What are the primary uses of Exforge. How does this medication work to manage hypertension. What are the potential side effects of Exforge. Can Exforge be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. What are the important drug interactions to consider when taking Exforge. How should Exforge be properly dosed and administered. What precautions should patients be aware of when using Exforge.

Understanding Exforge: A Powerful Combination for Hypertension Management

Exforge is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: amlodipine and valsartan. This powerful duo works synergistically to effectively manage hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, while valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Together, they provide a multi-faceted approach to blood pressure control.

The primary use of Exforge is for the treatment of hypertension. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have not achieved adequate blood pressure control with either amlodipine or valsartan alone. By combining these two medications, Exforge offers a convenient and potent option for those struggling with persistent hypertension.

How does Exforge work to lower blood pressure?

Exforge’s effectiveness stems from the complementary actions of its two components:

• Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them.
• Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.

This dual mechanism results in widened blood vessels and reduced resistance to blood flow, effectively lowering blood pressure.

Indications and Uses of Exforge Beyond Hypertension

While hypertension is the primary indication for Exforge, healthcare providers may prescribe it for other cardiovascular conditions. These may include:

• Hypertensive heart disease
• Hypertensive congestive heart failure
• Hypertensive renal disease
• Renovascular hypertension
• Hypertensive retinopathy

In some cases, Exforge may be used off-label for conditions such as pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, although its use in these situations requires careful medical supervision.

Can Exforge be used in pediatric patients?

Exforge is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years of age. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established in pediatric populations, and alternative treatments should be considered for younger patients with hypertension.

Essential Safety Information and Warnings for Exforge Users

Before starting Exforge, patients should be aware of several important safety considerations:

• Allergic reactions: Patients with known allergies to amlodipine or valsartan should not use Exforge.
• Diabetes complications: Those with diabetes should avoid using Exforge in combination with aliskiren-containing medications.
• Kidney disease: Patients with kidney problems may need dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.
• Pregnancy risks: Exforge can cause serious harm to unborn babies, especially during the second and third trimesters.
• Breastfeeding: This medication is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

What should patients tell their healthcare provider before taking Exforge?

It’s crucial for patients to inform their doctor about:

1. Any history of heart problems or recent heart attacks
2. Existing kidney or liver disease
3. Current low-salt diet regimens
4. Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
5. Breastfeeding status

This information helps healthcare providers determine the appropriateness of Exforge and make necessary adjustments to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Recognizing and Managing Side Effects of Exforge

While Exforge is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. It’s important to be aware of both common and potentially serious adverse reactions:

Common side effects of Exforge

Many patients may experience mild side effects that often subside as the body adjusts to the medication:

• Dizziness
• Swelling in hands or feet (edema)
• Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)

These symptoms are usually not cause for concern but should be reported to a healthcare provider if they persist or become bothersome.

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Certain side effects may indicate a more serious reaction and require prompt medical intervention:

• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Severe lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain
• Symptoms of high potassium levels (nausea, weakness, tingling sensations, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement)

Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should seek emergency medical help immediately.

Drug Interactions and Precautions with Exforge

Exforge can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Key interactions to be aware of include:

• Aliskiren-containing medications in diabetic patients or those with kidney disease
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes (unless directed by a doctor)
• Alcohol, which can further lower blood pressure

How can patients minimize the risk of drug interactions?

To reduce the likelihood of harmful interactions:

1. Inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being used
2. Avoid starting new medications without consulting a doctor or pharmacist
3. Follow dietary recommendations, especially regarding salt intake and alcohol consumption
4. Attend regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and overall health

By taking these precautions, patients can help ensure the safe and effective use of Exforge.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Exforge

Exforge is available in various strengths, combining different doses of amlodipine and valsartan. The appropriate dosage depends on individual patient factors and response to treatment.

What is the typical starting dose for Exforge?

The usual starting dose is one tablet daily, often containing 5 mg of amlodipine and 160 mg of valsartan. However, the exact starting dose may vary based on:

• Previous blood pressure medication history
• Severity of hypertension
• Presence of other medical conditions
• Age and overall health status

Healthcare providers may adjust the dose after evaluating the patient’s response to initial treatment.

How should Exforge be taken?

For optimal results:

1. Take Exforge exactly as prescribed by your doctor
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
3. Take the medication at the same time each day
4. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet
5. Exforge can be taken with or without food

Consistency in medication administration helps maintain steady blood pressure control.

