Hepatitis testing/drugs

Blood sugar levels, hepatic function tests Hepatic function tests Drug levels Thyroid function tests... 

Investigation of potential adverse interactions with drugs likely to be co-prescribed with the test drug may also be required. A generalised approach, such as the determination of effects on hepatic drug metabolising enzymes, may be sufficient, but in most cases, a number of drug-specific interaction studies will also be required. 

Other important adverse effects of methyldopa are development of a positive Coombs test (occurring in 10-20% of patients undergoing therapy for longer than 12 months), which sometimes makes cross-matching blood for transfusion difficult and rarely is associated with hemolytic anemia, as well as hepatitis and drug fever. Discontinuation of the drug usually results in prompt reversal of these abnormalities. 

Berlotti M, MorseUi-Labate AM, Rusticali AG, Loria P, CaruUi N, the Investigators of the Itahan Multicenter Study on UDCA in Chronic Hepatitis N. Ursodeoxychohc acid improves hver tests in chronic hepatitis. Clin Drug Invest 1999 17 425-34. 

Phenazone, commonly known as antipyrine, is still used therapeutically in some countries, although it is now used mainly as a marker of hepatic enzyme drug metabolizing activity. It is an old compound with little recent investigation, usually taken in combination with other analgesics, and an exact analysis of its adverse effects is impossible. Phenazone seems to have a low toxicity index, in correspondence with its weak anti-inflammatory effect. Allergic reactions are very rare (SEDA-6, 92) (SEDA-14, 92) (SEDA-16,108), but subjects undergoing the phenazone test should be informed of the potential risk. 

Apart from these two Vertex compounds, only one other caspase inhibitor, BDN-6556, has been used in clinical trials. This compound belongs to the class of oxamyl dipeptides and was originally developed by Idun Pharmaceuticals (taken over by Pfizer). It is the only pan-caspase inhibitor that has been evaluated in humans. BDN-6556 displays inhibitory activity against all tested human caspases. It is also an irreversible, caspase-specific inhibitor that does not inhibit other major classes of proteases, or other enzymes or receptors. The therapeutic potential of BDN-6556 was first evaluated in several animal models of liver disease because numerous publications suggested that apoptosis contributes substantially to the development of some hepatic diseases, such as alcoholic hepatitis, hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV), non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), and ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with liver transplant. Accordingly, BDN-6556 was tested in a phase I study. The drug was safe and... 

It also is important to take and record vital signs before the first dose of die antibiotic is given. The primary health care provider may order culture and sensitivity tests, and tiiese should also be performed before die first dose of die drug is given. Odier laboratory tests such as renal and hepatic function tests, complete blood count, and urinalysis may also be ordered by the primary health care provider. 

This drug is usually well tolerated, but nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, and pruritus may be seen. Most adverse reactions are mild and transient. On rare occasions, hepatic toxicity may be seen, and use of the drug must be discontinued immediately. Periodic hepatic function tests are recommended to monitor for hepatic toxicity. 

Continual cardiac monitoring assists the nurse in assessing the patient for adverse drug reactions. If the patient is acutely ill or is receiving one of these drugs par-enterally, the nurse measures and records the fluid intake and output. The primary health care provider may order subsequent laboratory tests to monitor the patient s progress for comparison with tests performed in the preadministration assessment, such as an ECG, renal and hepatic function tests, complete blood count, serum enzymes, and serum electrolytes. The nurse reports to the primary care provider any abnormalities or significant... 

When these drugs are given to the female patient with inoperable breast carcinoma, tire nurse evaluates the patient s current status (physical, emotional, and nutritional) carefully and records tire finding in tire patient s chart. Problem areas, such as pain, any limitation of motion, and the ability to participate in tire activities of daily living, are carefully evaluated and recorded in tiie patient s record. The nurse takes and records vital signs and weight. Baseline laboratory tests may include a complete blood count, hepatic function tests, serum electrolytes, and serum and urinary calcium levels. The nurse reviews these tests and notes any abnormalities. 

Drugs such as ribavirin that may directly reduce FIDV replication and specific inhibitors of HBV replication such as lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxU have been tested in combination with IFN-a in patients with chronic hepatitis D. 

Carbamazepine Manufacturer recommends CBC and platelets (and possibly reticulocyte counts and serum iron) at baseline, and that subsequent monitoring be individualized by the clinician (e.g., CBC, platelet counts, and liver function tests every 2 weeks during the first 2 months of treatment, then every 3 months if normal). Monitor more closely if patient exhibits hematologic or hepatic abnormalities or if the patient is receiving a myelotoxic drug discontinue if platelets are less than 100,000/mm3, if white blood cell (WBC) count is less than 3,000/mm3 or if there is evidence of bone marrow suppression or liver dysfunction. Serum electrolyte levels should be monitored in the elderly or those at risk for hyponatremia. Carbamazepine interferes with some pregnancy tests. 

Brandon, E.F., Raap, C.D., Meijerman, I. etal. (2003) An update on in vitro test methods in human hepatic drug biotransformation research pros and cons. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 189 (3), 233-246. 

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