Aspirin

What is Aspirin?
Aspirin, also known as Acetylsalicylic Acid is in the class of drugs called salicylates. It also belongs to the group of medicines called the Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Aspirin is used to reduce pain, inflammation and fever. It is also used for other conditions under clinical supervision.

Cautions
Do not take aspirin if you are:
-Pregnant
-Breastfeeding
-Asthmatic or have trouble breathing
-Allergic to aspirin, salicylates, or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, etc
-Less than 16 years of age
-On a blood thinner or have bleeding disorder

What are the possible side effects of Aspirin?
You may experience any of the following side effectects whiles on aspirin. Contact the prescriber for immediate assistance if they occur:
Severe stomach pain, nausea, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, blood in stools or urine, skin rash or hives with intense itching, swelling of the face or eyelids, wheezing or trouble breathing, severe dizziness or drowsiness, decreased hearing or ringing in the ears, seizures or convulsions, confusion or hallucinations.

Talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist about any side effects that are unusual or worrisome. You may also experience heartburn while on aspirin and this is usually not serious but contact your Doctor if it is worrisome.

What should I avoid while taking Aspirin?
Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Alcohol should not be consumed while on aspirin.

Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding and drinking alcohol can make this worse. Make sure your Doctor or Pharmacist knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin or heparin, medicine for gout, cortisone such as prednisone, methotrexate and sulfinpyrazone or another salicylate or aspirin containing medicine.

How should I take Aspirin?
Take aspirin exactly as you are directed or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
Take the medicine with or after food to prevent gastric irritation. Take with a full glass of water (at least 150ml). Do not crush enteric-coated tablets, but swallow whole. Do not take any other aspirin containing preparation without consulting the prescriber. Do not take more than or more often than is recommended. Take aspirin for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain. If symptoms do not improve, or get worse, stop taking aspirin and contact your Doctor immediately.
If you take aspirin regularly and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. Seek emergency medical attention if over dosage occurs.

Storage of Aspirin and Aspirin containing products
Store aspirin and aspirin containing preparations in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

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Diclofenac

What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Diclofenac is used to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by many conditions.

Cautions
Do not use diclofenac if you:
-have had hypersensitivity to Diclofenac
-have experienced asthma, difficulty breathing, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-are pregnant especially in the 3rd trimester, or breastfeeding

Let your Doctor or Pharmacist know if you have:
-high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), other heart or circulation problems
-asthma, liver, kidney disease or a bleeding problem
-severe stomach pain or have had stomach ulcer
-are over 60 years old
-using any medicine such as a blood thinner (aspirin, warfarin or heparin); steroid (cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone); diuretic ((water pill") such as furosemide (lasix)); medicine for gout (allopurinol), or if you are on cancer chemotherapy.

What are the possible side effects of Diclofenac?
You may experience the following side effects whiles on diclofenac:
Allergic reactions such as itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, blisters, peeling and skin rash.
Bloody or black, tarry stools, shortness of breath, coughing or vomiting blood, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain or pain in your upper stomach, numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf), problems with vision, speech, or walking, , cold sweat, and bluish-coloured skin, unexplained weight gain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Should you notice any of the above side effects, stop taking diclofenac immediately and talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist.
Seek advice if you experience any unusual side effect or if the following less serious side effects become worrisome: mild nausea or stomach pain, constipaton, diarrhoea and ringing in your ears.

What should I avoid while taking Diclofenac?
Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Avoid alcohol.
Diclofenac may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use protective clothing when exposure is unavoidable.

How should I take Diclofenac?
Take diclofenac exactly as you are directed to, or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
Do not crush or chew diclofenac tablets, swallow them whole with a full glass of water or milk.
Do not take enteric-coated preparations with indigestion remedies or antacids
If you take diclofenac and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose, seek emergency medical attention if over dosage occurs.
Do not swalow suppositories, they are designed for rectal administration. Use as direted by your prescriber. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Storage of Diclofenac and Diclofenac containing products
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

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Ibuprofen

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is also a musculoskeletal, anti-rheumatic anti-migraine and a fever reducer.

Ibuprofen works by blocking the enzymes that produces prostaglandins in the body.

Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation).
It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, backaches, dental pain, and pain due to menstrual cramps. This medication is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu.

Cautions
Do not use ibuprofen if you
-have had hypersensitivity to ibuprofen
-have experienced asthma, difficulty breathing, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-will be having or have had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.
-high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), other heart or circulation problems.
-bleeding disorders or coagulation defects
-asthma, liver, kidney disease or a bleeding problem
-severe stomach pain or have had stomach ulcer
-below 6 months old

Let your Doctor or Pharmacist know if you
-are pregnant especially in the third trimester or breastfeeding
-are over 60 years old
-are using any medicine such as a blood thinner (aspirin, warfarin or heparin); steroid (cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone); diuretic ((water pill") such as furosemide (lasix)); medicine for gout (allopurinol), or if you are on cancer chemotherapy.

