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)

The pharmacological properties of centrally acting alpha2-receptor agonists such as clonidine suggest a potentially important role as ideal adjuvants for anesthesia since they produce sedation, analgesia anxiolysis, xerostomia and cardiovascular stability without respiratory depression, development of tolerance or addiction liability. Further clinical experience with this exciting development will undoubtedly establish the ultimate role and optimal use of alpha2 -receptor agonists in anesthetic practice. Beta-blockage can result in significant bradycardia, atrial ventricular conduction problems, bronchospasm and left ventricular contractile dysfunction. Thus, the use of long-acting beta-blockers is of limited value in the perioperative period. Esmolol, because of its ultrashort action, cardioselective properties and titratability, has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of tachycardia and hypertension. Doses from 50 to 300 micrograms/kg/min for up to 7 hours in the perioperative period have been shown to cause no apparent cumulative effect. It has been used in the treatment of asthmatic patients with tachycardia and hypertension without significant increases in airway resistance. Studies using esmolol during general anesthesia have demonstrated no significant interaction with several anesthetic regimens.
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PMID:Clinical pharmacology of alpha2-agonist and beta-adrenergic blocker. 257 80

Jimson weed (Datura stramonium, a member of the Belladonna alkyloid family) is a plant growing naturally in West Virginia and has been used as a home remedy since colonial times. Due to its easy availability and strong anticholinergic properties, teens are using Jimson weed as a drug. Plant parts can be brewed as a tea or chewed, and seed pods, commonly known as "pods" or "thorn apples," can be eaten. Side effects from ingesting jimson weed include tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, combative behavior, and difficulty urinating. Severe toxicity has been associated with coma and seizures, although death is rare. Treatment consists of activated charcoal and gastric lavage. Esmolol or other beta-blocker may be indicated to reduce severe sinus tachycardia. Seizures, severe hypertension, severe hallucinations, and life-threatening arrhythmias are indicators for the use of the anticholinesterase inhibitor, Physostigmine. This article reviews the cases of nine teenagers who were treated in hospitals in the Kanawha Valley after ingesting jimson weed. We hope this article will help alert primary care physicians about the abuse of jimson weed and inform health officials about the need to educate teens about the dangers of this plant.
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PMID:The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia. 927 42