Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs

1089 Pages·2015·11.82 MB·English

by  Kristin Fust

GALE
The
E
NCYCLOPEDIA
P D
of RESCRIPTION RUGS
A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Common Medications
GALE
The
of
ENCYCLOPEDIA
P
rescription
D
RUGS
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE MOST
COMMON MEDICATIONS
TheGaleEncyclopediaofPrescriptionDrugs: ALLRIGHTSRESERVED.Nopartofthisworkcoveredbythecopyrightherein
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TheGaleEncyclopediaofPrescriptionDrugs:AComprehensiveGuidetothe
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Encyclopediaofprescriptiondrugs
Includesbibliographicalreferencesandindex.
ISBN978-1-57302-742-7(set:alk.paper)--ISBN978-1-57302-743-4(vol.1:
alk.paper)--ISBN978-1-57302-744-1(vol.2:alk.paper)--ISBN978-1-57302-
745-8(e-book)
I.Fust,Kristin,editor. II.Title:Encyclopediaofprescriptiondrugs.
[DNLM:1. PrescriptionDrugs--Encyclopedias--English. QV13]
RS51
615.103--dc23
2015011784
Gale
27500DrakeRd.
FarmingtonHills,MI48331-3535
ISBN-13:978-1-57302-742-7(set)
ISBN-13:978-1-57302-743-4(vol.1)
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ADVISORY BOARD
Anumberofexperts inthemedical communityprovidedinvaluableassistanceintheformulationofthisencyclopedia.Our
advisory board performed myriad duties, including defining the scope of coverage, compiling the entry list, and reviewing
individual entries for accuracy. The editor would like to express her appreciation to them.
Kevin Glaza, RPh University of Louisiana at Lafayette Greg Pratt, RPh
Oncology Pharmacist Lafayette, LA Fellow
Sparrow Hospital Applied Pharmacy Practice
Denise M. Linton, DNS, FNP-BC
Lansing, MI Dewitt, MI
Assistant Professor/Nurse
Christy McDonald Lenahan, Practitioner Coordinator James E. Waun, MD, MA, RPh
DNP, MSN, APRN, CollegeofNursingandAlliedHealth Writer, Registered Pharmacist, and
FNP-BC Professions Associate Clinical Professor
Assistant Professor University of Louisiana at (retired)
CollegeofNursingandAlliedHealth Lafayette Michigan State University
Professions Lafayette, LA East Lansing, MI
CONTENTS
Please Read—Important Information ix
.................
Foreword xi
.............................................................................
Introduction xv
.......................................................................
Alphabetical List of Entries xvii
.................................
List of Entries by Drug Class xxi
..............................
Contributors xxvii
................................................................
Entries
Volume 1: A–L..............................................................1
Volume 2: M–Z.......................................................553
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist 977
.................
List of Confused Drug Names 979
...........................
Organizations 995
................................................................
Glossary 1003
........................................................................
Index 1037
...............................................................................
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS vii
—
PLEASE READ IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs: A or warranties of any kind, including without limitation,
ComprehensiveGuidetotheMostCommonMedications warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
is a health reference product designed to inform and purpose, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, comprehen-
educate readers about some of the most commonly siveness, or timeliness of the information contained in
prescribed medications. Cengage Learning believes the thisproduct.Readersshouldbeawarethattheuniverseof
product to be comprehensive but not necessarily defini- medical knowledge is constantly growing and changing
tive. It is intended to supplement, not replace, consulta- and that differences of opinion exist among authorities.
tion with a physician or other healthcare practitioner. Readers are also advised to seek professional diagnosis
While Cengage Learning has made substantial efforts to and treatment for any medical condition and to discuss
provideinformationthatisaccurate,comprehensive,and informationobtainedfromthisbookwiththeirhealthcare
up to date, Cengage Learning makes no representations provider.
