1. Paracetamol -PCM
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. It is commonly used to treat headaches, muscle pain, colds, flu, and other mild to moderate pain conditions. medicines for daily healthcare.
Medicines for daily healthcare.
we are going to provide you the best information about the medicines written by our Founder – DEEPAK SHUKLA who is the pharmacist having experience over more than 15 years.
Dosage & Usage
- Adults: Typically 500–1000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 4000 mg per day).
- Children: Dosage depends on weight and age; always follow a doctor’s advice or package instructions.
Precautions
- Avoid excessive use as it can cause liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol.
- Not recommended for people with severe liver disease.
- Be cautious of other medications containing paracetamol to prevent overdose.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is commonly used for headaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and minor injuries.
Dosage & Usage
- Adults: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (maximum 1200–3200 mg per day, depending on prescription or over-the-counter use).
- Children: Dosage is based on weight and age; follow a doctor’s recommendation or package instructions.
Precautions & Side Effects
- Stomach issues: Can cause irritation, ulcers, or bleeding (take with food to reduce risk).
- Heart risks: Long-term use at high doses may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Kidney function: Can affect kidney health, especially in people with pre-existing conditions.
- Drug interactions: Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or certain blood thinners without medical advice.
3. Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and swelling in conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, back pain, and post-surgical pain. It is available in various forms, including tablets, gels, and injections.
Dosage & Usage
- Oral tablets: 50–100 mg per day in divided doses (max 150 mg per day).
- Topical gel: Applied to the affected area 2–4 times daily.
- Injections: Used in hospitals for severe pain under medical supervision.
Precautions & Side Effects
- Stomach issues: Can cause ulcers, gastritis, or bleeding (take with food).
- Heart risks: Long-term use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Kidney & liver effects: May worsen pre-existing conditions.
- Not recommended during pregnancy (especially in the third trimester) or for people with a history of stomach ulcers or heart disease.
4. Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide class, used to treat bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from growing.
Common Uses
- Respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis)
- Throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis)
- Skin infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea)
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Typhoid fever
Dosage & Usage
- Adults: 500 mg once daily for 3 days (or as prescribed).
- STIs (Chlamydia): Single 1g (1000 mg) dose.
- Children: Dosage based on weight (usually 10 mg/kg/day for 3 days).
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting
- Rare but serious: Allergic reactions, irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation)
- Avoid alcohol during treatment
- Not effective against viral infections (like flu or cold)
- Use with caution in patients with liver or heart problems
5. Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone class. It is used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Common Uses
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
- Gastrointestinal infections (traveler’s diarrhea, typhoid fever)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Gonorrhea)
- Bone and joint infections
- Anthrax exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults: Typically 250–750 mg every 12 hours, depending on the infection.
- UTIs: 250–500 mg twice daily for 3–7 days.
- Typhoid fever: 500 mg twice daily for 7–14 days.
- Children: Generally not recommended unless no alternative is available
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness
- Serious risks:
- Tendon rupture (especially in older adults and those on steroids)
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- QT prolongation (irregular heart rhythm)
- Mental health effects (anxiety, confusion, hallucinations in rare cases)
- Avoid dairy and calcium supplements (reduces absorption).
- Do not take with NSAIDs (may increase seizure risk).
- Not recommended in pregnancy and children due to joint/cartilage effects.
6. Aspirin
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also widely used for its blood-thinning properties to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Common Uses
- Pain relief (headaches, muscle pain, arthritis)
- Fever reduction
- Inflammation reduction (arthritis, rheumatic diseases)
- Heart attack & stroke prevention (low-dose aspirin therapy)
- Blood clot prevention (for people with heart disease or history of strokes)
Dosage & Usage
- Pain & fever: 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours (max 4g/day)
- Heart attack & stroke prevention: 75–100 mg daily (low-dose aspirin)
- Rheumatic diseases: Higher doses may be required (under medical supervision)
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea
- Serious risks:
- Stomach ulcers & bleeding (especially with long-term use)
- Increased bleeding risk (avoid before surgery or if on blood thinners)
- Reye’s syndrome (a rare but serious condition in children—DO NOT give to children with viral infections)
- Avoid with alcohol (increases risk of stomach bleeding)
- Not recommended in late pregnancy (risk of complications)
7. Ranitidine
Ranitidine was a medication used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and heartburn. It belonged to a class of drugs called H2 blockers, which work by reducing stomach acid production.
