Respiratory tract/system infections

It is less potent than ciprofloxacin and is primarily used in genitourinary tract infections. It is relatively more potent than ciprofloxacin in above condition. It is not useful in respiratory and systemic infections due to gram positive cocci. 

Exposure to hexachloroethane vapors can cause irritation to the respiratory system. Acute exposure to 260 ppm hexachloroethane had no apparent effect on the lungs and air passages in rats, but acute exposure to a concentration where particulate hexachloroethane was present in the atmosphere caused lung irritation (Weeks et al. 1979). On the other hand, intermediate-duration exposure to 260 ppm hexachloroethane appeared to cause some irritation of the respiratory epithelium, which may have increased susceptibility to respiratory infection. When exposure ceased, the animals recovered, so there were no histopathological indications of tissue damage after a 12-week recovery period. Lesions of the nasal passages, trachea, and bronchi increased mycoplasma infections mucus in the nasal cavities and decreased oxygen consumption were indicators of respiratory tract irritation from repeated episodes of hexachloroethane exposure. 

An increased incidence in mycoplasma infections in rats exposed to 260 ppm hexachloroethane for 6 weeks suggests that hexachloroethane might weaken resistance to infection (Weeks et al. 1979). This could be the result of either a change in the quantity or consistency of the respiratory tract mucus or a systemic weakening of the immune system. The data are inadequate to formulate any hypothesis regarding the mechanism for diminished host resistance or to postulate whether hexachloroethane in the environment might lower the resistance of humans to respiratory infections. 

SYSTEMIC EFFECTS Occurs primarily through inhalation and ingestion. The T vapor or aerosol is less toxic to the skin or eyes than the liquid form. When inhaled, the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, tracheae) is inflamed after a few hours latency period, accompanied by sneezing, coughing and bronchitis, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, and apathy. Exposure to nearly lethal doses of T can produce injury to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen as indicated by a drop in white blood cell (WBC) count and, therefore, results in increased susceptibility to local and systemic infections. Ingestion of T will produce severe stomach pains, vomiting, and bloody stools after a 15-20 minute latency period. 

Systemic Effects. Dermatitis appears to be the only effect of 3,3 -dichlorobenzidine (free base) exposure for which evidence exists in humans (Gerarde and Gerarde 1974). Gastrointestinal upset and upper respiratory tract infections have also been reported by workers, but the role of 3,3 -dichloro-benzidine was imcertain. 3,3 -Dichlorobenzidine has not been found to cause these effects in experimental animals. 

Infections Localized fungal infections with Candida albicans or Aspergillus niger have occurred in the mouth, pharynx, and occasionally in the larynx. The incidence of clinically apparent infection is low, and may require treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy or discontinuance of aerosol steroid treatment. Use inhaled corticosteroids with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculous infection of the respiratory tract, untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, parasitic or... 

Use with caution in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract, or in untreated fungal, bacterial, or systemic viral infections, or ocular herpes simplex. 

Systemic-The most common systemic adverse events seen with prostaglandin agonists were upper respiratory tract infection/cold/flu (4% to 10%). 

B. Status asthmaticus is a dangerous exacerbation of asthma symptoms. It requires immediate and aggressive treatment with oxygen, inhaled bronchodilators, and systemic corticosteroids. Hospitalization of the patient is often indicated. By definition, status asthmaticus is not a condition in which symptoms are well controlled. Neither cromolyn sodium nor a leukotriene modulator is indicated for the treatment of status asthmaticus, as their onset of action is too slow. Status asthmaticus often does not resolve without aggressive intervention. Indeed, the patient s condition can deteriorate rapidly to death. Upper respiratory tract infection or excessive exposure to an allergen often precedes status asthmaticus, as does increased use of inhaled bronchodilators. 

Systemic adverse events, including infections (colds and upper respiratory tract infections), headaches, asthenia, and hirsutism, have been reported... 

A combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is effective treatment for a wide variety of infections including P jiroveci pneumonia, shigellosis, systemic salmonella infections, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, and some nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. It is active against most Staphylococcus aureus strains, both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant, and against respiratory tract pathogens such as the pneumococcus, Haemophilus sp, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (but not Mycoplasma pneumoniae). However, the increasing prevalence of strains of E coli (up to 30% or more) and pneumococci that are resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole must be considered before using this combination for empirical therapy of upper urinary tract infections or pneumonia. 

Indications Treatment of the following serious infections due to susceptible gramnegative bacteria Septicemia Respiratory tract Bone and joint Central nervous system Skin and soft tissue Intra-abdominal Burns and postoperative infection Complicated, recurrent UTIs (aminoglycosides are not indicated for uncomplicated, initial episodes of UTIs) ... 

McElduff A, Mather LE, Kam PC, Clauson P. Influence of acute respiratory tract infection on the absorption of inhaled insulin using the AERx insulin diabetes management system. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2005 59 546-51. 

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... 

Oral bioavailability is 57%, and tissue and intracallular penetration is generally good. Telithromycin is metabolized in the liver and eliminated by a combination of biliary and urinary routes of excretion. It is administered as a once-daily dose of 800 mg, which results in peak serum concentrations of approximately 2 g/mL. Telithromycin is indicated for treatment of respiratory tract infections, including community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and streptococcal pharyngitis. Telithromycin is a reversible inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme system. 

IFN-y, a 20 to 25 kDa lymphokine, is synthesized naturally by activated T cells, and is critical in the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Beck et al. [94] have demonstrated the efficacy of aerosol-administered murine IFN-y in pneumocystis-infected mice, while the results of studies in rodents have indicated an antitumor effect [95] and anti-infective potential of IFN-y [96]. Deposition studies indicated that aerosolized IFN-y can be effectively delivered to the lower respiratory tract, and that IFN-y given by this route does not reach the systemic... 

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