Smoking and Drug Interaction
Posted on December 23, 2008 - Filed Under Health | Leave a Comment
Theophylline (Aminophylline, Deriphyllin, Theolong, Theomac)
This is a frequently prescribed bronchodilator to relieve and prevent symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. In smokers, the drug is more rapidly eliminated from the body than in non-smokers, and thus its level in the blood decreases faster, reducing the duration of action.
Some heavy smokers may require as much as one and a half to two time the maintenance dose of theophylline. It may take six months to three years to return to normal after smoking is stopped.
Propranolol (Inderal Corbeta), Metoprolol (Metolar, Betaloc)
Drug Therapy in Elderly
Posted on December 21, 2008 - Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
With altered organ-functions, the effects and efficient removal of drugs is affected in elderly. Elderly are more likely to experience adverse effects of drugs. They may not be able to tolerate full doses of drugs.
Medicines may exhibit abnormal responses in the elder age group. For example, Diazepam (a sedating drug) may cause prolonged sleep and behavioural problems.
