Friday 19 June 2009

Letizen




Letizen may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Letizen



Cetirizine

Cetirizine is reported as an ingredient of Letizen in the following countries:


  • Bosnia & Herzegowina

  • Georgia

  • Latvia

  • Lithuania

  • Romania

  • Serbia

  • Slovenia

Cetirizine dihydrochloride (a derivative of Cetirizine) is reported as an ingredient of Letizen in the following countries:


  • Bulgaria

  • Croatia (Hrvatska)

  • Czech Republic

  • Poland

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

International Drug Name Search

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Valproate Sodium




Ingredient matches for Valproate Sodium



Valproic Acid

Valproate Sodium (USAN) is known as Valproic Acid in the US.

International Drug Name Search

Glossary

USANUnited States Adopted Name

Click for further information on drug naming conventions and International Nonproprietary Names.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Digitaline Nativelle



Generic Name: digoxin (Oral route)

di-JOX-in

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Digitek

  • Lanoxicaps

  • Lanoxin

  • Lanoxin Pediatric

In Canada


  • Digitaline Nativelle

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

  • Capsule, Liquid Filled

  • Solution

  • Elixir

Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent


Pharmacologic Class: Cardiac Glycoside


Chemical Class: Digitalis Glycoside


Uses For Digitaline Nativelle


Digoxin is used in combination with a diuretic ("water pill") and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to treat congestive heart failure and a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation.


Digoxin belongs to the class of medicines called digitalis glycosides. It is used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart, or to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. This leads to better blood circulation and reduced swelling of the hands and ankles in patients with heart problems.


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Digitaline Nativelle


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of digoxin in children. However, infants are more likely to be very sensitive to the effects of digoxin which may require an individual dose for infants receiving digoxin.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of digoxin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or heart problems which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving digoxin.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Alprazolam

  • Amiodarone

  • Bemetizide

  • Bendroflumethiazide

  • Benzthiazide

  • Boceprevir

  • Buthiazide

  • Calcium

  • Chan Su

  • Chlorothiazide

  • Chlorthalidone

  • Clarithromycin

  • Clopamide

  • Conivaptan

  • Cyclopenthiazide

  • Cyclothiazide

  • Demeclocycline

  • Diphenoxylate

  • Doxycycline

  • Dronedarone

  • Erythromycin

  • Ezogabine

  • Hydrochlorothiazide

  • Hydroflumethiazide

  • Indapamide

  • Indomethacin

  • Itraconazole

  • Kyushin

  • Lapatinib

  • Lily of the Valley

  • Methyclothiazide

  • Metolazone

  • Minocycline

  • Oleander

  • Oxytetracycline

  • Pheasant's Eye

  • Polythiazide

  • Propafenone

  • Propantheline

  • Quercetin

  • Quinethazone

  • Quinidine

  • Ritonavir

  • Saquinavir

  • Spironolactone

  • Squill

  • St John's Wort

  • Succinylcholine

  • Telaprevir

  • Tetracycline

  • Trichlormethiazide

  • Verapamil

  • Xipamide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Acarbose

  • Acebutolol

  • Alprenolol

  • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic

  • Aluminum Hydroxide

  • Aluminum Phosphate

  • Aminosalicylic Acid

  • Arbutamine

  • Atenolol

  • Atorvastatin

  • Azithromycin

  • Azosemide

  • Bepridil

  • Betaxolol

  • Bevantolol

  • Bisoprolol

  • Bucindolol

  • Canrenoate

  • Carteolol

  • Carvedilol

  • Cascara Sagrada

  • Celiprolol

  • Cholestyramine

  • Colchicine

  • Colestipol

  • Cyclosporine

  • Darunavir

  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate

  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate

  • Dilevalol

  • Diltiazem

  • Disopyramide

  • Epoprostenol

  • Esmolol

  • Etravirine

  • Flecainide

  • Fluoxetine

  • Furosemide

  • Gatifloxacin

  • Hydroxychloroquine

  • Indecainide

  • Labetalol

  • Lenalidomide

  • Lornoxicam

  • Lurasidone

  • Magaldrate

  • Magnesium Carbonate

  • Magnesium Hydroxide

  • Magnesium Oxide

  • Magnesium Trisilicate

  • Mepindolol

  • Metipranolol

  • Metoclopramide

  • Metoprolol

  • Mibefradil

  • Nadolol

  • Nebivolol

  • Nefazodone

  • Neomycin

  • Nilvadipine

  • Nisoldipine

  • Nitrendipine

  • Omeprazole

  • Oxprenolol

  • Pancuronium

  • Paromomycin

  • Penbutolol

  • Pindolol

  • Piretanide

  • Posaconazole

  • Propranolol

  • Quinine

  • Rabeprazole

  • Ranolazine

  • Rifampin

  • Rifapentine

  • Roxithromycin

  • Simvastatin

  • Sotalol

  • Sucralfate

  • Sulfasalazine

  • Talinolol

  • Telithromycin

  • Telmisartan

  • Tertatolol

  • Ticagrelor

  • Timolol

  • Torsemide

  • Tramadol

  • Trazodone

  • Trimethoprim

  • Valspodar

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Blood vessel disease (e.g., arteriovenous shunt) or

  • Hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood) or

  • Hypoxia (low oxygen in the blood) or

  • Thyroid disease—Use with caution. Patients with these conditions may be less sensitive or resistant to the effects of digoxin.

  • Electrical cardioversion (a medical procedure)—Dose of digoxin may be reduced 1 to 2 days prior to electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to avoid worsening of the condition.

  • Heart disease (e.g., amyloid heart disease, AV block, constrictive pericarditis, cor pulmonale, heart attack, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, sick sinus syndrome, Wolff-parkinson-white syndrome) or

  • Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood) or

  • Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or

  • Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium in the blood)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

  • Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal from the body.

  • Ventricular fibrillation (heart rhythm problem)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

Proper Use of digoxin

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain digoxin. It may not be specific to Digitaline Nativelle. Please read with care.


To keep your heart working properly, take this medicine exactly as directed even though you may feel well. Do not take more of it than your doctor ordered and do not miss any doses. Take the medicine at the same time each day. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood.


When you are taking this medicine, it is very important that you get the exact amount of medicine that you need. The dose of digoxin will be different for different patients. Your doctor will determine the proper dose of digoxin for you. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.


Measure the oral solution correctly using the marked measuring dropper or Patients cups™ that comes with the package. Rinse the dosing dropper or cup with water after each use.


Your doctor may want you to check your pulse before you take each dose of this medicine. A nurse or other caregiver can teach you how to check your pulse. Your doctor will tell you how fast your pulse should be (for adults, the usual range is 60 to 100 heartbeats per minute). If your pulse is too high or too low, call your doctor before you take the medicine.


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For heart failure or atrial fibrillation:
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually 3 microgram per kilogram per day (mcg/kg/day).

      • Teenagers and children above 2 years of age—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually 10 microgram per kilogram per day (mcg/kg/day).

      • Children below 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—Your doctor will give your first few doses intravenously (rapid digitalization) and then, you'll be switched to oral tablets for maintenance therapy. A maintenance dose of 0.125 to 0.5 milligram (mg) once a day will be given depending on your body weight and medical condition.

      • Teenagers and children above 10 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

      • Children below 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


If you miss a dose of this medicine, and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about this or if you miss doses for 2 or more days in a row, check with your doctor.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using Digitaline Nativelle


It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are using this medicine to see if it is working properly and to allow for a change in the dose. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.


Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious change in heart function.


Watch for signs and symptoms of overdose while you are taking this medicine. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The amount of this medicine needed to help most people is very close to the amount that could cause serious problems from overdose. Some early warning signs of overdose are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or problems in seeing. Other signs of overdose are changes in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (becoming irregular or slow), palpitations (feeling of pounding in the chest), or fainting. In infants and small children, the earliest signs of overdose are changes in the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Children may not show the other symptoms as soon as adults.


Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card or bracelet stating that you are receiving this medicine.


Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


Before having any tests, tell your doctor that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.


Digitaline Nativelle Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


More common
  • Dizziness

  • fainting

  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

  • slow heartbeat

Rare
  • Black, tarry stools

  • bleeding gums

  • blood in the urine or stools

  • bloody vomit

  • pinpoint red spots on the skin

  • rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

  • severe stomach pain

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known
  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • nausea

  • shortness of breath

  • sweating

  • swelling of the feet and lower legs

  • troubled breathing

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Less common
  • Agitation or combativeness

  • anxiety

  • confusion

  • depression

  • diarrhea

  • expressed fear of impending death

  • hallucinations

  • rash

  • vomiting

Rare
  • Abdominal or stomach pain

Incidence not known
  • Blurred or loss of vision

  • disturbed color perception

  • double vision

  • halos around lights

  • headache

  • lack of feeling or emotion

  • loss of appetite

  • night blindness

  • overbright appearance of lights

  • swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

  • tunnel vision

  • uncaring

  • weakness

  • weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Digitaline Nativelle resources


  • Digitaline Nativelle Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Digitaline Nativelle Drug Interactions
  • Digitaline Nativelle Support Group
  • 6 Reviews for Digitaline Nativelle - Add your own review/rating


Compare Digitaline Nativelle with other medications


  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart Failure

Saturday 6 June 2009

Stalevo 200


See also: Generic Stalevo 100, Generic Stalevo 125, Generic Stalevo 150, Generic Stalevo 50, Generic Stalevo 75


Stalevo 200 is a brand name of carbidopa/entacapone/levodopa, approved by the FDA in the following formulation(s):


STALEVO 200 (carbidopa; entacapone; levodopa - tablet; oral)



  • Manufacturer: ORION

    Approval date: August 2, 2007

    Strength(s): 50MG;200MG;200MG [RLD]

Has a generic version of Stalevo 200 been approved?


