including: the muscle relaxant dantrolene, the antivirals atazanavir and ritonavir, cimetidine and ranitidine for gastric ulcers or reflux, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, benzodiazepines like diazepam, midazolam and triazolam for depression or anxiety, corticosteroids like methylprednisolone, beta-blockers like propranolol’ digoxin for heart failure, the antiepileptic carbamazepine, ithium for mood disorders, theophylline for asthma, rimonabant for obesity, alpha-blockers for prostate problems, the antiarrhythmic amiodarone, inhalation anaesthetics like halothane, nitrates for heart conditions, statins for high cholesterol like simvastatin
What medications interact with Cardizem?
Several medications interact with Cardizem capsules 240mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Cardizem 240 or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Cardizem: the muscle relaxant dantrolene; lithium for mood disorders; alpha-blockers for prostate problems; the antiarrhythmic amiodarone; nitrates for heart conditions
- Drugs that affect Cardizem: the antivirals atazanavir and ritonavir; cimetidine and ranitidine for gastric ulcers or reflux; benzodiazepines like diazepam
- Drugs that are affected by Cardizem: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine; benzodiazepines like midazolam and triazolam for depression or anxiety; corticosteroids like methylprednisolone; beta-blockers like propranolol, digoxin for heart failure, the antiepileptic carbamazepine; theophylline for asthma; rimonabant for obesity; inhalation anaesthetics like halothane; statins for high cholesterol like simvastatin
How should Cardizem be taken?
You should take your Cardizem capsules 240mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole, once daily, with or without food. The dose you take and for how long should be as recommended by your doctor. If required your doctor may increase your dose.
How long should you take Cardizem?
You should take your Cardizem capsules 240mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
Missed dose of Cardizem
If you miss a dose of Cardizem capsules 240mg 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 Cardizem be stored?
You should store your Cardizem capsules 240mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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