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Alavert side effects. Alavert: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions for Allergy Relief

What are the primary uses of Alavert. How does Alavert work to relieve allergy symptoms. What are the common side effects of Alavert. Who should exercise caution when taking Alavert. How should Alavert be administered for optimal effectiveness.

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Understanding Alavert: A Comprehensive Guide to Allergy Relief

Alavert, containing the active ingredient loratadine, is a widely used antihistamine medication designed to alleviate various allergy symptoms. This article delves into the uses, side effects, and important considerations for those considering or currently using Alavert.

The Mechanism of Action: How Alavert Combats Allergy Symptoms

Alavert works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body during allergic reactions. Histamine is responsible for many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.

Key Benefits of Alavert

  • Reduces itching and sneezing
  • Alleviates runny nose and watery eyes
  • Provides relief from hives
  • Non-drowsy formula for daytime use

Can Alavert prevent serious allergic reactions? It’s important to note that while Alavert is effective for managing common allergy symptoms, it is not designed to prevent or treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Individuals with known severe allergies should always carry their prescribed epinephrine injector and not rely on Alavert as a substitute.

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines for Alavert

Administering Alavert correctly is crucial for achieving optimal relief from allergy symptoms. The medication is available in various forms, including tablets that dissolve on the tongue.

General Dosage Instructions

  1. Take Alavert orally, with or without food
  2. Typically administered once or twice daily
  3. Remove the tablet from its foil pack immediately before use
  4. Place the tablet on the tongue and allow it to dissolve
  5. Swallow with or without water as preferred

Is the dosage of Alavert the same for everyone? No, the appropriate dosage can vary based on factors such as age, specific condition, and individual response to treatment. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the product packaging carefully. For children under 6 years of age, consult a doctor before administering Alavert.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While Alavert is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and know when to seek medical attention.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Nervousness (in rare cases)

Are there any serious side effects associated with Alavert? While rare, serious allergic reactions to Alavert can occur. Symptoms of a severe reaction may include rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions and Contraindications: Who Should Exercise Caution?

Before starting Alavert, it’s crucial to consider certain precautions and potential contraindications to ensure safe usage.

Individuals Who Should Consult a Healthcare Provider Before Using Alavert

  • Those with kidney or liver disease
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Older adults, who may be more sensitive to side effects

Does Alavert interact with other medications? Yes, Alavert can potentially interact with other drugs. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid adverse interactions.

Alavert vs. Other Antihistamines: Making an Informed Choice

Alavert is one of many antihistamine options available for allergy relief. Understanding how it compares to other medications can help in making an informed decision about treatment.

Advantages of Alavert

  • Non-drowsy formula suitable for daytime use
  • Long-lasting effect, often providing 24-hour relief
  • Available over-the-counter in many countries
  • Suitable for both adults and children (age 6 and above)

How does Alavert differ from first-generation antihistamines? Unlike older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Alavert is less likely to cause drowsiness and cognitive impairment, making it a preferred choice for many individuals who need to remain alert during the day.

Managing Expectations: When to Expect Relief and When to Seek Further Help

While Alavert can provide significant relief for many allergy sufferers, it’s important to have realistic expectations and know when additional medical intervention may be necessary.

Timeline for Symptom Improvement

  • Some users may experience relief within 1-3 hours of taking Alavert
  • Full effectiveness is typically achieved within a few days of consistent use
  • For seasonal allergies, starting Alavert before exposure to allergens can enhance its protective effects

When should you consult a doctor if Alavert isn’t providing sufficient relief? If allergy symptoms persist or worsen after 3 days of treatment, or if hives last for more than 6 weeks, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments or investigate underlying causes.

Lifestyle Modifications to Enhance Alavert’s Effectiveness

While Alavert can significantly reduce allergy symptoms, combining medication with lifestyle changes can lead to even better results.

Strategies to Minimize Allergen Exposure

  • Keep windows closed during high pollen days
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
  • Regularly clean and vacuum living spaces
  • Consider using hypoallergenic bedding

Can dietary changes help reduce allergy symptoms? Some studies suggest that certain foods may help reduce inflammation and alleviate allergy symptoms. Incorporating foods rich in quercetin (such as apples and onions) and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds) may provide additional support alongside Alavert treatment.