No. There is currently no therapeutically equivalent version of Stalevo 200 available.


Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Stalevo 200. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe. If you purchase medications online, be sure you are buying from a reputable and valid online pharmacy. Ask your health care provider for advice if you are unsure about the online purchase of any medication.

See also: About generic drugs.




Related Patents


Patents are granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at any time during a drug's development and may include a wide range of claims.




  • Pharmacologically active catechol derivatives
    Patent 5,446,194
    Issued: August 29, 1995
    Inventor(s): Backstrom; Reijo J. & Heinola; Kalevi E. & Honkanen; Erkki J. & Kaakkola; Seppo K. & Kairisalo; Pekka J. & Linden; Inge-Britt Y. & Mannisto; Pekka I. & Nissinen; Erkki A. O. & Pohto; Pentti & Pippuri; Aino K. & Pystynen; Jarmo J.
    Assignee(s): Orion-yhtyma Oy
    A compound according to formula 1 ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently represent hydrogen, carbamoyl which is substituted by an alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 5 carbon atoms or phenyl carbonyl, X represents halogen nitro or cyano and R.sub.3 represents ##STR2## wherein R.sub.4 represents cyano or alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 5 carbon atoms and R.sub.5 represents carbamoyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms or which is substituted with hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms or pharmaceutically acceptable esters and salts thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds as COMT inhibitors.
    Patent expiration dates:

    • October 19, 2013
      ✓ 
      Drug substance




  • Pharmaceutical composition comprising entacapone, levodopa, and carbidopa
    Patent 6,500,867
    Issued: December 31, 2002
    Inventor(s): Matti; Virkki & Kari; Vahervuo & Marja; Ritala & Marja; Partanen & Mervi; Niskanen & Jarmo; Lintulaakso & Marja; Laaksonen & Lasse; Kervinen & Sari; Kallioinen
    Assignee(s): Orion Corporation
    An oral solid fixed dose composition comprising pharmacologically effective amounts of entacapone, levodopa, and carbidopa, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof, and comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The composition can be used, e.g., for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
    Patent expiration dates:

    • June 29, 2020
      ✓ 
      Patent use: TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
      ✓ 
      Drug product




  • Pharmaceutical composition comprising entracapone, levodopa, and carbidopa
    Patent 6,797,732
    Issued: September 28, 2004
    Inventor(s): Matti; Virkki & Kari; Vahervuo & Marja; Ritala & Marja; Partanen & Mervi; Niskanen & Jarmo; Lintulaakso & Marja; Laaksonen & Lasse; Kervinen & Sari; Kallioinen
    Assignee(s): Orion Corporation
    An oral solid fixed dose composition comprising pharmacologically effective amounts of entacapone, levodopa, and carbidopa, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof, and comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The composition can be used, e.g., for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
    Patent expiration dates:

    • June 29, 2020
      ✓ 
      Drug product



See also...

  • Stalevo 200 Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
  • Carbidopa/Entacapone/Levodopa Consumer Information (Wolters Kluwer)
  • Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone Consumer Information (Wolters Kluwer)
  • Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
  • Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa Advanced Consumer Information (Micromedex)

Thursday 4 June 2009

bismuth subsalicylate


BIZ-muth sub-sa-LIS-i-late


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Bismatrol

  • Diotame

  • Kaopectate

  • Kapectolin

  • Kola-Pectin

  • Pepto Bismol

In Canada


  • Bismuth Extra Strength

  • Bismuth Original Formula

  • Pepto-Bismol

  • Stomach Relief - Regular Formula

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Suspension

  • Tablet, Chewable

  • Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antacid, Bismuth Containing


Chemical Class: Salicylate, Non-Aspirin


Uses For bismuth subsalicylate


Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea in adults and teenagers. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of an upset stomach, such as heartburn, indigestion, and nausea in adults and teenagers.


bismuth subsalicylate is available without a prescription.


Before Using bismuth subsalicylate


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bismuth subsalicylate, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


bismuth subsalicylate should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age. The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in a severe condition. In older children with diarrhea, medicine for diarrhea may be used, but it is also very important that a sufficient amount of liquids be given to replace the fluid lost by the body. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.


