Therapeutic Classification of Drugs

Therapeutic Classification of Drugs (I-V)

1. Insecticides  
2. Immunizing Agents
3. Immunological Chemotherapy
4. Immunosuppressants
5. Insulin Preparations
6. Iron Preparations
7. Keratolytic Agents
8. Laxatives
9. Local Anesthetics
10. Macrolides

Therapeutic Classification of Drugs

Drugs are classified in different groups. First is based on physical appearance, second is based on site of administration and third is based on therapeutic effects. These classifications make it easy for healthcare provider to decide which medicine is best for the patient. 

Fluoroquinolones: Classification and Therapeutic Uses

Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that act by inhibiting DNA gyrase and inhibition of DNA type IV topoisomerase. Specific drug is intended for specific conditions. Before taking any of the quinolones, advice of a highly qualified health professional is needed. These medicines can cure certain bacterial infections but can also produce side effects and adverse effects. Proper use is recommended to avoid unwanted effects.

Fluoroquinolones are bactericidal agents for growing bacteria. It is related to nalidixic acid. The mechanism of action of this popular class of antibiotics is by inhibiting DNA gyrase and inhibition of DNA type IV topoisomerase. They basically interfere with DNA replication. These agents are highly active against Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella bacteremia, Shigella, Neisseria, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydophila, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter.

These fluoroquinolones are classified by generation based on their antimicrobial activities. Brand names of these agents may vary depending on country.

Coping With Insomnia

Do you find it hard to go to sleep at night? Are you having trouble keeping asleep? Do you wake up very early in the morning? Oh dear, you might be suffering from insomia. 

If you are experiencing any of this symptoms, do not ignore it and see your doctor for help. 

According to studies, people experiencing symptoms of this serious sleep disorder can be associated to high mortality risk from cardiovascular disease. That doesn't sound good. So it's better to resolve the issue rather than waiting for worst to come. 

Here are few tips that can possibly give us a good night sleep.

1. Drink a glass of milk before going to bed. 

2. Have a cup of Chamomile tea. It will help you relax. 

3. Take some food supplement like melatonin. 

4. Do not exercise or do extrenious activities few hours before retiring. 

5. Remove computer and television from your bedroom. Start thinking that your bed is only for sleeping and sex. 

6. Listen to a soothing music before going to bed. 

7. Do not watch high energy movies, action, thriller, or horror movies at night. 

8. Do not eat heavy at night. Make sure to eat 3 hours or so before hitting the sack. 

9. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks in the afternoon and evening. It will most certainty keeps you awake. 

You can always searched for solutions to solve your sleeping problems. But then again, it's imperative to set an appointment with your doctor to discuss about your symptoms and before taking any food supplements or medication even if it's over-the-counter drugs. 

Possible Causes of Backaches

Backache can be caused by different things, situations and conditions. To have one is total nightmare. Yes, there are pain relievers that you can count on for faster way out of agony. But always relying on them will not eliminate the problem. If real cause is not address properly, it can worsen day by day. 

Mga Tanong Na Dapat Paghandaan Ng Isang Pharmacist

Mahalaga na maging handa tayong mga pharmacist na sagutin ang mga katanungan ng ating pasyente. Una, karapatan nilang malaman ang mga bagay-bagay patungkol sa kanilang kalusugan at sa gamot na kanilang iinumin o gagamitin. Pangalawa, bilang Pharmacist, responsibilidad natin na maglaan ng impormasyon sa ating pasyente. 

Ano-ano nga ba ang karaniwang tinatanong sa ating mga Pharmacists? 

1. May generic brand ba ang gamot na ito?

Hindi lahat ng tao ay kayang bumili ng mamahaling gamot. Kaya nga may mga generic brands para makapaglaan tayo ng lunas sa presyong magaan sa bulsa. Siguraduhin lamang na magkatulad ang dosage strength ng gamot.

2. May iba pa bang uri ang gamot (different dosage form or flavor) na ito na maaari kong inumin? 

Ito ay kadalasang tinatanong ng mga taong may problema sa paglunok o may maselan na panlasa.

3. Marami akong iniinom na gamot, bawal ba na pagsabay-sabayin ko sila?

Dapat maging bihasa tayo sa drug interactions. May mga libro na maaari nating maging gabay. Siguraduhin lang na basahin ang mga libro na iyon ng hindi ka nakikta ng pasyente. 

4. Ano ang mga epekto ng gamot na ito? 

Maaring tinutukoy dito ang indication o side effects ng gamot. Liwanagin mabuti ang nais niyang malaman. 

