on this page in order posted:  INFECTIONS,  ALLERGIES,  ASTHMA,  NARCOTIC ANALGESICS.

INFECTIONS

   Antibiotics and Antifungals have many different types, all to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Some general advice would be, tell your doctor about any rashes, these may be serious reactions to the drug,  tell your doctor if you experience diarrhea,  if you are on the birth control pill, finish all medication and drink plenty of water. The first section is on antibacterials,

Penicillen:  some examples are:  penicillin V / VEETIDS

                                                 amoxicillin / TRIMOX, AMOXIL

                                                 ampicillin / PRINCIPEN, OMNIPEN

  Interaction: Take on an empty stomach, but can be taken with food if stomach gets upset.

Quinolones:  some examples are:  ciprofloxacin / CIPRO

                                                    levofloxacin / LEVAQUIN

                                                    ofloxacin / FLOXIN

                                                    trovafloxacin / TROVAN

  Interactions:  Take on a empty stomach one hour before or two hours after eating.  If your stomach get upset, take it with food.  Avoid calcium containing products like milk, yogurt, vitamins or minerals containing iron, and antacids.    Taking caffeine containing products may increase excitability and nervousness.

Cephalosporins:  some examples are:  cefaclor / CECLOR, CECLOR CD

                                                          cefadroxil / DURICEF

                                                          cefixime / SUPRAX

                                                          cefprozil / CEFZIL

                                                          cephalexen / KEFLEX, KEFTAB

   Interactions:  Take on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals.  If stomach gets upset take it with food. 

Macrolides:  some examples are:  azithromycin / ZITHROMAX

                                                   clarithromycin / BIAXIN

                                                   erythromycin / E-MYCIN, ERY-TAB, ERYC

                                                   erythromycin+sulfisoxazole / PEDIAZOLE

  Interactions:  Take on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals.  If stomach gets upset take with food.

Sulfonamides:  an example will be sufamenthoxazole + trimenthoprim / BACTRIM, SEPTRA

    Interactions:  Take on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal.  If stomach is upset take with food.

Tetracyclines:  some examples are:  tetracycline / ACHROMYCLIN, SUMYCIN

                                                      dyxycycline / VIBRAMYCIN

                                                      minocycline / MINOCIN

   Interactions:  Take on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal.  If stomach gets upset, take with food.  It is important to avoid taking tetracycline / ACHROMYCIN, SUMYCIN  with dairy products, antacids and vitamins containing iron as they interfere with the medication's effectiveness.

Nitroimidazole:  an example is:  metronidazole / FLAGYL

   Interactions:  Avoid drinking alcohol or using medications that contain alcohol or eating foods prepared with alcohol while taking this drug, and for three days after you finish the medication.  Alcohol may cause nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headaches and flushing.

Antifungals:   some examples are: fluconazole / DIFLUCAN

                                                    griseofulvis / GRIFULVIN

                                                    ketoconazole / NIZORAL

                                                    itraconazole / SPORANOX

   Interaction:  It is important to avoid  taking these medications with dairy products or antacids. Avoid drinking alcohol, using medications that contain alcohol, or eating foods prepared with alcohol while  you are taking ketoconazole / NIZORAL and for at least three days after you finish the medication.  Alcohol may cause nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headaches and flushing.

ALLERGIES

    Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of colds, hayfever, and allergies.  They limit or block histamine, which is released by the body when we are exposed to substances that cause allergic reactions.  Anti histamines are available with and without a prescription and these products vary in their ability to cause drowsiness and sleepiness.

Antihistamines:  some examples of over the counter drugs are:

                                   bompheniramine / DIMETANE, BROMPHEN

                                   chlorpheniramine / CHLOR-TRIMETON

                                   diphenhydramine / BENADRYL

                                   clemastine / TAVIST

                          examples of prescription drugs are:  fexofenadine / ALLEGRA

                                                                                loratadine / CLARITIN

                                                                                cetirizine / CLARITIN

                                                                                astemizole / HISMANAL

  Interactions:  It is best to tike prescription antihistamines on an empty stomach to increase their effectiveness.  Some antihistamines may increase drowsiness and slow mental and motor performance. 

ARTHRITIS AND PAIN

Analgesic / Antipyretic:  These treat mild to moderate pain and fever.

           and example is:  acetaminophen / TYLENOL, TEMPRA

    Interactions:  For fast relief take on an empty stomach because food may slow the body's absorption of acetaminophen.  Avoid or limit the use of alcohol because chronic alcohol use can increase your risk of liver damage or stomach bleeding.  If you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medications. 

ASTHMA

    Bronchodilators: These are used to treat the symptoms of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These medicines open air passages to the lungs to relieve wheezing, shortness of breath and troubled breathing.

        some examples are:  theophylline / SLO-BID. THEO-DUR. THEO-DUR 24, UNIPHYL, 

                                       albuteral / VENTOLIN, PROVENTIL, COMBIVENT

                                       epinephrine / PRIMATENE MIST

     Interactions:  The effect of food on theophylline medications can vary widely.  High fat meals may increase the amount of theophylline in the body, while high carbohydrate meals may decrease it. It is important to check with your pharmacist what you are taking because food can have different effects depending on the dose form.   Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of foods and beverages that contain caffeine because it will stimulate the central nervous system.  Avoid alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and irritability.

NARCOTIC ANALGESICS

    These are available only with a prescription, providing relief for moderate to severe pain.  Codeine can also be used to suppress cough.  Some of these medications can be found in combination with non narcotic drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or cough syrups.  Use caution what taking these medications, take as directed by a doctor or pharmacist because they may be habit forming and can cause serous side effects when used improperly.

                    some examples are:  codeine combined with acetaminophen / TYLONOL #2. #3, #4,

                                                   morphine / ROXANOL, MS CONTIN

                                                   oxycodone combined with acetaminophen / PERCOCET, ROXICET

                                                   meperidine / DEMEROL

                                                   hydrocodone with acetaminophen / VICODIN, LORCET

   Interactions:  Avoid alcohol because it increases the sedative effects of the medication.  Use caution when motor skills are required, including operating machinery and driving.