Singulair: Patient Information Drug Side Effects

February 17th, 2010 admin

Singulair (Montelukast Sodium is generic for singulair) is popular allergy and asthma medication.

Aka Singulair Montelukast is used to treat long-term maintenance of asthma and relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. While Singulair may show side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions, sleep disorders and increased bleeding.

Singulair was a sure blockbuster drug for the treatment of asthma when introduced in 1998. This is a once daily is the drug that provides freedom of inhalers for chronic asthma suffers as 6 years old. Singulair, part of a new class called leukotriene inhibitors, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February 1998. That helps block the response of inflamed lung tissue, in part, the cause of asthma. The Food and Drug Administration in January 2003 approved the pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Singulair for use in the fight against hay fever (rhinitis), another common ailment. Singulair is now widely prescribed to treat asthma and symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing and a nose that is stuffy, runny or itchy. It blocks an inflammation pathway in the body that can cause asthma and allergy symptoms. Medical experts say Singulair is important for three reasons: The evidence showed few and minor side effects, convenient, and can be used in children as young as 6 years. The drug however, does not treat asthma attacks. Asthmatics should still take your quick relief and rescue medications.

Merc patentee and manufacturer of Singulair is working closely with the U.S. FDA in the last year to update prescribing information and patient information for Singulair to include the possible risk of tremors, depression and suicidal tendencies.

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Types of Pain Killer Drugs

January 29th, 2010 admin

Painkillers fall into three broad categories, designed to target different types and causes of pain. Work is also now underway in America to develop a whole new range of painkilling drugs that are not addictive.

Paracetamols

The first category is the paracetamols, whose recommended daily dose is 4 grams per day for adults. Different kinds of paracetamol should never be mixed as there is a clear risk of exceeding this dosage. The best known brands are Panadol, Tylenol and Dafalgen. Paracetamols are used to reduce fever, ease headaches, joint and muscle pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system.

NSAIDs

These drugs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), like the Paracetamols, should not be interchanged, not even with aspirin as there is a possibility of side effects. The main NSAIDs brands Diclofenac (Voltaren) and Ibuprofen (Brufen). This is a large class of drugs used mainly to treat arthritis by interfering with the inflammatory process.

Opioids

The best known of these drugs, that work by reducing a patient’s perception of pain are Codeine and Morphine, and like the above should not be mixed.

Other Painkillers

These include local anesthetics like Lignocaine, Bupivicaine and Ropivacaine, nerve blockers and epidurals.

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Introduction to Lipid Lowering Drugs

January 26th, 2010 admin

Lipid lowering drugs

What is lipid?

Lipid is white wax like organic substance made up of sterols, fats, vitamins soluble in fat, diglycerides, monoglycerides and phospholipids. There are eight types of lipids found in human body. Lipids perform many important functions such as membrane formation, storage of energy, carrying signals and dissolve vitamins that are not soluble in water. Triacylglycerols, cholesterol and phospholipids are most common types of lipids found in food.

  • Fatty acyls
  • Glycerolipids (triglycerides)
  • Glycerophospholipids
  • Sphingolipids
  • Sterol lipids
  • Prenol lipids
  • Saccharolipids
  • Polyketides

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is sterol lipid. It is an essential lipid for human body. Cholesterol maintains permeability of cell membrane i.e. maintains easy flow of molecules to pass through membrane. Body system requires cholesterol to produce steroidal hormones and bile acid. Excess presence of cholesterol is very harmful despite its important functions and necessity. High cholesterol level leads to heart
problem such as blockages in coronary arteries and veins. LDL (Low density liporprtien) is strongly associated to critical health conditions while, on the other hand, HDL (high density lipoprotien) is considered to be good cholesterol.

* Statins: Statin drugs are most prescribed drugs class to lower sterol lipid (cholesterol) level in bloodstream. Statin drugs work by preventing HMG-CoA reductase enzyme from getting activated. HMG-CoA reductase decides the rate at which cholesterol is synthesized. Inhibition of these enzymes reduce the cholesterol formation and increase protein (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor)
that helps cells to absorb cholesterol-rich LDL.