5. May mga pagkain o inumin ba na dapat iwasan habang umiinom ako ng gamot na ito?

May mga gamot na bawal inumin kasabay ng gatas. May pagkakataon naman na dapat may laman ang sikmura bago uminom ng isang partikular na gamot. 

6. Paano ko ba iinumin ang gamot na ito?

Hindi lahat ng gamot ay pare-pareho ang pag-inom. Halimbawa na lang ang mga gamot na sublingual kung tawagin. Kung alam natin na ito ay inilalagay sa ilalim ng dila, merong mangilan-ngilan na hindi.

7. Kailan ko dapat inumin ang gamot na ito?

Kadalasan nakasulat na ang mga detalyeng ito sa prescription. Kailangan na lamang natin itong ipaliwanag sa paraang madaling tandaan.

8. Anu-ano ang mga dapat kong iwasan habang umiinom ng gamot na ito?

Iba-iba ang epekto ng gamot sa tao. May mga gamot na nagdudulot ng pagkahilo kaya't makabubuti na umiwas sa mga gawaing nangangailangan ng pagiging alerto.

9. Ano ang gagawin ko kung nakalimutan kong inumin ang aking gamot?

Dalawa ang kadalasang sagot sa katanungang ito. 

• Kung nakalimutang uminom ng gamot sa nakalaan na oras, inumin ang susunod na dose sa karaniwang oras at kung ano lang ang nakasulat sa prescription. Huwag uminom ng higit sa karaniwan. 
• Kung nakalimutan uminom ng gamot sa nakalaan na oras, laktawan na ito at magpatuloy sa karaniwang schedule.

10. Wala bang panganib ang gamot na ito kung ako ay buntis o nagpapasuso?

May mga gamot na bawal inumin ng taong buntis o nagpapasuso dahil hindi magiging ligtas sa dinadalang bata o sa sanggol. 

11. Sensitibo ba ang gamot na ito sa liwanag, init o lamig? Saan o Paano ko itatago ang gamot na ito?

Tamang paraan ng pagtago ay kailangan upang mapanatili ang bisa ng gamot.

12. Ano ang gagawin ko kung ako ay maubusan ng gamot? 

Kung Senior Citizen ang pasyente mo, nakasulat na sa SC book kung may balanse pa ang prescription niya. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, malalaman mo kung maari ka pang mag-refill o hindi na. Kung wala ng balanse, sabihin lamang na kailangan niya nang bumalik sa doktor para sa follow-up checkup. Huwang mag-dispense ng walang tamang prescription. Maaaring hindi na angkop ang gamot noon sa kondisyon ngayon. 

Paunawa para sa mga  Pinoy Pharmacist 

Ang mga nasaad na katanungan ay ilan lamang sa maraming tanong na ating narinig mula sa pasyente. Nais po naming malaman ninyo na importante ang inyong mga work experiences, opiniyon o idea. Kung mayroon kayong mga tanong na natanggap mula sa inyong pasyente o customer (na sa tingin ninyo ay dapat din paghandaan ng kapwa Pinoy Pharmacist), inaanyayahan po namin kayong ibahagi ang mga ito sa comment box sa baba.

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor. The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. If you have any health-related questions, persistent health condition or before taking any medication, please consult your health care provider.

The Benefits of Yoga

I've read in different books and magazines that Yoga has lots of health benefits. Knowing its existence for 5,000 years, I will not doubt that. I heard a lot of stories too that can verify the claims.

Yoga when done in proper ways can help improve flexibility, strength, posture, and breathing. Series of yoga poses must be done in order to achieve each of these benefits. 'Asanas' is a style of yoga to achieve a more flexible body while 'Astanga and Yoga Power' are the most common style to improve strength. If both flexibility and strength are achieved, posture will definitely follow as well as proper breathing.

People who are stress can also benefit from yoga because it can help to become more calm. There are plenty of biochemical responses happening during yoga and even after yoga. Meaning to say, the hormones in our bodies reacts actively in yoga. The dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were decreased making the person more calm. And other more reactions.

Others also said that yoga is so beneficial in different medical conditions like asthma, insomia, arthritis, back pain and even multiple sclerosis. There are some studies to prove these.

Before starting your yoga, you should consult your doctor. There experts on yoga that you can approach to help you too. Make sure to wear proper clothes and use thick yoga mat. This is for your own protection and comfort too. 

Basic Skin Care

I am not a dermatologist but I know how to take care of my skin. I don't get pimples except when my period is about to come. But that is tolerable as it's only one or two on the forehead. 

We all know that there are plenty of good ways to take care of our skin. You may have your own tricks too. Allow me to remind or share with you the following basic skin care.

