Lunesta
30/06/10
Generic name: Eszopiclone
Brand names: Lunesta
Why is Lunesta prescribed?
Lunesta is prescribed for insomnia, defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It’s used for adults who have trouble getting to sleep, wake frequently during the night, or wake up too early in the morning.
Most important fact about Lunesta
Rarely, Lunesta can cause changes in behavior or thinking. Call your doctor immediately if you or your family notice any of the following:
- More outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal
- Confusion
- Strange behavior
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Worsening of depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Sleep problems are usually temporary and require only short-term treatment with medication, typically 7 to 10 days. If your insomnia continues or becomes worse, contact your doctor.
How should you take Lunesta?
Take Lunesta only when you are ready to get in bed or if you are already in bed and have trouble falling asleep. Do not take it unless you are able to get 8 or more hours of sleep before you have to be active again.
For Lunesta to work best, do not take it with or immediately after a high-fat, heavy meal. Swallow the tablet whole; do not split, crush, or chew it.
Do not stop taking Lunesta suddenly or change your dose without your doctor’s approval. You could experience signs of withdrawal such as abnormal dreams, anxiety, nausea, sleeplessness, or upset stomach.
- If you miss a dose…
Only take your prescribed dose of Lunesta immediately before bedtime.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature in a dry place.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Lunesta.
- Side effects may include:
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty with coordination
Why should Lunesta not be prescribed?
Currently, there are no known contraindications for Lunesta.
Special warnings about Lunesta
Use Lunesta with caution if you have problems with metabolism or blood circulation, breathing problems, or severe liver disease.
You must be ready for bed or already be in bed before you take Lunesta. If you stay awake after taking Lunesta, you may become dizzy or lightheaded and may risk falling. To prevent injury to yourself and others, never attempt to drive a car, operate any machinery, or engage in hazardous activities after taking Lunesta. Also, you could have memory problems while taking Lunesta, especially if you are 65 or older.
Sometimes drugs used for sleep can affect you the next day. Be cautious when planning activities the day after taking Lunesta until you know its effects.
Drugs like Lunesta can lead to psychological or physical dependence, especially if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or if you have mental and emotional problems. Be sure your doctor is aware of your complete medical history.
Depression can sometimes worsen when taking drugs like Lunesta. It is important to notify your doctor right away if you become more depressed or if you or your family notice unusual thoughts or behaviors, especially thoughts of suicide.
After stopping Lunesta, you may have trouble falling asleep (known as rebound insomnia). This should go away after the first night or two.
Lunesta has not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lunesta
When Lunesta is used with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lunesta with drugs that relax the central nervous system, such as medicines used for allergies, anxiety, seizures, or sleep; or any of the following:
Clarithromycin
Itraconazole
Ketaconazole
Nelfinavir
Rifampin
Ritonavir
Troleandomycin
Taking Lunesta after a high-fat, heavy meal could slow or reduce its effect.
Also, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lunesta, since this may increase the drug’s effects.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of taking Lunesta during pregnancy have not been studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether Lunesta appears in breast milk; talk to your doctor if you plan to breastfeed.
Recommended dosage for Lunesta
ADULTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER
The usual starting dose is 2 milligrams taken immediately before bedtime. If you have trouble staying asleep, the doctor may increase your dosage. If you have severe liver disease, the usual starting dose is 1 milligrams, not to exceed 2 milligrams in one night.
If you are 65 years or older and have trouble falling asleep, the usual starting dose is 1 mg taken immediately before bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to 2 mg if you cannot stay asleep.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. There is little information on overdoses with Lunesta. Overdoses of similar drugs have been known to cause confusion, dizziness, and possibly loss of consciousness.
Lovastatin, Niacin
30/06/10
Brand names: Advicor
Why is Lovastatin, Niacin prescribed?
Advicor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Advicor lowers total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, while raising the amount of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Advicor is a combination of two cholesterol-fighting ingredients: extended-release niacin and lovastatin. It is prescribed only when other drugs and a program of diet, exercise, and weight reduction have been unsuccessful in lowering cholesterol levels.