Statin drugs lowers LDL by 18% to 55% in blood.

Drugs of This Class are….

  • Lipitor, Torvast (Atorvastatin)
  • Lipobay, Baycol (Cerivastatin)
  • Lescol, Lescol XL (Fluvastatin)
  • Mevacor, Altocor (Lovastatin)
  • Mevastatin
  • Livalo, Pitava (Pitavastatin)
  • Pravachol (Pravastatin)
  • Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
  • Zocor (Simvastatin)
  • Vytorin (Simvastatin+Ezetimibe)
  • Advicor (Lovastatin+Niacin)
  • Caduet (Atorvastatin+Amlodipine Besylate)
  • Simcor (Simvastatin+Niacin)

 

* fibrates are used to treat condition known as hypertriglyceridemia, a condition where blood contains high level of triglycerides. Triglycerides is another type of lipid responsible for hardening of arteries. Fibrate works through sticking to receptors of PPAR-α. Activation releases an enzyme that reduces amount of triglycerides and LDL. Fibrate also increases level of the good cholesterol(HDL). Double action of fibrates results in low LDL and high HDL. Fibrates are indicated for prevention of coronary heart disease. Fibrate may cause muscle damage.

 

Fibrates typically lower triglycerides by 20% to 50%.

Drugs of this class are….

* Bezalip (Bezafibrate)
* Modalim (Ciprofibrate)
* Clofibrate
* Lopid (Gemfibrozil)
* TriCor (Fenofibrate)

Other lipid lowering drug classes are….
* niacin: Lowers LDL by 5-25% and increase HDL by 15-35%. Side effects include liver damage and hyperglycemia.
* bile acid sequestrants
* phytosterols
* Orlistat (Xenical): Xenical works by preventing absorption of fat from food. This drug inhibits an enzyme that is responsible for synthesis of triglycerides. Xenical is also being indicated to treat obesity since its action reduces calories produced from food.

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Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Drugs

January 25th, 2010 admin

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin is a protein that regulates constriction of blood vessels. Excess of angiotensin causes many cardiovascular problem. More contraction (narrowing) of blood vessels increases blood pressure and increase work load on heart.

Sudden drop of blood pressure may lead to stroke. Higher blood pressure damages blood vessels of entire body (including kidney). Damaged vessels may cause kidney malfunctions such as unable to remove wastes (harmfull chemicals and toxic) from blood and unwanted fluid from blood system. This may lead to further drop of blood pressure.

Angiotensin receptor blockers works by blocking action of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II receptors help relaxing blood vessels and pressure exerted by blood on wall of vessels. It also increases width of vessels which stops further dilation.

Cough is one of prime side effects of ACE inhibiters. Angiotensin II receptors drug is prescribed as better alternative if pateint
develops cough side effects. Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors blockers are somewhat similar in action and different in producing side effects.

If you take an angiotensin II receptor blocker:

  • You are less likely to have to go to hospital because of heart failure
  • You are less likely to die of heart failure. The evidence for this is not as strong as it is for ACE inhibitors.

Side Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

  • May affect kidney functioning
  • Increases potassium level
  • Low blood pressure (Most common)
  • Diarrhea, muscle contraction or pain.
  • Back or leg pain
  • Sleeping problem. Can not fall asleep.
  • Increase or descreas of heartbeat.
  • Dizziness, lightheaded or faintness (These side effects may be severe if taken with diuretic drugs)
  • Baffled or confused. Dificult in decision making.
  • Dhydration caused by excess vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration may futher lower blood pressure. Contact physician immedietly if this happens.

Indications of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin receptor blockers are indicated mainly for the treatment of high blood pressure. Because of its tendency to widen blood vessels it may also be prescribed for other heart related problem
and stroke.

