Oral Drug Reactions

Question: If I am allergic to an oral sulfa drug would I be allergic to a topical sulfa drug? If I am allergic to sulfa drugs (orally), would I have an allergic reaction to Silvadene which uses the active ingredient silver sulfadiazine? Thank you.

Answer: Not necessarily - but you never know -- I would just watch with the topical - and clean it off ASAP at the first sign of itching or swelling -

Question: Drug Interactions? Are there any known adverse reactions when Zoloft is taken along with decongestants, such as nasal sprays or oral decongestants?

Answer: Decongestants may aggravate the side effects of Zoloft, eg. it can fasten your heart rate (tachycardia), increase blood pressure, cause agitation and even chest pain. Its best to avoid oral decongestants when on Zoloft. Go for decongestant nasal sprays instead....they have much less interaction with Zoloft. Hope that helps!

Question: Speech for Oral Comm Class...Animal Testing..What do you think, thoughts and suggestions good and bad needed!!? Each year 100 million animals are used worldwide in experiments. They are used mainly to test the toxicity levels of anything from cleaning products to medications. There are many arguments for and against this practice, but for many people one fact remains the same, using animals in a cruel manor is wrong. There are two main reasons for conducting animal experimentation, first, to find out more about the animals themselves, and, secondly, to test substances and procedures to see if they are harmful to humans. There is a growing consensus that it is not acceptable to test cosmetic products on animals. The debate is about whether we should experiment on animals for scientific and medical purposes. Past experience has shown what invaluable advances can be made in medicine by experimenting on animals, and that live animals are the most reliable subjects for testing medicines and other products for toxicity. Testing on animals has helped develop vaccines for many life threatening diseases and virus’s related to organ transplantation rejection. In addition to this, animal testing has also helped in the improvement of procedures related to measuring the blood pressure, and pacemaker technology. In fact, many of the medications vaccines and surgical techniques used today would not be around if it were not for animal testing. Supporters for animal testing argue that research is justified because it assists in discovering ways to help people and other animals for the future. Animal testing has also helped other animals, for example the heartworm medication that was devised from research on animals has assisted many dogs. Cat nutrition has been better understood through animal research and has assisted cats to live longer and healthier lives. The major problem most people have with animal testing is that in many cases it is not carried out humanely. Many of the animals used are kept in terrible conditions with little care, and when they are not needed anymore they are killed. The critics of animal testing base their argument on the grounds of morality, the necessity these procedures, and whether it is being carried out by people with proper authority to perform such tests. Deaths through research are considered unnecessary and are morally not different from murder. Others argue that the reaction of an animal to a drug is quite different than that of a human being. In the United States there are products that are required by law to be tested on animals before becoming available for Human use. For example the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires by law that pesticides be tested on dogs, who are shoved into inhalation chambers where they are exposed to deadly poisons being pumped into their chambers, the FDA requires that companies marketing fluoride products, such as toothpaste, swab the teeth of 200 rats with the test substance for two weeks, at which time the animals are killed. It is seen by many people as unfair to the animals, they have the right to life just as any human does, and there are alternatives to these practices. In many cases it would, however, be difficult to test new drugs or chemicals on anything but animals. When testing on animals has the possibility of curing a disease, or preventing toxic chemicals from entering the shelves for the public to ingest, it becomes seemingly impossible to find a way to put an end to this practice. There are other ways animals can be tested. In many cases it is not necessary for the animal to be euthanized after their research period is over but in almost all of these cases they are killed. Without getting to deep into the science of it there are ways to test new drugs and medical advances that are harmless to humans and animals, with the technological advances of today’s society there are some research firms which use only human tissues and advanced computer technology in the process of drug development and testing, in some cases this method has proven to be more effective than the tests used on animals. Now and in the future computer models can be used to devise the reaction of a drug to the animal; as a result it would eliminate the necessity for live animal experimentations. The development to the extensive application of substitutes to animal experimentation will persistently gain momentum as people become more aware about the problem. Though it is hard to eliminate animal testing completely, consumers can prevent the unnecessary animal testing by boycotting certain products that don’t necessary require animal testing. To conclude, all we can do now is to try to reduce the number of animals being harmed in these experiments aimed at benefiting society.