Special Considerations for Exforge Use in Specific Populations

Certain groups of patients may require special attention when using Exforge:

Elderly patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Exforge and may require lower starting doses. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure is crucial in this population.

Patients with liver impairment

Those with liver disease may metabolize Exforge differently, potentially leading to higher drug concentrations in the blood. Dose adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary for these individuals.

Individuals with severe renal impairment

Patients with significant kidney dysfunction may require careful dosing and monitoring when using Exforge. In some cases, alternative antihypertensive medications might be more appropriate.

Long-term Management and Monitoring for Exforge Therapy

Successful treatment with Exforge involves more than just taking the medication as prescribed. Long-term management includes:

• Regular blood pressure checks
• Periodic blood tests to monitor electrolyte levels and kidney function
• Lifestyle modifications to support blood pressure control
• Open communication with healthcare providers about any concerns or side effects

How often should patients have follow-up appointments when taking Exforge?

The frequency of follow-up appointments may vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally:

1. Initial follow-up within 2-4 weeks of starting Exforge
2. Subsequent visits every 3-6 months for stable patients
3. More frequent monitoring for those with comorbidities or unstable blood pressure
4. Immediate consultation if experiencing significant side effects or changes in health status

Regular check-ups allow for timely adjustments to treatment and early detection of any potential issues.

In conclusion, Exforge represents a powerful tool in the management of hypertension, offering the combined benefits of amlodipine and valsartan in a single tablet. While it can be highly effective, patients must be aware of potential side effects, drug interactions, and the importance of proper administration. By working closely with healthcare providers and adhering to prescribed regimens, individuals can maximize the benefits of Exforge therapy while minimizing risks. As with any medication, personalized care and ongoing monitoring are key to achieving optimal outcomes in blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health.

Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

uses

What is Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan) used for?

• Hypertension
• Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
• Cardiovascular Disease
• not applicable
• Hypertensive Congestive Heart Failure
• Hypertensive Heart (w/ CHF) and Renal Disease
• Hypertensive Heart (w/o CHF) and Renal Disease
• Hypertensive Renal Disease
• Hypertensive Retinopathy
• Renovascular Hypertension
• Hypertensive Encephalopathy
• Hypertensive Heart Disease

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or valsartan (Diovan).

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and valsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking amlodipine and valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• a heart attack;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Amlodipine and valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Amlodipine and valsartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can further lower your blood pressure.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain; or
• high potassium level–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects include:

• swelling in your hands or feet;
• dizziness; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Amlodipine and valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

Use Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Exforge (Amlodipine And Valsartan), call 911

911

Images

NVR, ECE

Color: yellow

Shape: oval

Form: film coated

Imprint: NVR, ECE

NVP, UIC

Color: yellow

Shape: oval

Form: film coated

Imprint: NVP, UIC

NVR, CSF

Color: yellow

Shape: oval

Form: film coated

Imprint: NVR, CSF

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

Warnings:

Valsartan can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

Warnings:

Valsartan can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

… Show More

Uses

How to use Exforge

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this product. Keep taking this product even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough or abdominal/stomach pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling hands/ankles/feet, fainting, fast heartbeat, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills).

Some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating).

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.

In the US – 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 this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either amlodipine or valsartan, 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, especially of: liver disease, a certain heart valve condition (aortic stenosis), dehydration, high level of potassium in the blood.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor.

This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. Valsartan may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section.

It is unknown if valsartan passes into breast milk. Amlodipine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also Precautions section.

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.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as sparsentan, ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone).

Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Does Exforge 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 dizziness, fainting.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function tests, potassium levels) should be done while you are taking this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

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.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. 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

Exforge 10 mg-320 mg tablet

Color: dark yellowShape: ovalImprint: NVR LUF

This medicine is a dark yellow, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “NVR” and “LUF”.

Exforge 10 mg-160 mg tablet

Color: light yellowShape: ovalImprint: NVR UIC

This medicine is a dark yellow, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “NVR” and “LUF”.

Exforge 5 mg-320 mg tablet

Color: dark yellowShape: ovalImprint: NVR CSF

This medicine is a dark yellow, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “NVR” and “LUF”.