Most important fact about Lovastatin, Niacin
Although you cannot feel any symptoms of high cholesterol, it is important to take Advicor every day. The drug will be more effective if it is taken as part of a program of diet, exercise, and weight loss. All these efforts keep your cholesterol levels normal and lower your risk of heart disease.
How should you take Lovastatin, Niacin?
Advicor should be taken at bedtime, with a low-fat snack. Do not take Lovastatin, Niacin on an empty stomach.
Advicor is an extended-release medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
If you stop taking Advicor for more than a week, check with your doctor; you may need to gradually build up your dosage again.
- If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Advicor.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, flushing, headache, high blood sugar, indigestion, infection, itching, muscle pain, nausea, pain, rash, vomiting, weakness
Why should Lovastatin, Niacin not be prescribed?
If you are allergic to niacin or lovastatin, you cannot take Advicor. You also should avoid Advicor if you have liver disease, an ulcer, or arterial bleeding. Never take Advicor during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding.
Special warnings about Lovastatin, Niacin
Advicor can cause liver problems. Your doctor will test your liver function before you start taking Lovastatin, Niacin, then every 6 to 12 weeks for the first 6 months after you begin therapy, and every 6 months thereafter. If the tests reveal a problem, you may have to stop taking Advicor. Individuals who regularly drink alcohol or have a history of liver disease should use Lovastatin, Niacin with caution. Avoid Advicor completely if you currently have liver disease.
The extended-release niacin in Advicor is not interchangeable with immediate-release niacin. Substituting doses of extended-release niacin for immediate-release niacin can cause severe liver damage.
Drugs like Advicor may trigger a muscle-wasting condition that also can affect the kidneys. The risk is increased if Advicor is taken with certain drugs or grapefruit juice. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. You may have to stop taking Advicor. Use Advicor with caution if you have kidney disease, gout, or the chest pain of angina.
Advicor may cause flushing. This side effect usually goes away after taking the medication for several weeks. Flushing can be accompanied by dizziness, fainting, heartbeat irregularities, chills, shortness of breath, or swelling. Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness. If you awaken because of flushing, rise slowly to avoid dizziness and fainting. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen before taking Advicor may help decrease the flushing. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks near the time you take Advicor; these can increase flushing.
If you have diabetes, Advicor may affect your blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor if you note any changes.
Advicor can cause abnormalities in the blood. If you are scheduled for surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Advicor a few days before the operation.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any nutritional supplements that contain niacin.
Advicor is not recommended for children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lovastatin, Niacin
Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than a quart a day) while on Advicor therapy. It can increase the risk of muscle wasting.
If Advicor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Advicor with any of the following:
Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
Blood pressure medications such as atenolol, metoprolol tartrate, and propranolol hydrochloride
Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine besylate, felodipine, and nifedipine
Cholesterol-lowering drugs called fibrates such as gemfibrozil
Cimetidine
Clarithromycin
Cyclosporine
Erythromycin
HIV protease inhibitors such as nelfinavir mesylate and ritonavir
Nefazodone
Nitroglycerin
Nutritional supplements containing niacin or nicotinamide
Spironolactone
Warfarin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Developing babies need plenty of cholesterol, so cholesterol-lowering drugs should never be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Advicor should be taken by women of childbearing age only if it is very unlikely that they will become pregnant. If you do become pregnant while taking Advicor, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor.
Recommended dosage for Lovastatin, Niacin
ADULTS
The usual starting dose of Advicor is one tablet containing 500 milligrams of extended-release niacin and 20 milligrams of lovastatin, taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. After four weeks, your doctor may increase the dosage if the initial dose has not been effective. The maximum recommended dosage is 2,000 milligrams of extended-release niacin and 40 milligrams of lovastatin.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have dangerous consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Advicor overdose may include:
Diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, heartbeat irregularities, indigestion, nausea, severe flushing, vomiting
Lotrel
30/06/10
Generic name: Amlodipine and Benazepril Hydrochloride
Brand names: Lotrel
Why is Lotrel prescribed?
Lotrel is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a combination medicine that is used when treatment with a single drug has not been successful or has caused side effects.