Drugs of Class Angiotensin II Receptors Blockers

  • Avapro: Generic Avapro is an Angiotensin receptor blocker.
    Angiotensin receptor blockers are used for the treatment of high blood pressure, treatment of heart failure and prevention of kidney failure in diabetics.
  • Atacand
  • Benicar
  • Cozaar
  • Diovan
  • Hyzaar
  • Micardis

They also seem to have a beneficial effect on the kidney, particularly the kidneys of people with diabetes.

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Avandia (Rosiglitazone): Diabetes Type 2 Drug

January 21st, 2010 admin

Avandia and its uses

Avandia is drug to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes or diabetes type 2. Rosiglitazone maleate is generic equivalent of avandia. Avandia lowers sugar level in blood. It is so far the most successful medicine to treat diabetes mellitus type 2 with lesser side effects as compare to other diabetes drugs. It enables the body to consume glucose by producing more insulin. By interfering process of glucose formation, avandia also lowers the production of glucose.

Avandia should be administered along with diet and exercise suggested by physician.

Avandia acts in two ways to maintain blood sugar level in body.

* Produces insulin so that glucose can be consumed by cells.
*Maintains good functionality of mast cells.

For overweight diabetic pateints avandia may also be used with metformin (Avandamet).
For patients allergic to metformin are given avandia in combination with sulphonylurea
(Amaryl). In
rare cases it may be given with metformin and sulphonylurea.

 

Working Mechanism

Avandia is used when mast cells of pancreas are unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is key hormone helpfull to break down glucose and generate energy. Lack of insulins cause to increase glucose level in blood. Rosiglitazone maleate helps mast cells to produce more insulin. It also ensures good functionality of mast cells.

 

Contraindications

Avandia is contraindicated if….

  • Patient is allergic to any of its ingredients
  • Insulin treatment is going on
  • Recent history of heart failure
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Interactions

Before start taking avandia you should know these…..

Avandia may increase weight. As stated earlier avandia should be taken with proper (calorie controlled) diet.

Patients with heart related problem in past should not take this medicine. Patients with no heart issue in past should consult doctor in case short breath and rapid weight gain.

Avandia may increase risk of fluid retention if taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.

Below list of drugs may decrease efectiveness of avandia by lowring its presense in blood.

  • carbamazepine
  • rifampicin
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin

Side Effects

Avandia shows least side effects compare to other diabetes drugs.

  • Abnormal liver function
  • vision problem (blurred vision)
  • weight gain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
  • Swelling because of fluid retention
  • heart failure
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Antihypertensive Drugs

January 21st, 2010 admin

Antihypertensive Drugs

Antihypertensive drug include:

  • Diuretics ("water pills")
  • Beta Blockers
  • Alpha Blockers
  • Alpha-Beta Blockers
  • Sympathetic Nerve Inhibitors
  • Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from flowing into
heart muscle cells and muscle cells of the blood vessel walls, resulting in
slowing of heart rate and relaxation of blood vessels.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (formal medical name angiotensin-2-receptor
antagonists, known as "sartans" for short). These agents are sometimes
prescribed together, for instance an ACE inhibitor along with a calcium channel
blocker.

Beta blockers lower high blood pressure by slowing down the
heart rate and decreasing the force of contraction of the heart.

Common calcium channel blockers include:

  • Amlodipine (Amlodipine )
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
  • Felodipine (Plendil)
  • Isradipine (DynaCirc)
  • Nicardipine (Cardene)
  • Nifedipine (Procardia)
  • Verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan)

Amlodipine Medication

Amlodipine (generic norvasc) is an antihypertensive type of medicine called
a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). Amlodipine medication is used to
treat high blood pressure (also called "hypertension"). It is also
used to treat a type of chest pain called angina. Angina is often a pain or
pressure in your chest that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not
get enough blood.

Amlodipine medication works to relax your blood vessels. This lets your blood
flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. This means that blood
pressure can be lower, and angina pain can be reduced or controlled.

