There are a large number of people who are trying their best to lose that extra flab but due to some reason or the other do not succeed coming to their ideal weight. With the rise in demand to lose those ugly pounds, diet pills manufacturers have come up with the best and most effective dietary pills that can get you rid off that extra skin on your body. The only thing a person needs to have is great determination to succeed.

Some of the best diet pills that can actually make your body a truly attractive and toned one include Acai Pure, Hoodia Maxx, Proactol, Proshape RX and Hydroxycut. As far as the Acai Pure diet pills are concerned, they are popular for containing pure acai berry extracts from the Amazon rain forest in Brazil. These highly effective pills can help the people to lose more than an approximate of 20 lbs in a month. As it is clinically proven, the result is guaranteed. Also, as Acai Pure is a hundred percent natural product, it does not contribute negatively in causing any side effects.

Similarly, the Hoodia Maxx pills offer the natural extracts of Hoodia Gordonii from the Kalahari Desert in Africa. This great dietary pill will surely suppress the appetite of the user thereby helping to lose the excess flesh. The Proactol is specially made from the NeOpuntia that is the latest product in the industry of weight loss. These pills have the capacity to bind about 20 to 28 percent of the total fat consumption and control the food cravings.

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsants; drugs used to treat epilepsy and seizures.

How the Drug Works:

These agents work in the central nervous system to decrease the frequency of seizures.

Uses:

To control grand mal and psychomotor seizures.

Fosphenytoin, Phenytoin: To prevent and treat seizures during or after neurosurgery.

Mephenytoin: To control focal and Jacksonian seizures.

Unalabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may use phenytoin to control irregular dystrophic epidermoolysis (arrhythmia), trigeminal neuralgiatic douloureux), recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

Preccatuions:

Diabetics may experience loss of glucose control. Be prepared to monitor blood sugar more often.

Gum disease occurs frequently with phenytoin. Incidence may be reduced by good oral hygience, including gum massage, frequent brushing and flossing and appropriate dental care.

Pregnancy: Reports suggest an association between use of anticonvulsant drugs by women with epilepsy and an increased number of birth defects in children born to these women. Other factors (eg, genetics or the epileptic condition) may also contribute to the high incidence of birth defects. Most mothers receiving anticonvulsant medication deliver normal infants. Do not discontinue anticonvulsant drugs used to prevent major seizures. This could result in the occurrence of severe seizures and an increased risk to both the mother and the unborn child. In cases where seizures do not pose a serious threat, your doctor may recommend discontinuation of anticonvulsants prior to and during pregnancy. It is not known whether even minor seizures constitute some risk to the developing embryo or fetus. Reports suggest that a mother’s use of anticonvulsant drugs, particularly barbiturates, is associated with a blood clotting defect in the newborn that may cause a bleeding problem within 24 hours of birth. It has been suggested that vitamin K be given to the mother one month prior to and during delivery, and to the infant immediately after birth. An increase in seizure frequency often occurs during pregnancy because of altered phenytoin absoption or metabolism. Periodic lab tests will be required to measure phenytoin levels during pregnancy and doses may need to be adjusted. After birth, the dosage will probably go back to what it was before pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Hydantoins appear in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious side effects in breastfeed infants, decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug. Consult your doctor.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include blood counts, urinalysis, blood sugar levels (especially in diabetics), liver function tests and phonation blood levels.

Drug Interactions:

Toll your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine.

Increased effects of hydantoins may occur when the following drugs are administered with hydantoins:

• Alcohol methylphenidate (eg, Ritalin)
• Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)
• Disulfiram (eg, Antabuse)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Isoniazid (eg, Nydrazid)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Trimethoprim (eg, Proloprim)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation.

Nervous System: Clumsiness; slurred speech; confusion; dizziness; sleeplessness; nervousness; twitchings; tiredness; irritability; sleepiness; depression; numbness; tremors; headache

Respiratory System: Sore throat; sinus inflammation; nasal congestion; asthma; coughing; nosebleed; difficulty breathing; chest pain.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Difficult, infrequent, painful or excessive urination; loss of bladder control; vaginal infection; genital swelling; kidney failure.

