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The metabolism of dapsone was studied in ten patients with proven dermatitis herpetiformis. Seven of the patients, who were slow acetylators of sulphadimidine, also acetylated dapsone slowly. Three of the patients were rapid acetylators of both drugs. The control of symptoms did not seem to be related to the plasma concentrations of dapsone or of its metabolite monoacetyldapsone. Haematological side effects, however, were related to plasma dapsone concentrations. Despite the fact that dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulphone, DDS) has been used for over 20 years to control dermatitis herpetiformis, it is not understood why widely varying doses are needed to suppress the lesions of different patients. Previous studies have shown that individuals can be classified into two sharply distinct phenotypes according to the rates at which they acetylate certain drugs. Recently, Gelber et al. (1971), and Peters et al. (1972) have demonstrated that DDS, like isoniazid, sulphadimidine and certain other hydrazides and sulphonamides, is also acetylated polymorphically and that the plasma concentrations of 4-amino-4′-acetamidodiphenyl sulphone (MADDS) in rapid acetylators are considerably higher than in those of slow acetylators given the same dose of DDS. Unlike the acetylated derivatives of these other drugs, however, MADDS is de-acetylated quickly in man and constant ratios of MADDS to DDS are established in the plasma. The possibility was envisaged that if the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis were controlled by the metabolite MADDS, rather than by the administered DDS, rapid acetylators might require smaller doses of DDS to control their symptoms than slow acetylators. This paper describes a study of the acetylation of DDS by a small group of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, to determine the plasma concentrations of DDS and MADDS that suppressed their symptoms, and the effect of the compounds upon the red blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some sexual dysfunctioning may be due to a drug side effect. This paper cites 118 brand name drugs that have sexual side effects. These drugs (primarily psychotropic) are presented in chart form for easy reference. In Section I, drugs are listed alphabetically by brand name, along with the sexual side effect(s), and possible medical use. Section II, lists alphabetically, the generic and chemical names of the brand name drugs found in Section I. This provides a listing of all brand name drugs having the same basic chemical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides an overview of several research papers on liver disease that were presented during the 26th Annual Convention of the American College of Gastroenterology in Cleveland, Ohio on October 23 to 25, 1961. Discussion of toxic jaundice by Doctor Hyman J. Zimmerman; Details of malabsorption syndromes of hepatobiliary origin based from a study by Doctor Harold Scudamore; Information on immunity and autoagglutinins in liver disease according to Doctor Lester Morrison.

The universality of psychopharmacological treatment in the care of the mentally ill requires that the social worker have a knowledge of the specific drugs used and their main areas of anion, the side effects of medication, and the important nondrug factors affecting treatment outcome. The aim of this paper is to provide the basis for an orientation of the social worker to this treatment method. Drugs in common usage are categorized together with their target symptoms and possible side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the treatment of mucocutaneous (American) leishmaniasis in 70 patients with amphotericin B in a period of ten years are reported. The effectiveness of the therapy is pointed out with clinical cure in all cases particularly in antimonial resistant cases. It is also pointed out the conspicuousness of the action on the mucous lesions and the low number of relapses (2 cases). The disadvantages of the drug are its side-effects particularly renal and cardiac toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on the paper "Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Duhring) Successfully Treated With Promacetin," by Maurice J. Costello and Constance Millette Buncke. In the study discussed in the paper, promacetin was used in 12 cases of dermatitis herpetiformis; 8 patients had complete remissions and 2 were partially controlled. The adult dose was 3 gram daily. An iron preparation should be given concurrently to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Other side effects are occasionally found.

Discusses the fibrinolytic treatment of thromboembolic disease. Potential of fibrinolysin, a fibrinolytic agent to dissolve thrombi within the circulation; Capacity to dissolve the fibrin binding the clot without affecting the other proteins in the blood producing adverse reactions; Influence of the agent in increasing the incidence of side effects.

This paper describes eight patients with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli treated with oral gentamycin. The antibiotic was administered in oral suspension at a dose of 25 mg./Kg./day in two divided doses for eight days. All patients were supported with intravenous fluid therapy until their physiologic disturbances were corrected. The data show a marked reduction in stool number and bulk in every patient within 36 hours after oral gentamycin sulfate was begun. Stool cultures were obtained for the first 14 days after beginning therapy and in all instances stool cultures remained positive for several days. On the other hand, the disadvantages of treating diarrheal disease of infants with antibiotics are the following: the possible emergence of resistant strains and the possible side effects of therapy.

