Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0043352 (xerostomia)
 4,250 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Doxepin is closely related in structure and general pharmacological properties to other tricyclic antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline and imipramine. It combines antidepressant activity with a sedative effect and in this respect resembles amitriptyline, with which it shares a similar profile of clinical action. The mood elevating effect of doxepin appears to be similar to that of amitriptyline but is probably less marked than that of imipramine and in some studies has been slower to take effect than imipramine. At dosages which have achieved a similar overall response rate, doxepin tends to cause fewer or less troublesome side-effects than imipramine, amitriptyline or amitriptyline-prephenazine. The more marked sedative properties of doxepin make it more useful than imipramine in depressed patients with sleep distrubances and in depression associated with anxiety. The benzodiazepines remain the drugs of choice in anxiety states. but when anxiety is accompained by significant depression, doxepin is more effective than chlordiazepoxide or diazepam. Doxepin is usually well tolerated, and in particular by the elderly and those with cardiovascular disease. Side-effects are similar in nature to those of other tricyclic antidepressants, with dry mouth, drowsiness and constipation being the most common. Postural hypotension is uncommon. Although doxepin appears to cause fewer cardiovascular side-effects in usual therapeutic doses, it has an intrinsic cardiotoxicity on overdosage similar to other tricyclics.
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PMID:Doxepin up-to-date: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy with particular reference to depression. 32 Dec 5

The demonstration that long-term administration of relatively low doses of clonidine decreased the responsiveness of blood vessels to vasodilator and vasoconstrictor drugs in animals led to its investigation in the prevention of migraine in man. Results of placebo-controlled and open therapeutic trials have shown that clonidine in low dosages (75 to 150 mug daily) is useful in preventing migraine headaches in about 30%-50% of patients. A 50% or greater reduction in headache frequency or headache indices has been reported in 40% of patients in controlled and open studies. Thus clonidine, like other drugs used in the interval therapy of migraine, can be expected to be effective in only a proportion of patients. Although clonidine has not been compared directly with other drugs used in the prophylactic treatment of migraine, the general clinical impression is that it is less effective then pizotifen or methysergide. Because it is relatively well tolerated at dosages of 75 to 150 mug daily it is worthy of a trial, particularly in patients considered to need prophylactic migraine therapy for the first time, and when migraine occurs in association with hypertension. At the dosages used in migraine prophylaxis, which are almost invariably lower than used in hypertension, clonidine does not cause hypotension and can be used in patients with cardiovascular disease. The principal side-effects are drowsiness and dry mouth which tend to diminish as treatment continues.
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PMID:Low-dose clonidine: a review of its therapeutic efficacy in migraine prophylaxis. 120 7

Ketanserin is a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist without partial agonist properties which also possesses weak alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonistic activity, which may explain its antihypertensive mechanism of action in patients with essential hypertension. It also inhibits the effects of serotonin on platelets in cardiovascular disease, inhibits vasoconstriction caused by the amine, and when administered intravenously improves some haemorheological indices in patients with ischaemic diseases. The antihypertensive effect of oral ketanserin 40 mg twice daily is comparable with that of total daily doses of metoprolol 200 mg, propranolol 160 mg, captopril 100 mg, enalapril 20 mg, hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg, or alpha-methyldopa 1000 mg and is achieved without adverse effect on plasma lipoproteins or carbohydrate metabolism in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus. Evidence from prospective studies suggests a greater antihypertensive efficacy in the elderly than in younger patients. In patients with intermittent claudication, results have been inconsistent in small studies, while a large study showed no improvement in pain-free walking distance but fewer amputations compared to placebo. In Raynaud's phenomenon symptomatic improvement relative to placebo was achieved in larger trials. Its role in preventing atherosclerotic complications requires further investigation. Ketanserin is reasonably well tolerated, the frequency of adverse effects being comparable with that of other antihypertensive drugs in controlled trials. Dizziness, tiredness, oedema, dry mouth and weight gain are the most commonly reported effects. Ketanserin prolongs QT interval in a dose-related manner, and when given in certain predisposing circumstances ventricular arrhythmias and syncope may occur. Administered intravenously, ketanserin 10mg followed by an infusion of 2 to 4 mg/h controls moderate to severe pre- and postoperative hypertension in most patients, acting as a balanced vasodilator, lowering cardiac pre- and afterload. Although the arrhythmogenic potential of ketanserin in patients receiving potassium-depleting diuretics requires suitable precautions, it appears that its antihypertensive activity is suited to the elderly provided plasma potassium concentrations are normal at the start of treatment and are maintained within the normal range.
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PMID:Ketanserin. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in hypertension and peripheral vascular disease. 207 1

