ABSTRACT
Background: Levocetirizine, the R-enantiomer of Cetirizine has pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically favourable characteristics, with rapid onset of action, high bioavailability, high affinity for and occupancy of the H1-receptor, limited distribution, minimal hepatic metabolism together with minimal side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used for many years for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and more recently in the case of aspirin, antithrombotic purposes. Because of the significant side effect profiles of steroidal and NSAID medications, there is a greater interest in newer compounds such as antihistaminic drugs. This article will consider the potential or otherwise of the reported analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of levocetirizine to enhance its effectiveness in the treatment of allergic disease with pain.Methods: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-250 grams were used. For both Analgesic activity and Anti-inflammatory activity, 4 groups consisting of 6 animals per group were used. Group I: Control: 1% Gum acacia. 2ml/kg, Group II: Standard drug: Diclofenac sodium 4.5mg/kg; Group III: Test Drug 1: Levocetirizine 1mg/kg; Group IV: Test Drugs 2: Levocetirizine 1mg/kg+Diclofenac sodium 4.5mg/kg. Drugs were administered orally. For analgesic activity, Tail clip method and Hot plate method was used. For acute anti-inflammatory activity Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema method was used.Results: Levocetirizine, is found to have significant analgesic activity in rats (1 mg/kg dose) alone and in combination with Diclofenac Sodium in Haffner’s Tail Clip method and Eddy’s Hot Plate Method. Levocetirizine also has got prominent anti-inflammatory activity in acute models evidenced by percentage inhibition of acute rat paw oedema.Conclusions: Levocetirizine possess analgesic and acute anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with Diclofenac sodium.
ABSTRACT
Background: Inflammation is a complex and dynamic condition in which many changes take place at the site of inflammation, as well as systemically. In general, inflammatory response acts to protect the host, but many times it goes unchecked with tissue destruction leading to a spectrum of inflammatory disorders. Antiinflammatory drugs have long been used to treat spectrum of inflammatory conditions. Anti-inflammatory agents, in use today, though have efficacy, cause a variety of side effects causing major problems during their clinical use. Amongst newer approaches to treat inflammation, macrolides, the anti-bacterial agents, seem to be beneficial in decreasing the inflammation. Still there is much speculation about the antiinflammatory activity of macrolide antibiotics. So, we planned this study to assess anti-inflammatory activity of macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin) and to compare their anti-inflammatory activity with control and indomethacin (standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Methods: To assess anti-inflammatory activity of macrolides, we used acute (carrageenin-induced paw edema and turpentine oil-induced arthritis), as well as chronic model of inflammation (cotton pellet induced granuloma). Results: All the macrolides, i.e., erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin showed significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in acute models of inflammation as compared to control group. However, macrolides showed insignificant activity as compared to indomethacin (acute and chronic models of inflammation) and as compared to control (chronic model of inflammation). Conclusions: This study shows macrolide antibiotics have anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of acute inflammation.
ABSTRACT
Background: In spite of availability of effective antidepressant drugs, depression continues to be a major problem. Hence, great interest is being taken in development of innovative antidepressants. Tramadol (TRM) is a centrally acting opioid agonist, which is clinically effective in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. By virtue of its action of inhibiting norepinephrine and serotonin uptake, it can function as an antidepressant like venlafaxine. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate antidepressant activity of TRM in comparison and in combination with fluoxetine (FLX) in albino mice. Methods: TRM (20 and 40 mg) and FLX (20 mg) were administered i.p., alone and in combination once daily for acute (7 days) and chronic (14 days) period to Swiss albino mice of either sex. The immobility period of control and treated mice was recorded in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The open field test was also done for same period to test the locomotor activity in animal. The antidepressant effect of TRM was compared with FLX and normal saline treated group for acute and chronic study period. Results: TRM (20 and 40 mg) treated group produced significant antidepressant effect alone and in combination with FLX (20 and 40 mg) as indicated by reduction in immobility period compared with control group in FST and TST. TRM and FLX treated groups did not show significant activity in open field test when compared with control group. Conclusions: This study shows TRM has antidepressant activity in standard models of depression.
ABSTRACT
Snake bite is a common medical emergency and an occupational hazard in a rural population of India. Though it is uncommon in pregnancy, it is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcome. Early gestational age and delay in the treatment are the factors responsible for unfavorable prognosis. Here, we report a case of primigravida, aged 22 years, with 22 weeks of gestation presenting with a history of snake bite on the left frontal region of the face. While on anti-snake venom treatment, patient developed anaphylactic reaction. In spite of this, the maternal and the fetal outcome were good in this case.
ABSTRACT
Background: Snake bite is a common medical emergency and an occupational hazard in India. It is also a major public health issue in rural India where farming is a major source of employment. Very few studies describe epidemiology of snake bite from India. Hence, this study was planned to collect information on various aspects of snake bite in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study of 167 patients of snake bite and unknown bite carried out from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013. Results: Among a total 167 cases, majority were males (54.49%), aged between 20 and 40 years (38.92%). Most of the cases were laborers (61.67%) and farmers (17.36%). Peak incidence was observed during monsoon (64.67%). Bite mark was seen in 46.70% cases, upper extremity being common site (52.09%). Most cases were of vasculotoxic bite (65.26%) and few were of neurotoxic bite (19.76%). Major complications were respiratory failure (4.79%) and acute renal failure (1.8%). Average bite to needle time was 365 min. Bleeding & clotting time was raised in 44.03% & 35.19% cases, respectively. Average dose of anti-snake venom (ASV) required was 17.1 vials. Allergic reactions to ASV observed in 8.38% cases. Mean duration of hospital stay was 4.3 days. Recovery rate was 94.01% with three cases referred to higher center. Mortality rate was 2.39%. Conclusions: Our study highlights various aspect of snake bite cases and tries to fi nd out ways to improve quality of life of patients, decrease mortality and morbidity and decrease economic burden on society.