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Safety information for Ketoprofen gel users

26/8/2013

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Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

The topical formulation of ketoprofen is widely prescribed for benign conditions in traumatology and rheumatology as well. It has been used in European Union since 1978.
In 2010, the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has conducted a scientific review of topical ketoprofen-containing medicines on the basis of reported photosensitivity reactions and co-sensitization with octocrylene (UV filter).
CHMP has concluded that photosensitivity reactions of topical ketoprofen-containing medicines are important adverse reactions, but that the benefit/risk profile of these medicines remains favourable.

Therefore, it is important that patients should be advised on several photosensitivity preventative measures such:
  • Wash hands thoroughly after each application of gel
  • Do not expose treated areas to sun, even if cloudy, or UVA during the treatment with ketoprofen or 2 weeks after its discontinuation
  • Protect treated areas from sunlight by wearing clothing
  • Topical ketoprofen should not be used under occlusive bandage
  • Discontinue treatment immediately upon development of any skin reaction, including cutaneous reactions after co-application of octocrylene containing products
(source: Irish Medicines Board)

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Rice water to treat diarrhoea in infants up to 5 months old

26/8/2013

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Small babies are sometimes quite difficult to treat as most of the pharmaceutical drugs are contraindicated for those up to 5 - 12 months old.

Common cold, benign infections, teething or changes in babies diet can induce diarrhoea and abdominal colics (cramps) in small babies or even in older children. Those up to 5 months old are at greater risk when suffering from diarrhoea as they are most likely to develop a rapid dehydration.

Unless the cause of the loose bowel motions (diarrhoea) is a really severe one (bacterial infections of the digestive tract, a.s.o.), parents could use a very old remedy for such condition and namely the rice water.

A lot of us have heard that the rice seeds can be beneficial in stopping diarrhoea. But how to use the white seeds when it comes about the small babies?

Here is a very simple recipe that any of you could use without headaches:

Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons of rice flour
  • 4 tablespoons of glucose powder
  • 1 liter water

Put the water to boil and then add the rice flour and the glucose powder. Simmer the mix for 25 minutes stirring from time to time. When ready, wait for the rice water to get to the room temperature and add it to the milk bottles as follows:
  • day one: 3 parts rice water and 1 part milk for each bottle of the day (if diarrhoea is a severe one - more than 6 or 7 watery stools per day - continue with the same proportions during the second day as well
  • day two and three: 1 part rice water and 1 part milk for each bottle of the day
  • day four: 1 part rice water and 3 parts milk for each bottle of the day (it could be continued respecting these proportions for one or more days or until diarrhoea will resolve)

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Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) - suggested medical uses

26/8/2013

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Petroselinum crispum or simply parsley, has been widely used for preparation of various food recipes. 

Apart from its cuisine-related use, it is attributed numerous qualities when used as an add-on therapy for conditions such as:
kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, jaundice(icterus), flatulence (excessive winds), indigestion, colics, diabetes, cough, asthma, oedema (swelling of tissues), osteoarthritis, anaemia,hypertension, prostate conditions and spleen conditions.

The recommended daily dose of parsley to ensure effectiveness when used as add-on treatment is 6 grams. Its medical effects are believed to be due to its volatile oils myristicin and apiol.

Parsley was reported to have a minor interraction with Warfarin (an anticoagulant) and it is contraindicated in case of pregnancy (induces abortion). Also, it should not be used as single medication to treat oedema due to cardiovascular cause or inflammation of kidneys.

However, new studies have demonstrated that parsley (apart from its diuretic effect) is a useful natural candidate to treat some autoimmune and allergic diseases as a result of its immunomodulatory effect.


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Cholesterol medication & Grapefruit - a Lethal combination

26/8/2013

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Grapefruit intake during the treatment with certain cholesterol lowering medication (statins) is a life threatening combination! 

This is not a myth, but pure reality. But how does it happen?
Some of the enzymes (CYP3A4) commonly present in the intestines are responsible for the breakdown of various medicines such as some of the statins. CYP3A4 regulates the intestinal absorption of ingested statins into the bloodstream thus preventing this drugs to accumulate in the organism. The fruit and also the juice of grapefruit in its turn destroy this useful enzyme and, as a result certain statins accumulate in growing amounts in the bloodstream eventually causing renal (kidney) and liver failure and ultimately death.

It is of no importance what time you consume grapefuit as long as you are taking these statins.

What are the symptoms indicating a statin accumulation in the body? The most relevant of them are: muscular pain, unexplained tiredness and fever.

Apart from the interaction with certain statins, grapefruit could also boost the concentration of other medicines in the organism up to dangerous levels. Here's a list of these medicines:
  • calcium channel blockers normally used to treat hypertension (Felodipine, Nifedipine)
  • certain statins (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Lovastatin)
  • benzodiazepines - medicines used to treat anxiety and insomnia (Diazepam, Triazolam, Midazolam, Temazepam)
  • immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine)
  • psychiatric and neurological medication (Buspirone, Carbamazepine, Sertraline)

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Vitamin A deficiency - signs, symptoms and causes

26/8/2013

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There are three forms of vitamin A: beta-carotens, retinols and carotenoids.
Deficiency of vitamin A is frequently found among the elderly, those chronically sick and the malnourished.
 
Among the first signs of vitamin A deficiency are: dry skin, dry hair, broken/brittle nails, impaired visual adaptation to darkness, decreased resistance to various infections(especially diarrheal and respiratory infections), infertility secondary to abnormal spermatogenesis, spontaneous abortion (due to secondary abnormal fetal development) and fatigue (excessive tiredness).

Other signs/symptoms of lack of vitamin A:
  • pruritus (itchiness)
  • keratomalacia (softening, drying and ulceration of the cornea) resulting in altered vision
  • xerophthalmia ("dry eyes" - reduced lacrimation)
  • anaemia
  • excessive deposition of bone at periostum level (periostum = a layer rich in very small blood vessels covering the bone structures)

Causes of vitamin A deficiency:
  • cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disorder affecting the exocrine glands)
  • cholestasis (delayed evacuation of bile from the gallblader)
  • certain small-bowel surgery (by-pass surgery)
  • fat malabsorption (reduced absorption of fat from the bowels)
  • pancreatic insuficiency (of the exocrine pancreas - not related to insulin production)
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • sprue (coeliac disease or a tropical disease of unknown cause manifested by diarrhoea and malabsorption of nutrients from the intestines)
  • vegan diet (containing only vegetable food)
  • alcoholism
  • young or very young persons living in poverty

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Atrial Fibrillation (AF) - "Am I suffering from AF?"

26/8/2013

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined as an irregular and often rapid heart rate which commonly causes poor blood flow to the rest of the body. During an episode of AF, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly and are out of coordination with the two lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).

AF is a condition which should be taken seriously due to it's main potential risks: atrial thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot inside the atrium chamber, as a result of the whirlpooled blood flow in the respective chambers due to the chaotic contraction of the atrial heart muscle during AF) leading frequently to stroke, heart failure (inability of the heart muscle to contract properly) and sudden death.

How do I know I suffer from Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?

AF is sometimes asymptomatic (clinically "silent") and in this case it usually goes unnoticed. If symptomatic (noticeable), here are some of the main symptoms which could indicate the presence of AF:
  • Irregular pulse
  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations
  • Feeling fatigued or lacking energy
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Feelings of fear or anxiousness
  • Chest discomfort or chest pain

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Charlestown Medical Centre
Charlestown Shopping Centre
St. Margaret's Road, Dublin 11

Phone: 01-2118770
Mobile: 087-7655180
            
Email (GP): gp@charlestownmedicalcentre.ie
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