Discusses the interactions of drugs commonly used in dermatological practices. Background of the general principles concerned in drug interactions; Outline of common drugs and their side effects; Review on the effects and potentiality of drugs used in dermatological practices.

Presents case reports on severe colitis following lincomycin and clindamycin therapy. Findings from clinical and laboratory investigations conducted on the patients; Outline of the clinical course of the disease among the patients; Feature of the colitis cases.

Perhexiline Maleate was studied in 64 patients of intractable stable angina by a ‘modified double blind double cross over technique’. In the open trial the response was excellent in 26 and good in 22. After placebo, angina reappeared in 19 out of 26 with excellent response and increased in frequency and severity in 14 out of 22 with good response. A double blind double cross over study was carried out in these patients. In double blind study with Perhexiline 16 patients showed excellent, 15 good, 1 fair and 1 poor response. With placebo the response was: 1 excellent, 2 good, 7 fair and 23 poor. Use of this new approach for evaluation of anti-anginal drugs in patients suffering from intractable stable angina shows the true therapeutic potential of Perhexiline Maleate. However, the side-effects must be closely watched. It must also be realised that all patients do not respond to this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a paper in which, a well-known allergist discusses the theoretical problems of drug eruptions, and in particular the mechanisms involved. He points out that relatively few of the large number of case-reports of drug reactions are sufficiently detailed to be of value.

The article presents an abstract of the paper "Antihistamine Therapy With Special Reference to Skin Disorders," by R.P. Warin. The antihistaminic drugs available in Great Britain are listed and compared, and certain practical points in their administration mentioned. Ill-effects of the drugs are discussed. It seems possible that the only conditions of the skin benefited by antihistamines are those in which whealing is part of the eruption.

The article discusses the paper "Artane in the Treatment of Scleroderma," by H.M. Robinson. Artane, a drug used at the dose of 0.5 mg. per kilo in Parkinsonism, is capable of producing side reactions unpleasant though perhaps not dangerous, but as it causes hyperglycaemia one should exclude diabetic patients, or those so inclined.

Presents information on the treatment of hepatic schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, syphilis and echinococcus cyst. Species of schistosoma which are known to produce human infection; Specific factor in the treatment of schistosomiasis; Side-effects of lucathon hydrochloride, an oral preparation used in the treatment of schistosomiasis.

The results herein reported indicate that it is safe and feasible to design and employ a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inflated with circulating ice water in human beings. Employment of this device in dogs over a period of hours gave rise to minimal total body hypothermia despite the lack of added external heat to the dog. Adequate pressures were maintained. The balloons maintained their position as well as those employed with air alone, and no adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, liver function deterioration, etc., were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the results of a clinical trial of the BepHan Spacetab antacid-antisecretory compound for the treatment of a variety of peptic disorders. Composition of the compound; Response of the subjects to early treatment; Changes in the gastric acidity after 4 to 5 days therapy with BepHan Spacetabs; Side effects attributed to the drug therapy.

Although there is no question of the value of an antacid in the treatment of peptic ulcer and conditions associated with gastric hyperacidity, there is a continuous search for an ideal antacid preparation. Magnesium trisilicate has slow-acting prolonged acid-neutralizing adsorptive properties and is believed to form a gelatinous protective coating over the ulcer base. Besides its slow action, however, it has a tendency to cause diarrhea. The use of aluminum hydroxide to combat these limitations carries with it the disadvantage that it may interfere with the absorption of phosphates. A new antacid preparation, Neo-Gel Suspension, combines magnesium trisilicate in a unique colloidal form of hydrated tricalcium phosphate. The quicker, shorter acting tricalcium phosphate is intended to counteract the tendency of magnesium salts to cause diarrhea, and at the same time to complement their slow, prolonged acid-neutralizing ability. The capacity of the formula for both rapid and sustained antacid effect was confirmed in in vitro studies and the clinical effectiveness of the preparation was investigated in a series of 100 patients. Half of the cases had peptic ulcer; the other half suffered various other gastric conditions. When treated with Neo-Gel Suspension (usually 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls three or four times daily) and a liberal bland diet, 94 per cent of the patients suffering from peptic ulcer, and 72 per cent of the patients with other gastric complaints had very good to excellent results. The total incidence of side-effects was only 5 per cent. Four patients complained of constipation and one patient of frequent bowel movements. Two to four weeks of medication caused no significant changes in the carbon dioxide-combining power of the blood in 10 patients specially studied. There was no significant increase in blood calcium in the five patients specially studied before and after the administration of Neo-Gel Suspension for an average of 21 days. Gastric... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a study that evaluated the effectiveness of the anticholinergic drug Dactil in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. Dosage of Dactil given to the subjects; Duration of the Dactil therapy; Adverse side effect experienced by one of the patients.