Skin: Rash; hives; yellowing of skin or eyes; irritation at injection site. Senses: Rapid eye movement; double or impaired vision; light sensitivity; pupil dilation; eye pain or redness; taste changes or loss; distorted sense of smell; tender, bleeding or swollen gums; ear ache; ringing in the ears.

Other: Coarsening of facial features; lip enlargement; hair loss; weight gain; swelling of legs, ankles or hands; joint pain; fever growth in man; swelling of lymph nodes; anemia; high blood sugar levels.

Guidelines for Use:

• Use exactly as prescribed.
• May cause stomach upset. Taking this medicine with or immediately after meals may help prevent stomach discomfort.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly or change the dosage with­out checking with your doctor.
• Brand interchange - Do not change from one brand of this drug to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor. Products manu­factured by different companies may not be equally effective.
• Phenytoin - Do not take at the same time with antacids that contain calcium.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision; alcohol may intensify these effects. Use caution while driving or performing hazardous tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
• Do not stop taking this medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor. Abrupt stopping of hydantoins in epileptic patients may precipitate seizures.
• It is important to brush and floss your teeth and to see your dentist regularly, in order to reduce the risk of gum swelling.
• Diabetics - Monitor blood sugar regularly and report any abnormalities to your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol, antihistamines and other mental depressants (eg, tranquilizers) while taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• Contact your doctor immediately if rash appears.
• Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Drowsiness; slurred speech; clumsiness; rash; severe nausea or vomiting; swollen glands; bleeding, swollen or tender gums; yellowish discoloration of the skin or eyes; joint pain; unexplained fever; sore throat; nosebleed; unusual bleeding or bruising; persistent headache; general body discomfort; bleeding tendencies; pregnancy or any indication of an infection.
• Inform your doctor of any condition in which it is not possible to take this medicine orally (eg, surgery).
• Carry Medic Alert identification indicating that you are have epilepsy and are taking these drugs.
• Lab tests will be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Capsules - Do not use if discolored.
• Dilantin Suspension - Shake well before use.
• Store at room temperature below 86°F in a tight-fitting container. Protect from freezing, moisture and light.

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsants; drugs used to treat childhood absence (petit mal) epilepsy.

How the Drug Works:

Succinimides act on the central nervous system to decrease the frequency of seizures.

Uses:

To control absence (petit mal) seizures, particularly when refractory to other drugs.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations:

Lupus: Cases of systemic lupus eurhythmics have occurred during treatment with succinimides. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, skin lesions, pleurisy, joint pain, headaches, and personality changes.

Pregnancy: Reports suggest an association between use of anticonvulsant drugs by women with epilepsy and an increased number of birth defects in children born to these women. Other factors (eg, genetics, epileptic condition) may also contribute to the higher incidence of birth defects. Most mothers receiving anticonvulsant medication deliver normal infants. Do not discontinue anticonvulsant drugs used to prevent major seizures. This could result in the occurrence of seizures and oxy­gen deficiency in body tissues and an increased risk to both the mother and the unborn child. In cases where seizures do not pose a serious threat, your doctor may recommend discontinuation of anticonvulsants prior to and during pregnancy. It is not known whether even minor seizures constitute some risk to the developing embryo or fetus. Reports suggest that a mother’s use of anticonvulsant drugs, particularly barbiturates, is associated with a blood clotting defect in the newborn that may cause a bleeding problem within 24 hours of birth. It has been suggested that vitamin K be given to the mother one month prior to and during delivery.and the infant immediately after birth.

Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 3 years of age have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during treatment. Tests include blood counts, urinalysis, and liver function.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over the counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with these drugs. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with these drugs:

• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)
• Phenobarbital
• Primidone (eg, Mysoline)
• Valproic acid (eg, Depakene)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach discomfort; appetite loss; diarrhea; constipation; weight loss; cramps.

