Pharmacy Blog

Bone loss can happen without giving you any symptoms. It increases your risk of fracture. Calcium supplements reduce fracture risks but it cannot prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis. Proctor & Gamble’s Actonel reduces spinal fractures and protects your bones. It is also used for treating Paget’s disease of the bone in men and women caused by long term use of corticosteroids.
Uses:
Actonel is used to prevent or treat bone thinning in women soon after menopause.
How to Take:
Take Actonel with a full glass of water on an empty stomach. Take it at least 30 minutes before having food or any beverage. Don’t suck or chew the tablet. It’s best not to lie down after taking Actonel. The dose of Actonel may differ from one person to another. So follow your doctor’s advice.
Possible Side Effects:
-Fever , chills
-Stomach pain, joint pain, headache
-Nausea
-Diarrhea
-Skin rashes
-Bone pain
-Red sore eyes
-Blurred vision or change in vision
Drug Interactions:
Avoid certain medicines along with Actonel:
-Antacids which contains calcium
-Mineral supplements that has calcium contents
These medicines will interact with Actonel and reduce the drug’s effect. Your doctor will suggest the apt dosage and talk about precautionary measures if necessary.
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Toprol belongs to the class of drugs known as beta-blockers. Beta- blockers affect the heart and circulatory system. Toprol reduces hypertension and controls chest pain as well as heart failures thus reducing the risk of a heart attack. It is an FDA approved prescription drug.
Uses:
Toprol treats hypertension, chest pain and heart diseases.
How to Take:
Note that the medicine has to be taken with a full glass of water. Toprol should be taken soon after food or with it. Having the tablet in crushed or chewed form will reduce the effect. Always swallow it. If your doctor recommends half tablets cut it instead of powdering it. Try not to miss a dose, as regular intake of Toprol will give you more benefits. If by any chance your condition worsens, stop the medication immediately. Usually medical practitioners suggest regular monitoring of blood sugar levels as part of the treatment.
Possible Side Effects:
Chest pain
Lightheadedness
Irregular heartbeat
Swelling
Skin rashes
Itching
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Dry mouth
Problems with remembering
Loss of libido
Insomnia
Drug Interactions:
Before using the medicine, make sure your doctor knows about any other medicine including over the counter drugs or herbal products that you use. If you are being prescribed any of the given medicines, begin Toprol medication only after your doctor agrees to it.
Amiodarone
Celecoxib
Cimetidine
Clomipramine
Methadone
Prozac
Terbinafine
Zantac
Overdose:
Symptoms of Toprol overdose includes slow heartbeat, fainting, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Call for emergency attention if you feel any discomfort.
Notes:
Dizziness is a drawback of the medicine. So avoid driving after taking Toprol. Stopping Toprol immediately will increase blood pressure.
Missed Dose:
Take Toprol as soon as you remember it. If you realize it only during your next medication period, take only the required dose at that time.