Also, children are usually more sensitive to the effects of salicylates, especially if they have a fever or have lost large amounts of body fluid because of vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating.


The bismuth in bismuth subsalicylate may cause severe constipation in children.


In addition, do not use bismuth subsalicylate to treat nausea or vomiting in children or teenagers who have or are recovering from the flu or chickenpox. If nausea or vomiting is present, check with the child's doctor immediately because this could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome.


Geriatric


The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in a severe condition. For this reason, elderly persons with diarrhea should not take bismuth subsalicylate without first checking with their doctor. It is also very important that a sufficient amount of liquids be taken to replace the fluid lost by the body. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.


Also, the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of salicylates. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. In addition, the bismuth in bismuth subsalicylate may cause severe constipation in the elderly.


Breast Feeding


Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using bismuth subsalicylate.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking bismuth subsalicylate, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using bismuth subsalicylate with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Methotrexate

Using bismuth subsalicylate with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Doxycycline

  • Probenecid

  • Sulfinpyrazone

  • Tamarind

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of bismuth subsalicylate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Dysentery—This condition may get worse; a different kind of treatment may be needed

  • Gout—The salicylate in bismuth subsalicylate may worsen the gout and make the medicines taken for gout less effective

  • Hemophilia or other bleeding problems—The salicylate in bismuth subsalicylate may increase the chance of bleeding

  • Kidney disease—There is a greater chance of side effects because the body may be unable to get rid of the bismuth subsalicylate

  • Stomach ulcer—Use of bismuth subsalicylate may make the ulcer worse

Proper Use of bismuth subsalicylate


Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.


For safe and effective use of bismuth subsalicylate:


  • Follow your doctor's instructions if bismuth subsalicylate was prescribed.

  • Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

For patients using bismuth subsalicylate to treat diarrhea:


  • It is very important that the fluid lost by the body be replaced and that a proper diet be followed. For the first 24 hours you should drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, broth, and gelatin. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the diarrhea worse.

  • If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea a serious condition may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs of too much fluid loss occur:
    • Decreased urination

    • Dizziness and lightheadedness

    • Dryness of mouth

    • Increased thirst

    • Wrinkled skin


If you are taking the oral suspension: Use the dose cup that is included to measure out the right amount of medicine. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.


If you are taking the oral tablets: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.


If you are taking the chewable tablets: Chew up the tablet or allow it to completely disintegrate in your mouth before swallowing it.


Dosing


The dose of bismuth subsalicylate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of bismuth subsalicylate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablespoonfuls every half-hour to one hour if needed. You should not take more than 16 tablespoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 8 tablespoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.

      • Children—Should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age.



  • For oral dosage forms (tablets or chewable tablets):
    • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablets every half-hour to one hour. You should not take more than 16 tablets in twenty-four hours.

      • Children—Should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of bismuth subsalicylate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using bismuth subsalicylate


Check the labels of all over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, and prescription medicines you now take. If any contain aspirin or other salicylates, be especially careful. Using other salicylate-containing products while taking bismuth subsalicylate may lead to overdose. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.


For diabetic patients:


  • False urine sugar test results may occur if you are regularly taking large amounts of bismuth subsalicylate or other salicylates.

  • Smaller doses or occasional use of bismuth subsalicylate usually will not affect urine sugar tests. However, check with your health care professional (especially if your diabetes is not well-controlled) if:
    • you are not sure how much salicylate you are taking every day.

    • you notice any change in your urine sugar test results.

    • you have any other questions about this possible problem.


If you think that you or anyone else may have taken an overdose, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of bismuth subsalicylate may cause unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), hearing loss, confusion, ringing or buzzing in the ears, severe drowsiness or tiredness, severe excitement or nervousness, and fast or deep breathing.


If you are taking bismuth subsalicylate for diarrhea, check with your doctor:


  • if your symptoms do not improve within 2 days or if they become worse.

  • if you also have a high fever.

bismuth subsalicylate Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


In some patients bismuth subsalicylate may cause dark tongue and/or grayish black stools. This is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking bismuth subsalicylate.


  • Anxiety

  • any loss of hearing

  • confusion

  • constipation (severe)

  • diarrhea (severe or continuing)

  • difficulty in speaking or slurred speech

  • dizziness or lightheadedness

  • drowsiness (severe)

  • fast or deep breathing

  • headache (severe or continuing)

  • increased sweating

  • increased thirst

  • mental depression

  • muscle spasms (especially of face, neck, and back)

  • muscle weakness

  • nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)

  • ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing)

  • stomach pain (severe or continuing)

  • trembling

  • uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands (especially in elderly patients) or other uncontrolled body movements

  • vision problems

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: bismuth subsalicylate side effects (in more detail)



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