Nervous System: Drowsiness; dizziness; headache; euphoria; dreamlike feeling; hyperactivity; confusion; sleep disturbances; night terror; hiccup; fatigue; incoordination; depression; irritability; lethargy; sleeplessness; mental slowness; hypochondriacal behavior; aggressiveness; inability to concentrate.

Skin: Rash; unusual bleeding or bruising; hives; increased growth and darkening of fine body hairs; hair loss; itching; skin eruptions.

Other: Joint pain; fever; sore throat; blurred vision; abnormal blood counts; eyes sensitive to light; urinary frequency; blood in urine; muscle weak­ness; swelling of tongue and gums; swelling around eyes; nearsighted­ness; vaginal bleeding.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Use exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal may cause seizures.
• If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, con­tact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• Notify your doctor if you experience skin rash, joint pain, unexplained fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, pregnancy, seizures, depression, aggressiveness, or behavioral changes.
• Succinimides, when used alone in mixed types of epilepsy, may increase the frequency of grand mal seizures.
• Keep scheduled appointments with your doctor and carry Medical Alert identification listing your medical condition and medicine.
• Lab tests may be required during treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature (70° to 86°F). Protect from light, moisture, and excessive heat. Do not use Celontin Kapseals that are not full or in which contents have melted.

Type of Drug:

Diuretics or “water pills.”

How the Drug Works:

Thiazides and related diuretics reduce water in the body and increase urine flow.

Uses:

To treat high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications.

To treat edema (excess fluid accumulation in the tissues) associated with congestive heart failure, kidney problems and during estrogen or corticosteroid therapy.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe thiazide diuretics for calcium kidney stones, osteoporosis and diabetes insipidus (not diabetes mellitus).

Preacutions:

Diabetes: Thiazide diuretics may increase blood sugar levels. Insulin requirements may need to be adjusted.

Gout attacks may occur in patients with or without a history of gout.

Potassium loss: By increasing urine production, thiazide diuretics may cause an increased loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.

Low potassium levels may be prevented or treated by eating foods and drinking liquids high in potassium content (eg, citrus juice, bananas, dates, raisins, melons and tomatoes). If dietary changes do not increase potassium to a normal level, it may be necessary for your doctor to prescribe a potassium supplement medication to replace lost potassium.

Pregnancy: Thiazides cross the placenta. Use only when clearly needed and when potential benefits outweigh the Possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Thiazides appear in breast milk. Stop nursing if tizzies diuretics are necessary. Consult your doctor before you begin breast feeding.

Children: Metolazone is not currently recommended for use in children Safety and effectiveness have not been established for hydroflumenthiazied or trichlomethiazide.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD & C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are sensitive to tartrazine.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over ­the-counter or prescription medications with your diuretic. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with thiazide diuretics.

• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone)
• Cough, cold, sinus or hayfever medications
• Diazoxide (Proglycem)
• Digoxin (eg, Lanoxin)
• Furosemide (eg, Lasix)
• Lithium (eg, Eskalith)
• Oral diabetic drugs (eg, Orinase )

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many thiazide diuretic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Potassium loss: Dry mouth; thirst; irregular heartbeat; confusion and mood changes; nausea; vomiting; unusual tiredness; weakness; weak pulse; muscle cramps; joint pain or spasms; heaviness in limbs.

Digestive Tract: Loss of appetite; stomach upset; bloating; diarrhea; constipation.

Nervous System: Dizziness; lightheadedness; headache; tingling of toes and fingers; yellow or blurred vision; depression; nervousness; sleeplessness.

Circulatory System: Orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure upon standing which may cause dizziness, fainting and blurred vision); chest pain.

Skin: Sensitivity to sun; rash; hives; itching; dry skin; flushing; yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual bruising.

Respiratory System: Cough; sinus congestion; sore throat; difficult or painful breathing.

Other: Frequent urination; impotence; reduced sexual drive; electrolyte (eg, potassium) imbalance; blood sugar imbalance; muscle cramps; joint pain; fever; chills; weight loss; bloody nose; gout attack.