One component, amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker. It eases the workload of the heart by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body and reduces blood pressure. The other component, benazepril, is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by preventing the transformation of a hormone called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body.
Most important fact about Lotrel
You must take Lotrel regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may take 1 to 2 weeks for the full effect of Lotrel to be seen. Even if you are feeling well, you must continue to take the medication. Lotrel does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Lotrel?
Take Lotrel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Try to take your medication at the same time each day, such as before or after breakfast, so that it is easier to remember.
- If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature. Store away from moisture and light; avoid excessive heat.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lotrel.
If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Be especially wary if you’re an African American: Your chances of this type of reaction are higher. Severe allergic reactions are also more likely if you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions to stings.
- Side effects may include:
Cough, dizziness, headache, swelling
Why should Lotrel not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to amlodipine, benazepril, or any angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, do not take Lotrel.
Special warnings about Lotrel
Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Lotrel, then monitored for the first few weeks.
If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that benazepril may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you’re on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to the drug are increased.
Contact your doctor if you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. ACE inhibitors such as Lotrel have been known to cause intestinal swelling.
Lotrel can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are taking high doses of diuretics. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
If you have congestive heart failure, use Lotrel with caution. If you have kidney disease or severe liver disease, diabetes, lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma (a rare disease affecting the blood vessels or connective tissue), use Lotrel with caution.
Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. You could be developing liver problems.
If you develop a persistent, dry cough, tell your doctor. It may be due to the medication and, if so, will disappear if you stop taking Lotrel. In a medical emergency and before you have surgery, notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lotrel.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lotrel
If Lotrel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lotrel with the following:
Lithium
Potassium supplements
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene
Diuretics such as chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lotrel can cause injury or death to developing and newborn babies, especially if taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are taking Lotrel, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Minimal amounts of benazepril appear in breast milk. If Lotrel is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking Lotrel.
Recommended dosage for Lotrel
ADULTS
Your doctor will closely monitor the effects of Lotrel and adjust the dosage according to your blood pressure response. Lotrel is available in capsules that contain 2.5 milligrams of amlodipine and 10 milligrams of benazepril, capsules containing 5 milligrams of amlodipine and 10 or 20 milligrams of benazepril and capsules containing 10 milligrams of amlodipine and 20 milligrams of benazepril. Small, older, frail, and kidney- or liver-impaired individuals usually start with the lowest dose.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Although there is no specific information available, a sudden drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat would be the primary symptoms of a Lotrel overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Brand names: Hyzaar
Why is Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide prescribed?
Hyzaar is a combination medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure. One component, losartan, belongs to a new class of blood pressure medications that work by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from constricting the blood vessels, thus allowing blood to flow more freely and keeping the blood pressure down. The other component, hydrochlorothiazide, is a diuretic that increases the output of urine, removing excess fluid from the body and thus lowering blood pressure.
Most important fact about Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
You must take Hyzaar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Hyzaar, and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hyzaar does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hyzaar may be taken with or without food. Take Hyzaar exactly as directed. Try to take it at the same time each day so that it is easier to remember.
- If you miss a dose…
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
- Storage instructions…
Keep in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Hyzaar.
- Side effects include:
Dizziness, upper respiratory infection
Why should Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide not be prescribed?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs, you should not take Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. If you are unable to urinate, do not take Hyzaar.
Special warnings about Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
If you are taking Hyzaar and have kidney disease, your doctor will watch your kidney function carefully.
Hyzaar can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking another diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. If you actually faint, stop taking the medication until you have talked to your doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus, Hyzaar should be used with caution. This drug may bring out hidden diabetes. If you are already taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, your medication may have to be adjusted. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide.
Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting could deplete your body fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather. Call your doctor if your mouth becomes dry, you feel weak or tired or sluggish, you are unusually thirsty, you feel restless or confused, you ache all over, your heart starts beating faster, or you are nauseated. Rare but serious allergic reactions to Hyzaar have been reported. If you develop swelling of the face, lips, or throat, call your doctor immediately. Serious swelling could obstruct your breathing.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
Hyzaar may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide.
If Hyzaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Hyzaar with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Corticosteroids
Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene
Indomethacin
Insulin
Ketoconazole
Lithium
Narcotic painkillers such as codeine, meperidine, and oxycodone
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen
Other blood pressure-lowering drugs such as atenolol and nifedipine
Oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide, glipizide, and glyburide
Potassium supplements
Salt substitutes containing potassium
Sulfaphenazole
Troleandomycin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, Hyzaar can cause injury or even death to the unborn child. Stop taking Hyzaar as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Hyzaar appears in breast milk and can affect the nursing infant. If Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while you are taking Hyzaar.
Recommended dosage for Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
ADULTS
Hyzaar comes in two strengths, 50-12.5 (50 milligrams of losartan and 12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide) and 100-25 (a double dose of each component). The usual starting dose is one 50-12.5 tablet per day.
If your blood pressure does not respond to this dose, after about 3 weeks the doctor may increase the dose to two 50-12.5 tablets once daily, or one 100-25 tablet a day.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Hyzaar in children have not been studied.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Information concerning Hyzaar overdosage is limited. However, extremely low blood pressure and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat may be signs of an overdose. Other signs may include dryness and thirst, overall weakness and tiredness, restlessness and confusion, muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Losartan potassium
30/06/10
Brand names: Cozaar
Why is Losartan potassium prescribed?
Cozaar is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or with other high blood pressure medications, such as diuretics that help the body get rid of water.
Cozaar is also used to slow the progress of kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes (the type of diabetes that doesn’t require insulin shots). It is the first of a new class of blood pressure medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Cozaar works, in part, by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from constricting the blood vessels, which tends to raise blood pressure.
Most important fact about Losartan potassium
You must take Cozaar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Cozaar, and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Cozaar does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Losartan potassium?
Cozaar can be taken with or without food.
Take it at the same time each day. For example, if you take the medication every morning before or after breakfast, you will establish a regular routine and be less likely to forget your dose.
- If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature. Keep in a tightly closed container, away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cozaar.
- Side effects may include:
Cough, dizziness, upper respiratory infection
Other side effects, such as weakness and chest pain, have been reported by people taking Cozaar for diabetic kidney disease. Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face and throat, are also a possibility.
Why should Losartan potassium not be prescribed?
Do not take Cozaar when you are pregnant. Avoid it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Special warnings about Losartan potassium
Cozaar can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. Be sure you know how you react to Cozaar before you drive or operate machinery.
Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease and congestive heart failure. In very rare cases, Cozaar has triggered fatal kidney problems in people with heart failure.
Cozaar tends to increase the level of potassium in the blood. Check with your doctor before taking potassium supplements or using a salt substitute.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Losartan potassium
If Cozaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Cozaar with the following:
Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene
Indomethacin
Ketoconazole
Troleandomycin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Drugs such as Cozaar can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Stop taking Cozaar as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking Cozaar. Cozaar may appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant. If Losartan potassium is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while you are taking Cozaar.
Recommended dosage for Losartan potassium
ADULTS
High blood pressure
The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams once daily. However, Cozaar can also be taken twice daily, with total daily doses ranging from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams. If your blood pressure does not respond within 3 to 6 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose or add a low-dose diuretic to your regimen.
For people taking diuretics and people with liver problems, the usual starting dose is 25 milligrams daily. Your doctor may adjust your dosage according to your response.
Kidney disease caused by diabetes
The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams once daily. The doctor may increase the dose to 100 milligrams once a day if blood pressure remains too high.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Cozaar in children have not been studied.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Information concerning Cozaar overdosage is limited. However, hypotension (low blood pressure) and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat may be signs of an overdose.
Lortab
30/06/10
Generic name: Hydrocodone bitartrate, Acetaminophen
Brand names: Zydone, Norco, Maxidone, Lorcet, Lortab, Hydrocet, Co-Gesic, Anexsia, Vicodin
Why is Lortab prescribed?
Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Most important fact about Lortab
Vicodin can be habit-forming. If you take Lortab over a long period of time, you can become mentally and physically dependent on it, and you may find the drug no longer works for you at the prescribed dosage.
