But we should remember about the measure in everything. Abuse is the first step to complications. I have never paid much attention to the effect of the nasal drops, until few days ago we were talking with my friends and one of them told the story after which I understood that actually we have to pay particular attention and should be very careful.

It’s a story about dependence from nasal drops and sprays. Everything started with a simple cold, she simply had a snuffle. And when her mother suggested her to do steam inhalation with Eucalyptus essential oil for several days, she became very angry. What her mother is talking about?!  Why should she waste so much time and efforts if there are nasal drops and in few days everything would be as usual. But after few days, the situation stayed unchanged.

After using nasal drops for 2 weeks she felt dependent from it. It may sound funny, but she felt like a narcotics user. She couldn’t stop using it, in case she did, she started to pant. Then the cold left, but the problems with nose stayed with her and only another portion of drops let to remove the nasal at least for some minor period of time. It’s a story of acquisition of chronic rhinitis.

Narrowing the blood vessels, the drug increases nasal openings. But if you do it often, roughly speaking, lash vessels, like ride a horse to death, they cease to respond. But this does not mean that vasoconstrictor drugs are bad they are needed, for example, in acute rhinitis. With only one important notes: ” do not use nasal drops and sprays more than five days! “. Read article about quality of nasal sprays.

Most of the activities of CoQ₁₀ are a result of its role in bioenergetics and its antioxidant action. The levels of CoQ₁₀ have been reported to be lowered in many diseases like heart diseases, muscular dystrophies, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Drug treatments like statin therapy were also identified as reasons for lowered CoQ₁₀ (Mas and Mori, 2010). CoQ₁₀ is mainly responsible for the electron transport in the inner membrane of mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for the production of energy from food via respiration. Apart from its bioenergetic role, CoQ₁₀ and its reduced form ubiquinol also act as potent antioxidants. 

a.       Indications

The supplementation of CoQ₁₀ is an effective treatment in CoQ₁₀ deficiencies and in hypertension (Wyman et al., 2010, Kumar et al., 2009, Rosenfeldt et al., 2007). There is some scientific evidence that CoQ₁₀ supplementation might be useful in muscular dystrophies, Parkinson’s disease, periodontal disease and in migraine. Other uses of CoQ₁₀ include age related macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, AIDS, angina, asthma and diabetes (Shults et al., 2002). CoQ₁₀ can also improve physical performance and can rejuvenate the wrinkled skin (Littarru and Tiano, 2007).

b.      Background of the problem that the drug treats

CoQ₁₀ is endogenously synthesised in the body via the mevalonate pathway. Formation of mevalonate from 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) by HMG CoA reductase is the rate limiting step in the mevalonate pathway. Cholesterol is also synthesised via the same pathway. Thus, statin treatment which is intended to inhibit the HMG CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis also inhibits the synthesis of CoQ₁₀. Due to this reason statin treatment results in rhabdomyolysis and other muscular ailments. CoQ₁₀ can also be received from diet apart from endogenous synthesis, however the dietary source does not provide sufficient levels to replace the deficient amount with aging, disease or drug treatment (Bank et al., 2011).

Another important role of CoQ₁₀ is its antioxidant activity i.e. its ability to counteract oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to be the cause of many diseases. The human body is equipped with an effective antioxidant defence system which comprises antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidise etc. Antioxidant molecules are water-soluble or fat-soluble molecules which can scavenge free radicals. Glutathione and vitamin C are examples of water-soluble antioxidants. Fat-soluble antioxidants include vitamin E, carotenoids, CoQ₁₀, etc. However, in some disease conditions, the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defence system is altered leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to a chain reaction that produces free radicals which might eventually result in the damage of cellular components and even cell death. Excessive oxidative stress leads to the damage of various cellular components affecting their functions which in turn can lead to pathogenesis or progression of diseases. Antioxidants are the agents which can help prevent and reduce the production of oxidative stress and by doing this they help in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Oxidative stress is also known to be responsible for the aging process.

c.     The drug’s mechanisms of action

The possible mechanisms of CoQ₁₀ in cardiac diseases are improvement in cardiac bioenergetics, free radical scavenging and antioxidant effects, correction of CoQ₁₀ deficiency, vasodilatory effect, membrane stabilizing activity, antiviscosity effect and ability to alter immune responses (Kumar et al., 2009).