Long-Term Use of Alavert: Safety and Considerations

For individuals with chronic allergies, long-term use of Alavert may be recommended. Understanding the implications of extended use is crucial for maintaining health and efficacy.

Factors to Consider for Long-Term Use

  • Regular check-ins with healthcare providers
  • Monitoring for any changes in effectiveness or side effects
  • Considering periodic breaks or alternative treatments
  • Evaluating the need for allergy testing or immunotherapy

Is it safe to use Alavert continuously for extended periods? While Alavert is generally considered safe for long-term use, it’s important to have ongoing conversations with your healthcare provider. They can assess the continued need for the medication and monitor for any potential long-term effects or changes in your allergy profile.

Alavert in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women

The use of Alavert in special populations requires careful consideration and often additional precautions.

Considerations for Different Groups

  • Children: Alavert is approved for children 6 years and older, but dosage adjustments may be necessary
  • Elderly: May be more sensitive to side effects, particularly drowsiness and confusion
  • Pregnant women: Should only use under direct medical supervision
  • Breastfeeding mothers: Alavert passes into breast milk, but is generally considered safe for use

How does age affect the metabolism of Alavert? As individuals age, changes in liver and kidney function can affect how the body processes medications like Alavert. Older adults may metabolize the drug more slowly, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects. This is why dosage adjustments or alternative treatments may be recommended for elderly patients.

Navigating Allergy Season: Integrating Alavert into Your Management Plan

Effectively managing allergies often requires a multifaceted approach, with Alavert playing a key role in symptom relief.

Tips for Comprehensive Allergy Management

  • Start taking Alavert before allergy season begins for preventive effects
  • Combine medication with environmental controls (e.g., using air filters)
  • Consider nasal sprays or eye drops for targeted symptom relief
  • Stay informed about local pollen counts and plan activities accordingly
  • Explore long-term solutions like immunotherapy with an allergist

How can you determine the best time to start taking Alavert seasonally? Monitoring local pollen forecasts and starting Alavert about a week before your typical allergy season begins can help build up protection in your system. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms once allergens become prevalent.

Alavert and Travel: Managing Allergies Away from Home

Traveling can present unique challenges for allergy sufferers. Incorporating Alavert into your travel plans can help ensure comfort and enjoyment during your trips.

Travel Tips for Allergy Sufferers

  • Pack Alavert in your carry-on luggage for easy access
  • Research pollen counts and common allergens at your destination
  • Consider bringing a portable air purifier for hotel rooms
  • Inform airlines and hotels of any severe allergies in advance
  • Carry a translated list of your allergies when traveling internationally

How can you manage unexpected allergy flare-ups while traveling? In addition to taking Alavert regularly, consider packing a small “allergy emergency kit” containing items like eye drops, nasal spray, and any prescribed emergency medications. Familiarize yourself with local pharmacies and medical facilities at your destination in case you need additional support.

The Future of Allergy Treatment: Alavert and Beyond

As medical research advances, new treatments and formulations for allergies continue to emerge. Understanding the current landscape and potential future developments can help allergy sufferers stay informed about their treatment options.

Emerging Trends in Allergy Management

  • Development of longer-acting antihistamines
  • Exploration of combination therapies for enhanced efficacy
  • Advancements in personalized medicine for allergy treatment
  • Research into new delivery methods for antihistamines
  • Investigation of biologics for severe allergic conditions

What role might Alavert play in future allergy treatments? While Alavert remains a trusted and effective option for many, ongoing research may lead to improved formulations or combination therapies that include loratadine (the active ingredient in Alavert) alongside other active compounds. These advancements could potentially offer more targeted or comprehensive allergy relief in the future.

In conclusion, Alavert stands as a reliable antihistamine option for many allergy sufferers, offering effective relief from common symptoms with minimal side effects. By understanding its proper use, potential side effects, and how it fits into a comprehensive allergy management plan, individuals can make informed decisions about their allergy treatment. As always, consulting with healthcare providers and staying informed about new developments in allergy care can help ensure the best possible outcomes for managing allergies effectively.

Alavert Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from “hay fever” and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives.Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use loratadine in place of your epinephrine.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer’s package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.)Do not use this medication in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor.

How to use Alavert oral

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the instructions on your prescription label. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once or twice a day. Remove the tablet from its foil pack immediately before taking and place the tablet on the tongue. It will dissolve quickly. You may swallow the dissolved medication with or without water. Dosage is based on your age, condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to desloratadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease.

Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

If you have hives and your doctor has prescribed loratadine, or if you are considering using this drug to treat your own hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

This product may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, or confusion. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this drug.

This medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Loratadine is very similar to desloratadine. Do not use medications containing desloratadine while using loratadine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Alavert oral interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Alavert 10 mg disintegrating tablet

Color: orangeShape: roundImprint: A-24

This medicine is a orange, round, orange mint, tablet imprinted with “A-24”.

Alavert 10 mg disintegrating tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: A-24

This medicine is a orange, round, orange mint, tablet imprinted with “A-24”.

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Drug Survey

Have you ever purchased Alavert oral?

Yes, In the past 3 months

Yes, In the past 6 months

Yes, In the past year

Haven’t purchased but considering

Don’t plan to purchase

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Today on WebMD

Alavert Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from “hay fever” and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives.Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use loratadine in place of your epinephrine.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer’s package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.)If you are using the tablets or capsules, do not use in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor. If you are using the liquid or chewable tablets, do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.

How to use Alavert Tablet

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the instructions on your prescription label. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www. fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking loratadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to desloratadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease.

Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses. However, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

If you have hives and your doctor has prescribed loratadine, or if you are considering using this drug to treat your own hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

Liquid products or chewable tablets may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, or confusion. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this drug.

This medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Loratadine is very similar to desloratadine. Do not use medications containing desloratadine while using loratadine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Alavert Tablet interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Next

Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Available coupons

Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx

Drug Survey

Have you ever purchased Alavert Tablet?

Yes, In the past 3 months

Yes, In the past 6 months

Yes, In the past year

Haven’t purchased but considering

Don’t plan to purchase

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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What are the risks and consequences for a woman’s health during IVF

IVF is another treatment method, and each method has a number of side effects and complications. Each stage of IVF is associated with very specific risks of developing diseases.

Risks at the stage of ovulation stimulation

In order to stimulate the growth of several follicles and obtain high-quality eggs from them, and later embryos, the patient is prescribed special hormonal medications. The main part is administered subcutaneously, others – intramuscularly. At the puncture site after the introduction of drugs, irritation, swelling of the soft tissues, small hemorrhages, as well as infections may occur. Side effects of the introduction of hormonal drugs include: an allergic reaction, headaches, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability. When using Diferelin or Decapeptil, a feeling of heat and slight chills may occur.

The listed side effects are quite rare, the most common side effect is hyperstimulation (overstimulation of the ovaries). It is accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and bloating due to enlarged ovaries. Overstimulation of the ovaries is a fairly common side effect, it occurs in 20% of cases of ovarian stimulation. Hyperstimulation disappears without additional treatment in 2-3 weeks.

Hyperstimulation occurs due to an increase in the ovaries, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Due to the fact that fluid can also accumulate around the lungs, the patient may have difficulty breathing and become short of breath. Quite rarely, ovarian rupture occurs.

Rarely, with disorders caused by hyperstimulation syndrome, a change in blood clotting can occur and this is the most dangerous of the possible side effects. Violation of blood clotting is a real threat to the life of the patient. Fortunately, this case is very rare – a pronounced hyperstimulation syndrome occurs in 1.2% of cases. Treatment involves bed rest and therapy (a course of droppers) under the strict supervision of a specialist.

At the beginning of follicle growth stimulation, the doctor re-analyzes the hormonal background and studies the structural features of the patient’s ovaries. The optimal dosage of the hormonal drug is calculated based on the results of the tests, the patient’s age, and the patient’s body weight. The state of the ovaries and the body as a whole is monitored at each stage of therapy (the level of estradiol is monitored). Thanks to these manipulations, it becomes possible to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and minimize possible risks.

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Side effects of drugs – Newspaper Kommersant No. 158 (1116) dated 09/21/1996

418

5 minutes.

&nbsp Side effects of drugs


the market is now flooded with the most varied foreign medicines. Undoubtedly, this phenomenon is positive, especially if we recall recent times, when even iodine sometimes had to be mined by pull. Against the background of this happiness, I don’t want to think about such trifles as side effects or the compatibility of various drugs. Meanwhile, these are quite serious problems even in the United States, which seems to the Russian layman to be a country where any disease can be cured.

With over 2 billion prescriptions written annually in the US, pharmacists are considered the last line of defense against medical errors, which cost taxpayers $20 billion annually, according to the US Treasury Department. As a rule, pharmacists willingly take on these responsibilities. During their training, they are taught such specialized disciplines as toxicology and pharmacokinetics (the branch of pharmacology that studies how drugs are distributed in the body). In 11 states, pharmacists even have the right to write their own prescriptions in some cases.
However, a recent study by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with the Georgetown University School of Medicine found that American pharmaceuticals are in decline. It turned out, in particular, that an increasing number of pharmacy employees do not consider it necessary to inform customers about the dangers of the simultaneous use of various medications. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Americans end up in hospitals and die. The study, which covered 245 pharmacies in seven cities, found that about half of pharmacists do not warn customers that some drugs, while safe on their own, lead to unfortunate consequences in combination. Sometimes so unfortunate that some experts advise against prescribing them even individually. However, about a third of pharmacies dispense these drugs with the only accompanying instruction – a cash receipt with the inscription “Thank you for your purchase.”
A study found that more than 30% of Washington pharmacists do not hesitate to sell incompatible drugs to customers if they are on a doctor’s prescription. Especially dangerous is the mixture of the popular antihistamine drug seldan and the common antibiotic erythromycin.
The researchers who conducted the study asked pharmacists to prescribe this and three other combinations of drugs of varying degrees of danger. Theoretically, in these cases, the pharmacist must either warn the patient about the danger, or advise him to consult a doctor, or refuse to sell the prescribed drugs altogether. The following picture emerged.
Almost a third of pharmacists did not consider it necessary to warn customers about the dangerous combination of the antihistamine histomal and the popular antifungal drug nizoral. This combination can cause palpitations, cardiac arrest and sudden death. Despite the fact that prescribing this combination is prohibited, only a few pharmacists said: “What is it that you were prescribed?” or “And don’t even try to buy it at another pharmacy.” 32% of the respondents silently handed out medicines, and 20% limited themselves to lengthy written instructions. Some advised taking histomal on an empty stomach and nizoral after meals, without mentioning that the combination of drugs could be fatal.
Only four out of 17 pharmacists warned about the peculiarities of combining the oral contraceptive Ortonovum with rimactan, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. Like many other antibiotics, rimactan reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills. The pharmacist must at least verbally warn the client about this. However, 77% of those surveyed ignored this rule, and less than half advised the use of additional contraceptives.
Only three of the 61 pharmacists tested verbally warned of the dangers of the combination of Vasotec and diazide used to lower blood pressure. In combination, these drugs cause an increase in potassium levels, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Although the probability of a heart attack is statistically low, patients should be warned about the possible consequences. Of all the pharmacists interviewed, only one refused to sell the prescribed medicines.
Less than half of the pharmacies supply the medicines they sell with instructions for use. Even if this is done, the intelligibility and reliability of the instructions often leaves much to be desired. In only a few cases, the instructions indicate with which drugs this medicine is not combined. Most often, pharmacists get off with a note: “Consult your doctor if you are taking other drugs.”
The actions of many pharmacists with whom the journalists from U.S. News dealt can be considered completely irresponsible. When asked why a dangerous combination of drugs was sold in a pharmacy, the following answers were given: “The owner is on vacation, and his assistant, a lawyer by training, dispensed the drugs”; “I knew about the dangers of the combination of drugs, but since the computer did not give this information, I did not consider it necessary to inform the client about this”; “I did not warn about the dangers of taking gizmanal and nizoral at the same time because I had never written a prescription before. ” One pharmacist at a Safeway store in Denver simply sealed the warning label on the bottle with a piece of paper that said, “Thank you for your purchase.”
Although pharmacists play a significant role in treatment, they are only one link in the chain. The main role here still belongs to doctors. Many pharmacists told U.S. News reporters that when a doctor prescribes incompatible drugs, few people dare to challenge his decision. “In such cases, the pharmacist assumes that the doctor knows about the contraindication and knows what he is doing,” says pharmacist Gordon Tom from San Francisco. However, such trust in colleagues is not always justified. The study found that despite numerous warnings about the inadmissibility of the simultaneous use of seldan and erythromycin, made by both drug manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 10% of doctors still tend to prescribe them. in combination.

ANDREY SKLEPOV

Some tips to help the patient survive
Physicians who prescribe drug combinations are usually aware of their combinations and side effects.