Common Medications: Mechanisms, Uses, and Side Effects - Pharmacology

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology

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1.
Estriol: Mechanism of Action: It has a highly selective effect on the uterine cavity and cervix, enhancing the function of cervical cells and increasing weight.
Although there is dilation of capillaries in the cervical canal and enlargement of cervical glands, it has no effect on the uterine body and does not inhibit ovulation despite suppressing the pituitary gland.
2.
Fibrefit (also known as Normacol): Mechanism of Action: It is a natural plant-based gum with strong water absorption that is not absorbed by the body, effectively maintaining normal intestinal peristalsis while avoiding the dangers associated with stimulant laxatives.
Indication: Chronic constipation.
Side Effects: Bloating, abdominal distension.
Precautions: Sufficient water intake is necessary when using this product to avoid intestinal obstruction.
3.
Hesperidin: Pharmacological Action: It enhances capillary resistance, reduces vascular permeability, prevents the destruction of Vitamin C, and inhibits bacterial hemolysis.
This product is also known as Vitamin P.
Indication: Treatment of bleeding caused by increased microvascular fragility.
Dosage: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of 50 mg per dose.
4.
Menstrogen: Mechanism of Action: A compound estrogen product (ethisterone, ethinyl estradiol).
Indications: Short-term treatment of primary amenorrhea and functional uterine bleeding.
Side Effects: Breast tenderness, diarrhea.
Precautions: Avoid use in suspected cases of malignancy related to estrogen.
5.
Opium: Mechanism of Action: It activates opioid receptors located in the midbrain and brainstem, modulating both ascending and descending pain pathways, and has a direct effect on the afferent sensory pathways at various levels of the spinal cord.
The mechanism of action for this class of drugs is quite complex and not fully understood.
Indications: 1.
Pain relief 2.
Reducing anxiety and enhancing the effects of general anesthetics 3.
Alleviating persistent cough 4.
Treating addiction to anesthetics 5.
Relieving severe diarrhea and tonic spasms.
Side Effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, sedation, nausea, sweating, and flushing.
In cases of acute overdose, symptoms may include severe miosis, low body temperature, decreased urine output, bradycardia, hypotension, deep sleep, significant respiratory depression, pulmonary edema, coma, and cardiac arrest.
6.
Pyridoxine: Pharmacological Action: This drug is a Vitamin B6 preparation that plays a key role in amino acid and protein metabolism within the body.
It can improve conditions associated with Vitamin B6 deficiency, such as glossitis, redness, pain, swelling of the buccal mucosa, and skin changes, particularly seborrheic dermatitis around the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as angular cheilitis and external eye corner fissures.
It may also lead to decreased lymphocytes and increased eosinophils during skin rash phases.
Indications: Acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and other conditions such as angular cheilitis, edema of the tongue, erythema multiforme, macrocytic anemia, pernicious anemia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, etc.
Dosage: For dietary deficiency: 10-20 mg orally daily for 3 weeks.
Take multivitamins containing 2-5 mg of Pyridoxine.
For Pyridoxine Dependency Syndrome: Start with up to 600 mg daily, then reduce to 50 mg daily.
For deficiency caused by Isoniazid: 100 mg daily for 3 weeks, then 50 mg daily.
Side Effects: Abnormal sensations, drowsiness, facial flushing, decreased serum folate levels, and pain at the injection site.
Precautions: 1.
Caution is advised during breastfeeding, as Pyridoxine may interfere with lactation hormones and suppress milk production.
2.
Patients with alcohol dependence often have significant Pyridoxine deficiency and should be supplemented to prevent neurological complications.
3.
Patients taking Isoniazid frequently develop Pyridoxine deficiency, as do those on oral contraceptives and certain other medications.
Interactions: 1.
Pyridoxine may accelerate the peripheral metabolism of L-Dopa, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
2.
The following patients may require increased amounts of Pyridoxine: those taking Isoniazid, Cycloserine, oral contraceptives, Hydralazine, or Penicillamine.
3.
Pyridoxine can be used to prevent optic neuritis caused by Chloramphenicol.
Zolarex: I am still unable to find information on this, and I apologize.

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Reply Date: 2003/02/21