Guidelines for Use:

• Take exactly as prescribed.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as passed or if it is nearing time for the to catch up, unless advised to do so dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Increases urination, therefore take early in the day.
• May cause stomach upset. May be taken with food or milk.
• May cause loss of potassium. If signs of potassium ness,.cramps, nausea, dizziness, etc, contact your doctor about foods containing potassium.
• Mayihcrease blood sugar levels in diabetics.
• May cause gout attacks. Contact your doctor if significant pain OCcurs.
• Do not. take other medications without your includes nonprescription medicines for cough, hayfever or sinus.
• Diuretics are usually given as a single daily dose as directed by your doctor. The daily dose varies depending on individual needs. Do not adjust the dose without pharmacist or doctor.

Green tea is well been associated with the Chinese medical world since past over 4,000 years. It is believed that the Chinese medical professionals widely used green tea for treating various diseases right from common headaches to even depressive states. Actually the green tea is supposed to have certain anti-cancer properties and also helps enhancing the levels of antioxidants in the blood that may cause heart ailments. This very quality, helps you to lose weight with green tea. As published in the March edition of the International Journal of Obesity, the green tea extracts improves the burning of calories and fats required for losing body weight.

Green tea is supposed to contain caffeine that remarkably improves the thermogenesis by 28 percent to 77 percent according to the typical dosage, whereas the caffeine singularly showed no noticeable rise. By adding the ephedrine – the stimulant to the green tea with caffeine, the rise was distinctly remarkable as compared to caffeine or ephedrine alone. Caffeine and ephedrine are used together in several herbal weight loss preparations but there are some safety factors for ephedrine as it increases heart rate and blood pressure. Studies reveal that green tea helps losing weight by enhancing the body’s metabolism.

People in general keep asking about the side effects of all kinds of protein shakes and their affect on health. It is the common question to arise as it is found in the allopathic medicines and people consider this protein shakes and the supplements as medicines which are not true. Protein shakes or the supplements are taken as additional diet in your regular diet and not only when you fall sick. There are no any documented side effects till date from consuming the protein shakes.

The side effects are seen in some people and the complaints have been studied in such minimal cases for the cause of side effects. Side effects in the protein or nutritional supplements are caused if the person consuming is allergic to the specific ingredient present in the protein supplement. For example if a person allergic to dairy products consumes whey proteins then he will be allergic to whey protein. It is not the side effect caused by the whey protein, this could be the case if he had consumed normal cow’s milk and its products.

Definition of side effects is to be well defined by the scientists in these cases in the lay man language. This would be helpful in removing the unnecessary fear among the innocent people who would like to use such products. Green drink is no less to that matter, if a person allergic to kind of vegetables consumes the green drink made of that very vegetable he tends to develop allergy and should avoid taking such products made of allergic ingredients that doesn’t suit your body.

Type of Drug:

Long-term (less than 5 years), reversible birth-control system; progestin­containing contraceptive system.

How the Drug Works:

Levonorgestrel appears to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. It also causes changes in the inner lining of the uterus, preventing implantation should fertilization occur.

Uses:

To prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. The implants should be removed by the end of the fifth year; new implants may be inserted at that time if continuing contraceptive protection is desired. Approximately 0.2 (patients weighing less than 110 Ibs) to 8.5 (patients weighing 154 Ibs or more) of 100 women using levonorgestrel implants become pregnant. The effectiveness of this method is not dependent on proper use, but does appear to vary in accordance with body weight.

Precautions:

Contact lens wearers: If you develop changes in vision or lens tolerance, contact your eye care specialist. Consider temporarily or permanently stopping contact lens wear.

Delayed follicular atresia: If the development of an ovarian follicle occurs, growth beyond the size attained in a normal cycle may occur. These enlarged follicles cannot be distinguished clinically from ovarian cysts. Usually they will spontaneously disappear; rarely, they may twist or rupture, possibly requiring surgery.

Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancies have occurred among levonorgostrel implant users, although studies have shown no increase in the ringleader yom CIS With users of no method of contraception or of intrauterine progesterone (IUDs).

Impaired liver function: If jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) develops, removal of the implants should be considered. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function.