How should you take Lortab?
Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take or the frequency without your doctor’s approval. Do not take Lortab for any reason other than the one prescribed.
Do not give Lortab to others who may have similar symptoms.
- If you miss a dose…
If you take Vicodin regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vicodin.
- Side effects may include:
Dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting
If these side effects occur, it may help if you lie down after taking the medication.
Why should Lortab not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone, similar narcotic painkillers, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), you should not take Lortab. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about Lortab
Vicodin may make you drowsy, less alert, or unable to function well physically. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities until you know how Lortab affects you.
Use caution in taking Vicodin if you have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of the fluid within the skull, and this effect may be exaggerated by head injuries. Side effects of narcotics can interfere in the treatment of people with head injuries.
Use Vicodin with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison’s disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), an enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture (narrowing of the tube carrying urine from the bladder).
Older adults and those in a weakened condition should be careful using Lortab, since it contains a narcotic.
Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions.
Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.
High doses of hydrocodone may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to Lortab, you are more likely to experience this effect.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lortab
Hydrocodone slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify this effect.
If hydrocodone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vicodin with the following:
Antianxiety drugs such as Valium and Librium
Antidepressant medications classified as “tricyclics,” such as Elavil and Tofranil
Antihistamines such as Tavist
Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol
Other narcotic analgesics such as Demerol
Other central nervous system depressants such as Halcion and Restoril
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Vicodin in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Do not take Lortab if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Drug dependence occurs in newborns when the mother has taken Lortab regularly prior to delivery. If you take it shortly before delivery, the baby’s breathing may be slowed. Acetaminophen does, and hydrocodone may, appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Lortab is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Lortab
ADULTS
Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of the pain and the way the medication affects you.
The dosages given below are for Vicodin products only. If your doctor prescribes other brands, your daily dose may vary.
All forms of Vicodin are taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A severe overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include:
Blood disorders, bluish tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing to a state of unresponsiveness or coma, general feeling of bodily discomfort, hearing impairment, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, vomiting
Lorcet
30/06/10
Generic name: Hydrocodone bitartrate, Acetaminophen
Brand names: Zydone, Norco, Maxidone, Lorcet, Lortab, Hydrocet, Co-Gesic, Anexsia, Vicodin
Why is Lorcet prescribed?
Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Most important fact about Lorcet
Vicodin can be habit-forming. If you take Lorcet over a long period of time, you can become mentally and physically dependent on it, and you may find the drug no longer works for you at the prescribed dosage.
How should you take Lorcet?
Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take or the frequency without your doctor’s approval. Do not take Lorcet for any reason other than the one prescribed.
Do not give Lorcet to others who may have similar symptoms.
- If you miss a dose…
If you take Vicodin regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vicodin.
- Side effects may include:
Dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting
If these side effects occur, it may help if you lie down after taking the medication.
Why should Lorcet not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone, similar narcotic painkillers, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), you should not take Lorcet. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about Lorcet
Vicodin may make you drowsy, less alert, or unable to function well physically. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities until you know how Lorcet affects you.
Use caution in taking Vicodin if you have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of the fluid within the skull, and this effect may be exaggerated by head injuries. Side effects of narcotics can interfere in the treatment of people with head injuries.
Use Vicodin with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison’s disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), an enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture (narrowing of the tube carrying urine from the bladder).
Older adults and those in a weakened condition should be careful using Lorcet, since it contains a narcotic.
Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions.
Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.
High doses of hydrocodone may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to Lorcet, you are more likely to experience this effect.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lorcet
Hydrocodone slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify this effect.
If hydrocodone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vicodin with the following:
Antianxiety drugs such as Valium and Librium
Antidepressant medications classified as “tricyclics,” such as Elavil and Tofranil
Antihistamines such as Tavist
Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol
Other narcotic analgesics such as Demerol
Other central nervous system depressants such as Halcion and Restoril
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Vicodin in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Do not take Lorcet if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Drug dependence occurs in newborns when the mother has taken Lorcet regularly prior to delivery. If you take it shortly before delivery, the baby’s breathing may be slowed. Acetaminophen does, and hydrocodone may, appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Lorcet is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Lorcet
ADULTS
Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of the pain and the way the medication affects you.
