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European Review For Medical and... 2015Cardioceuticals are nutritional supplements that contain all the essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, omega-3-fatty acids and other antioxidants like... (Review)
Review
Cardioceuticals are nutritional supplements that contain all the essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, omega-3-fatty acids and other antioxidants like a-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 in the right proportion that provide all round protection to the heart by reducing the most common risks associated with the cardiovascular disease including high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels and factors that contribute to coagulation of blood. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce the risk for sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are also used to treat hyperlipidemia and hypertension. There are no significant drug interactions with omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends consumption of two servings of fish per week for persons with no history of coronary heart disease and at least one serving of fish daily for those with known coronary heart disease. Approximately 1 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid is recommended for cardio protection. Higher dosages of omega-3 fatty acids are required to reduce elevated triglyceride levels (2-4 g/day). Modest decreases in blood pressure occur with significantly higher dosages of omega-3 fatty acids.
Topics: American Heart Association; Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; United States
PubMed: 25720716
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician Jul 2009Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function. Research has shown that the mineral content of magnesium in food sources is declining, and that... (Review)
Review
Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function. Research has shown that the mineral content of magnesium in food sources is declining, and that magnesium depletion has been detected in persons with some chronic diseases. This has led to an increased awareness of proper magnesium intake and its potential therapeutic role in a number of medical conditions. Studies have shown the effectiveness of magnesium in eclampsia and preeclampsia, arrhythmia, severe asthma, and migraine. Other areas that have shown promising results include lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, improving glucose and insulin metabolism, relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, and alleviating leg cramps in women who are pregnant. The use of magnesium for constipation and dyspepsia are accepted as standard care despite limited evidence. Although it is safe in selected patients at appropriate dosages, magnesium may cause adverse effects or death at high dosages. Because magnesium is excreted renally, it should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
Topics: Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Asthma; Constipation; Female; Food; Humans; Magnesium; Migraine Disorders; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy
PubMed: 19621856
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician May 2019Drug interactions are common in the primary care setting and are usually predictable. Identifying the most important and clinically relevant drug interactions in primary... (Review)
Review
Drug interactions are common in the primary care setting and are usually predictable. Identifying the most important and clinically relevant drug interactions in primary care is essential to patient safety. Strategies for reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions include minimizing the number of drugs prescribed, re-evaluating therapy on a regular basis, considering nonpharmacologic options, monitoring for signs and symptoms of toxicity or effectiveness, adjusting dosages of medications when indicated, and adjusting administration times. Inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing isoenzymes is the most common mechanism by which clinically important drug interactions occur. The antimicrobials most likely to affect the international normalized ratio significantly in patients receiving warfarin are trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, and fluconazole. An empiric warfarin dosage reduction of 30% to 50% upon initiation of amiodarone therapy is recommended. In patients receiving amiodarone, limit dosages of simvastatin to 20 mg per day and lovastatin to 40 mg per day. Beta blockers should be tapered and discontinued several days before clonidine withdrawal to reduce the risk of rebound hypertension. Spironolactone dosages should be limited to 25 mg daily when coadministered with potassium supplements. Avoid prescribing opioid cough medicines for patients receiving benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. Physicians should consider consultation with a clinical pharmacist when clinical circumstances require the use of drugs with interaction potential.
Topics: Drug Interactions; Drug Monitoring; Humans; Polypharmacy; Primary Health Care; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31038898
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Medicine (London, England) Jun 2016
Review
Topics: Humans; Acne Vulgaris; Dermatologic Agents; Isotretinoin; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27252338
DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-3-s34 -
The American Journal of Medicine Dec 1997To study the efficacy and safety of various dosages of metformin as compared with placebo in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To study the efficacy and safety of various dosages of metformin as compared with placebo in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A 14-week, multicenter, double-blind, dose-response study was conducted. After a 3-week, single-blind, placebo-controlled washout, 451 patients with fasting plasma glucose levels of at least 180 mg/dL were randomized to receive an 11-week course of placebo or metformin given at 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 mg daily.
RESULTS
Metformin improved glucose variables as compared with placebo. The adjusted mean changes in fasting plasma glucose from baseline associated with each metformin group at week 7, 11, or at endpoint exceeded those associated with placebo by 19 to 84 mg/dL at dosages of 500 to 2000 mg daily, respectively. The corresponding between-group differences in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ranged from 0.6% to 2.0% at dosages of 500 to 2000 mg daily, respectively. All between-group differences were significant (P < 0.05) for both fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c at week 7, week 11, and endpoint, except for the difference between placebo and metformin 500 mg in fasting plasma glucose at endpoint (P = 0.054). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 15% of patients in the placebo group and in 28% in the metformin group (P = 0.02); these were primarily manifested as digestive disturbances, such as diarrhea.