In general, antihypertensives work through one or more of the following mechanisms:

  • By Decreasing Blood Volume
  • By Opening Up Blood Vessels, either by Inhibiting Constriction (narrowing)
    or Stimulating Dilation (widening), to make it easier for blood to flow through
    the arteries.
  • By Decreasing Rate and/or Force of Contraction of the Heart, thus decreasing
    the amount of blood pumped through the arteries.

Side Effects of Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives have in common that they can overcompensate for high blood
pressure, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.

Lightheadedness, Dizziness, or Fainting would be an initial indication of inadequate
blood pressure levels.

Note: Decreased blood pressure in a mother also has the potential to harm her
developing baby. Since blood volume determines the amount of blood filtered/urine
processed by the kidneys, antihypertensives have effects on that organ as well.
Although in general blood-pressure-lowering medicines reduce strain on the kidney,
some antihypertensives like sartans can nevertheless worsen kidney disease.

Another major concern with hypertensives is that they can aggravate congestive
heart failure. As with most any drug, blood-pressure-lowering medications can
have milder side-effects as well. While on an antihypertensive, report any changes
in your condition to your health care provider.

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Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Patient Information

January 18th, 2010 admin

Lipitor has atorvastatin as active ingredient; it is a medicine for treating High Cholesterol, and helps reducing and lowering chances of stroke, especially people having diabetes and heart attack. It is widely used in hyperlipidaemia.
Lipitor reduces the excess harmful cholesterol by 39 – 60 % and helps building useful cholesterol by 5-9 %.It is found that it helps reducing triglycerides- blood fat, by approximately 18-37%. Statin helps lowering the cholesterol; they do this by blocking enzymes which helps producing cholesterol. Due to less cholesterol available liver consumes it from blood thus resulting in low cholesterol in blood. Lipitor is statin and it works exactly same way.

It is added to diet to reduce the harmful effect of elevated cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B, Hypercholesterolemia, LDL cholesterol, Triglycerides in both children around 10+ years and adults. It also helps in heterozygous Hypercholesterolemia. It helps increasing HDL and helps lowering following ration such as LDL/HDL and overall cholesterol /HDL.

It is used as added supplement to the diet and non dietary supplements to help reducing overall elevated cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and LDL -cholesterol where other measures have given no results for treating homozygous hypercholesterolemia. Lipitor has indicated to reduce cardiovascular risk especially in diabetic patients. Lipitor must be used with cautious understanding. Please do not use if you have any liver related problem, or you are nursing or pregnant etc.

Study shows following side effects like Diarrhea, Tendon related problem, Upset stomach, Muscle pain, Tiredness and joint pain, there could be some very serious problem like it can cause serious liver problem thus it is advisable to undergo blood test before going for medication. It can create serious muscles problem that might result in kidney diseases. It is very important to check the combination of medicines you are taking with Lipitor as this might result in muscle related problem.

While using Lipitor if you encounter following symptoms please inform your doctors immediately with any delay. Any skin related allergy, skin color changes from white to yellow etc. urine color becomes darker or feel trouble urinating, feel tried most of the time, have pain in stomach, muscle pain with out any specific reason or sickness and problem in breathing.

One must always keep doctor informed about current medication, eating and drinking habit like alcohol, prior disease and medication history like diabetics, kidney problem, liver or thyroid problem HIV/AIDS, hear disease, weakness and its reasons, any use of herbal products, any other medicine, you must inform your doctor about every possible medical issue so that you can prevent any fatal occurrences.

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Nexium: Contraindications,Side effects,Interaction

January 15th, 2010 admin

Information About Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

What is Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Working of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Interaction of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

 Esomeprazole Magnesium is generic equivalent of Nexium, it is used for treatment of (SGRD) Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and healing of Erosive Esophagitis.

Generic nexium prevents or/and treat gastric ulcer, caused as a side-effects of NSAID (Non-steroidal anit-inflammatory) drugs like diclofenac for the treatment of arthritis.

What is Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic Nexium belong to calss Proton Pump Inhibitor. Generic Nexium is proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Generic nexium (Esomeprazole) reduces descretion of acid in the gastric parietal peritoneumme called H+/K+-ATPase. Although it is the combination R- isomers and S-isomer it is called S-isomer omeprazole. As it inhibits excessive descrtion of acid in stomach it is also indecated for condition Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How Generic Nexium Works?

