Fixed drug eruption - most common adverse drug reaction

This study was conducted from January 2001 to January 2002 to report adverse reactions of commonly used drugs to UPPSALA/SWEDEN, through CPSP approved by Ministry of Health. Adverse drug reaction is any unintended or undesired response to a medication given at an appropriate dose [Anderson, 1987]. While reporting the adverse drug reactions, 50 cases out of 69 were diagnosed as having drug eruption [FDE]. This is one of the most common cutaneous or mucocutaneous reaction that has been reported for numerous drugs. The incidence can occur at any time without positive previous history but can be revoked by repeating the use of the same drug and also chemically related substance [Matasin, 1993]. In our study maximum cases were seen as [FDE] with vibramycin [Doxycline] next by the Septran [co-trimoxazole]. These results coincide with various other studies conducted through-out the world. This also indicates neither genetic nor racial predisposition for developing FDE. The reaction can be minimized by having a proper knowledge of the offending substance and clinical experience of the lesions

Therapeutic efficacy of allopurinol [zyloric] in cutanoues leishmaniasis

Present study was conducted to observe the therapeutic efficacy of allopurinol [Zyloric] to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis with the object of having a good alternate therapeutic agent of antimony compounds. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major tropical and subtropical parasitic disease to which antimony compounds injections are generally accepted treatment. This is expensive and not readily available in developing countries, besides serious side effects and devlopment of resistance. Allopurinol is an inexpensive, orally administered drug with less toxic and minimum side effects. This would be substantial advance in treatment. Previous studies in vitro have shown synergism between Allopurinol and antimony compounds [Martiniz and Marr, 1992]. We studied Allopurinol in a dose of 300 mg twice a day in 42 all adults, otherwise healthy patients for 14 days in two courses with a gap of 14 days in between. The cure response was 61% with mild side effects of pruritis in 4 patients, and nausea in 6 patients. The side effects were easily managed by 4mg of chlorpheniramine [Priton from Glaxo] and cyclizine [Marzine from - GSK] twice a day respectively. 8 patients who did not improve with Allopurinol, were given injections Glucantime [Antimony compound] intra-muscular for 14 days, among them 5 improved and 3 did not report back. This result however indicates superioriity of therapeutic efficacy of antimony compounds over allopurinol

Comparative study of diclofenac sodium and flurbiprofen in osteoarthritis

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of diclofenac sodium and flurbiprofen both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS] in osteoarthritis. Forty patients of either sex between the ages of 35-60 years suffering from osteoarthritis of at least one knee joint minimum of eight weeks duration were included in the study. Diclofenac sodium exhibited better results by improving the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in both high and low doses compared to flurbiprofen. The adverse effects observed were similar in both groups

Effect of garlic extraction on the bronchial musculature in guinea pigs

Garlic has been in human use since time immemorial. Besides its use and value as condiment and spice, it is reported to be having various pharmacological properties of therapeutic significance. It has been held in great repute by the ancient physicians and was also formerly much used in modern practice. It is employed as a remedy for respiratory tract ailments [Dictionary of Economic Products of India, 1889]. It is said to be expectorant, and decidedly beneficial in bronchial and asthmatic complaints. Therefore, the effect of garlic extract was studied on the bronchial system of guinea pig's respiratory tract to varify and to confirm or contradict the claims made in the literature. Water soluble fraction of alcoholic extract of garlic was used in this study. This fraction has been found to have a stimulant action [broncho-constriction] on bronchial tree. In high doses it further increases respiratory rate and amplitude as a sequence of bronchial constriction, but after the lapse of short duration, the animal regains the normal respiratory rate and amplitude

Effect of garlic extract on myocardial contractions of isolated rabbit's heart

Garlic [Allium sativum L.] has been reported in the literature to be possessing hypotensive property. The effect of the garlic extract was studied on isolated rabbit's heart, as one of the parameters in investigating the mechanism of hypotensive action. Water soluble fraction of alcoholic extract of garlic was used in this study. This fraction has been found to have an inhibitory effect on the isolated rabbit's heart preparation. It decreases the force of cardiac contraction. The degree of inhibition being dose dependent. In high doses [108 mg/kg body wt., and above], produces complete cardiac arrest in partial diastole for 5-6 seconds. Heart then regains the force of contractions quickly in the following 1.6-2.0 minutes. This effect of the extract was not altered by pre-treatment with Atropine. It is also found to have partial antagonistic activity to adrenaline, when administered immediately after adrenaline