Common Uses (Before Its Recall)
Dosage & Usage (Before Recall)
Typical dose: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily before bed.
Why Was Ranitidine Banned/Recalled?
In 2020, ranitidine was withdrawn worldwide due to concerns about contamination with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a potential cancer-causing substance. As a result, it is no longer recommended for use.
Alternatives to Ranitidine
If you need a medication for acid reflux or ulcers, consider:
- Famotidine (Pepcid) – Another H2 blocker, similar to ranitidine but considered safer.
- Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole – Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) that strongly reduce stomach acid.
8. Lopramide
Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication that slows down bowel movements, allowing the intestines to absorb more water and firm up stools.
Common Uses
- Acute diarrhea (temporary diarrhea caused by food, infections, etc.)
- Chronic diarrhea (due to conditions like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease)
- Traveler’s diarrhea
Dosage & Usage
- Adults:
- Acute diarrhea: 4 mg initially, then 2 mg after each loose stool (max 16 mg/day).
- Chronic diarrhea: Typically 2–12 mg per day, as prescribed.
- Children: Use only if prescribed by a doctor (not recommended for children under 6).
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Constipation, bloating, nausea, dizziness.
- Serious risks (if overdosed or misused):
- Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation, arrhythmia)
- Severe constipation or bowel obstruction
- Toxic megacolon (in people with inflammatory bowel disease)
- Not for infections: Do not use if diarrhea is caused by bacteria like Salmonella or C. difficile (it can trap bacteria inside the gut).
- Avoid in children under 6 years due to risk of serious side effects.
9. Cetirizine
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergies. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. It is non-drowsy compared to older antihistamines like diphenhydramine .
Common Uses
- Seasonal allergies (hay fever) – sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes
- Chronic hives (urticaria) – itching, swelling
- Allergic reactions – mild skin rashes, insect bites
Dosage & Usage
- Adults & children over 12: 10 mg once daily
- Children (6–12 years): 5 mg twice daily or 10 mg once daily
- Children (2–6 years): 2.5 mg twice daily or 5 mg once daily
- Can be taken with or without food
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Dry mouth, drowsiness (less than first-gen antihistamines), headache
- Rare but serious: Fast heartbeat, allergic reaction, difficulty urinating
- Use with caution in people with kidney or liver disease
- Avoid alcohol (may increase drowsiness in some people)
10. Dicyclomine
Dicyclomine is a medication used to relieve muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It works as an anticholinergic/antispasmodic, relaxing the smooth muscles of the gut.
Common Uses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – reduces cramping, bloating, and stomach pain
- Colic & intestinal spasms
- Other digestive disorders involving muscle spasms
Dosage & Usage
- Adults:
- 20 mg four times daily (can be increased to 40 mg four times daily if tolerated)
- Children: Not typically recommended for those under 6 months due to safety concerns
- Can be taken with or without food but should be swallowed whole
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, drowsiness
- Serious risks:
- Heat intolerance (reduces sweating, increasing risk of heatstroke)
- Confusion or hallucinations (especially in elderly patients)
- Urinary retention (trouble urinating)
- Avoid alcohol (can increase drowsiness)
- Not recommended for people with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, enlarged prostate, or severe ulcerative colitis
11. Montelukast
- Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergic conditions by blocking leukotrienes, which cause inflammation and constriction of airways.