CoQ₁₀ exists in three different forms; namely ubiquinone, ubisemiquinone and ubiquinol. The antioxidant activity of endogenous or exogenous CoQ₁₀ could be due to direct action of CoQ₁₀ on superoxide radicals, or due to the scavenging activity of ubiquinol on oxygen- or carbon- centered radicals and the recycling of another lipophilic antioxidant, α-tocopherol (which is a form of vitamin E).

d.    Clinical Trials

More than 200 clinical trials have been conducted using CoQ₁₀ in various disease conditions and many trials are being conducted presently. The trials have shown that CoQ₁₀ is beneficial in neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, statin therapy, reproductive health, cancer and periodontal disease. The trials reported that CoQ₁₀ was safe and well tolerated at the tested doses (Bank et al., 2011). Clinical efficacy of CoQ₁₀ is sometimes limited because of the poor absorption of CoQ₁₀ from the gut. High lipophilicity and high molecular weight contribute to the poor bioavailability of CoQ₁₀. Formulations which can enhance the bioavailability of CoQ₁₀ are beneficial for effective response.

e.    Dosages

CoQ₁₀ is available as oral capsules or tablets. The dose range for CoQ₁₀ supplementation varies from 30 mg – 200 mg per day.

f.      Interactions with other drugs, foods, alcohol

CoQ₁₀ is fat soluble and thus the absorption can be enhanced when taken along with food rich in fat content. CoQ₁₀ may be helpful in reducing the toxic effects caused by doxorubicin and daunorubicin. CoQ₁₀ acts as an antihypertensive agent and scientific studies show that supplementation of CoQ₁₀ in patients taking antihypertensive medication allowed to lower the required doses of these antihypertensives.

References

BANK, G., KAGAN, D. & MADHAVI, D. 2011. Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Update and Bioavailability. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 16, 129.

KUMAR, A., KAUR, H., DEVI, P. & MOHAN, V. 2009. Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and Meniere-like syndrome. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 124, 259-327.

LITTARRU, G. & TIANO, L. 2007. Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Molecular biotechnology, 37, 31-38.

MAS, E. & MORI, T. 2010. Coenzyme Q(10) and statin myalgia: what is the evidence? Current atherosclerosis reports, 12, 407-420.

ROSENFELDT, F., HAAS, S., KRUM, H., HADJ, A., NG, K., LEONG, J. Y. & WATTS, G. 2007. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. Journal of human hypertension, 21, 297-603.

SHULTS, C. W., OAKES, D., KIEBURTZ, K., BEAL, M. F., HAAS, R., PLUMB, S., JUNCOS, J. L., NUTT, J., SHOULSON, I. & CARTER, J. 2002. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Archives of Neurology, 59, 1541.

WYMAN, M., LEONARD, M. & MORLEDGE, T. 2010. Coenzyme Q10: a therapy for hypertension and statin-induced myalgia? Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 77, 435-477.

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a medication classified as an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The term “psychosis’’ refers to a number of neurological ailments. Schizophrenia is a certain type of psychosis characterized mainly by clear perception but a marked thinking disturbance.

Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia is an intellectual condition characterized by disintegration of cognitive functions as well as psychological responsiveness. It often exhibits itself as hearing hallucinations, paranoid or unconventional delusions, or disorganized speech; it’s also associated with substantial social or work-related inability. The onset of signs and symptoms typically takes place in early maturity. Medical diagnosis is dependent on viewed behavior, as well as the patient’s noted occurrences.