Answer: This statement is, quite frankly, completely incorrect: "The major problem most people have with animal testing is that in many cases it is not carried out humanely. Many of the animals used are kept in terrible conditions with little care, and when they are not needed anymore they are killed. The critics of animal testing base their argument on the grounds of morality, the necessity these procedures, and whether it is being carried out by people with proper authority to perform such tests." Look into the laws that regulate the use of animals in teaching and research (google animal welfare act). The laws that control the humane use of animals in research are very stringent (even more so than the laws that govern how I treat and house my own animals). Institutions or corporations that use animals in teaching and research are federally mandated to oversee and evaluate all aspects of animal care and use (this includes both the necessity of the testing and the competence of individuals to perform procedures). Good luck with your speech. I do hope you fix some of your erroneous ideas, however.

Question: Another serious health warning, or another scare tactic aimed at parents...? A health watchdog has warned that children under 16 should not be given a popular brand of mouth pain treatment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an alert on oral pain relief gels which contain salicylate salts, including Bonjela and Bonjela Cool mint gel. The salts have the same effect on the body as aspirin, which is not recommended for those under the age of 16. There are concerns that young children could develop Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition which leads to serious liver and brain damage. It is thought a previous viral infection, such as flu or chickenpox, and exposure to aspirin could trigger the illness. However. no cases have yet been reported in connection with Bonjela. Bonjela Teething Gel for young children contains a different formula to the adult varieties and is unaffected. Bonjela is designed to relieve the pain and swelling caused by mouth ulcers, denture sores and brace sores. A statement from the MHRA said: "This is a precautionary measure only and there are no new safety concerns." As of April 16 this year, three suspected serious adverse drug reaction reports were received by the MHRA in association with the use of oral gels containing choline salicylate, including Bonjela. All three cases were in children and all ended up in hospital. However, Reye's syndrome was not confirmed in any child. The MHRA also received another four reports of vomiting or diarrhoea in children following the use of Bonjela, three of which related to the child being given the gel for teething pain. All the children made a full recovery. A statement from manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser said Bonjela and Bonjela Cool would now be clearly labelled Adults and Children over 16 and that the packaging for Bonjela Teething Gel has also been changed. The statement added: "There have been no confirmed cases of Reye's Syndrome associated with Bonjela or Bonjela Cool, which remain safe and effective treatments for adults and children 16 years and over. "Reckitt Benckiser's Bonjela brand... is the UK's number-one-selling pain-relieving gel for mouth sores and has sold over 62 million packs in the last 40 years in the UK." http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News… Your views please!

Answer: Serious health warning. If Bonjela contains the same ingredients as aspirin then parents need to be aware. Reyes syndrome is rare, but it IS serious.

Question: Numb lip and tongue? My aunt is experiencing numbness in her lip and tongue and also pain in her throat, chest and around her heart only in the morning. She is currently taking Benicar oral, Could this be an allergic reaction to this drug, or is it just a side effect?

Answer: It sounds like it could be an allergic reaction to the medication but I would recommend that she get in touch with her doctor to have them evaluate the situation further to see what they think could be going on.

Question: Can anyone recommend a really good, effective acne treatment? At 29 I've suffered from acne in various degrees since my early teens. It's mainly on my cheeks, forehead, jawline and occassionally my shoulders and across my collar-bone. It seems to go through phases of being painful and below the surface (so not too visible), to full on nasty-looking. I've tried oral drugs such as Erythromycin and Tetracycline (which I had an allergic reaction to) as well as prescription creams and over the counter stuff such as Oxy, Clearasil, etc. I tried Dianette contraceptive pill quite some time ago and this had marginally better results. Unfortunately my skin seems to be quite sensitive too and goes through phases of extreme dryness, coupled with large pores. I recently changed all my make-up to Benefit as I was informed this was hypoallergenic and this doesn't seem to clog my pores anymore. Can anyone recommend something? I don't mind the price (within reason) but it seems I've been ripped off many a time by these so-called 'Wonder cures'...

