Retrieve the information of Some Common Drugs & their adverse effects

Computer applications in Pharmacy Practical

Objective: Retrieve the information of drugs and their adverse effects using online tools

*If you have additional questions or require more information, do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Reference at the bottom.

1. Metformin HCL

Brand Name: Fortamet, Glumetza

Metformin is used to control high blood sugar. It is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

Adverse effects:

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur.
physical weakness (asthenia), diarrhea, gas (flatulence)
symptoms of weakness, muscle pain (myalgia)
upper respiratory tract infection
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
abdominal pain (GI complaints), lactic acidosis (rare)
low blood levels of vitamin B-12
chest discomfort
chills, dizziness, bloating/abdominal distention, constipation, heartburn
stomach symptoms return later (after taking the same dose for several days or weeks).
Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be signs of lactic acidosis
Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetesmedications. (Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet.)
allergic reaction (such as rash, itching/swelling -especially of the face/tongue/throat; severe dizziness, trouble breathing) to this drug is rare.

2. Misoprostol

Brand Name: Cytotec, Arthrotec

Used to prevent stomach ulcers while someone take NSAIDs ( e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) , especially if you are at risk for developing ulcers or have a history of ulcers. Misoprostol helps to decrease the risk of serious ulcer complications such as bleeding. This medication protects your stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that comes in contact with it. This medication is also used in combination with another drug (mifepristone) to end a pregnancy (abortion).

Adverse effects

Nausea or stomach cramps may occur
Diarrhea is common with misoprostol and usually occurs about two weeks after start taking it, and lasts for about a week. Persistent diarrhea may sometimes lead to a large loss of body's water and minerals.
severe dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat.
menstrual problems or irregularities, unusual/heavy vaginal bleeding may occur.

3. Azithromycin Tablet

Brand Name: Zithromax

Used to prevent and treat a very serious type of infection (mycobacteria). It is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Zithromax Z-PAK (azithromycin) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic used for treating: otitis media (middle ear infection), tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis caused by susceptible bacteria.

Adverse effects

diarrhea or loose stools,

nausea,

abdominal pain,

stomach upset,

vomiting,

constipation,

dizziness,

tiredness,

headache,

vaginal itching or discharge,

nervousness,

sleep problems (insomnia),

skin rash or itching,

ringing in the ears,

hearing problems,

or decreased sense of taste or smell.

Cardiovascular: Palpitations and chest pain.

Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, melena, and cholestatic jaundice.

Genitourinary: Monilia, vaginitis, and nephritis.

Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, vertigo, and somnolence.

General: Fatigue.

Allergic: Rash, photosensitivity, and angioedema.

4. Doxycycline Calcium Oral

Brand Name: Vibramycin

Doxycycline Calcium Oral is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others. It is also used to treat blemishes, bumps, and acne-like lesions caused by rosacea. Vibramycin Oral is available in generic form.

Adverse effects

stomach upset,

diarrhea,

nausea,

vomiting,

skin rash,

itching, or

vaginal itching or discharge

Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region, and pancreatitis. Hepatotoxicity has been reported rarely. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Superficial discoloration of the adult permanent dentition, reversible upon drug discontinuation and professional dental cleaning has been reported. Permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia may occur with drugs of the tetracyclineclass when used during tooth development. (See WARNINGS)

Skin: maculopapular and erythematous rashes. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Photosensitivity is discussed above. (See WARNINGS)

Renal toxicity: Rise in BUN has been reported and is apparently dose related. (See WARNINGS)

Immune: Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Other: Bulging fontanels in infants and intracranial hypertension in adults. (See WARNINGS)

Blood: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and eosinophilia have been reported.

When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of thyroid glands. No abnormalities of thyroid function studies are known to occur.

5. Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed Emergent Biosolutions

Brand Name: BioThrax

It is an immunization used to help prevent anthrax disease in people exposed to the bacteria through the skin or lungs. BioThrax vaccine works by exposing you to an antigen protein that causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. BioThrax does not contain live or killed forms of the bacteria that cause anthrax. BioThrax vaccine will not treat an active infection. Common side effects of BioThrax include injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, warmth, itching, or tenderness), limited arm movement or stiffness in the injected arm, joint or muscle ache or pain, headache, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, low fever, swelling in your hands or feet, or skin rash.

Adverse effects

mild redness, swelling, or tenderness where the shot was given;
trouble moving the injected arm;
muscle pain;
tired feeling; or
headache
The most common ( ≥ 10%) local (injection-site) adverse reactions observed in clinical studies were tenderness, pain, erythema, edema, and arm motion limitation. The most common ( ≥ 5%) systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.

6. Ciprofloxacin

Brand Name: Cipro

This drug is a quinolone antibiotic. Cipro is available as a generic drug and is prescribed to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, joints, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Adverse effects

nausea/vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain/stomach upset
vaginal itching or discharge
headache
abnormal liver function tests
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
abdominal pain
blurred vision
nervousness
anxiety
agitation
sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares), and
rash
Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, side effects on your nerves (which may cause permanent nerve damage), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

Some other effects are:

Disabling and Potentially Irreversible Serious Adverse Reactions
Tenditits and Tendon Rupture
Peripheral Neuropathy
Central Nervous System Effects
Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis
Other Serious and Sometimes Fatal Adverse Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hepatotoxicity
Serious Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Theophylline
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
Prolongation of the QT Interval
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Pediatric Patients
Photosensitivity/Phototoxicity
Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria

7. Norfloxacin

Brand Name: Noroxin

Noroxin (norfloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the prostateand urinary tract. Noroxin also treats gonorrhea.

Adverse effects

nausea,
abdominal cramping
asthenia
diarrhea,
dizziness,
stomach cramps,
heartburn,
rectal pain,
lightheadedness,
muscle and joint aches,
back pain,
sweating,
vaginal itching or discharge, or
Headache
abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia/heartburn, fever, flatulence, hyperhidrosis, loose stools, pruritus, rash, somnolence, and vomiting.

8. Amoxicillin

Brand Name: Amoxil

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are B-lactamase negative (B-lactamase positive bacteria are usually resistant to Amoxil); these infections usually occur in the skin, lungs, urinary tract and eye, ears, nose, and throat. Amoxil is available as a generic drug termed amoxicillin. Amoxil may be combined with other drugs (for example, clavulanic acid [Augmentin]), to make the antibiotic more effective.

Adverse effects

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain
vaginal itching or discharge
headache
rash, and
swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue.

Other serious side effects of Amoxil include:

colitis caused by overgrowth of Clostridium spp in the intestines
seizures
hives
jaundice, and
rashes
Hemic and Lymphatic Systems: Anemia, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, leukopenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. These reactions are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy and are believed to be hypersensitivity phenomena.
Central Nervous System: Reversible hyperactivity, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, convulsions, behavioral changes, and/or dizziness have been reported
Tooth discoloration (brown, yellow, or gray staining) has been reported. Most reports occurred in pediatric patients. Discoloration was reduced or eliminated with brushing or dental cleaning in most cases.

9. Spectinomycin

Brand Name: Trobicin

Trobicin (spectinomycin) For Injectable Suspension is an antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea. Common side effects of Trobicin include nausea, dizziness, soreness at the injection site, hives, insomnia, chills, and fever.

Adverse effects

soreness at the injection site
urticaria
dizziness
nausea
chills
fever
insomnia.
During multiple dose subchronic tolerance studies in normal human volunteers, the following were noted: a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit and creatinine clearance; elevation of alkaline phosphatase, BUN and SGPT. In single and multiple dose studies in normal volunteers, a reduction in urine output was noted. Extensive renal function studies demonstrated no consistent changes indicative of renal toxicity.
A few cases of anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions have been reported. If serious allergic reactions occur, the usual agents (epinephrine, corticosteroids, and/or antihistamines) should be available for emergency use. In cases of severe anaphylaxis, airway support and oxygen may also be required.

10. Zidovudine

Brand Name: Retrovir

Retrovir (zidovudine) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Retrovir is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. Retrovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Retrovir is available in generic form.

Adverse effects

headache,
nausea,
vomiting,
constipation,
trouble sleeping (insomnia),
loss of appetite,
joint pain, and
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

Some other serious side effects of Retrovir may occur including:

unexplained weight loss,
persistent muscle aches or weakness,
joint pain,
numbness or tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs,
severe tiredness,
vision changes,
severe or persistent headaches,
signs of infection (such as fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores),
signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter), or
signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (such as difficulty breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes, drooping face, paralysis, slurred speech).
Hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and anemia
Symptomatic myopathy
Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis
Hepatic decompensation in patients co-infected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C
Nervous : Anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, loss of mental acuity, mania, paresthesia, seizures, somnolence, vertigo.
Hematologic:Aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia with marrow hypoplasia, pure red cell aplasia.
Hepatobiliary: Hepatitis, hepatomegaly with steatosis, jaundice, lactic acidosis, pancreatitis.
Musculoskeletal : Increased CPK, increased LDH, muscle spasm, myopathy and myositis with pathological changes (similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease), rhabdomyolysis, tremor.

11. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets

Brand Name: Descovy

Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) is a two-drug combination of two HIV nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

Adverse effects

nausea
changes in body fat distribution
changes in your immune system
new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure,
bone problems such as bone pain, softening, or thinning and fractures, or
increased cholesterol.
Severe Acute Exacerbations of Hepatitis B
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment
Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis

12. darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide tablets

Brand Name: Symtuza

Symtuza (darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) is a four-drug combination of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) protease inhibitor, a CYP3A inhibitor, and two HIV-1 nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults who have no prior antiretroviral treatment history or who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months and have no known substitutions associated with resistance to darunavir or tenofovir.

Adverse effects

diarrhea,
rash,
nausea,
fatigue,
headache,
abdominal discomfort, and
gas
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B
Hepatotoxicity
Severe skin reactions
Immune reconstitution syndrome
New onset or worsening renal impairment
Lactic acidosis/severe hepatomegaly with steatosis
Gastrointestinal Disorders: dyspepsia, pancreatitis (acute), vomiting
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: angioedema, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: anorexia, diabetes mellitus, lipodystrophy
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: gynecomastia
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: myalgia, osteonecrosis
Psychiatric Disorders: abnormal dreams
Immune System Disorders: (drug) hypersensitivity, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Hepatobiliary Disorders: acute hepatitis

*If you have additional questions or require more information, do not hesitate to Contact Us.

13. benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen

Brand Name: Apadaz, Xodol

Apadaz (benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen tablets) is a combination of a prodrug of the opioidagonist hydrocodone and a non-narcotic pain reliever and fever reducer indicated for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

Adverse effects

nausea,
drowsiness,
vomiting,
constipation,
itching,
dizziness, and
headache
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Hepatotoxicity
Interactions with Benzodiazepines and other CNS Depressants
Adrenal Insufficiency
Severe Hypotension
Serious Skin Reactions
Anaphylaxis and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Seizures
Withdrawal

Gastrointestinal disorder: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, flatulence
General disorders and administration site conditions: asthenia
Nervous system disorders: presyncope, tremor
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea
Vascular disorders: hot flush, hypotension
Adverse reactions occurring at less than 1%: the following lists clinically relevant adverse reactions that occurred with an incidence of less than 1% in APADAZ clinical trials.
Eye disorders: eye pruritus
Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, haematemesis
General disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort
Infections and infestations: rhinitis
Nervous system disorders: hypoesthesia, syncope
Psychiatric disorders: agitation, euphoric mood, nightmare

14. lisinopril

Brand Name: Zestril

Zestril (lisinopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Adverse effects

cough,
dizziness,
drowsiness,
headache,
depression,
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
upset stomach, and
mild skin itching or rash.