The dosages given below are for Vicodin products only. If your doctor prescribes other brands, your daily dose may vary.
All forms of Vicodin are taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A severe overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include:
Blood disorders, bluish tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing to a state of unresponsiveness or coma, general feeling of bodily discomfort, hearing impairment, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, vomiting
Lorazepam
30/06/10
Brand names: Ativan
Why is Lorazepam prescribed?
Ativan is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term (up to 4 months) relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Most important fact about Lorazepam
Tolerance and dependence can develop with the use of Ativan. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it abruptly. Only your doctor should advise you to discontinue or change your dose.
How should you take Lorazepam?
Take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- If you miss a dose…
If it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ativan.
If you experience any side effects, it will usually be at the beginning of your treatment; they will probably disappear as you continue to take the drug, or if your dosage is reduced.
- Side effects may include:
Dizziness, memory problems, sedation, transient amnesia, unsteadiness, weakness
- Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Ativan:
Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, depressed mood, inability to fall or stay asleep, sweating, tremors, vomiting
Why should Lorazepam not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Ativan or similar drugs such as Valium, you should not take Lorazepam.
Also avoid Ativan if you have the eye disease, acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with Ativan. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.
Special warnings about Lorazepam
Ativan may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.
If you are severely depressed or have suffered from severe depression, consult with your doctor before taking Lorazepam.
If you have decreased kidney or liver function, use of Lorazepam should be discussed with your doctor.
If you are an older person or if you have been using Ativan for a prolonged period of time, your doctor will watch you closely for stomach and upper intestinal problems.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lorazepam
Ativan may intensify the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking Lorazepam.
If Ativan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ativan with barbiturates (amobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital) or sedative-type medications such as diazepam and triazolam.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not take Ativan if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of birth defects. It is not known whether Ativan appears in breast milk. If Lorazepam is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Lorazepam
ADULTS
The usual recommended dosage is a total of 2 to 6 milligrams per day divided into smaller doses. The largest dose should be taken at bedtime. The daily dose may vary from 1 to 10 milligrams.
Anxiety
The usual starting dose is a total of 2 to 3 milligrams per day taken in 2 or 3 smaller doses.
Insomnia Due to Anxiety
A single daily dose of 2 to 4 milligrams may be taken, usually at bedtime.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Ativan have not been established in children under 12 years of age.
OLDER ADULTS
The usual starting dosage for older adults and those in a weakened condition should not exceed a total of 1 to 2 milligrams per day, divided into smaller doses, to avoid oversedation. This dose can be adjusted by your doctor as needed.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Ativan can be fatal, though this is rare. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- The symptoms of Ativan overdose may include:
Coma, confusion, drowsiness, hypnotic state, lack of coordination, low blood pressure, sluggishness
Loratadine, Pseudoephedrine sulfate
30/06/10
Lopinavir, Ritonavir
30/06/10
Brand names: Kaletra
Why is Lopinavir, Ritonavir prescribed?
Kaletra combats the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the deadly virus that undermines the infection-fighting capacity of the body’s immune system, eventually leading to AIDS.
Kaletra is a combination of two drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir, both of which fall into the drug category known as protease inhibitors. When taken along with other HIV drugs, Kaletra lowers the amount of the virus circulating in the bloodstream. However, it does not completely eradicate the virus, and you may continue to develop the rare infections that attack when the immune system weakens. It’s also important to remember that Kaletra does not eliminate the danger of transmitting the virus to others.
Most important fact about Lopinavir, Ritonavir
Combining Kaletra with certain other medications can cause serious, even life-threatening, reactions. Never take Kaletra with the following:
Flecainide
Midazolam
Migraine remedies based on ergot, including dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, and methylergonovine
Pimozide
Propafenone
Triazolam
How should you take Lopinavir, Ritonavir?
Kaletra is used in combination with other HIV drugs. It should be taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, with food. Do not change the dose or discontinue therapy without consulting your doctor first.