Fluid retention: Steroid contraceptives may cause fluid retention. There­fore, they should be used with caution in patients with conditions that might be aggravated by fluid retention (eg, high blood pressure, heart failure).

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Breastfeeding: Levonorgestrel appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have been established in women of reproductive age. Safety and effectiveness are expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents 16 years of age or younger. Use of this product before the onset of first menstruation is not indicated.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with levonorgestrel implants. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with levonorgestrel implants:

• Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)
• Phenytoin (eg, Dilantin)
• Rifampin (eg, Rifadin)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many levonorgestrel implant users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Insertion site reactions: Pain; swelling; bruising; infection; blistering; ulceration; itching; skin sloughing; excessive scarring; discoloration; arm pain; numbness and tingling; nerve injury; removal difficulties; vein inflammation.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Change (typically a decrease) in menstrual flow; spotting; lack of menstrual bleeding; breast pain; breast discharge; inflammation of the vagina or cervix; vaginal discharge; enlarged ovarian follicles; prolonged, frequent, or irregular menstrual bleeding.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; appetite changes; stomach ache. Nervous System: Headache; anxiety; ­tives monograph in this chapter.

Guidelines for Use:

• Carefully read the patient package insert available with this product.
• Capsules will be inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm.
• Capsules should be implanted or removed only by a health care professional thoroughly instructed in the insertion and removal technique.
• Pregnancy must be ruled out prior to insertion. Conduct pregnancy tests whenever pregnancy is suspected. If pregnancy occurs, the implants must be removed.
• Insertion of the levonorgestrel implants should be performed during the first 7 days after the beginning of menstruation or immediately following an abortion. If performed at any other time during the cycle, a non­hormonal contraceptive method (eg, condom, diaphragm) should be used for the remainder of that cycle. Insertion is not recommended until 6 weeks after childbirth in breastfeeding women.
• Removal of the implants should be considered in women who will be immobilized for a prolonged period of time due to surgery or illness.
• Implants must be removed at the end of the 5-year period. If new implants are not inserted at the same time, the patient’s previous level of fertility will return and pregnancy can occur at any time.
• Some change in menstruation patterns can be expected, especially during the first year.
• Notify your doctor if you experience stomach or pelvic pain, persistent headache, visual disturbances, depression, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Diabetic patients - Levonorgestrel implants may alter glucose tolerance. Monitor your blood glucose closely.
• Bruising may occur at the implant site during insertion or removal. Darkening of the skin over the implant site may occur in some women but is usually reversible upon removal.
• Levonorgestrel implants do not protect against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

Type of Drug:

Enzyme inhibitors; androgen hormone inhibitors.

How the Drug Works:

Dutasteride and finasteride inhibit the production of androgen, a hormone that is a major cause of prostate growth. By reducing the amount of androgen, dutasteride and finasteride help relieve urinary symptoms often associated with overdevelopment or enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]).

By inhibiting the production of androgen, finasteride interrupts processes that lead to male pattern baldness (hair loss on the crown of the head or the front scalp area).

Uses:

Doutasteride, Proscar: To treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of the need for prostate surgery. Not indicated for use in women or children.

Propecia: To treat male pattern hair loss (vertex and anterior midscalp).

Effectiveness with other types of hair loss has not been determined. Not indicated for use in women or children.

Unlabeled Uses: Finasteride is being investigated in combination with flutamide as therapy following radical prostatectomy. Other potential uses include prevention of the progression of first-stage prostate cancer, treatment of acne in women, abnormal hair growth.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Not indicated for use in women. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets or capsules because of the potential for absorption and potential risk to a male fetus. Similarly, when a male patient’s sexual partner is or may become pregnant, the patient should either avoid exposing his partner to his semen or discontinue therapy.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if these drugs appear in breast milk; they are not indicated for use in women. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established; not indicated for use in patients younger than 18 years of age.

Lab tests may be required during and following treatment. Tests include prostate cancer screenings and urinary flow and volume monitoring.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with these drugs. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug pre­scribed. Ritonavir (Norvir) interacts with dutasteride.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include impotence, decreased sex drive, decreased amount of ejaculate, testicular pain, and breast tenderness and enlargement.

