Ondansetron
ONDANSETRON
Overview:
Ondansetron is a medicine used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or stomach problems.
It is available in tablets, syrups, and injections.
Classification:5-HT₃ (serotonin) receptor antagonist
Uses:
Ondansetron is prescribed to prevent and manage nausea and vomiting linked to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, post-surgical recovery, and stomach infections such as gastroenteritis. It can also be administered for pregnancy-related vomiting, but only under medical supervision. This drug is particularly beneficial when nausea is intense or when other treatments are ineffective.
How it works:
Ondansetron functions by inhibiting serotonin (5-HT₃) receptors located in both the brain and the digestive system.
Serotonin is a substance that can initiate the vomiting response.
By obstructing these receptors, ondansetron aids in preventing and alleviating nausea and vomiting, particularly those induced by chemotherapy, surgical procedures, or gastrointestinal illnesses.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Headache
Constipation
Dizziness
Tiredness or fatigue
Dry mouth
Precautions:
Before initiating Ondansetron treatment, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver diseases, heart conditions, or a history of irregular heart rhythms. This medication requires careful use in individuals with low levels of potassium or magnesium in their blood. It is advisable to avoid taking it in conjunction with other medications that may impact heart rhythm. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Ondansetron if it is explicitly prescribed by a doctor. Always follow the prescribed dosage and avoid using it for mild or occasional nausea without consulting a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Rabeprazole
RABEPRAZOLE
OVERVIEW
Rabeprazole is used to reduce the amount of gastric acid when there’s too much produced by the stomach. If you have indigestion, burning in the chest, acid regurgitation into the mouth, or have a sore in the stomach (ulcer) often occurs, then this drug will help you.
CLASSIFICATION
proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
USES
To treat heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest)
To help with acid reflux (when acid comes up into your throat)
To heal damage in the food pipe (esophagus) caused by acid
To treat sores (ulcers) in the stomach or gut
To help get rid of a bacteria called H. pylori (a cause of ulcers), when taken with other medicines
To treat rare problems where the stomach makes too much acid
HOW IT WORKS
Rabeprazole Tablet works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as gastric proton pump which is responsible for the production of acid. This leads to decreased acid production, ulcer healing and prevention of new ulcer formation.
DOSAGE
As directed by the physician
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any you take for lupus and liver disease, to avoid harmful drug interactions.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, or have had an allergic reaction to similar medicines.
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Rabeprazole) can increase the risk of bone fractures when used longer, at higher doses or in elderly individuals. Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements is one strategy to prevent bone loss and fractures. Have a conversation about this with your physician or pharmacist.
The adverse effects with this medication, especially bone loss, fractures, and Clostridium difficile infection, can be worse in older people.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your clinician.
Rabeprazole can make your body absorb less magnesium. This often happens after one year on the drug. While low levels of magnesium can be asymptomatic, the clinical ramifications can be quite detrimental. These may be missed by healthcare providers. They can manifest as muscle spasms, heart dysrhythmia, or seizures.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most people who take Rabeprazole don’t have any side effects. If side effects do happen, they’re usually mild and tend to go away after stopping the medicine. Only about 1 in 100 people experience them.
Some possible side effects include:
Headache
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain
Sore throat
Feeling tired or low on energy
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