 Schizophrenia is usually referred to with regards to negative and positive signs or symptoms. Positive symptoms are the ones that most people don’t typically encounter however are specific to individuals with schizophrenia. They might consist of delusions, disordered thinking and speech patterns, and responsive, auditory, visual, gustatory and olfactory hallucinations, usually considered to be manifestations of psychosis. Hallucinations can also be commonly linked to the information of the delusional concept. Positive symptoms typically comply well with medications. Negative symptoms include loss of typical cognitive functions, and react much less well to treatment. They frequently consist of flat or blunted affect and feelings, poor speech, inability to encounter satisfaction, insufficient need to create relationships, and deficit of motivation. Studies suggest that negative symptoms lead much more to low quality of living, practical impairment, and also the impediment on others, compared to positive indicators. Individuals with notable negative symptoms usually have a medical history of mediocre realignment prior to the start of the condition, and reaction to medications is often restricted (Velligan et al., 2003).

Inherited genes, early childhood environment, neurobiology, and mental and interpersonal procedures seem to be crucial contributory causes; some recreational and prescribed drugs apparently trigger or aggravate conditions. Present scientific studies are centered on neurobiology role, even though not one isolated natural cause has been discovered. The numerous probable mixtures of symptoms have brought on discussion about whether or not the medical diagnosis signifies just one condition or perhaps a variety of discrete syndromes.

 The proper diagnosis of schizophrenia is dependent on requirements in both the Manual of Mental Disorders and American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic, version DSM-IV-TR, and the ICD-10 of WHO’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. These types of requirements make use of self-reported activities of the individual and noted irregularities in behavior, accompanied by a medical evaluation by a psychological medical expert (Kapur, 2009).

 Zyprexa

 Zyprexa (olanzapine), which is an atypical antipsychotic, belongs to the class of thienobenzodiazepines that are primarily used to treat schizophrenia. Its molecular weight is 312.44 and its molecular formula is C17H20N4S. Olanzapine is chemically named 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno [2,3-b] [1,5] benzodiazepine.

Mechanisms of action

 The mode of action of olanzapine, much similarly to some other drugs having effectiveness in schizophrenia, is unclear. It is speculated, however, that this drug’s efficaciousness in schizophrenia is mediated by its antagonising action on both serotonin type 2 (5HT2) and dopamine receptors.

 Olanzapine provides a greater affinity for 5-HT2 serotonin receptors than D2 dopamine receptors. Similar to most of the atypical antipsychotics, Zyprexa has low affinity for histamine, cholinergic muscarinic, as well as alpha-adrenergic receptors. In addition, it has low affinity for benzodiazepine receptors that happen to be bringing about its sedating properties.

Clinical trials

A recent research demonstrated that olanzapine was tolerated better and prevented mania relapse more effectively than lithium, a drug frequently used to treat schizophrenia. Olanzapine was also better than lithium at preventing mixed episodes, but notably found no difference in the prevention of depression (Vogin, 2003). Another preclinical study conducted by Meltzner et al. (2008) showed that olanzapine is a practicable choice for treatment-resistant individuals who cannot use clozapine.

 Olanzapine is effective against negative, as well as positive symptoms. Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination (OFC) has an FDA indication for the treatment of acute bipolar depression.

 
Dosage

 Zyrexa’s minimum effective therapeutic dose is 5 mg and usually ranges from 10 to 30 mg daily doses (Potter et.al, 2007).

These adaptogenic herbs (except of Leuzea) have generally weak anabolic effect, but in its properties to improve performance and resistance to physical stress, they may be superior to many synthetic drugs. Steroids plants have no toxicity, well-tolerated, have few contraindications. A very important feature of the herbal anabolic steroids is their ability to enhance the activity of our own anabolic systems. They can be used both independently and with other anabolic.

Leuzea haz the strongest anabolic effect in this group and no side effects of anabolic steroids. Leuzea significantly increased protein synthesis and working capacity of athletes.

Leuzea (Rhaponticum carthamoides) is a perennial herb, also known as Leuzea carthamoides, or by its common names “maral root” or “Russian leuzea”.  Since the 1940’s, scientific experiments and clinical tests were done using extracts from various parts of the R. carthamoides plant and shown sveral therapeutic effects, like Enhancement of the immune system, Anti-fatigue, Antimicrobial effects, Antioxidant effects, Anticarcenogenic and Antimicrobial effects, Sexual enhancing, Normalization and prophylaxis of the cardiovascular system, Protective effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and the most strong Anabolic effect.

More about Leuzea Carthamoides, What is Herbal Adaptogens?