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ix
FOREWORD
Being told you need to take a prescription drug can medications are typically not habit-forming and have a
sometimes be alarming. A lot happens during the lowpotential ofcausingharm. The ingredients, strength,
medication process, from when the doctor determines a expiration date, lot number, directions, and warnings
prescription medication is necessary to when the must clearly be printed on the product package.
prescription is picked up at the pharmacy and the first
OTC products may contain more than one active
dose is taken. When a doctor determines a prescription
ingredient. This is typically seen in many allergy and
medicationisnecessary,thepatientmightleavetheoffice
coughand cold products. Itis crucial to be aware of this,
with a handwritten or computer-generated prescription,
since some ingredients may also be found in prescription
or the doctor could fax, electronically submit, or phone
medications. Unintentionally ingesting too much of a
theprescriptiondirectlytothepharmacy.Forthepatient,
medicationcouldleadtoanoverdoseormorepronounced
the entire process can be mysterious, confusing, and
side effects, such as sleepiness or dizziness. Acetamino-
maybeevenalittlefrightening.Howdidmyprescription
phen,for example, isfound in both OTC products andin
get to the pharmacy? What is the pharmacist doing
combination prescription pain medications. Ingesting too
behindtheglass?WhydoIneedaprescriptionforsome
much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage.
drugsbutnotothers?Whydoesagenericmedicationcost
somuchless,andisitreallythesameasthebrandname
product? How will I feel when I take the drug—will it DRUGAPPROVAL
make me feel better or could I feel sicker? To ensure consumer safety and drug efficacy, the
FDA must approve all prescription medications. The
medicationapprovalprocessisacomplexone,takingon
WHATISADRUG?
average12–15yearstogetanewdrugfromtheresearch
A medication, or drug, is any product that is laboratorytoapharmacyshelf.Theprocessstartswhena
intendedforuseinthediagnosis,treatment,orprevention sponsor develops or discovers a new drug product. The
of an illness or to relieve the symptoms of an illness. sponsormaybeadrugcompany,agovernmentagency,a
Drugs can be divided into two categories: prescription scientific institution, or even an individual.
drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. For example, if
The sponsor of the new medication first tests the
youarediagnosedwithanearinfection,yourdoctormay
drugonavarietyofanimalstoassessthedrug’sefficacy
order a prescription antibiotic to treat the infection and
and toxicity. Next, the sponsor meets with the FDA and
instructyoutotakeanOTCpainreliever/feverreducerto
provides them with the animal data. The FDA decides if
treat the symptoms of the infection.
thenewproductissuitabletobetestedonhumans.Ifso,
three phases of clinical trial testing commence.
PRESCRIPTIONVS.OTCDRUGS
Phase one is performed on a small group of people,
Prescription drugs are those that require a physi- withthegoalofobservingsideeffectsandseeinghowthe
cian’s prescription. These medications are intended for drugworksinthehumanbody.Phasetwoisperformedon
conditions that must be monitored by a physician. OTC a larger group and focuses on how effective the drug is
medicationsarethosethataresoldwithoutaprescription against the condition or disease. Phase three studies the
and are regularly available. product on a large group of people from a variety of
populations and evaluates different dosages.
OTCmedicationshavebeenfoundbytheU.S.Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) to be suitable for self- After all human clinical trials are complete, the
administration without a physician’s guidance. These sponsor provides the FDA with its findings. The FDA
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS xi
d reviewsthedata,thedrug’slabeling,andthemanufactur- DRUGSIDEEFFECTS
r
o ing facilities. Ifthe FDAreview team deems the product
w Alldrugs,bothprescriptionandOTC,producesome
e safe and efficacious, the drug is made available to the
r effect on our bodies. Sometimes, however, these effects
o
F public.
may be unwanted. For example, a medication you take
for a headache may cause you to have diarrhea. This
BRANDNAMEVS.GENERICDRUGS unwanted effect is known as a “side effect,” or an effect
ofamedicationthatisnotintended.Sideeffectsmaynot
During the drug development process, the sponsor
be the same for all who take the same medication.