Discusses the impact of antibiotics on the gastrointestinal tract. Types of reaction that may be observed in the gastrointestinal tract; Element that may reduce the intensity of gastric irritation produced by antibiotics; Method detecting acute staphylococcal enteritis.

Tral is a new anticholinergic compound, the properties of which have been well demonstrated by pharmacologic studies in experimental animals. A suppressive action on the basal gastric secretion was noted in two groups of 17 subjects each after single oral doses of 25 mg. and 50 mg. of the drug. Tral appeared to be effective in reducing both the volume of secretion and the free acidity, causing anacidity of varying duration in about one-half of the subjects tested. Clinical evaluation of the drug in 38 patients with "chronic peptic ulcer" showed an excellent response to treatment in 57.8 per cent and a good response in 26.3 per cent. The drug appears to be well tolerated. Although 31.5 per cent of patients experienced various side reactions, it was necessary to discontinue therapy because of the severity of these effects in only 3 cases. These results further emphasize the usefulness of an anticholinergic drug as an adjunct to the treatment of peptic ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on gastrointestinal iatrogenic disease. Definition of iatrogenic disease; Causes of gastrointestinal iatrogenic disease; Adverse effect of antibiotic therapy, analgesic drugs and cathartics on gastrointestinal tract.

Presents cases involving treatment of patients with peptic ulcer, gastritis, hyperacidity, hypersecretion and other manifestations due to gallbladder and biliary disease with the use of Sippyplex. Case descriptions; Effects of Sippyplex on the patients; Side effects of Sippyplex on some cases.

Presents information on a study on the administration of anticholinergic drugs in the management of peptic ulcer. Advantages of therapy with anticholinergic over vagotomy; Use of a prolonged acting form of propantheline bromide in the study; Side effects of the anticholinergic drug such as constipation and tachycardia.

Focuses on the treatment of peptic ulcer by the inactivation of gastric peristalsis with an anticholinergic drug. Effect of anticholinergic drugs on gastric motility; Dosage and administration of anticholinergic drugs on patients with ulcer; Side effects of anticholinergic drugs.

Focuses on the use of bioflavonoids in the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Symptoms of hemorrhage; Administration and dosage of bioflavonoids; Side effects.

A review of nuclear medicine leads to the conclusion that patient risk from radiation exposure is no greater than risk from other procedures used in modern hospitals, and in some cases may avoid need for performing more risky procedures. There appears to be no valid reason for withholding nuclear medical procedures from the diagnostic armamentarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses toxic reactions to drugs including organic and inorganic chemicals, antibiotics, and blood transfusions. Topics discussed include that as new drugs that have come into the market by the pharmaceutical industry, the older drugs such as arsenic, iodide, and bromides have fallen into disuse.

Two cases of bullous and nodular lichen planus induced by ingested and topically administered native medicine are described. The high incidence of lichen planus in Africa could be due to the widespread use of herbal drugs. This could partly explain the absence of buccal mucosal lesion in lichen planus in African Negroes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on cutaneous reactions to anti-rheumatic drugs. Drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic disorders fall into 3 categories. The suppressive anti-inflammatory agents including salicylates, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, indomethacin and ibuprofen; gold and chloroquine which are used, in rheumatoid arthritis and are thought to have more specific and long lasting effects; and thirdly, immunosuppressive drugs such as eyclophosphamide arid azathioprine which have been recently introduced.

Our experience with folic acid antagonists in fourteen patients has led us to certain conclusions. They are consistently effective in producing some clearance of psoriasis but this may be temporary. They are not free from side effects but with careful control, which includes discontinuing the drug at the first sign of a possible side effect, these need not be dangerous ; and in the early stages they are reversible. The treatment can be discontinued abruptly. This is a groat advantage over steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norethynodrel and mestranol in a ratio identical to that used for contraception were injected subcutaneously daily for five weeks into young adult female rats. These rats were fed with a purified caries test diet. The various lesions of the treated rats increased proportionately with increased doses of the agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the production of edema as a side-effect of local anesthetics. The article discusses research on the cytotoxicity of these anesthetics when applied to rats to evaluate how edema is affected by prophylactic antihistamine therapy. Information is also provided on the anesthetic solutions of lidocaine, mepivacaine, and procaine.