CONCLUSIONS
Metformin lowered fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c generally in a dose-related manner. Benefits were observed with as little as 500 mg of metformin; maximal benefits were observed at the upper limits of the recommended daily dosage. All dosages were well tolerated. Metformin appears to be a useful therapeutic option for physicians who wish to titrate drug therapy to achieve target glucose concentrations.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Male; Metformin; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 9428832
DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(97)00254-4 -
European Archives of... Mar 2023To investigate the dosages of swallowing exercises reported in intervention studies on post-stroke dysphagia through systematic review. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To investigate the dosages of swallowing exercises reported in intervention studies on post-stroke dysphagia through systematic review.
METHODS
Five electronic databases were searched from inception until February 2022 with reference tracing of included studies. Studies were included, where adults with post-stroke dysphagia received rehabilitative, behavioural swallowing exercises, pre/post outcomes were reported, and intervention dosage was described in detail, including frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise. Two reviewers independently screened studies and rated quality using ASHA Levels of Evidence tool. Data was tabulated and narratively described.
RESULTS
54 studies were included with a total 1501 participants. Studies included 28 randomised controlled trials, 8 non-randomised controlled trials, 12 pre/post studies, 3 retrospective case controls and 3 case studies. Results showed inconsistent reporting of intervention dosage, with intensity the least consistently reported dosage component. While swallowing intervention was most commonly provided five times per week for four weeks, there was a wide breadth of type, frequency, intensity and duration of swallowing exercises reported. Dosage under-reporting and variation was particularly observed in "standard care" co-interventions or control groups. Study strengths included following PRISMA guidelines, providing a comprehensive review of swallowing exercise methodology and dosages, and including non-English studies. The limitation was lack of meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Dosages of swallowing exercises are inconsistently reported and vary significantly in post-stroke dysphagia studies. Results indicate the need for consistent and comprehensive dosage reporting in dysphagia studies, and for further research into evidence-based principles to optimise swallowing exercise dosages.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
131294.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Deglutition; Stroke Rehabilitation; Retrospective Studies; Stroke
PubMed: 36471047
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07735-7 -
European Journal of Clinical... Feb 2010Oral vitamin E is used in several childhood diseases, but dosage recommendations differ. Few oral products have a marketing authorization for therapeutic use in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Oral vitamin E is used in several childhood diseases, but dosage recommendations differ. Few oral products have a marketing authorization for therapeutic use in children. Preliminary data indicate differences in bioavailability among the various vitamin E compounds. Our objective was to review published data on oral vitamin E therapy in neonates and children in order to establish dosage recommendations at a local level.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted, including Medline Ovid, EMBASE (1980-Feb 2008), Cochrane databases, product monographs, handbooks, and textbooks.
RESULTS
The main vitamin E compounds being used in children are alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocopheryl acetate, and tocofersolan. The most data are available on tocopheryl acetate, both in neonates and older children. In children with malabsorption disorders, tocofersolan appears to have an increased bioavailability compared to tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate. Published data on pharmacokinetics and dosages for clinical use are few and heterogeneous. No pharmacokinetic studies were found for tocofersolan in neonates and infants. There are few comparative studies on pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children. Dosages used in clinical studies and dosage recommendations in handbooks differ considerably.
CONCLUSIONS
The differences in dosing recommendations in children may be due to lack of systematic studies. Existing published data on oral vitamin E do not provide a basis for evaluation of dosage recommendations in children. Comparative clinical studies are required for scientific evaluation of pharmacokinetics, dosage regimens, and efficacy/ADR assessments in children.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Vitamin E
PubMed: 19823814
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-009-0729-1 -
Heliyon Apr 2022In this study, we investigated a mathematical model for chemoimmunotherapy (a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy) for brain cancer. In most cases, the...
In this study, we investigated a mathematical model for chemoimmunotherapy (a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy) for brain cancer. In most cases, the standard protocol for cancer treatment is fixed in terms of treatment time intervals and dosages. We offer a wide range of non-fixed protocols, which essentially vary in terms of time intervals and dosages (i.e., personalised medicine). The functions that describe this treatment are explicit and analytical. Hence, the parameters of the function can be easily changed and a new protocol can be obtained. We compared different protocols and obtained an optimal solution. In addition, we applied the singular perturbed vector field (SPVF) method to determine the hierarchy of the system of equations, which enabled us to identify the equilibrium points of the mathematical model and investigate their stability.