obtains a patent to protect the drug formula and the
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and
commercial name that will be used in the marketing of
diarrhea,sincemostmedicationsaretakenorallyandare
the final product. Having a patent means that no other
absorbed through the digestive tract. Other types of side
manufacturer can produce, sell, or use the name of the
effects include sleepiness, dizziness, skin flushing, and
new drug. The patent-protected drug name is referred to
as the “brand name.” Once the patent for a medication sensitivity to sunlight.
expires, usually 20 years after the patent is obtained, the More severe unwanted effects are categorized as
active ingredient is no longer protected and can be “adverse effects.” Adverse effects are those that cause
produced and sold by other manufacturers. The name of injury to the patient. Some antibiotics, for example, can
the active ingredient is called the medication’s “generic cause permanent hearing loss or kidney damage if their
name.” use is not monitored appropriately. Other types of
adverse effects include allergic reactions (swelling,
Generic drug manufacturers require approval from
difficulty breathing, hives), irregular heartbeat, an
theFDAbeforetheyareabletoselltheirgenericproduct.
increase or decrease in blood pressure, and bleeding.
The manufacturer must prove that they are using the
same active ingredient, in the same form, with the same Side effects can generally be minimized or avoided
strength,givenbythesamerouteofadministrationasthe if some simple steps are taken:
brandnamepredecessor.Afterequivalencyisprovenand
(cid:129)Always inform your physician or pharmacist of all
FDA approval is given, a generic medication may be
medications, vitamins, supplements, and OTC pro-
distributed by the manufacturer and substituted for the
ducts being taken.
brand name product in the pharmacy. Generic medica-
tionsareoftenlesscostlythanbrandnamedrugsbecause (cid:129)Read the prescription label and the accompanying
generic drug manufacturers did not invest billions of drug literature and ask your physician or pharmacist
dollars in clinical trials, development, and research. questions.
However,eventhoughthegenericactiveingredientmust (cid:129)Donotcombine alcoholor other medications withthe
be the same, the inactive ingredients do not need to be.
drug unless approved by a physician or pharmacist.
This is why generic drugs often have a different taste,
(cid:129)Ifamedicationcausesdizzinessorsleepinessitcanbe
shape, or color.
taken at bedtime; likewise, if a medication causes
OTC medications do not require individual FDA
insomnia or hyperactivity, it can be taken in the
approval. Instead, the FDA maintains a database of
morning.
approved active ingredients. The database, or Federal
Register, is made up of active ingredient summaries Some side effects may subside after a medication is
containingtheingredient,dose,formulation,andlabeling taken for a few weeks. It is common for nausea, loss of
rules. As long as a company formulates a new OTC appetite, and dizziness to subside once the body is
product using approved active ingredients and follows accustomed to the medication.
theguidelines forthe activeingredients, there isnoneed
for final FDA review.
DRUGINTERACTIONS
A drug interaction is a response that occurs when a
HERBSANDSUPPLEMENTS
drug effect is altered by another drug or substance
It is important to note that herbal and homeopathic (alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, dietary supplements).
remedies, dietary supplements, and vitamins are not Druginteractionscancauseanincreaseordecreaseinthe
evaluated, approved, or regulated by the FDA. It is effect of one or more of the combined drugs or
important to let your doctor or pharmacist know if you substances. Warfarin (Coumadin), for example, is a
regularly take these types of products so that they can blood-thinning agent. If this drug is taken with
evaluate the safety of combining supplements with a amiodarone(Cordarone),anagenttocontrolanirregular
prescription or OTC medication. heartbeat, serious bleeding can occur.