The article discusses a study on the use and effectiveness of levo-arterenol as a vasoconstrictor. The study focused on potential side effects of Arterenol when used as a local anesthetic. Results of the study showed that although it is a more effective anesthetic than epinephrine, it also has a higher rate of side effects.

In an open, crossover study of six months' duration, clonidine given alone and with chlorthalidone was compared in 37 patients completing the study. Significant blood pressure lowering was achieved following both clonidine and clonidine with chlorthalidone. The response was highly significant following the combination. While there was a systolic orthostatic effect, tolerance developed only after clonidine alone in this study. Adverse effects were frequently reported. They were an annoying feature of the drug, but no major toxic effects were seen, and the only significant laboratory abnormalities were those associated with diuretic therapy. Bradycardia was a common finding. Based on the findings of this study, clonidine is a valuable additional tool for the management of hypertensive vascular disease. The combination with chlorthalidone provides a much more predictable means of controlling blood pressure than clonidine alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on allergic reactions associated with use of dextran in the treatment of thrombophlebitis and arterial insufficiency. Although dextran, a polysaccharide product of the fermentation of sucrose by the organism Leuconostoc mesenteroides, has long been known to be allergenic in humans, the incidence of adverse reactions has been very low. In a study, the authors treated 40 patients with either thrombophlebitis or inoperable peripheral arterial insufficiency with dextran.

Keloids by spectral approach have been defined and a new concept as to the course of this disease promulgated. This hypothesis explains why, on occasion, many varieties of medication seem to work. How keloids may be prognosticated in: (1) people who never had the disease, (2) the effectiveness of therapy, and (3) the proper time to do surgery, if necessary, have been suggested by newly applied biochemical tests. The safety of glucocorticoids has been dealt with over a sever year follow up wherein no patient ever had the medication stopped because of side effects. The efficiency of this medical approach, or in combination with surgery to prevent recurrence, has been demonstrated from the experiences in over 125 cases, wherein no case failure of treatment has occurred. Reasons for failure reported in the literature have been mentioned. A preliminary report in a census of 14,500 school children for keloids in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, with ethnological and percentile breakdown has been presented. The modalities of therapy in keloids have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension in 52 patients was treated for 4 to 56 days with divided doses of 6 or 12 mg of trichlormethiazide and 0.3 mg of reserpine daily in combination tablets. Blood pressure in all patients was lowered; the mean average was 33/16 mm Hg. Most patients also lost weight; the mean average was 4.2 pounds. Laboratory studies indicated that the drugs did not significantly change pretreatment values for serum electrolytes, serum carbon dioxide, nonprotein nitrogen, urinary sugar or albumin, or blood chemistry. There were no clinical side effects attributable to the drugs except a pruritic rash in an elderly male patient. The results of the clinical and laboratory studies did not differ between patients treated for long or short periods of time or between patients who received 6 or 12 mg of trichlormethiazide daily. It is concluded that the combination of trichlormethiazide and reserpine provides safe and effective management of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty-two hypertensive patients have been treated with a new oral antihypertensive-saluretic preparation designated as Rautrax. The blood pressure response is reported for all of the patients after 1 month, for 53 after 3 months and for 37 after 6 months of therapy. Dosage was 1 tablet of Rautrax twice daily, each tablet containing 50 mg of whole root Rauwolfia serpentina, 400 mg of a new oral saluretic agent, flumethiazide, and 400 mg of potassium chloride. Normal blood pressure readings were recorded for 30 of the 62 patients after 1 month, for 29 of the 53 after 3 months, and for 18 of the 37 patients after treatment for 6 months. Significant reductions in the blood pressure levels over pretreatment values were observed in 69 per cent, 83 per cent and 89 per cent of patients after 1, 3 or 6 months of therapy, respectively. Associated symptoms such as headache, dizziness and blurring of vision were completely relieved or greatly improved in the majority of the patients. Medication was withdrawn in two patients who developed purpura, lethargy and severe diarrhea. Other side effects included transient nasal stuffiness, itchiness, increased bowel motility, occasional weakness, epigastric discomfort and a feeling of ‘shockiness’ in two diabetic patients, but these were never sufficiently severe to require discontinuance of the drug. Patients on digitalis therapy who received Rautrax gave no signs of digitalis intoxication. There were no signs of potassium loss in any patient, though none were anticipated because Rautrax contains added potassium to combat excessive loss. After periods of administration lasting for 6 months, there was no sign of tolerance to the antihypertensive action of Rautrax. Potentiation of the antihypertensive effect of rauwolfia by the concomitant administration of a diuretic-saluretic agent has been confirmed. On the basis of the findings in this study, the clinical impression was gained that Rautrax represents a valuable addition to the resources available to the physician for the medical management of hypertensive vascular disease. The combination of hypotensive-saluretic action in a single preparation provides a convenient dosage form in the treatment of the ambulatory patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the cardiovascular effect of sympathicolytic drugs in individuals with hypertension. Reason behind the unsuitability of tetraethylammonium as a treatment in hypertension; Frequency of complications and side-effects from the administration of Priscol; Factors influencing the manifestation of sympathomimetic action of Benzodioxane.