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS

• Do not use Celebrex if you have any known hypersensitivity reactions to celecoxib or sulphonamides.
• Do not use Celebrex if you have a history of allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs (including asthma andurticaria).
• Do not use Celebrex during the perioperative period in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• surgery
• Patients with known cardiovascular (CV) disease(s) should use with caution.
• Patients with history of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulcer disease(s), or other GI-related conditions, and especially the elderly, should use with caution.
• Avoid or use with care if you are already taking any of the drugs described in the Drug Interactions section.
• Hypertensive patients should monitor their blood pressure frequently while taking Celebrex.
• Patients with heart failure, impaired renal function, fluid retention or liver dysfunction should use with caution.
• The elderlyshould use with caution.
• Discontinue use of Celebrex with the first signs of rash or skin reactions.

Side Effects/Adverse ReactionS:
Serious cardiovascular events (including thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke).
Serious gastrointestinal events.
Liver events (rarely serious) including elevated liver enzymes.
Hypertension (onset or worsening of existing one).
Fluid retention that can lead tooedema.
Renal injuries such as renal papillary necrosis.
Anaphylaxis (allergic  reactions).
Serious skin events.
In arthritis patients, the following were sometimes observed: rash, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, flatulence, peripheral oedema, rhinitis, pharyngitis,sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infection. About dosage and Drug Interactions read here http://www.lifespanmeds.com/celebrex.html .

Numerous studies and practice have also shown that, while preserving, Evista reduces cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. “Bad” cholesterol is known an risk factor number one for heart disease, that is so important to low bad cholesterol level.

Evista for cancer prevention. Importantly, women taking Evista had no increased risk of breast or uterine cancer in studies of up to 3 years.

You should control  getting enough calcium in your diet , and take calcium supplements, if necessary. How Evista effects on fractures is not yet known. Do not take Evista, if you are or can still become pregnant, or have seriouse liver problems,  or you have hot flashes. Nor should you take Evista if you have  had blood clots that required a doctors treatment, although the chance of getting them from taking Evista is rare. Being immobile for a long time may add to the risk. Side effects with Evista have usually been mild, and most women  did not find them serious enough to stop taking it.  The most commonly reported side effects were leg cramps and hot flashes. Ask your doctor if Evista is right for you. For more information see here  http://lifespanmeds.com/evista.html.

Migraines
Studies have shown that CoQ10 administration can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks (Bonakdar, 2005).

Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies
CoQ10 was shown to reduce the symptoms of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies (Bonakdar, 2005).

Hypertension
Studies showed a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Bonakdar, 2005; Burke et al., 2001).

Read more about other conditions for which it may possibly benefit  http://lifespanmeds.com/coenzymeq10.html .

It has been shown that a once-a-day administration of azithromycin lasting for three days can have the same effectiveness as a once-a-day administration of other antibacterial agents that lasts for 5 or even 10 days. Side effects of azithromycin are mainly gastrointestinal in nature and occur in less frequency than other macrolides. It has lesser drug-drug interaction than other macrolides. Shorter duration of therapy, easy administration, and lesser adverse effect also account for the better compliance of patients towards azithromycin. It is helpful for patients who cannot take erythromycin due to several contraindications. (Dunn and Barradell, 1996). Read more http://lifespanmeds.com/zithromax.html .

A group of scientists (Hang Wu, Yan Zhao, Yi Guo, Li Xu, Baolu Zhao) from China studied the effects of a tetrapeptide from maize (TPM), characterised by amino acids Leu-Asp-Tyr-Glu, on the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Their results showed that TPM helped extend the lifespan of the worms when exposed to stress. Specifically, it extended their lifespan by 27.6% under oxidative stress, and by 36.9% under heat stress.

The effects were probably brought about by TPM’s role as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and by its ability to up-regulate the expression of stress resistance-associated genes (eg daf-16, sod-3, skn-1, ctl-1, ctl-2 and hsp-16.2).