Common Uses
- Asthma (long-term control, not for acute attacks)
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever, dust allergies)
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (prevents breathing difficulties during exercise)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults & children 15+: 10 mg once daily (usually at night)
- Children (6–14 years): 5 mg chewable tablet once daily
- Children (2–5 years): 4 mg chewable tablet or granules once daily
- Can be taken with or without food
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Rare but serious risks:
- Mood changes (depression, anxiety, aggression, suicidal thoughts—rare but important to monitor)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, vivid dreams)
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
- Not for sudden asthma attacks (use a rescue inhaler like albuterol instead)
12. Mefenamic Acid
- Mefenamic Acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and fever reduction. It is commonly prescribed for menstrual pain, muscle pain, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Common Uses
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Muscle pain & joint pain (arthritis, sprains, strains)
- Post-surgical or dental pain
- Fever reduction (less commonly used for this purpose)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults & children over 14: 500 mg initially, then 250 mg every 6 hours as needed (maximum 1500 mg per day).
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness
- Serious risks:
- Stomach ulcers & bleeding (especially with long-term use)
- Kidney or liver problems (use cautiously in people with existing conditions)
- Heart risks (long-term use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke)
- Avoid in pregnancy (especially third trimester)
- Not recommended for people with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or heart problems
13. Pantoprazole
- Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. It is commonly prescribed for conditions related to acid reflux, ulcers, and excessive stomach acid.
Common Uses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (acid reflux, heartburn)
- Peptic ulcers (stomach & duodenal ulcers)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (excess stomach acid production)
- Erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from acid reflux)
- H. pylori treatment (as part of a combination therapy)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults: 20–40 mg once daily, usually before breakfast
- Severe conditions: Sometimes 40 mg twice daily, as prescribed by a doctor
- H. pylori treatment: 40 mg twice daily with antibiotics
- Children: Dosage depends on weight and doctor’s prescription
Precautions & Side Effects
- Adults: 20–40 mg once daily, usually before breakfast
- Severe conditions: Sometimes 40 mg twice daily, as prescribed by a doctor
- H. pylori treatment: 40 mg twice daily with antibiotics
- Children: Dosage depends on weight and doctor’s prescription
14. Ondansetron
- Ondansetron is an anti-nausea (antiemetic) medication that works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut. It is commonly used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or other medical conditions.
Common Uses
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
- Post-surgical nausea and vomiting (PONV)
- Radiation therapy-induced nausea
- Severe nausea from gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or pregnancy (morning sickness, under doctor’s advice)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults:
- Post-surgery nausea: 4 mg IV or oral, once or every 8 hours as needed
- Chemotherapy nausea: 8 mg oral, 30 minutes before treatment, then every 8–12 hours
- Children: Dosage depends on weight and doctor’s prescription
- Available in tablets, oral dissolving tablets (ODT), and IV form
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Headache, dizziness, constipation, fatigue
- Serious risks:
- QT prolongation (heart rhythm disturbance, especially in high doses)
- Serotonin syndrome (rare but serious if taken with other serotonin-affecting drugs like SSRIs)
- Severe constipation (can lead to bowel obstruction in rare cases)
- Not recommended in patients with congenital long QT syndrome
15. Naproxen
- Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and fever reduction. It is commonly prescribed for conditions like arthritis, menstrual pain, and muscle pain.
Common Uses
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout)
- Menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
- Muscle pain, back pain, and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Fever reduction (less common use)
Dosage & Usage
- Adults (pain & inflammation):
- 250–500 mg every 8–12 hours, with a maximum of 1000 mg/day for long-term use.
- For short-term severe pain: Up to 1500 mg/day may be used (doctor’s advice required).
- Children (juvenile arthritis): Dose based on weight, usually 10 mg/kg/day divided into two doses.
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
Precautions & Side Effects
- Common side effects: Stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, dizziness
- Serious risks:
- Stomach ulcers & bleeding (risk increases with long-term use or high doses)
- Kidney problems (avoid in people with kidney disease)
- Heart risks (long-term use may increase risk of heart attack or stroke)
- Avoid in pregnancy (especially after 20 weeks)
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)
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