                                 

Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Our body uses up water in all our activities, if not replenish, our skin will show dryness or sometimes other skin problems like pimples. 

                     

Eat healthy. Add more fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains in your diet. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals essential in keeping your skin glowing. 

                    

Smoking cigarettes won't help. Stop is you are, don't dare if you're not. Smoking contributes in narrowing your tiny blood vessel leaving your skin dry. Not to mention the other diseases connecting to cigarette smoking.

                                 

Always protect your skin from the sun. Use products that can protect you against the harmful rays of the sun. Products with SPF 15 or more are recommended. If you are out swimming, bring with you your sun lotion and re-apply every two hours. 

                    

Wearing make-up is okay. Just make sure you use the brand that you trust and brand that won't give you skin problem. Always try new product in small portion of your skin before thoroughly applying them. Also, you should keep your brushes and sponges clean and fresh all the time. Wash them regularly or replace them when possible. Dirt accumulated on your make-up applicators can also create skin problems. 

                                   

Wash you face at least twice a day. Use soap that is best for you. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to buy fragrance-free or soap-free products. The more scent, the more chance your skin gets irritated. Remove make-up before going to bed. Leaving them on you face will only make your skins clogged by make-up particles. 

                    

Change your pillowcase regularly. Even when we are sleeping our skin produce oil which is left in the pillowcase. Plus, all the dirt from our hair will also sleep there. I'm sure you don't want them to get all that into your skin. Only worse could happen. Besides, it's always great to sleep on clean pillow and linens. 

                     

Handle your stress well. Yes, stress can make your skin ugly. To avoid that, keep everything in order. Organize the things you need to do so you don't worry much of the things undone. Exercise daily as this is a very good tool to release your stress. Learn to unwind and take it easy. 

These are just few skin care tips that I can share with you. Remember, maintain good hygiene, eat and drink properly and exercise regularly to keep your skin healthy. If despite the extra care you are giving to your skin and there's still breakout of pimples, you may want to consult a doctor to check you out. It maybe caused by other things like hormones. 

INDIGESTION

Other Names: Dyspepsia, Stomach Upset, Non-Acid Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach

Indigestion occurs when the acid in stomach flows back up to the esophagus. This may also occur when stomach is inflamed or irritated. Commonly, the symptoms of dyspepsia are aggravated after eating. Symptoms may start from the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach and first part small intestine).  Indigestion generates soreness which is hard to identify where it is coming from but is normally sited between the navel and the breast-bone.

Symptoms of Indigestion:

• Upper abdominal pain (pain, fullness and discomfort)
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal swelling (distention)
• Flatulence, belching and burping
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease/GORD)

Causes of Indigestion:

Indigestion can be due to different factors such as lifestyle and medical conditions. These factors set off the symptoms of indigestion.

• Alcohol and use of certain drugs
• Smoking
• Eating too much
• Stress, depression and anxiety
• Excess Acid in the stomach
• Overweight or obese
• Peptic Ulcers
• Pregnancy
• Intestinal Gas
• Lactose Intolerance
• Stomach Cancer
• Helicobacter Pylori
• GERD
• Gastroenteritis

Treatment of Indigestion:

There are many things we can do by ourselves in order to minimize the symptoms of indigestion, this include stopping smoking, reducing levels of stress, not eating much and fast, avoiding fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol, and even losing excess weight.

On the other hand, there are plenty of available over-the-counter and prescription only medicines, which help in treating dyspepsia. Rarely, surgery is suggested to a patient who doesn’t show improvements after taking medicines or if patient do not like to depend on proton inhibitor for long period of time.

OTC Preparations

• Antacids (acts by neutralising acid in stomach)
• H2 Blockers (works by reducing production of stomach acid)

          - famotidine (click the link to see available brands in Philippines)
          - ranitidine (click the link to see available brands in Philippines)

• Proton Pump Inhibitor (acts by stopping the production of stomach acid) (maximum use of four weeks)

          - omeprazole

          - lansoprazole (click the link to see available brands in Philippines)

POM

Long term use of proton inhibitor will call for the need of a prescription. In a long run, if this medicine still won’t give the benefit you are expecting, doctors may consider the use of another drug.

• Prokinetics (acts by by-passing the food easily through a stomach which causes reduction of the symptoms)

          - domperidone

          - metoclopramide

*In case of Helicobacter Pylori infectivity, doctors may recommend two different antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor to kill the bacteria for seven days.

*If indigestion persists for more than two weeks, it should be examined by a doctor as it could be a indication of a serious medical condition such as a stomach ulcer.

*Before buying any OTC medicines, ask a Pharmacist first.

References: Merk Manuals

            MIMS Philippines