Exforge 5 mg-160 mg tablet

Color: dark yellowShape: ovalImprint: NVR ECE

This medicine is a dark yellow, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “NVR” and “LUF”.

Next

Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Available coupons

Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx

Drug Survey

Are you currently using Exforge?

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

Register of medicines of Russia RLS Patient 2003.

Back

Contents
Next

Undesirable drug effects and their causes. Side effects, allergic reactions to the drug, overdose. How to avoid drug side effects?

Everyone who has ever taken a medicine knows that it can not only treat a disease, but also have side effects. And even if the doctor does not warn about the presence of side effects in the drug, then in the leaflet to the drug, a separate line lists all those undesirable effects that may occur during treatment with this drug. What is it, side effect ? And is it possible to do without it?

Chapter 2.5 states that the effect of most drugs is based on their physicochemical or chemical interaction with cell membrane receptors. As a result of this, certain changes occur in all cells that have receptors that “recognize” this drug. Their summation leads to a change in the functions of a tissue, organ or organ system, which is the purpose of the drug, that is, its therapeutic effect. For example, blood pressure decreases, pain subsides, swelling decreases, and so on. But the matter is not limited to the therapeutic effect. A drug with exceptional selectivity is an ideal, a “magic bullet”, precisely aimed at a sore spot and not touching healthy tissues. In real life, the action of most drugs resembles a multi-colored mosaic. This is due to several reasons. First, the administered medicine does not only get to the right place. In the body, it is carried by the blood to all tissues and meets with components of cell membranes ( receptors ) capable of interacting with it. And healthy cells have receptors that can bind to drugs. This leads to a change in their functions, and, therefore, to any pharmacological effect. For example, we lowered the pressure, but diarrhea appeared or the heart rate increased. These effects will no longer be curative, because the patient took this drug for another purpose. Secondly, part of the drug, as we already know from the previous chapters, undergoes transformation under the action of the body’s defense systems ( biotransformation ) and loses its original pharmacological activity, but the resulting substances (metabolites) may have some new biological properties and cause various effects.

Drugs have the main therapeutic effect, which is expected when using the drug in each specific case (for example, analgesics are used to relieve pain, antihypertensive drugs are used to lower blood pressure, and so on). Sometimes there are several such therapeutic effects, and two or three of the most pronounced ones determine both the main pharmacological effect of the drug and the indications for its use.

For example, for preparations containing loratadine as an active substance, the column “pharmacological action” indicates: antiallergic, antipruritic, antiexudative. In sodium bicarbonate , more commonly known as baking soda, the pharmacological action is antacid, expectorant, restoring the alkaline state of the blood – it all depends on the route of administration, dosage form and dose.

Effects that are not directed against the disease, beyond the purpose for which the drug is taken, are called side effects. By definition, side effects drugs are undesirable effects that are part of the spectrum of pharmacological activity of the drug and occur when the drug is used in therapeutic doses (not in cases of overdose).

Lacking sufficient selectivity, drugs affect the functions of many tissues and organs (including those not affected by the disease). Some negative effects of the medicinal product, which do not go beyond the resistance zone in terms of intensity or duration of exposure, can be “neutralized by the body on its own”. In other cases, when the state of the organism as a system has gone beyond the stability zone, a side effect of the drug appears.

Side effects may be primary or secondary. The primary action occurs as a direct consequence of the influence of this drug on the substrate, for example, when the substance irritates the gastric mucosa, nausea, vomiting, and pain occur. Secondary side effects develop indirectly as a result of taking the drug, for example, hypovitaminosis and dysbacteriosis when the intestinal microflora is suppressed by antibiotics. More on this will be discussed a little later.

For acetylsalicylic acid , which, by the way, refers to over-the-counter drugs, the “Side effect” column in the instructions or in the reference book takes more than one line. “Tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss, epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, severe gastrointestinal bleeding, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, Reye’s syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, laryngeal edema and urticaria),” aspirin “bronchial asthma, interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure …” We will not list all the side effects. However, judge for yourself how balanced the decision to take any drug should be.

nausea, headache, etc. ) and disappear after discontinuation or reduction in the dosage of the drug. However, there are those that can be severe and even life-threatening for the patient (liver and kidney damage, significant hematopoietic disorders – aplastic anemia, and others). It is believed that 0.5-5% of patients require hospital treatment for adverse drug reactions.