Answer: Proactiv works great (if you use it properly) You are best off purchasing the 5 piece kit, or getting the 3 piece and adding the additional 2 add ons (some places don't carry the 5 piece) You can order Proactiv online or by phone and now (some areas) the mall. The kit comes with a facial cleanser and this has 2.5% benz. peroxide. which is a good amount because anything more than that (as seen in AcneFree products which have 10%) will dry up your skin. The key to using the cleanser is scrubbing your face in a circular motion for a good solid minute and then rinsing it off. After that use the toner. Not too much, ten drops maximum on a cotton square or circle (not cotton ball it'll use up all your product) and then let that dry completely before moving on to your next step. Daily Oil Control has Nylon 12 which has little "micro sponges" that help suck up any extra oil on your face...don't have oil that's okay, it'll help balance out your skin anyways. Then you use a small nickle sized amount of the Repairing lotion, this acts as your all day acne fighting agent. Finish up with moisturizer. Proactiv can sometimes be slightly drying to your skin so moisturize, it's so important!! If you don't your skin produces more oil to try to compensate for the loss. Becareful with the products that have benz. perox. (cleanser and lotion) they will bleach your towels, sheets, clothing, pillow cases etc. Hope this helps. (Former Proactiv employee)

Question: orals herpes? a freind of mine wears dentures and is suffering from a small white, painful bump on his gum, underneath his dentutres.he is not currentl sexually active, but was abiout 6-10 months ago could this be herpes, or some other infection? or some kind of drug reaction to prescription drugs

Answer: It could be a cold sore or, just irritation from the dentures. Should get it checked out from his physician.

Question: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal antiinflammatories) - just how much do people know about the side effects of these drugs I'm asking this question to highlight just how dangerous these drugs can be. Vets hand the stuff out like its harmless - it's not. Mostly it's just a cheap, quick fix. Count up how many times people advise questioners to give a horse or pony (or even a foal) 'bute. I have yet to read anyone (except me) say anything about the toxic side effects of NSAIDs - especially 'bute. It causes gastric and oral ulcers, allergic reactions and renal capillary necrosis - which is always fatal. NSAIDs (especially 'bute) are highly toxic and contraindicated for foals, for dehydrated, blood volume depleted or stressed horses - one dose of bute can cause RCN; repeated use, even at low doses, can also result in kidney failure and digestive disorders. FOALS, older horses, sick horses, horses with previous kidney stress, dehydrated horses, stressed horses - are all at risk. Ulcers are the least of the problems - read the question. And besides what I am referring to is the habit people have of just dispensing advice without considering the full implications of that advice - and with bute those implications include always fatal renal failure. "Irreversible toxic effects may occur within 48 hours in dehydrated or blood volume depleted horses that are given a single dose of NSAID, particularly bute. The syndrome is known as renal capillary necrosis and is fatal. Even if administered at recommended doses, bute can be a toxic product for a dehydrated horse." "FOALS LESS THAN 6-8 MONTHS OF AGE ARE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF BUTE." This can occur from acute toxicity (3-5 days) or chronic doses over months or years. From Loving and Johnson 'Veterinary Handbook for the Performance Horse'. MR - of course any drug can be fatal; but few are as toxic or as widely used and freely dispensed as bute. Overmedication is a worldwide problem - for humans and animals. We have resistance to antibiotics world wide because of slack prescription practices & because patients demand pills. Antibiotics used when people have viruses have resulted in AB resistant bacteria. Same with animal wormers. Lisa - an informed decision taken in consultation with a vet is one thing - throwing the drug at all or any problems without knowing the possible consequences is another entirely. There are alternatives - bute happens to be both cheap and highly potent. Why do you think it isn't used for humans? Horses produce a lot of endorphins and encephalines - nature's own opiates. All prey animals do - and there are alternative ways of managing the undesirable side effects of inflammation. As to a foal with both front legs in a cast - I'd think twice about adding bute to its problems. KB - the manufacturers have to note the reported & proven cases - actual incidence is far higher. Standards for dispensing & use of drugs for animals, unless they are destined for human consumption, are pretty low. A horse gets sick or dies - it can be attributed to any number of things. Unless tests are done, who knows and who bothers to report to the manufacturers? How many people know that they should establish if a horse is dehydrated, BV depleted before giving bute? Ever had a vet warn you about the side effects or check for those things? Doubt it. My purpose in asking this question is to make people think before doing something just because others do it. That's all. You all sidestep the question of pain as nature's limiter on movement - I'm not suggesting leaving animals to suffer - I spend my life trying to prevent that - I just want to avoid adding to that suffering by unnecessary administration of a powerful drug. OK LAST POINT - promise :) In light of the issues in the US about equine slaughter, no horse with bute in its system should go for meat consumption - bute isn't just toxic for horses - it has the same effects on people and pets. It's one of the reasons they leave horses destined for animal for human consumption in pens for a time to clear any drugs from their system - which hugely adds to the stress the animals suffer. Final final word.Check out studies by Dr A Blikslager and Dr S Jones - assoc. profs of equine surgery and equine medicine, respectively, Dept of Clinical Sciences College of Vet'y Medicine, Nth Carolina State University. They confirm the earlier studies I drew my data from. "Butazolidin (phenylbutazone), and Banamine (flunixin meglumine) are absorbed systemically & are transported throughout the body via the bloodstream, they reach unintended targets where they can have adverse effects. Specifically, there is increasing evidence that two organ systems are particularly susceptible to these drugs: the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys." "...owners also need to be aware of the possibility of complications even when they follow these (labelled instructions)". "Other factors, particularly dehydration, should alert owners to be especially cautious about administration of even low doses of NSAIDs" "...some horses develop adverse effects when given normal doses."