Dexfenfluramine increases serotonergic activity by stimulating serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) release into brain synapses, inhibiting its reuptake into presynaptic neurons and by directly stimulating postsynaptic serotonin receptors. On the basis of the serotonin hypothesis of appetite control, these actions would be expected to reduce appetite and, consequently, bodyweight. Studies conducted in animals and in overweight patients with and without associated disorders have confirmed the weight-reducing efficacy and good tolerability of dexfenfluramine. In 3-month clinical studies in obese patients, weight reductions with dexfenfluramine 15mg twice daily combined with dietary support were significantly higher than those achieved with placebo and similar to those with ephedrine/caffeine 20/20mg 3 times daily, sibutramine 10mg once daily and fluoxetine 60 mg/day. Furthermore, dexfenfluramine recipients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia or hypertension consistently show improvements in glycaemic control, blood lipid profiles and blood pressure. 12-month trial results indicate that most weight loss occurs in the initial 6 months and appears to be maintained for a further 6 months. Weight regain after withdrawal of treatment in 12-month studies demonstrates that dexfenfluramine is effective in maintaining a stable bodyweight at a lower level than placebo and in limiting food intake over this time period. Commonly reported adverse events with dexfenfluramine include diarrhoea, tiredness, dry mouth and somnolence; these symptoms are generally mild and transient. Approximately 7 and 10% of dexfenfluramine recipients in short and long term studies withdrew because of adverse events. Dexfenfluramine was better tolerated than ephedrine/caffeine and fluoxetine in short term studies. Obesity is a chronic condition that is accompanied by a number of metabolic complications. It is a significant health problem in developed countries, and as a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the economic burden of this condition is considerable. As with other chronic conditions, there is a role for pharmacological intervention in patients with severe obesity. However, drugs should be considered as only one component of a weight-control programme, since additional lifestyle modification is required to maintain weight loss. The promising data on the long term efficacy and tolerability of dexfenfluramine as well as its favourable effects on risk factors associated with obesity requires confirmation in long term studies. In the meantime, dexfenfluramine should be considered a valuable adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet in the management of severe obesity, particularly in patients with associated disorders and those unsuccessful with conventional weight loss measures. Available data support the use of the drug for up to 1 year to maintain weight loss and thus dexfenfluramine should be considered for long term administration.
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PMID:Dexfenfluramine. An updated review of its therapeutic use in the management of obesity. 911 19

Past and current drug therapies for weight loss are discussed. More than 50% of Americans can be categorized as overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with increased mortality and with comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, and certain cancers. According to guidelines for identification, evaluation, and treatment of obesity, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of > or = 30 kg/m2 should attempt to lose weight. Patients with a BMI of > or = 25 kg/m2 plus two or more risk factors or patients with an excessive waist circumference plus two or more risk factors should also attempt to lose weight. The initial goal is a 10% weight reduction in six months achieved through lifestyle changes. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective, then drug therapy may be indicated. Pharmacotherapeutic options for obesity have decreased over the past few years. Fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, and phenylpropanolamine have been withdrawn because of severe adverse effects, leaving only sympathomimetics, sibutramine, and orlistat as anorectics with FDA-approved labeling. Phentermine has been shown to cause a 5-15% weight loss if given daily or intermittently. Compared with sibutramine and orlistat, phentermine is cheaper, and specific formulations allow once-daily administration. However, phentermine is indicated only for short-term treatment, and tolerance often develops. Common adverse effects associated with phentermine are dry mouth, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and constipation. Sibutramine increases norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the CNS and should not be taken with many antidepressants because of the risk of increased norepinephrine and serotonin levels. Its use is also contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease. Orlistat is not systemically absorbed; therefore, it does not cause the systemic adverse effects or drug interactions of phentermine and sibutramine. Orlistat has a cholesterol-lowering effect not seen with other diet medications. However, the three-times-daily administration and frequent gastrointestinal effects limit its use. Sibutramine, phentermine, and orlistat have both positive and negative properties. Choosing among the medications will depend on concurrent disease states and medications, ease of administration, and cost.
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PMID:Pharmacologic options for the treatment of obesity. 1147 77

Rilmenidine is an imidazoline derivative that appears to lower blood pressure (BP) by an interaction with imidazoline (I1) receptors in the brainstem (and kidneys). Rilmenidine is as effective in monotherapy as all other first-line classes of drugs, including diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium antagonists. It is well tolerated and can be taken in combination for greater efficacy. Sedation and dry mouth are not prominent side effects and withdrawal hypertension is not seen when treatment is stopped abruptly. Recently, in addition to a reduction in BP, this agent has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, lipid risk factors, and insulin sensitivity. These changes would be consistent with a reduction in long-term cardiovascular risk, as would recently described actions on the heart (reducing left ventricular hypertrophy) and the kidney (reducing microalbuminuria). Although no data are yet available from prospective long-term outcome studies, rilmenidine could represent an important new development in antihypertensive therapy and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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PMID:Update on rilmenidine: clinical benefits. 1172 91