PubMed: 35520602
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09288 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Apr 2019Opioid agonist treatment is considered important in preventing acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs; however, the role of dosage in...
BACKGROUND
Opioid agonist treatment is considered important in preventing acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs; however, the role of dosage in opioid agonist treatment is unclear. We investigated the joint association of prescribed dosage of opioid agonist treatment and patient-perceived dosage adequacy with risk of HCV infection among people who inject drugs.
METHODS
We followed prospectively people who inject drugs at risk of acquiring HCV infection (who were RNA negative and HCV-antibody negative or positive) in Montréal, Canada (2004-2017). At 6-month, then 3-month intervals, participants were tested for HCV antibodies or RNA, and completed an interviewer-administered behavioural questionnaire, reporting the following: current exposure to opioid agonist treatment (yes/no), prescribed dosage either high (methadone ≥ 60 mg/d or buprenorphine ≥ 16 mg/d) or low, and perceived dosage adequacy (adequate/inadequate). We then assigned participants to 1 of 5 exposure categories: no opioid agonist treatment, high dosage of opioid agonist treatment perceived to be adequate, high dosage perceived to be inadequate, low dosage perceived to be adequate or low dosage perceived to be inadequate. To estimate associations between categories of opioid agonist treatment dosage and incident HCV infection, we conducted Cox regression analyses, adjusting for multiple confounding factors.
RESULTS
Of 513 participants (median age 35.0 yr, 77.6% male), 168 acquired HCV over 1422.6 person-years of follow-up (incidence 11.8/100 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.1-13.7). We observed a gradient in the relative risks of HCV infection across categories of opioid agonist treatment dosage. Compared with people who inject drugs not receiving opioid agonist treatment, adjusted hazard ratios were 0.43 (95% CI 0.23-0.84) for those receiving high dosages perceived to be adequate, 0.61 (95% CI 0.25-1.50) for those receiving high dosages perceived to be inadequate, 1.22 (95% CI 0.74-2.00) for those receiving low dosages perceived to be adequate and 1.94 (95% CI 1.11-3.39) for those receiving low dosages perceived to be inadequate.
INTERPRETATION
Risk of HCV infection varies considerably according to dosage of opioid agonist treatment and patient-perceived adequacy, with associations indicating both protective and harmful effects relative to no exposure to opioid agonist treatment.
Topics: Adult; Buprenorphine; Cohort Studies; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Drug Users; Female; Hepatitis C; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Methadone; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Opioid-Related Disorders
PubMed: 31036608
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.181506 -
The Journal of Antimicrobial... Nov 2023The new definitions of antimicrobial susceptibility categories proposed by EUCAST in 2020 require the definition of standard and high dosages of antibiotic. For...
BACKGROUND
The new definitions of antimicrobial susceptibility categories proposed by EUCAST in 2020 require the definition of standard and high dosages of antibiotic. For injectable β-lactams, standard and high dosages have been proposed for short-infusion regimens only.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate dosages for β-lactams administered by prolonged infusion (PI) and continuous infusion (CI).
METHODS
Monte Carlo simulations were performed for seven injectable β-lactams: aztreonam, cefepime, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, piperacillin and temocillin. Various dosage regimens based on short infusion, PI or CI were simulated in virtual patients. Pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and PTAs were obtained based on reference population PK models, as well as PK/pharmacodynamic targets and MIC breakpoints proposed by EUCAST. Alternative dosage regimens associated with PTA values similar to those of recommended dosages up to the breakpoints were considered acceptable.
RESULTS
Adequate PTAs were confirmed for most EUCAST short-infusion dosage regimens. A total of 9 standard and 14 high dosages based on PI (3 to 4 h) or CI were identified as alternatives. For cefepime and aztreonam, only PI and CI regimens could achieve acceptable PTAs for infections caused by Pseudomonas spp.: 2 g q8h as PI of 4 h or 6 g/24 h CI for cefepime; 2 g q6h as PI of 3 h or 6 g/24 h CI for aztreonam.
CONCLUSIONS
These alternative standard and high dosage regimens are expected to provide antibiotic exposure compatible with new EUCAST definitions of susceptibility categories and associated MIC breakpoints. However, further clinical evaluation is necessary.
Topics: Humans; Cefepime; Aztreonam; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ceftazidime; Piperacillin; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Monte Carlo Method
PubMed: 37796958
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad300