Online Pharmacies Canada Health Blog

February 13, 2007

Factive Antibiotic

Filed under: Bacterial infection — Tags: fights bacteria, treat bacterial infections, treats bronchitis — Ashlynn @ 9:33 am

Factive is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is used to treat adults 18 years or older with bronchitis or pneumonia (lung infections) caused by certain bacteria (germs). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Factive is an antibiotic that is meant to only treat bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu).

How do I take Factive?

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow whole. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Antibiotics always work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Factive at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take the medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Speak with your doctor if your condition does not improve.

Does Factive have any side effects?

This is not a complete list of side effects reported with Factive. Speak with your doctor for a more complete list.
Some common side effects with Factive include:

rash – if you get a rash, stop taking Factive and contact your doctor asap
diarrhea
nausea
headache
vomiting
stomach pain
dizziness
change in the way things taste in your mouth

Some signs of rare but serious side effects include:

a rare heart problem known as prolongation of the QTc interval central nervous system problems including body shakes (tremors), restless feeling, lightheaded feelings, confusion, and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
tendon problems including tendonitis or rupture (“tears”) of a tendon
phototoxicity (making your skin sunburn easier)
Factive and other quinolones may cause joint problems (arthropathy) in children

Is there anything my doctor should know before I use Factive?

Before taking Factive (gemifloxacin), tell your doctor or pharmacist:

If you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin; or if you have any other allergies.
Your medical history, especially of: brain or nervous system disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, slow heart rate, torsades de pointes, QTc prolongation), history of seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, muscle/joint/tendon problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low potassium or magnesium).
If you are breast-feeding or going to be breast-feeding. It is not known if Factive passes into breast milk.

What do I need to know before using Factive?

Factive may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution when driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Factive may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs (e.g., glyburide), you may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of Factive(gemifloxacin). Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, hunger, sweating and fast pulse.
Caution is advised when using Factive in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., tendon problems, especially if they are also taking corticosteroids drugs such as prednisone).

Online Pharmacies Canada, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37),offers long term prescription drugs for low cost canadian online pharmacy prices. Online Pharmacies Canada facilitates the review of your prescription drugs and your general health. We forward all prescriptions to affiliated CIPA certified licensed Canada pharmacies to be filled. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all discount canadian prescriptions.

For more information on how you can order your Canadian drugs call 1-877-536-8162 or visit http://www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com/.

Online Pharmacies Canada is a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37),offers long term prescription drugs for low cost Canadian online pharmacy prices. Online Pharmacies Canada facilitates the review of your prescription drugs and your general health. We forward all prescriptions to affiliated CIPA certified licensed Canada pharmacies to be filled. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all discount Canadian prescriptions.For more information on how you can order your Canadian drugs call 1-877-536-8162 or visit http://www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com/

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February 8, 2007

Astelin Nasal Spray

Filed under: allergy — Tags: Astelin side effects, symptoms of seasonal allergies, treats seasonal allergies — Ashlynn @ 8:08 am

Astelin is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus in adults and children 5 years and older. It can also be used for the treatment of symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip in adults and children 12 years and older. Astelin works by blocking the effect of histamine on certain cells, in turn, helping alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies.

What is the recommended dose of Astelin?

The recommended dose of Astelin nasal spray in adults and children 12 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis is one or two sprays per nostril twice daily. The recommended dose in children 5 years to 11 years of age is one spray per nostril twice daily.

The recommended dose of Astelin in adults and children 12 years and older with vasomotor rhinitis is two sprays per nostril twice daily.

How should I store Astelin?

To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Store the bottle upright at room temperature, with the pump tightly closed.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

How do I use Astelin?

Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Make sure the screw cap on the bottle is replaced with the pump unit and the delivery system is primed with 4 sprays or until a fine mist appears. Spray Astelin into your nose. Be sure to follow instructions given by your doctor or the leaflet in the medicine package.

When 3 or more days have elapsed since the last use, the pump should be reprimed with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears. To keep the applicator clean, wipe the nose piece with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap after each use.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Who should not use Astelin?

Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to azelastine or any other ingredients in Astelin should not use this drug. Azelastine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have found that very large doses of azelastine cause birth defects and other problems. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

It is not known whether azelastine (Astelin) passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking Astelin, it is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any of the following:

Alcohol
Central nervous system depressants (medicine that causes drowsiness)
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil]) – Use of these medicines with azelastine (Astelin) may increase the risk of drowsiness
Cimetidine – May cause an increase in the blood levels of azelastine, which may result in increased effects

Does Astelin have any side effects?

The most common side effects are:

Bitter taste
Drowsiness
Headache
Nasal inflammation or burning

Rare side effects of Astelin are:

Blood in urine
Cough
Eye pain or redness or blurred vision or other change in vision
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath, tightness in chest, troubled breathing, or wheezing
Skin rash, hives, or itching; sores in mouth or on lips

Contact your doctor immediately if side effects persist or worsen while using Astelin.