xii GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Some foods and beverages can also interact with haveanadversereaction.Readtheliteraturethatcomes F
o
medications. Warfarin interacts with vitamin K, render- with your prescription and save it so that you can refer r
e
ing the medication useless. Vitamin K is typically found backtoitperiodically.Followingthesimplestepslisted w
o
in green,leafy vegetables and green tea. This interaction to mitigate side effects will help prevent you from rd
can also be used in a patient’s favor if they accidentally having to stop the medication due to discomfort. Make
overdose and their blood becomes too thin. In this case, suretoreadandunderstandOTCmedicationpackaging,
vitamin K can be used as an antidote. Grapefruit juice and ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
alsointeractswithmanymedicationsbypreventingthem Pharmacists are experts on prescription and OTC
from breaking down in the body. This can lead to toxic medications and will answer any type of medication
levels of the medication. question you may have. Finally, be assured that
although inexpensive generic medications may look
different from pricey brand name medications, generic
SAFEMEDICATIONPRACTICES
equivalents are safe and effective.
The medication process need not be mysterious,
confusing,orfrightening.Askyourmedicalprovideror Kevin Glaza, RPh
pharmacistquestions.Askifyoudonotunderstandhow Oncology Pharmacist
orwhentotakeamedication,whattoexpectintermsof Sparrow Hospital
symptom relief and side effects, and what to do if you Lansing, MI
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS xiii
INTRODUCTION
The Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs: developed, the FDA decided to redefine its program and
A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Common Medica- eliminate the pregnancy categories. The categories are
tionsisanewtitleinthewell-knownGaleEncyclopedia still provided here to give readers a general idea of a
of … series. It features entries on 300 top prescription drug's effects during pregnancy, but a pregnant woman
medications. The Encyclopedia provides in-depth cover- should always consult with her physician before starting
age of each drug, including an image. Unlike other new or stopping existing medications.
sources that feature highly technical drug monographs,
TheInteractionssectionincludesnotonlydrug-drug
the Encyclopedia presents medical concepts and termi-
interactions but also drug-food interactions and interac-
nology in language that general readers can understand,
tions with other substances.
while still providing thorough coverage.
INCLUSIONCRITERIA
SCOPE
Apreliminarylistof medicationswascompiledfrom
Entries follow a standardized format to help users
a wide variety of sources, including professional and
find information quickly. Rubrics include the following
government-sponsored medical guides as well as con-
headings (as applicable):
sumer guides and encyclopedias. The advisory board,
(cid:129)Definition made up of medical doctors, pharmacists, and nurse
practitioners, evaluated the topics and made suggestions
(cid:129)Purpose
forinclusion.Finalselectionoftopicstoincludewasmade
(cid:129)Description
by the advisory board in conjunction with the editor.
(cid:129)Recommended dosage
(cid:129)Precautions
ABOUTTHECONTRIBUTORS
(cid:129)Side effects
The essays were compiled by experienced medical
(cid:129)Interactions writers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and
(cid:129)Resources other healthcare professionals. The advisory board
reviewed the completed essays to ensure that they are
The Definition section provides information on the
appropriate, up to date, and accurate.
drug’sclass,andtheDescriptionsectionincludessubhead-
ingsforU.S.,Canadian,andinternationalbrandnames.
HOWTOUSETHISBOOK
The Recommended dosage and Precautions sec-
The Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs has
tionsbothincludesubheadingsthatcoverpediatricand
been designed with ready reference in mind.
geriatric populations, as well as necessary modifica-
tions for pregnancy and other conditions or allergies. (cid:129)Straight alphabetical arrangement of topics allows
The Precautions section also specifies a drug’s users to locate information quickly. Drugs are listed
under their generic name.
pregnancy category, as applicable. Pregnancy categories
wereassignedbytheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration (cid:129)Bold-faced terms within entries indicate that full-
(FDA)toassesswhetherornotadrugadverselyaffected length articles exist for those topics.
a pregnancy and to rate its level of impact (i.e., (cid:129)Cross-references placed throughout the encyclopedia
sometimesthebenefitsofadrugoutweigheditspotential direct readers from alternate drug names, including
risks). However, while this Encyclopedia was being brand names, to their intended entries.
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS xv