Firstly, in the United States, generics are regulated by the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (2011). The mission of the center is to evaluate all new drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) to make sure they are safe and effective. There is even a distinct office devoted to the monitoring of generic drugs (Office of Generic Drugs: Chemistry and Bioequivalence Review). As such, all generic drugs must be the bioequivalence of their brand-named drug versions. If two drugs are bioequivalent, then they have the same pharmacokinetic characteristics so that one can be substituted for the other. When studies are conducted on animal research models, the generic drug and the name-brand drug must not greatly differ when the dose and conditions are the same.

In 1984, the FDA was first given the role of approving generic drugs. The guidelines for approval have improved over the years so that all generic drugs must meet these conditions: 1) contain the same ingredient as the name-brand drug; 2) be the same in strength, dosage, and path of administration; 3) have the same use; 4) bioequivalence; 5) same in identity, strength, purity, and quality; and 6) be made under the FDA’s good standards practices and regulations (FDA, 2003).

Still concern exists regarding the equivalence of generic drugs to their name-brand counterparts. In one review article by Kesselheim et al. (2008), the authors compared 47 studies that researched the comparisons between 8 different subclasses of cardiovascular generics and name-brand drugs. These studies used clinical measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure and urine output to compare cardiovascular drugs like β-blockers (Coreg vs. carvedilol), diuretics (Lasix vs. furosemide), and calcium channel blockers (Norvasc vs. amlodipine maleate). One study out of 47 did find significant differences in regard to the diuretic drug, furosemide. But overall, the conclusion of the review article was that generic and brand-name cardiovascular drugs produce the same clinical results in human participants. They suggested that switching from the drug, warfarin to the FDA’s bioequivalent generic drug can be safe, but monitoring should be conducted during the switch period.

Not only are generic drugs supposed to be bioequivalents of name-brand drugs, but generic drugs cost much less than name-brand drugs. According to the FDA, the cost to an individual that buys generic drugs is 80-85% lower than the cost associated with name-brand drugs. In 2009, a study published a National Prescription Audit documenting the average cost of generic drugs at $6.00, $29 for name-brand drugs, and $40 for non-preferred name-brand drugs (Aitken et al., 2009). Costs of drugs are a special concern for the elderly who may need the life-saving properties of a particular drug but are on a reduced income.

To save some income, seniors may choose to use generic-only medication. In a study that described the usage and financial status of seniors that switched from name-brand drugs to generics, these seniors had involuntarily switched from a capped name-brand drug plan that they had in 2001 to an unlimited generic only plan in 2002. The study conducted by Tseng et al. (2006) surveyed these seniors by asking them if they had changed any financial cost cutting strategies such as: 1) changed to less expensive drugs; 2) used current drugs less often than prescribed; 3) stopped taking their drugs; 4) did not start new prescriptions; 5) used free drug portions; 6) used someone else’s drugs; or 7) purchased drugs from other countries than U.S. The seniors were also asked when or if these cost cutting strategies occurred in 2001 (when they had the name-brand plan) or 2002 (when they had the generic drug plan). Of the 611 seniors surveyed, 71% had an income of $30,000 or less. Of their total income, they spent $2,484 in 2001 on drug costs, used 12.2 unique drugs or which most (52%) were name-brand drugs (Tseng et al., 2006). In the switch to generic only coverage in 2002, seniors used less medication (15%), stopped using their drugs (15%), or did not start new drugs (10%) compared to their usage in 2001.

Overall, 25% of seniors surveyed decreased their drug usage after the switch to the generic-only drug plan. This study was conducted when only about 7% of the name-brand drugs had generic equivalents.
Hence, most of the seniors did not have the option of using generics. If these generics had been available, the financial costs associated with the generic-only plan may have been reduced and the seniors may not have reduced their medications but continued to take the recommended dosages. Tseng et al. (2006) reported that 95% of seniors are aware of generics and 90% would use these generics if their physician recommended them.

Though there is a paucity of clinical evidence to support the conclusion that generics and brand-name drugs are bioequivalent, there exist opinions that interchanging brand-names for generics should not be conducted. These opinions may be generated from first-hand knowledge (and not clinical results), or may be influenced by the companies that produce brand-name drugs. Nowadays we can say, that generic drugs FDA approved, effective and safe