Excess production is the most common reason for Erosive Esophagitis, peptic ulcer and Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Generic nexium is type of PPIs(Proton pump inhibitor) called vacuolar-type which highly inhibits Acid-generating ATPase found in lysozomes of leukocytes and osteoclasts and its activities. Human body produces acid that helps digestive system to digest food. In excessive decrestion of acid condition like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, acid enters and flows through food pipe which results in heartburn. Nexium produces achiral sulphenamide in acidic compartment which stops formation of such acids.

Excess of acid also cause inflamation on lining of oesophagus (Food pipe). Helicobacter pylori bacteria causes unnecessery acid production in stomach which finally results in peptic ulcer. Nexium along with amoxicillin and clarithromycin have found to be very effective on ulcer in stomch caused when infacted with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.

Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) Dosage or Administration

Generic Nezium is avialable in two strengths, 20mh and 40mg. Daily dose of 20 to 40 mg and can prevent formation of gastric acid.

Overdose

Look for immediate emergency medical aid incase of any side effects listed below…

  • Intense or low itching on skin anywhere on body (hives)
  • Short breathing
  • seizures
  • Swelling of face
  • Loosing coordination

 

Precautions for Taking Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Generic nexium should not be taken if the person is hypersensitive to the any of the ingredients chemical compound of generic nexium. Hypersensitive person may get Angioedema and anaphylactic shock.

It is prudent for preganant women not to take generic nexium as no study have been conducted to observe its effects on pregenant women.

Interaction of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium) with Other Drugs

 

Side effects of Generic Nexium (Esomeprazole Magnesium)

Other comparatively less harmful side effects may caused by Nexium are…

  • drowsiness
  • diarrhea
  • Dry mouth.
  • Headsche
  • nausea
  • constipation, vomiting or abdominal pain

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Retinopathy & Blindness: A Diabetes Complication That Cause Blindness

January 10th, 2010 admin

What is Retinopathy

Who can develop retinopathy?

Retinopathy and blindness

Stages of retinopathy

Symptoms of proliferative retinopathy

Diagnosis Methods

Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications of diabetes. Patients of diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2 are most likely to develop this disease. Retinopathy is the prime cause that leads to blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment helps avoid blindness.

Who can develop Retinopathy?

All diabetes type 1 and 2 patients are at highest risk to develop retinopathy. More than 40% of total diabetes patients develop retinopathy in initial or later stage. All the diabetes patients should get eye check up done at least once a year.

Retinopathy may make health condition complicated for pregnant women. Diabetic women are highly recommended to go for eye check up before pregnancy.

Eyes with retinopathy

Eyes with retinopathy

How Retinopathy Cause Blindness?

Damaged blood retina capillaries can result in blindness in two ways.

  1. Because of high glucose level leakage of blood and other fluid starts from retina blood capillaries. This is called proliferative retinopathy. Blindness is inevitable in proliferative retinopathy as it is the last stage.
  2. In an eye ball, the part that directly gets light rays on it is called Macula. Leaked fluid and blood, when flows through macula, cause macula inflamed. This is called Macula Edema. Macula edema can occur at any stage of retinopathy. Macula edema progresses as retinopathy grows. Half of the patients with proliferative retinopathy also suffer macula edema.

Stages of Retinopathy as per Severeness

There are three stages before retinopathy become proliferative retinopathy. They are as below.

  1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy,
  1. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy,
  2. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy,
  3. Proliferative Retinopathy

What are the symptoms of proliferative retinopathy?

Vision in Retinopathy

Vision in Retinopathy

Initial stages of retinopathy do not show any symptoms. However, last stage (proliferative retinopathy) does. Red or black spots, floating blood drops in vision are some of the common signs (see left side  image). Floating blood drop is an alarm sign to immediately consult physician. Hemorrhage may occur because of more severe leakage.