orally ) the first to be affected is the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, side effects may be tooth enamel destruction, stomatitis, gastrointestinal disorders – irritation of the mucous membrane, nausea, a feeling of bloating, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, indigestion, and so on. These reactions usually resolve quickly after discontinuation of the drug. A number of drugs can stimulate the release of hydrochloric acid, slow down the production of protective mucus or the processes of natural renewal of the mucous membrane, which creates the preconditions for the formation of ulcers. This effect is called ulcerogenic (from English ulcer – ulcer), hormones of the adrenal cortex from the group of corticosteroids ( glucocorticoids ), analgesics, drugs with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity and exerting, in addition , analgesic and antipyretic effect ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ), reserpine , tetracycline , caffeine and others.

Relatively often the liver and kidneys are affected by medication. Why? The liver is a barrier between the intestinal vessels and the general circulatory system. When taken orally, all drugs pass through the liver before entering the general circulation. It is she who takes the first blow and it is in her that most drugs accumulate and undergo biotransformation. Moreover, the longer the drug is retained in the liver, the higher the likelihood of a violation of its functions and structure. Liver complications often occur with the use of halogen-containing drugs ( chlorpromazine , chloral hydrate , halothane and others), preparations of arsenic, mercury, some antibiotics ( tetracycline , streptomycin ) and so on.

The kidneys are the excretory organ. Through them, many medicinal substances are excreted from the body – unchanged or after a series of transformations. The accumulation of these substances in the kidneys is a prerequisite for the manifestation of a toxic effect on this organ ( nephrotoxicity ). Antibiotics streptomycin , gentamicin , neomycin and other representatives of aminoglycosides, butadione , sulfanilamide preparations 9 have this effect 0013, vasoconstrictors and others.

The side effect of drugs may be manifested in the violation of some functions of the nervous system. Nerve cells are particularly sensitive to chemicals, so drugs that cross the barrier that separates the central nervous system from the blood (called hematoencephalic ), may cause headache, dizziness, lethargy, and impaired performance. Long-term use of certain drugs is dangerous with more serious complications. Thus, drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system ( neuroleptics ) can cause the development of depression and parkinsonism, and drugs that reduce the feeling of fear and tension ( tranquilizers , or anxiolytics ) – disrupt gait, stimulants – cause prolonged insomnia, and so on. The aminoglycoside antibiotics mentioned above ( streptomycin , gentamicin , neomycin and others) sometimes affect hearing and the vestibular apparatus.

The advent of broad-spectrum antibiotics has also given rise to a number of complications associated with their use. First, antibiotics cause the death and decay of the microbes that caused the disease, which increases the flow of toxins into the blood – poisons produced by these microbes. This sharply exacerbates all the symptoms of the disease and requires additional therapy to neutralize toxins. Secondly, antibiotics do not always make out who is an enemy and who is a friend, and together with pathogens they infect microorganisms that are “friendly” to a person, which make up his natural microflora. As a result, the ratio and composition of microorganisms coexisting in the gastrointestinal tract changes ( dysbacteriosis ). The protection of the body is sharply weakened, and under these conditions, previously “dormant” microbes, whose activity was suppressed by the natural microflora, can begin to multiply. The most common is candidiasis (it is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida). It affects the mucous membranes and skin, which have lost their natural protection. To prevent this complication, antibiotics are combined with antifungal agents. Against the background of dysbacteriosis, more serious additional infections can occur, which most often affect the respiratory tract and especially the digestive organs.

One of the most dangerous complications from the use of drugs is the suppression of hematopoiesis – anemia (in most forms of which there is a decrease in the number of erythrocytes – red blood cells) or leukopenia (a decrease in the number of leukocytes – white blood cells th bodies). Some antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol ), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( indomethacin , phenylbutazone and others), anti-tuberculosis drugs and others. The destruction of blood cells is sometimes caused by allergic reactions, the cause of which can be the use of, for example, methyldopa , Analgin , quinidine and others.

A common complication of drug therapy is hypersensitivity reactions to the drug ( allergic reactions ). A medicine is a substance alien to the body ( antigen ), therefore, at the first contact with it or its complex with a protein, blood proteins ( antibodies ) can be formed, which protect the body from the “stranger”. With subsequent administration, such an antigen drug interacts with antibodies, and an allergic reaction develops, which can manifest itself as a skin rash, itching, swelling, and other, sometimes more dangerous, symptoms. The strongest allergenic substances ( allergens ), among the medicines are penicillin antibiotics , sulfanilamide drugs , local anesthetics ( local anesthetics ), prophylactic or curative drugs, obtained from killed or weakened cultures of microorganisms, their toxins or antigens ( vaccines ), analgesics.