Body as a whole: Fatigue, asthenia, orthostatic effects.
Digestive: Pancreatitis, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, diarrhea.
Hematologic: Rare cases of bone marrow depression, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia/neutropeniaand thrombocytopenia.
Endocrine: Diabetes mellitus, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Metabolic: Gout.
Skin: Urticaria, alopecia, photosensitivity, erythema, flushing, diaphoresis, cutaneouspseudolymphoma, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, and pruritus.
Special Senses: Visual loss, diplopia, blurred vision, tinnitus, photophobia, taste disturbances, olfactory disturbance.
Urogenital: Impotence.
Miscellaneous: A symptom complex has been reported which may include a positive ANA, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, arthralgia/arthritis, myalgia, fever, vasculitis, eosinophilia, leukocytosis, paresthesia and vertigo. Rash, photosensitivity or other dermatological manifestations may occur alone or in combination with these symptoms.
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders

Hyponatremia, cases of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients on oral antidiabetic agents or insulin
Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders

Mood alterations (including depressive symptoms), mental confusion, hallucinations
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Psoriasis

15. Sildenafil Tablet

Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection.

This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Adverse effects

Dizziness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur.
Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur
Rarely, sudden decreased vision, including permanent blindness, in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur.
Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur.
allergic reaction such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing to this drug is rare.

16. Spinal anaesthesia

Spinal anaesthesia is a form of neuraxial regional anaesthesia involving the injection of a local anaesthetic or opioid into the subarachnoid space, generally through a fine needle, usually 9 cm (3.5 in) long. It is a safe and effective form of anesthesia performed by nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists which can be used as an alternative to general anesthesia commonly in surgeries involving the lower extremities and surgeries below the umbilicus. The local anesthetic or opioid injected into the cerebrospinal fluid provides anesthesia, analgesia, and motor and sensory blockade. The tip of the spinal needle has a point or small bevel. Recently, pencil point needles have been made available (Whitacre, Sprotte, Gertie Marx and others).
Complications of spinal anesthesia can result from the physiologic effects on the nervous system and can also be related to placement technique. Most of the common side effects are minor and are self-resolving or easily treatable while major complications can result in more serious and permanent neurological damage and rarely death. These symptoms can occur immediately after administration of the anesthetic or arise up to 48 hours after surgery.

Adverse effects

Mild hypotension
Bradycardia
Nausea and vomiting
Transient neurological symptoms (lower back pain with pain in the legs)
Urinary retention
Post-dural-puncture headache or post-spinal headache - Associated with the size and type of spinal needle used
Serious and permanent complications are rare but are usually related to physiologic effects on the cardiovascular system and neurological system or when the injection has been unintentionally at the wrong site. The following are some major complications:
Nerve injuries: Cauda equina syndrome, radiculopathy
Cardiac arrest
Severe hypotension
Spinal epidural hematoma, with or without subsequent neurological sequelae due to compression of the spinal nerves.
Epidural abscess
Infection (e.g. meningitis)

17. levothyroxine sodium

Brand Name: Levothroid

Levothroid (levothyroxine sodium) is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Adverse effects

hair loss during the first few months of treatment.
muscle weakness;
headache, leg cramps;
nervousness, trouble sleeping;
diarrhea; or
skin rash, partial hair loss.

Adverse reactions associated with levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage They include the following:

General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia;
Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness;
Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest;
Respiratory: dyspnea;
Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and elevations in liver function tests;
Dermatologic: hair loss, flushing;
Endocrine: decreased bone mineral density; Reproductive: menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility.
Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in children receiving levothyroxine therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in children with resultant compromised adult height.
Seizures have been reported rarely with the institution of levothyroxine therapy.
Inadequate levothyroxine dosage will produce or fail to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various GI symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness and wheezing. Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine itself is not known to occur.

Computer applications in Pharmacy Practical

Reference:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7418/sildenafil-oral/details
https://www.empr.com/drug/xodol/
https://www.rxlist.com/descovy-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/ephedrine-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007413.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/fortamet-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/cytotec-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/zithromax-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/vibramycin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/simtuza-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/zestril-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/retrovir-side-effects-drug-center.htm
https://www.rxlist.com/trobicin-side-effects-drug-center.htm