, , 637-640. A patient is presented who has the typical manifestations of Behçet's syndrome—oral, perianal, and skin ulcerations, arthritis, and thrombophlebitis. His presenting symptom, consisting of severe dysphagia caused by oesophageal ulceration, is unreported in connection with this disease. The ulceration became a perforation requiring surgical treatment. His malnourished state and long-term steroid therapy made him a poor surgical risk and preoperative and postoperative nutritional and respiratory support were necessary. Prophylaxis against thromboembolic phenomena is indicated postoperatively in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article focuses on treatment of psychosis. The availability of effective psychoactive drugs has contributed to major changes in the treatment of psychosis. Since the intensive use of psychoactive drugs is the most important recent addition to the care of psychotic patients, some information about these agents is needed by all professionals dealing with psychoses. Although several somatic therapies have relevance to the treatment of psychoses, the phenothiazines have made by far the most significant contribution. Many psychotic patients have serious impairment of interpersonal and social skills before the psychosis begins; such problems tend to be even more prominent after it subsides. Educational, psychotherapeutic, and social service efforts designed to help the patient improve these skills must be available as soon as the blatant psychotic symptoms are controlled. The most impressive result of the use of pharmacological agents for psychoses has been the ability to bring the most extreme and disruptive psychotic syndromes under control earlier, more reliably, and with fewer disabling side effects than ever before possible.

Investigates the pros and cons of cromolyn sodium prophylaxis in chronically asthmatic children. Comparison of the clinical course of the patients; Side-effects of the drug; Concomitant use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids; Response of the different types of chronic asthma to cromolyn sodium.

Evaluates the treatment asthmatic children with disodium cromoglycate. Doses of inhaled drugs; Observation of dry mouth as side effects; Report of reduced school absences following therapy; Citation of the potential danger of severe exacerbation of asthma and failure of adrenocortical response if steroid doses are reduced too quickly and drastically.

The article focuses on a study which assessed parents' response to and efficacy of pediatric forms of erythromycin. The study selected patients from the Out-Patient Department of the Saint Louis Children's Hospital. Results revealed a satisfactory clinical response to erythromycin. Side effects were reported for some children which include vomiting, pruritus and sneezing with irritated eyes. Mothers' reactions are varied. Some are moved to endorsements and others responded to television advertisements.

Presents abstracts of articles concerning hypersensitivity to penicillin. "Screening Tests for the Detection of Penicillin Hypersensitivity," by John C. Trinca; "Hypersensitivity to Penicillin: A Short Review," by Alex Johnson; "Method for Detection of Penicillin Hypersensitivity," by Harold Lecks and Lillian P. Kravis.

The findings of a study of the consumption of mood-modifying prescription drugs in a large Canadian city are presented and compared with data from the United States. The consistently higher prevalence of use of these drugs by women is examined. An explanatory model is proposed, suggesting that women are permitted greater freedom than men to express feelings. perceive their feelings more readily, and hence recognize emotional difficulties. This recognition enables the woman to define her difficulties within a medical model and thus bring them to the attention of her physician. The physician, representing the society that sanctions this freer expression, expects female patients to behave in this way, and thus expects them to require a higher proportion of mood-altering drugs than the less expressive male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]