Some drugs may cause photosensitivity in a patient – increased sensitivity of the body to the action of solar (ultraviolet) radiation, usually manifested by inflammation of exposed areas of the skin and mucous membranes. This is manifested by a sensation of itching, burning, swelling and redness of the affected area of ​​the skin. Photosensitizing drugs can cause premature skin aging, as well as eye burns, decreased immunity, allergic reactions, and, in rare cases, skin cancer (melanoma) in susceptible patients. Patients who are forced to take drugs that cause photosensitivity (such information is indicated on the package or in the instructions for the drug), while taking them, should avoid visiting tanning salons, physiotherapy (ultraviolet lamps), exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen (glasses, lotions and creams for exposed skin areas, etc.).

therapeutic doses). Doses exceeding therapeutic doses cause toxic effects. Overdose of is a serious problem, especially with drugs where the maximum tolerated dose is not much higher than the therapeutic dose. The risk of overdose is often the reason why doctors prefer one drug over another when the effectiveness of both is close. For example, benzodiazepines ( medazepam , diazepam ) are usually prescribed as sedatives or hypnotics, and not barbiturates . The reason for this is simple – benzodiazepines are safer in case of accidental or intentional overdose. Better safety inherent in new type 9 antidepressants0010 fluoxetine or paroxetine , which are gradually replacing imipramine or amitriptyline .

“Choose the lesser of two evils.” This well-known phrase applies to pharmacology as well. Let’s compare the degree of danger in case of an overdose of amitriptyline and fluoxetine. In the “Overdose” column, amitriptyline lists “hallucinations, convulsions, delirium, coma, cardiac conduction disturbance, extrasystole, ventricular arrhythmias, hypothermia, and others.” With an overdose of fluoxetine, “nausea, vomiting, excitation of the central nervous system, convulsions” occur.

Overdose may be related to the characteristics of the body’s effect on the drug ( pharmacokinetics ) in a particular patient. For example, the accumulation of a drug in toxic concentrations (although a therapeutic dose was taken) is possible as a result of a violation of its biotransformation or delayed excretion. This happens in diseases of the liver and kidneys, especially in old age. Therefore, in such patients, doctors reduce the dose or frequency of taking the medication.

Your doctor may decrease your dose, change the frequency of your medication, or replace it with a different one. All this will minimize unwanted effects. Of course, the selection of the necessary drug in a safe dosage is carried out by the doctor, but the final decision whether to take the drug or not remains with the patient (chapter 2.1).

Literature

1. Belousov Yu.B., Moiseev V.S., Lepakhin V.K. Clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy: A guide for physicians. – M.: Universum, 1993. – 398 p.
2. Goryachkina L. , Eshchanov T., Kogan V. et al. When medicine is harmful. – M.: Knowledge, 1980.
3. Karkishchenko N.N. Pharmacological foundations of therapy: A guide and reference book for physicians and students. – M.: IMP-Medicine, 1996. – 560 p.
4. Krylov Yu.F., Bobyrev V.M. Pharmacology. – M .: VUNMTs of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 1999. – 352 p.
5. Kudrin A.N. Drugs not only treat… – M.: Znanie, 1971.
6. Kudrin A.N., Ponomarev V.D., Makarov V.A. Rational use of drugs: a series of “Medicine”. – M.: Knowledge, 1977.
7. Modern medical encyclopedia. / Ed. R. Berkow, M. Beers, R Bojin, E. Fletcher. Per. from English. under the general editorship. G.B. Fedoseev. – St. Petersburg: Norint, 2001 – 1264 p.: ill.
8. Kharkevich D.A. Pharmacology: Textbook. – 6th ed., revised. and additional – M.: GEOTAR MEDICINE, 1999. – 664 p.
9. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Medical Terms / Ch. ed. B.V. Petrovsky. In 3 volumes – M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1982. – Vol. 1, 2, 3.
10. RED BOOK and Drug Topics. – 106th ed. – Thomson Medical Economics, 2000. – 840 p.

Adverse drug reactions