ABSTRACT
Glaucoma is a group of diseases, characterized by a progressive form of optic nerve damage. Current studies indicate more selective pathophysiological involvement, thereby targeted therapies are warranted. Although both the prostaglandin analogs and beta blockers are still, most commonly used drugs for glaucoma, due to their effi cacy, lack of adverse effects. In addition, a stepped care approach is the corner stone for its management. In addition, attempts have been made to enhance patient compliance and ocular delivery of already available anti-glaucoma drugs such as pilocarpine and timolol maleate. Notable among futuristic treatment options are; novel delivery systems, benzalkonium chloride-free drugs, various glaucoma drainage devices, new targeted therapies and prompt diagnosis plus aggressive treatment, in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma. Promising new focus on vision sparing, greater patient safety and tolerability will provide improved treatment options and long-term preservation of vision and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this work was to study the anticonvulsant activity of calcium channel blockers verapamil and amlodipine and their interaction with an established antiepileptic drug diphenylhydantoin (DPH) in experimental model of epilepsy in albino rats. Methods: Maximal electroshock (MES) convulsions were induced by electroconvulsiometer and different phases of MES were noted in control and drug treated groups. Effect of different doses of verapamil (dose-5, 10 and 15 mg/kg), amlodipine (dose-2.5, 3 and 3.5 mg/kg) and DPH (dose-0.5 and 1 mg/100 g) on MES was studied. Finally, effect of combined treatment consisting of non-protective dose of DPH with different doses of verapamil and amlodipine were also studied on MES induced seizures. Results: Combination of non-protective dose (0.5 mg/100 g) of DPH with all the three doses of verapamil and amlodipine offered significant protection against MES induced seizures. Conclusions: From the present investigation, it may be concluded that the dose of DPH may be reduced in an antiepileptic individual who is on verapamil and amlodipine therapy.
ABSTRACT
Background: The effect of the calcium channel blockers on the cardiovascular system is implemented judiciously in different conditions related to cardiovascular system such as angina pectoris, hypertension, and in cardiac arrhythmias but the aspect that deals with the impact of blockade of calcium channels in other systems like endocrine system remains eclipsed. These effects generally go unnoticed and the present study was formulated to elucidate the serum T3, T4, TSH levels after administration of calcium channel blockers and to observe the resultant side effect on the endocrine glands, if any by this commonly used group of drugs. Methods: The study was conducted on male albino rabbits, they were divided in three groups of ten each and each group received one of the calcium channel blockers- Verapamil, Diltiazem and Nifedipine for three months. At the end of each month the serum T3, T4, TSH levels were evaluated by chemiluminisence. Results: It was found that on continuous daily administration of calcium channel blockers there was a gradual fall in levels of T3 and T4 with rise in TSH levels in comparison to the control value taken before initiating the drug therapy. Conclusion: These findings could have potential clinical implications and this study proposes the importance of blood thyroid hormone level follow up in the long-term calcium channel blocker therapy.
ABSTRACT
One of the main obstacles in the treatment of hypertension is the largely asymptomatic nature of the disease, even with marked elevation in systemic blood pressure. This disconnect between symptoms and long term adverse consequences has earned hypertension the designation, “silent killer”. Fortunately, the number and spectrum of agents available to treat patients with hypertension have expanded dramatically over the past 2 decades. Current treatment algorithms recognize that any given drug will likely have effect on more than one of the interrelated systems that regulate circulatory functions.