Sometimes blood drops may disappear out of vision without any treatment and you may get healthy vision. But that’s not going to be alright forever. In fact, that’s the sign of loosing eye sight sooner. As time pass the vision get so blurred that at one point patient see complete black.

Diagnosis Method of Macular Edema and Retinopathy

Eye check up of diabetic patients is different from check up of normal people. Complete check up for retinopathy includes five methods.

Visual acuity test

It is a blurred vision test. This is the basic check up for all, diabetic as well as normal people. Patient is asked to observer a chart kept at different distance. The distance is noted down at which patient’s vision is best.

Dilated Eye Exam

This is known as indirect ophthalmoscopy in medical language. In this check up doctor throws bright light ray in each eye with the help of special device.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

This is like CT scan of retina. Thickness of the retina is figured out with the help of cross section image obtained by scan. This check up is decisive for macular edema and inflamed retina.

Digital Fundus Fluorescein angiography

Special dye is injected in hand. An image is captured when dye flows through capillaries of retina. This is very effective method to spot leakages.

Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy Retinal Screening Programs

This program is used for early diagnosis of retinopathy. This method is may accompanied with other above mentioned diagnosis method to detect retinal problem.

The only rule for diabetes patients that help avoid blindness is ‘Yearly (or as suggested by doctors) eye check up.’

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Diabetes Drugs: List of diabetes mellitus drugs

January 8th, 2010 admin

Brief about Diabetes

Human body requires energy to perform daily activities. Energy is also required for internal organs of body for good functionality. Every cell of the body does respiration process to produce energy from the eaten food. A hormone, known as insulin (secreted by pancreas gland), help body cells to use glucose and generate energy out of it. Diabetes is a disease in which body system fails to produce enough insulin. Because of inability of body cells to transform glucose in energy, accumulation of glucose occurs which eventually leads to many diabetes complications.

Types of diabetes: Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2.

Diabetes Drugs

For type 1 diabetes insulin, pramlintide and exenatide are to be administered by injection or inhalation. Range of oral medicines, belong to different drug-class, are available to treat type 2 diabetes.

Types of Drug For Diabetes

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas is class of drug belong to anti-diabetic drugs they are indicated for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas increase insulin release by working on beta cells of pnacrease gland.

Sulfonylureas drugs increase electrical positivity on membrane of beta cells of pancreas gland by preventing polarising of potassium tonic. Increased positivity leads to release more Ca (calcium) which helps stored insulin to release in body.

Drugs that are called sulfonylureas are……

  • Acetohexamide
  • Tolbutamide
  • Chlorpropamide
  • Tolazamide

Second generation

  • Glipizide

Third generation

  • Glimepiride

Working mechanism (Pharmacokinetics) and effect on body (Pharmacodynamics) of these drugs are different, though, their resulting action is same i.e. release of more insulin. With sole purpose of releasing more insulin in body different drugs are formulated with different techniques hence side effects of all drugs are different too.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides are indicated for diabetes type 2. Meglitinides works in same manner as that of sulfonylureas. Like sulfonylureas, meglitinidesin too bind its self but at different place.

Drugs of this class are….

Nepaglinide (Prandin)

Nateglinide (Starlix)

Meglitinide may cause low level of glucose (Hypoglecemia) because of high insulin released. Take it before half an hour of meal.

Biguanides

Biguanides are more effective than sulfonylureas and meglitinide. In stead of increasing insulin level biguanides lowers the process known as Gluconeogenesis that forms glucose. It also helps tissues to absorb glucose.

Metformin belong to this class of diabetes drugs. Metformin is one of the most popular drug being used in combination with other drug for diabetes type 2.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are also know as glitazones. They acts in two ways to reduce glucose level, reduces natural process of glucose formation; helping cells to utilize glucose. Being greater effective, these drugs shows less side effects.

  • Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
  • Rezulin (Troglitazone)
  • Actos (Pioglitazone)

Thiazodinediones works by sticking itself to receptors called PPARs.

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