Toxic effects of multiple anticancer drugs on skin

In this study cutaneous toxicities associated With the administration of chemotherapy in combination are discussed. Rapidly growing cells are the targets of chemotherapy, so the skin, hair follicles, and nail matrix are frequently affected by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy skin reactions are more likely toxic than allergic reactions. There are numerous chemotherapy-induced cutaneous reactions that have beelfi described in the literature. In addition to a variety of miscellaneous reactions, 19 major cutaneous reactions were discussed in current study. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical spectrum of all cutaneous toxicities over two years in hospitalized and ambulatory patients in the Department of Pediatric oncology and to establish probable relationship between the reaction and suspected anticancer protocol with the help of WHO [World Health Organization] Common Toxicity Criteria by Grade. The data on the cutaneous toxicities were analyzed by percentile and ranking method The minimal [0.8%] cutaneous adverse effects monitored during the study were Petechiae, photosensitivity, pruritis, urticaria wound-infection, erythema multiforme, hand-foot skin reaction, injection site reaction, dry skin. Alopecia was the single most common [64.3%] adverse effect observed during the study, where as the pigmentary changes were the second most common [18.2%] adverse effect monitored. While these side effects are generally not life threatening, they can be a source of significant distress to patients especially alopecia

Kohl [SURMA]: retrospect and prospect

Kohl, since antiquity has always been given a prime importance in ophthalmology for the protection and treatment of various eye ailments. However, for decades various conflicting reports in the literature have been published relating to Kohl application to eyes being responsible for causing higher blood lead concentration, which may cause lead poisoning. While at the same time, a number of research studies and reports have also been published negating any such links with increased blood lead level upon Kohl [surma] application. In view of the above mentioned facts, this review article is written with the objective to highlight various data from past and present research studies and reports about Kohl, so as to provide valuable information to both the users and the research workers about it-s scientific background and effects when applied into eyes. A large number of items and topics [such as Kohl, surma, eye cosmetic, traditional eye preparations, environmental lead pollution, galena, lead sulphide etc.] have been taken into consideration while compiling this review article. In conclusion, the authors of this review article feel that the relation between Kohl and toxicity or increased blood lead concentration upon it-s application to eyes as reported elsewhere is likely to be more of theoretical nature rather than a practical health hazard

Quality of ceftriaxone in pakistan: reality and resonance

The quality of pharmaceuticals is a global concern, counterfeit/ poor quality/ substandard medicines can cause harms in various ways: In a number of developing countries including Pakistan there is reportedly a high incidence of the availability of substandard drugs. The majority of these reports do not contain quantitative data to support these claims, nor do they describe the methodology employed for the quality assessment. Quality of drugs available in Pakistan are being questioned and topic of discussion in local news paper, TV channels in general public including journalist and physicians due to disparity of price among same generics, lack of knowledge for such science and unknown reasons. Since, quality of drugs can neither be assessed by naked eye or by every one therefore, randomly selected, 96 samples of different strength of Injection Ceftriaxone Sodium and its generic, a widely used third generation cephalosporin in Pakistan since 1982 and 1994 till date respectively included in the said study to know the reality. 15.62% of Ceftriaxone Injection was found to be Out of Specification, however, not a single sample was found fake [spurious] out of 96 tested samples. Nevertheless, quality is a wide ranging concept covering all matters that individually or collectively influence the excellence of a product hence price and other related issues are also analyzed in the study

Effects of tryptophan and valine administration on behavioral pharmacology of haloperidol

Development of antipsychotics with slight/no extra-pyramidal symptoms [EPS] and/or other side effects is one of the exploring fields of drug research. Haloperidol is a high potency typical neuroleptic used in the treatment of schizophrenia but produces muscles related side effects commonly known as EPS. These effects are not produced following the administration of atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine. A severe side effect of clozapine treatment is however, agranulocytosis. This involves investigation on the mechanism by which a typical neuroleptic acting via serotonergic mechanism tends to produce less or no EPS. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the effect of serotonin precursor tryptophan and a large neutral amino acid other than tryptophan [valine] on the modulation of haloperidol induced catalepsy and akinesia. Cataleptic effects of the drug and activity reducing effects were monitored on inclined surface and in an activity box or open field respectively. The results are discussed in the context of a role of tryptophan and valine induced changes of brain serotonin in modifying the extrapyramidal and monoaminergic effects of the typical neuroleptic haloperidol. In the present study administration of TRP and valine decreased activity in rats, haloperidol-induced catalepsy' was not modulated by prior administration of tryptophan or valine. Brain serotonin levels were elevated by haloperidol treatment and correlated very well with the behavioral response. These findings suggest a possible serotonergic involvement in neuroleptic induced tardive dyskinesia and an amelioration of the disorder through TRP supplementation

Pharmacokinetic difference of some generic tablet gliclazide 80 mg on Pakistani population

The goal of rational drug therapy is to produce a desired pharmacological response in an acceptable and predictable manner while minimizing the occurrence of undesired events. The Pharmacokinetics of different generics of tablet gliclazide 80 mg was investigated on healthy [10 x 2], Pakistani subjects. For this exploration an open-label, randomized, two-period crossover [Balanced in Complete Block Design] study, was conducted The out come of the said study suggests that all generics were found analogous regarding pharmacokinetic behavior in-spite of having different excipients, concentration of excipients, sources of raw material, manufacturing process, machinery, resources and also inter individual variation of the study. Results of the study also undoubtedly advocate that generics manufactured in different manufacturing units of Pakistan are near to the standard formulation and produce comparable results. No significant differences in pharmacokinetics parameters were observed, however, minor differences might narrate with inter individual variation in human volunteers and in different generic as well as different pharmaceutical unit