Guidelines for Use:

• Read the patient information insert before beginning therapy.
• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.
• Male pattern baldness - In general, three months of daily treatment is necessary before benefit is observed. Continued use is recommended to sustain benefit. Stopping treatment can reverse results within 12 months.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - Six to twelve months of treatment may be necessary to determine response.
• Take without regard to meals.
• Swallow dutasteride capsules whole.
• Dutasteride long-term treatment - The incidence of most drug-related adverse events (eg, impotence, decreased sex drive, ejaculation disorder) will decrease with duration of treatment. The incidence of drug­related breast tenderness and enlargement may remain constant during therapy.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets or capsules because of the potential for absorption and potential risk to male fetus. Similarly, when a male patient’s sexual partner is or may become pregnant, the patient should either avoid exposing his partner to his semen or discontinue therapy.
• The amount of ejaculate may be decreased. This should not interfere with normal sexual function. However, impotence (erectile dysfunction) and decreased sex drive may occur .
• Men treated with dutasteride should not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed following their last dose to prevent pregnant women from receiving dutasteride through blood transfusion.
• Lab tests may be required during and following treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed.

Type of Drug:Diuretics or “water pills.”

How the Loop diuretics Works:

Loop diuretics cause electrolytes (especially sodium and chloride) to be excreted in the urine. Water is excreted with the electrolytes

Uses of Loop diuretics:

To treat edema (fluid retention and swelling) due to congestive heart failure, liver disease (eg, cirrhosis), and kidney disease.

Precautions:

Furosemide and torsemide: To treat hypertension (high blood pressure) alone or with other high blood pressure medicine.

Ethacrynic acid: To treat fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) due to cancer, liver failure, and other conditions, and to treat fluid accumulation in children due to congenital heart or kidney disease.

Loop diuretics: Loop diuretics are potent diuretics which can lead to pro­found increase in urine excretion with water and electrolyte depletion when given in large amounts. Careful medical supervision is required. The dose and dose schedule must be adjusted to the individual patient’s needs.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Furosemide appears in breast milk. It is not known if other loop diuretics appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness for use of bumetanide in children younger than 18 years of age have not been established. Safety and effectiveness for use of ethacrynic acid in infants have not been established. Furosemide is indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness for use of torsemide in children have not been established .

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during therapy. Tests may include electrolytes (eg, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), blood counts, blood glucose (sugar), uric acid, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and cholesterol.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with loop diuretics. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with loop diuretics:

• ACE inhibitors (eg, benazepril)
• Sminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin)
• Cholestyramine (eg, Questran)
• Cisapride (Propulsid)
• Cisplatin (eg, Platinol)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Digitalis glycosides (eg, digoxin)
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)
• Lithium (eg, Eskalith)
• NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen)
• Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide)

Side Effects of Loop diuretics:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many loop diuretic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of sid effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Symptoms of Electrolyte Loss: Weakness; dizziness;confusion;appetie loss ;nausea; vomiting;muscle cramps;limb heaviness.

Digestive Tract: Difficulty swallowing; diarrhea (including sudden watery diarrhea); irritation of mouth or stomach; constipation; stomach pain; appetite loss; indigestion; bloating.

Nervous System: Restlessness; tingling or numbness of hands or feet; apprehension; nervousness; headache; insomnia.

Senses: Ringing in the ears; hearing loss (usually reversible).