Answer: My horse has just had major surgery and had his leg pinned together, I've got another couple of days of giving IV Banamine and then I'll change to bute paste - are you suggesting that I should leave him without pain meds just in case that he might develop ulcers. That's like telling me there's no morphine after back surgery? I should also say that we used to have around 150 foals per year on the farm and we gave foals IV bute and Banamine after knee surgery, one has fractured sesamoids, another bust his face running into a feeder - many instances of giving them bute and we never had any of the aforementioned problems. Another case in point is a lot of polo ponies in high goal play nearly the entire season on up to 6 grams per day and again, never seen any ill effects from using it. All medications has some contra-indications and side effects. If I took to heart everything written on the bottle of Vytorin or even the Pill, I'd have high cholesterol and be pregnant. Edit - So you have a foal that has come out of surgery to fix fractured sesamoids in both fronts and is wearing casts - what do you suggest we give her instead of bute or banamine? To deprive or deny anything - be it human or animal, pain relief through medication is not only barbaric but also unethical. And I have to agree with KB because even Tylenol can cause irreversible liver damage if taken in higher than prescribed amounts. I should also mention that even cod liver oil, widely available OTC can cause bleeding problems in some people because it messes with the clotting. I'm not sure what you are trying to get across here or what you are suggesting as an alternative?

Question: Herpes? Chlorine? Any ideas? Well, A couple weeks ago I was in my friends pool. I didnt plan on getting in so I just had a shirt and shorts on. No Underwear. My friends put me on his shoulders and drug me out, and lowered me into the water so just my bottom was under. Well the day after that I noticed bumps in my vagina. They werent white or any other color than the ones in my vagina. Well I went swimming in my own pool a while after that, and more came back. I was worried cause i have dont oral activity with my bf and he has fingered me. No sex though. He told me not to worry because he was clean, I believed him and just stayed out of pools. Well its been about 3 weeks now, I have stayed out of pools except i went swimming at the lake last week. None came back. Every other day it seems that I lose a couple of the bumps, and now I only have about 20 instead of 32 like when i first noticed them. A doctor is not an option right now. My friend puts lots of chlorine in, do you think its just a reaction to all of it?

Answer: Our "goodies" can react to several different stimuli. For instance, some of us can't use bar soap without getting a yeast infection. It sounds like you're reacting to something in pools (chlorine, possibly), not necessarily your sexual activity. Do you get these bumps after you and your boyfriend get heavy? Either way, it's always the best idea to get yourself checked out by a doctor...and a doc is always an option, since there's always access to one. Planned Parenthood is a great place to start; they're nationwide.

Question: Methadone and Ultram? Would a pain management doctor prescribe these two together. Keep in mind that she prescribed me Paxil and Ultram together, but I have not started the Paxil yet.These are known to have a major drug interacton. Also keep in mind that she put me on Fentynal 12mcg when I have not been taking opiate pain medication on a regular basis and no one has tried to treat my pain with oral pain medication. I'm no longer on the Fentynal because of an allergic reaction to the Fentynal. So do you think she will put me on Methadone with the Ultram even though Methadone has opiate blockers?

Answer: Methadone DOES NOT have opiate blockers,and taking the 2 together will not harm you!! If you were prescribed a 12.5mcg Fentanyl patch then you will most likely be given 20mg of meth in the morning and 20mg every 8 hrs after that