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$Title{Drug Profiles}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


Drug Profiles
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     On the following pages are drug profiles for the most commonly
prescription drugs, as well as a few selected over-the-counter medications.
These profiles are arranged alphabetically according to generic name.
     A drug profile summarizes the most important information about a
particular drug.  By studying a drug profile, you will learn what to expect
from your medication, when to be concerned about possible side effects, which
drugs interact with the drug you are taking, and how to take the drug to
achieve its maximum benefit.  Each profile includes the following information:

GENERIC NAME

     The drugs profiled in this book are listed by generic names.  You should
know both the generic and the trade names of ALL of the medications you are
taking.  If you don't know the contents of your medication, check with your
pharmacist.

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):

     The most common trade names of each generic product are listed, along
with the manufacturers' names.  Not every available trade name is included,
but as marly as possible have been listed.  "Various manufacturers" is listed
for some of the generic names--this indicates that there are generic products
available.

TYPE OF DRUG:

     The chemical or pharmacologic class or pharmacologic effect is listed for
each generic drug.

INGREDENTS:

     The components of each drug product are itemized.  Many
drugs contain several active chemical components; all are included
under this categor.

DOSAGE FORMS:

     The most common forms (for example, tablets, capsules, liquid,
suppositories) of each profiled drug are listed, as well as the drug's alcohol
content, if any.  Strengths or concentrations are also provided.

STORAGE:

     Storage requirements for each of the dosage forms listed are discussed.
These directions should be followed carefully, in order to ensure the potency
of your medications.

USES

     It is important that you understand why you are taking each of your
medications.  This section includes the most important and most common
clinical uses for each drug profiled.  Your doctor may prescribe a drug for a
reason that does not appear in this list.  The exclusion does not niean that
your doctor has made an error.  However, if the use for which you are taking a
drug does not appear in this category and if you have any questions about why
the drug was prescribed, consult your doctor.  A description of how the drug
is thought to work is also provided in this section.

TREATMENT

     Instructions are provided on how to take each profiled medication in
order to obtain its maximum benefit.  Information can be found on whether the
drug can be taken with food; how to apply the ointment, cream, ear drops, or
eye drops; how to insert suppositories; and recommendations for what to do if
you miss a dose of your medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     The most common and least serious reactions to a drug are listed in this
section.  Most of these side effects, if they occur, disappear in a day or
two.  Do not expect to experience these side effects; but if they occur and
are particularly annoying, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
     Suggestions for preventing or relieving some of these side effects are
also provided.

     Major.

     Major side effects are less common than minor side effects, and you will
probably never experience them.  However, should any of the reactions listed
in this section occur, you should call your doctor.  These reactions indicate
that something may be going wrong with your drug therapy.  You may have
developed an allergy to the drug, or some other problem could have occurred.
If you experience a major side effect, it may be necessary to adjust your
dosage or to substitute a different medication in your treatment.  It is
important to discuss this with your doctor.
     Keep in mind that new side effects are being reported daily.  If you
experience a reaction that is bothersome or severe, consult your doctor
immediately, even if the side effect is not listed.

INTERACTIONS

     This section lists the medications (both prescription and
over-the-counter drugs) and foods that can interact with the profiled drug.
Certain drugs are safe when used alone, but may cause serious reactions when
taken in combination with other drugs or chemicals or with certain foods.  A
description of how the profiled drug interacts with other drugs or foods and
what to expect if the two are taken together is also provided.  Keep in mind
that not all possible drug combinations have been tested.  It is, therefore,
important that your pharmacist and health care providers be aware of ALL of
the drugs you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter).

WARNINGS

     This section lists the precautions necessary for safe use of the profiled
drug.  It provides information on drugs that should be avoided if you have had
a previous allergic reaction or severe drug reaction, as well as information
on the conditions or disease states that require close monitoring while this
drug is being taken.
     In this section you will also find out whether the profiled drug is
likely to affect your driving ability, whether you are likely to become
tolerant to its effects, if it is dangerous to stop taking the drug abruptly,
and if you should discuss with your doctor stopping the drug before having
surgery or arry other medical or dental procedure.
     Certain individuals are allergic to the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine).  This section provides information on the tartrazine content of
the various dosage forms.
     Other information included in this category might concern supplemental
therapy--for example, drinking extra fluids while treating a urinary tract
infection or wearing cotton panties while treating a vaginal infection.
     A discussion of the known risks of treatment with this drug during
pregnancy or while breast-feeding an infant is provided.  It should be kept in
mind that for the majority of drugs available, the risks to a fetus or to a
nursing infant are not known.  Experiments are not usually conducted on
pregnant women and infants (for ethical reasons).  You should, therefore,
discuss the risks and benefits of any particular drug therapy with your doctor
if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are nursing an
infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