Skin: Sweating; itching; rash, hives; jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes); sensitivity to sunlight; unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other: Blood in the urine; dehydration; joint pain; fever; chills; breathing difficulties; yellow vision; blurred vision; premature ejaculation; impotence; difficulty maintaining an erection; dry mouth; excessive urination; rectal bleeding; fluid retention; muscle pain; cold; cough; sore throat; decreased potassium levels; elevated blood sugar.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized .
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.
• Take ethacrynic acid after meals, if necessary.
• Drug will increase urination. Take early in the day to avoid sleep disruption.
• Notify your doctor if muscle weakness, cramps, nausea or dizziness occurs.
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or lightheadedness when arising from a seated or lying position) may occur. Get up slowly.
• Diabetes mellitus patients - May increase blood glucose (sugar) levels.
• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) may occur. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• Additional potassium may be required while taking loop diuretics.
• Patients with high blood pressure should avoid medications that may increase blood pressure, including nonprescription decongestant products for cold symptoms and stimulant weight-control products.
• Weight should be monitored throughout treatment with loop diuretics. Loss of fluid should not be excessive within a narrow band of time.
• Lab tests will be required. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature (59 to 86°F) in well closed, light-resistant contain or. Do not freeze.

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; diuretic or “water pill”; antiglaucoma drug; carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

How the Acetazolamide Product Works:

Anticonvulsant: Prevents or reduces seizures by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system.

Diuretic: Reduces amount of fluid in the body by increasing urine formation.

Antiglaucoma: Reduces pressure in the eyes by decreasing the formation of fluid inside the eye.

Uses of The Acetazolamide:

To treat petit mal and un localized seizures.

To treat edema (excess fluid in tissues) which may accompany congestive heart failure, other circulatory system disorders, or other drug therapy.

Sustained-release capsules: To treat certain types of glaucoma. Usually used in combination with drugs applied directly to the eye.

To prevent or treat the effects of acute mountain sickness.

Precautions:

Blood disorder cancer while taking this medication. Patients should be routinely monitored to avoid this problem.

Potassium loss: By increasing urine formation, acetazolamide may cause loss of potassium from the body. Low potassium levels may be treated by eating foods and drinking fluids high in potassium, such as citrus (orange) juice, bananas, dates, raisins, melons, and tomatoes. If increasing potassium in the diet does not raise potassium levels to normal, a potassium supplement may be necessary to replace lost potassium.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Acetazolamide may appear in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests are required during treatment with acetazolamide. Tests may include blood counts, electrolytes (eg, potassium, sodium, chloride), and liver and kidney function tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with acetazolamide. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs interact with acetazolamide.

• Cyclosporine (eg, sandimmune)
• Iithium (eg, eskalith)
• Primidone (eg, mysoline)
• Quinidine (eg, quinidex)
• Salicylates (eg, aspirin, Arthro pan, Doan’s Tusal)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many acetazolamide users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea.

Skin: Unusual bleeding or bruising; rash; red or purple spots under the skin; sensitivity to light.

Other: Fever; tingling or numbness in hands or feet; drowsiness; confusion; allergic reaction; taste alterations; ringing in the ears; hearing dysfunction; excessive urination; electrolyte imbalance; metabolic acidosis; crystals in urine; kidney stones; abnormal blood cell counts; transient nearsightedness; sore throat.

Guidelines for Use:

• Epilepsy - Suggested total daily dose is 8 to 30 mg/kg in divided doses. Optimum range appears to be from 375 to 1000 mg daily. When given in combination with other anticonvulsant’s, the starting dose should be 250 mg once daily in addition to existing medications.
• Tablets can be crushed and mixed with sweet foods to mask bitter taste.
• Capsules can be opened and contents sprinkled on food, if necessary.
• Sustained-release capsules - Do not crush or chew.
• Doses more than 1 g per 24 hours do not produce an increased effect.
• For use of acetazolamide in acute mountain sickness, congestive heart failure, drug-induced edema, and glaucoma, see the Diuretics­Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors monograph.
• May cause stomach upset. Take with food.
• May cause drowsiness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• May cause loss of potassium from the body. Contact your doctor if signs of potassium loss (eg, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness) occur.
• Notify your doctor if sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, flank or loin pain, or skin rash occurs.
• When using acetazolamide, urination may increase; if possible, take early in the day ..
• Temporary nearsightedness (change in vision) has occasionally occurred with this medicine. It subsides when the dose is reduced or the medicine is stopped.
• May cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light (eg, tanning beds). Use sun­screens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• Store at room temperature (59 to 86°F).