Gastrointestinal side effects tract infections

The indications for these agents are in principle identical to those of the non-selective NSAIDs although the substances have not yet received approval for the whole spectrum of indications of the conventional NSAIDs. Because they lack COX-1-inhibiting properties, COX-2-selective inhibitors show fewer side effects than conventional NSAIDs. However, they are not free of side effects because COX-2 has physiological functions that are blocked by the COX-2 inhibitors. The most frequently observed side effects are infections of the upper respiratory tract, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort and headache. Peripheral oedema is as frequent as with conventional NSAIDs. The frequency of gastrointestinal complications is approximately half that observed with conventional NSAIDs. 

As with all drugs, the specific side effects of the quinolones must be considered when they are chosen for treatment of bacterial infections [5]. Reactions of the gastrointestinal tract and the central neivous system are the most often observed adverse effects during therapy with quinolones. It should be underlined, however, that compared with many other antimicrobials, diarrhea is less frequently observed during quinolone treatment. Antibiotic-associated colitis has been observed rarely during quinolone therapy. Similarly, hypersensitivity reactions, as observed during therapy with penicillins and other (3-lactams, is less frequently caused by quinolones. Some other risks of quinolone therapy have been defined and must be considered if a drug from this class is chosen for treatment of bacterial infections. 

Ertapenem. Ertapenem (Invanz) is another car-bapenam antibacterial agent that is similar to mero-penem (see below).11 Ertapenem is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and is often used to treat intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, as well as infections in the skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract. Side effects include chest pain, gastrointestinal problems (nausea, diarrhea), headache, and fever. 

Echinacea is derived from the root and seeds of the Echinacea plant that grows in parts of the Midwestern United States. This herb is used primarily to stimulate or support the immune system, and is often used to treat cold symptoms and other relatively minor respiratory tract infections.8 38 Although the exact reasons for beneficial effects are unclear, there is considerable evidence that echinacea preparations can reduce symptoms of the common cold when taken soon after symptoms appear.5,71 The ability of echinacea to prevent colds and other infections, however, is less well defined.49 Echinacea can also be administered topically to treat burns and other localized wounds. The most common side effects associated with echinacea are gastrointestinal (GI) upset, skin rash, and other allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.36... 

Niclosamide is often used to treat tapeworm infections since it is usually effective in a single dose. It is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and causes few side effects. The drug kills scoleces and cestode segments, but ova are not affected. The answer is (E). 

P8 8ii Pharmacokinetics Tarzion is a liquid antibiotic that Is taken orally to treat infections of the spleen. It is elfcctive only if it can maintain a concentration in the bloodstream (based on volume of body fluid) above 0.4 mg per dm of body fluid. Ideally, a concentration of 1.0 mg/dm in the blood should be realized. However, if the concentration in the blood exceeds 1.5 mg/dm , harmful side effects can occur. Once the Tarzion reaches the stomach, it can proceed in two pathways, both of which are flrst order (I) It can be absmbed into the bloodstream through the stomach walls (2) it can pass out through the gastrointestinal tract and not be absorbed into the blood. Both these processes are first order in Tarzion concentration in the stomach. Once in the bloodstream. Tarzion attacks bacterial cells and is subsequently degraded by a zero-order process. Tarzion can also be removed from the blood and excreted in urine through a first-order process within the kidneys. In the stomach ... 

Carindacillin, the indanylester of carbeni-cillin, is an oral preparation that may be used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. In 17 clinical studies in Japan a total of 375 patients were treated with this antibiotic, usually with daily doses of 1 —4 g. Gastrointestinal disturbances were complained of fairly frequently (12%). Incidental side effects (< 1%) were dizziness and rash... 

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