The advent of bupropion hydrochloride sustained release (Zyban) has heralded a major change in the options available for smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. Bupropion is a selective re-uptake inhibitor of dopamine and noradrenalin which prevents or reduces cravings and other features of nicotine withdrawal. Bupropion is a useful oral and non-nicotine form of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. For this review a total of 221 papers were reviewed plus poster presentations. This review examines in detail original clinical trials on efficacy, categorised according to whether they were acute treatment trials in healthy smokers; studies in specific populations such as people with depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiovascular disease; or relapse prevention studies. Overall, these studies in varying populations comprising over four thousand subjects, showed bupropion consistently produces a positive effect on smoking cessation outcomes. The evidence highlights the major public health role that bupropion has in smoking cessation. The methodological issues of published clinical trials reporting one year outcomes were examined in detail including: completeness of follow-up; loss to follow-up; intention to treat analysis; blindness of assessment; and validation of smoking status. The review discusses contraindications, adverse effects, dose and overdose, addictive potential, and the role of bupropion in reducing cessation-related weight gain. Bupropion combined with or compared to other pharmacotherapies (nicotine patch; nortriptyline) is considered. Impressive evidence exists for the use of bupropion in smoking cessation among difficult patients who are hard-core smokers such as those with cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression. Bupropion reduces withdrawal symptoms as well as weight gain and is effective for smoking cessation for people with and without a history of depression or alcoholism. Serious side effects of bupropion use are rare. The major safety issue with bupropion is risk of seizures (estimated at approximately 0.1%) and it should not be prescribed to patients with a current seizure disorder or any history of seizures. In clinical trials of bupropion for smoking cessation no seizures were reported. Allergic reactions occur at a rate of approximately 3% and minor adverse effects are common including dry mouth and insomnia.
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PMID:Review of bupropion for smoking cessation. 1285 Sep 7

Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the only agent approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine transport inhibitor that acts almost exclusively on the noradrenergic pathway. Its mechanism of action in the control and maintenance of ADHD symptoms is thought to be through the highly specific presynaptic inhibition of norepinephrine. Clinical trials to evaluate the short-term effects of atomoxetine in children and adults have shown that atomoxetine is effective in maintaining control of ADHD. Likewise, long-term trials have determined that atomoxetine is effective in preventing relapse of ADHD symptoms without an increase in adverse effects. A comparative trial of atomoxetine with methylphenidate in school-aged children indicated similar safety and efficacy without the abuse liability associated with some psychostimulants. The most commonly reported adverse effects in children and adolescents are dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The rates of adverse events in the trials were similar for both the once- and twice-daily dosing regimens. The discontinuation rate was 3.5% in patients treated with atomoxetine versus 1.4% for placebo and appeared to be dose dependent, wit a higher percentage of discontinuation at dosages greater than 1.5 mg/kg/day. In clinical trials involving adults, the emergence of clinically significant or intolerable adverse events was low. The most common adverse events in adults were dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, urinary retention or difficulties with micturition, erectile disturbance, dysmenorrhea, dizziness, and decreased libido. Sexual dysfunction occurred in approximately 2% of patients treated with atomoxetine. Atomoxetine should be used with caution in patients who have hypertension or any significant cardiovascular disorder. Overall, atomoxetine therapy in patient with ADHD appears to be effective in controlling symptoms and maintaining remission, with the advantages being comparable efficacy with that of methylphenidate, a favorable safety profile, and non-controlled substance status. Additional long-term studies are needed to determine its continued efficacy for those who require lifelong treatment, and comparative trials against other stimulant and nonstimulant agents.
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PMID:Atomoxetine, a novel treatment for attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. 1533 51

Bupropion was initially developed and licensed for the treatment of major depressive disorder in the United States in 1989. It was licensed as a pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in the United States in 1997 and in the United Kingdom in 2000, and for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with seasonal affective disorder in the United States in 2006. Its main mechanism of action is believed to be via dopamine and noradrenalin reuptake inhibition. In addition to proven clinical efficacy for the treatment of major depression, the prevention of depressive episodes in patients with seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid to smoking cessation treatment, bupropion has demonstrated efficacy for attenuation of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and more recently it has shown anti-inflammatory action against proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which may be implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease. The twice-daily sustained-release formulation has been extensively evaluated for smoking cessation and has shown continuous smoking abstinence rates at one year of the order of 20% across many clinical groups including healthy smokers, and smokers with cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive airways disease, depression and schizophrenia. Bupropion is well tolerated with side effects including insomnia, headache, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea. Bupropion is a cytochrome p450 2D6 inhibitor and care must be taken when coprescribing with drugs cleared by this enzyme and when coprescribing with drugs that lower seizure threshold. Despite the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of bupropion as an aid to smoking cessation, its uptake for this indication remains low when compared with nicotine replacement therapy.
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PMID:Bupropion. 1713 26

Oral health is receiving increased recognition as an important factor for the health of women and children. This article describes pathological oral conditions and the physiological mechanisms involved in the maintenance of oral health during illness and hospitalization, including the importance of the production and secretion of adequate saliva. Alterations in physiology of saliva induced by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy are described along with possible roles in pathophysiological conditions associated with pregnancy. The roles of xerostomia and periodontal disease as sources of pathological bacteria involved in aspiration pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and chronic inflammation are described. The bidirectional interaction between oral health and general overall health is described, with special emphasis on cardiovascular disease. Specific evidence-based nursing measures to reduce the complications associated with poor oral health in at-risk patients are provided.
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PMID:Nursing care & management of pathological oral conditions among women and children. 1815 26


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