If your doctor has also prescribed didanosine, you must take Kaletra one hour before or two hours after didanosine.
- If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your normal schedule. Never double a dose.
- Storage instructions…
If Kaletra capsules and Kaletra oral solution are kept in the refrigerator, they can be used until the expiration date imprinted on the bottle. If they are stored at room temperature, they should be used within 2 months of opening. Avoid exposing the medication to excessive heat.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Kaletra.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, increased blood pressure, muscle aches, nausea, rash, tingling skin sensation, vomiting, weakness, weight loss
Why should Lopinavir, Ritonavir not be prescribed?
You will not be able to use Kaletra if you prove to be allergic to either lopinavir or ritonavir. Remember, too, that Kaletra must never be combined with drugs listed under “The most important fact about Lopinavir, Ritonavir.”
Special warnings about Lopinavir, Ritonavir
In some patients Kaletra causes a substantial increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so the doctor will check yours periodically. High triglycerides can lead to a serious condition called pancreatitis. Call your doctor if you develop symptoms of this problem, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Kaletra has been known to raise blood sugar levels, and can even cause diabetes. If you already have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar carefully and to notify your doctor if your blood sugar becomes difficult to control.
After beginning treatment with Kaletra, your immune system may have an inflammatory response to other infections in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop new or unusual symptoms.
Kaletra has been shown to slightly increase the risk of developing benign and malignant tumors.
Liver failure, including some fatalities, has been reported among patients on Kaletra. Be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of liver disease, including hepatitis. You will need to be monitored carefully.
Some patients taking HIV medications find that their body fat gets redistributed. They may develop a fatty “buffalo hump” on their upper back, suffer breast enlargement, and gain weight in the abdomen. At the same time, they often lose weight in the face, arms, and legs.
During treatment with drugs similar to Kaletra, some patients with hemophilia have experienced increased bleeding.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lopinavir, Ritonavir
Kaletra interacts with a wide variety of other medications. Be careful to avoid combining it with any of the drugs listed under “Most important fact about Lopinavir, Ritonavir.” Also be especially careful when taking Viagra. Kaletra can increase Lopinavir, Ritonavir’s side effects, and has been known to cause potentially damaging erections that last for more than 4 hours. If this happens to you, call your doctor immediately.
Kaletra also decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills. Check with your doctor about additional contraceptive measures you may want to take while using Kaletra.
Listed below are some of the other drugs that may interact with Kaletra. However, because interactions are so likely, it’s best to check with your doctor before combining Kaletra with any medication, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.
Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
Antifungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
Atovaquone
Certain cholesterol-lowering agents, including atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
Certain HIV drugs such as didanosine, efavirenz, nevirapine
Clarithromycin
Dexamethasone
Disulfuram
Drugs used to treat heart arrhythmias, such as amiodarone, lidocaine, and quinidine
Drugs used to treat tuberculosis, such as rifabutin and rifampin
Fosamprenavir
Heart medications such as felodipine, nicardipine, and nifedipine
Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus
Methadone
Metronidazole
St. John’s wort
Warfarin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Kaletra has not been studied in pregnant women and should be used only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing baby.
HIV can be passed to your baby in breast milk, so breastfeeding is not advised.
Recommended dosage for Lopinavir, Ritonavir
ADULTS
Kaletra Capsules
The usual dose is 3 capsules twice daily with food. The dose may be increased to 4 capsules twice daily if Kaletra is used in conjunction with efavirenz or nevirapine.
Kaletra Oral Solution
Take 5 milliliters (1 teaspoonful) twice daily with food. The dose may be increased to 6.5 milliliters twice daily if Kaletra is used in conjunction with efavirenz or nevirapine.
CHILDREN
Aged 6 Months to 12 Years
The dose of Kaletra for children is based on body weight. It should be taken twice a day with food and should be administered using a calibrated dosing syringe. The dose may be increased if the child is also taking efavirenz or nevirapine.
Overdosage
Little is known about Kaletra overdose. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Kaletra oral solution contains a high percentage of alcohol, which could be dangerous to a young child. If a child swallows more than the recommended dose, contact your local poison control center immediately.
