$Unique_ID{BRK03006} $Pretitle{} $Title{The New Prescription Drug Reference Guide - Drug Profiles} $Subject{ Profiles generic trade name names BRAND TYPE chemical pharmacologic class effect components INGREDIENTS forms Strengths concentrations DOSAGE Storage uses TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS Minor Major INTERACTIONS WARNINGS tartrazine} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. Drug Profiles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the following pages are drug profiles for the most commonly prescribed drugs, as well as a few selected over-the-counter medications. These profiles are arranged alphabetically according to the generic name. A drug profile summarizes the most important information about a particular drug. By studying a drug profile, you will learn what to expect from your medication, when to be concerned about possible side effects, which drugs interact with the drug you are taking, and how to take the drug to achieve its maximum benefit. Each profile includes the following information: GENERIC NAME The drugs profiled in this book are listed by generic names. You should know both the generic and the trade names of ALL of the medications you are taking. If you don't know the contents of your medication, check with your pharmacist. BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) The most common trade names of each generic product are listed, along with the manufacturers' names. Not every available trade name is included, but as many as possible have been listed. "Various manufacturers" is listed for some of the generic names--this indicates that there are generic products available. TYPE OF DRUG The chemical or pharmacologic class or pharmacological effect is listed for each generic drug. INGREDIENTS The components of each drug product are itemized. Many drugs contain several active chemical components; all are included under this category. DOSAGE FORMS The most common forms (for example, tablets, capsules, liquid, suppositories) of each profiled drug are listed, as well as the drug's alcohol content, if any. Strengths or concentrations are also provided. STORAGE Storage requirements for each of the dosage forms listed are discussed. These directions should be followed carefully, in order to ensure the potency of your medications. USES It is important that you understand why you are taking each of your medications. This section includes the most important and most common clinical uses for each drug profiled. Your doctor may prescribe a drug for a reason that does not appear on this list. The exclusion does not mean that your doctor has made an error. However, if the use for which you are taking a drug does not appear in this category and if you have any questions about why the drug was prescribed, consult your doctor. A description of how the drug is thought to work is also provided in this section. TREATMENT Instructions are provided on how to take each profiled medication in order to obtain its maximum benefit. Information can be found on whether the drug can be taken with food; how to apply the ointment, cream, ear drops, or eye drops; how to insert suppositories; and recommendations for what to do if you miss a dose of your medication. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. The most common and least serious reactions to a drug are listed in this section. Most of these side effects, if they occur, disappear in a day or two. Do not expect to experience these side effects; but if they occur and are particularly annoying, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Suggestions for preventing or relieving some of these side effects are also provided. Major. Major side effects are less common than minor side effects, and you will probably never experience them. However, should any of the reactions listed in this section occur, you should call your doctor. These reactions indicate that something may be going wrong with your drug therapy. You may have developed an allergy to the drug, or some other problem could have occurred. If you experience a major side effect, it may be necessary to adjust your dosage or to substitute a different medication in your treatment. It is important to discuss this with your doctor. New side effects are being reported daily. If you experience a reaction that is bothersome or severe, consult your doctor immediately, even if the side effect is not listed. INTERACTIONS This section lists the medications (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs) and foods that can interact with the profiled drug. Certain drugs are safe when used alone but may cause serious reactions when taken in combination with other drugs or chemicals or with certain foods. A description of how the profiled drug interacts with other drugs or foods and what to expect if the two are taken together is also provided. Not all possible drug combinations have been tested. It is, therefore, important that your pharmacist and health care providers be aware of ALL the drugs you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter). WARNINGS This section lists the precautions necessary for safe use of the profiled drug. It provides information on drugs that should be avoided if you have had a previous allergic reaction or severe drug reaction, as well as information on the conditions or disease states that require close monitoring while this drug is being taken. In this section you will find out whether the profiled drug is likely to affect your driving ability, whether you are likely to become tolerant to its effects, if it is dangerous to stop taking the drug abruptly, and if you should discuss with your doctor stopping the drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental procedure. Certain individuals are allergic to the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). This section provides information on the tartrazine content of the various dosage forms. Other information included in this category might concern supplemental therapy--for example, drinking extra fluids while treating a urinary tract infection or wearing cotton panties while treating a vaginal infection. A discussion of the known risks of treatment with this drug during pregnancy or while breast-feeding an infant is provided. It should be kept in mind that for the majority of drugs available, the risks to a fetus or nursing infant are not known. Experiments are not usually conducted on pregnant women and infants (for ethical reasons). You should, therefore discuss the risks and benefits of any particular drug therapy with your doctor if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are nursing an infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.