Nicotinamide
Nicotinamide (Nicotinic acid, Niacin) It is water-soluble vitamin and found in yeast, meat, milk, fish, eggs & green vegetables. Deficiency of this vitamin cause pellagra characterized by 3 “D” (diarrhea dermatitis & dementia). The average daily requirement for adult is 15mg. Mechanism of action- Niacin functions as a coenzyme essential for tissue respiration, lipid metabolism and glycogenolysis. Indication- Prevention & treatment of pellagra, peripheral vascular disease. Preparation- i). Tablet: 25mg, 100mg ii) Elixir:...
read moreVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) It is water-soluble vitamin found in liver, meat, yeast, legumes, vegetables and cereals. It is concerned with amino acid metabolism. Daily requirement for adults is 2mg. Supplementary pyridoxine should be given for patient receiving isoniazid (INH) anti-tubercular medication, because INH blocks the conversion of vitamin B6 into its Co-enzyme. Mechanism of action- Acts as a co-enzyme in protein, carbohydrate & fat metabolism & utilization. Indication-Peripheral neuritis, seborrhoic dermatitis,...
read moreVitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) It is water-soluble vitamin & found in vegetables, milk, meat and eggs. Deficiency of vitamin B2 causes angular stomatitis & other cutaneous manifestations. The average daily requirement for adult is 1.3mg; in pregnancy and lactations it rises to 1.5-2mg. Mechanism of action- Riboflavin is a co-enzyme, which play vital role in metabolism. It is also directly involved in maintaining erythrocyte integrity. Preparation-Tablet: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Indication- Prophylaxis and treatment of deficiency which is...
read moreVitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride) It is water-soluble vitamin and can obtain from whole grain, peas, bean, yeast and meat. Steaming or exposure to moist heat reduces the thiamine content of the foods. Deficiency of this vitamin causes beri beri. Minimum daily requirement for adult is 1.3mg. Indication-Beri-beri (Dry/wet), Wernicke’s encephalopathy, alcoholic encephalopathy. Usual dose- i) Mild chronic deficiency: 10-25mg daily; severe deficiency: 200-300mg daily. Adverse effect- Non-toxic but may cause allergic reactions, sweating,...
read moreVitamin K
Vitamin K (Phytonadione) Vitamin K is fat-soluble vitamin, which is necessary for blood coagulation. It is also used as antidote for high dose of oral anticoagulants (warfarin). Mechanism of action: It is necessary for hepatic formation of coagulation factors Il, VII, IX & X Indication- Prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic state in neonates, antidote of oral anticoagulant, hypo-prothrombinemia. Preparation- Injection: 2mg/ml, 10mg/ml; Tablet: 5mg. Usual dose- i) Adult: 2.5 to 10mg S/C or I/M or I/V based on PT & INR repeated if...
read moreVitamin ‘E’ (Tocopherol)
Vitamin ‘E’ (Tocopherol) Vitamin E is considered as essential nutritional element, although its exact function is unknown. Its deficiency may lead to sterility in male & recurrent abortion in female so also called anti sterility factor. Deficiency may observe in low birth weight infants. It may result in anemia, reticulocytosis, thrombocytopenia etc. Vitamin E prophylaxis reduces the incidence retinopathy of premature baby. Preparation- Capsule: 400 IU, 200 IU, 100 IU; Oral Solution: 50 IU/ml Indication- Vitamin E deficiency in...
read moreVitamin ‘D’
Vitamin ‘D’ (Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol) Cholecalciferol is formed in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet light. Ergocalciferol is found in animal source. It is fat-soluble vitamin and mostly found in liver, fatty food, fish and egg yolk. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adult. Minimum daily requirement is 400 lU. Mechanism of action i) Helps in absorption of calcium & phosphorus in the gut ii) Promote bone dissolution and mineralization thereby increase the serum calcium & alkaline...
read moreVitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A (Retinol) Vitamin A is a fat-soluble found in dairy products such as milk, butter, cream, fish liver oil & eggs. Carotene (pro-vitamin A), which is converted by liver into vitamin A, is found in green leafy vegetables & yellow fruits. Mechanism of action i) Helps in synthesis of rhodopsin by rods cell in retina. ii) Promotes differentiation & maintain structural integrity of epithelia all over the body. Also promotes mucous secretion. Inhibits keratinization & improves resistance to infection. Indication- Night...
read moreAntidotes
Antidotes 1. Universal Antidote The “universal antidote” like many mixtures of drugs is a ‘Shotgun’ pointed at unknown targets. The charcoal is intended to absorb chemical of several sources and kinds. The magnesium oxide is intended to neutralize acid without producing gas and the tannic acid is supposed to precipitate heavy metals and alkaloids and to neutralize bases when the poisonous substance is not known, it is safer to use activated charcoal alone. 2. List of Drug and its Antidotes Following are the drugs and its...
read moreParkinsonism
Drugs used for Parkinsonism (Anti-Parkinsonism) These are drugs, which have a therapeutic effect in Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is an extra pyramidal motor disorder (characterized by rigidity, tremor and hyperkinesis) with secondary manifestation like defective posture and gait, mask like face and sialorrhoea; dementia may accompany. If untreated; the symptoms progress over several year to end stage disease in which the patient is rigid, unable to move, unable to breathe properly, succumbs mostly to chest infections/embolism. The commonly used...
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