What are the possible side effects of Ibuprofen?
You may experience the following side effects whiles on ibuprofen:
Allergic reactions such as itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, blisters, peeling and skin rash.
Bloody or black, tarry stools, shortness of breath, coughing or vomiting blood, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain or pain in your upper stomach, numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf), problems with vision, speech, or walking, cold sweat, and bluish-coloured skin, unexplained weight gain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Should you notice any of the above side effects, stop taking ibuprofen and talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist.
Seek advice if you experience any unusual side effect or if the following less serious side effects become worrisome: mild nausea or stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea and
ringing in your ears.

What should I avoid while taking Ibuprofen?
Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Avoid alcohol or use it with moderation, and tobacco.
Ibuprofen may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use protective clothing when exposure is unavoidable.

How should I take Ibuprofen?
Take ibuprofen exactly as you are directed to, or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
Do not crush or chew ibuprofen tablets, swallow them whole with a full glass of water (about 240ml) or milk. Do not lie down immediately or at least 30 minutes after taking your medication.
Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup provided.
Do not take enteric-coated preparations with indigestion remedies or antacids
If you take ibuprofen and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose. If repeat doses are needed, they are usually given 6 or 8 hours apart; or as directed by your doctor. Do not double the dose. Seek emergency medical attention if over dosage occurs.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

Storage of Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen containing products.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Keep all medicine away from children

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Paracetamol

What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol, also called Acetaminophen is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic drug.

Paracetamol is used to relieve pain and to reduce fever and unlike aspirin, it does not relieve the redness, stiffness, or swelling with inflammation.

Cautions
Do not use Paracetamol if you:
-Have had hypersensitivity to Paracetamol or talk to your healthcare professional if you have any form of allergy
-Have or have had severe liver disease

Let your Doctor or Pharmacist know
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
- The presence of other medical conditions that may affect the use of paracetamol especially; alcohol abuse, severe kidney disease, hepatitis or other liver disease, G6PD deficiency and anaemia.

What are the possible side effects of Paracetamol?
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage:
- Severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine or pale stools, stomach pain, extreme fatigue, light-headedness, fainting, weakness, sweating.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
-Rash, itching, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Should you notice any of the above, stop taking paracetamol and seek medical attention immediately.
Seek advice if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection.

What should I avoid while taking Paracetamol?
Avoid alcohol during treatment with acetaminophen. Together, alcohol and paracetamol can be damaging to the liver. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Be aware of the paracetamol content of other over-the-counter and prescription products. Avoid taking more than the recommended amount of medicine per dose or per day.

How should I take Paracetamol?
Take paracetamol exactly as you are directed to, or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
-You may take this medicine with or without food. The chewable tablet should be chewed or crushed before swallowing.
-Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
-Do not take more medicine or take it more often than you are told to. Do not take more than 4g (4,000 mg) of paracetamol in one day (24 hours). Use paracetamol for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain, but seek medical attention if symptoms persist or
do not improve after third day of administration.

SUPPOSITORIES
These are meant for rectal insertion and should never be taken by mouth. Before using suppositories, wash your hands with soap and water. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch. Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

Storage of Paracetamol and Paracetamol containing products
Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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Artesunate and Artemisinin derivatives

What is Artesunate?
Artesunate also known as Artesunato; Artesunatum is an artemisinin derivative belonging to the class of drugs referred to as antimalarials. Artesunate is used to treat uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum.

Other members of the group include, Artemether, Artemisinin, Artemotil, Dihydroartemisinin

Artesunate and artemisinin derivatives are blood schizonticides, which act by increasing the oxidative stress on plasmodium parasites.
Artemisinin and its derivatives are used usually with other antimalarials for the treatment of malaria.

Cautions
-Hypersensitivity to artesunate, dihydroartemisinin or other artemisinin derivatives.

-Do not use with other drugs or in combination with other antimalarials that prolong the QT interval or have adverse effect on the heart.
-Seek advice in pregnancy especially in the first trimester and in breast-feeding.

Let your Doctor or Pharmacist know if
-You have had prior hypersensitivity to artesunate, or any other artemisinin derivatives
-Have any heart problems

What are the possible side effects of Artesunate?
Though artesunate appears to be generally well tolerated, you may experience the following reported side effects:
Mild gastrointestinal disturbance including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, neutropoenia, elevated liver enzyme values, and ECG abnormalities including prolongation of the QT interval.
Evidence of severe neurotoxicity has been seen in animals given high doses artemether and artemotil.

Should you notice any of the above side effects or should any become worrisome, talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist.
Seek advice if you experience any unusual side effect whiles on medication.

What should I avoid while taking Artesunate?
Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Avoid grapefruit juice when taking preparations containing artemether. The absorption of artemether may be increased when taken concomitantly.

How should I take Artesunate?
Take artesunate exactly as you are directed to, or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water (about 240ml). Do not lie down immediately or at least 30 minutes after taking your medication.
If you miss a dose of your medicine take as soon as you remember, or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. Seek emergency medical attention if over dosage occurs. Never share your medicine with anyone.

SUPPOSITORIES
These are meant for rectal insertion and should never be taken by mouth. Before using suppositories, wash your hands with soap and water. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting into the anus.
Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch. Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

Storage of Artesunate and Artesunate containing products
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep liquid preparations in a refrigerator but do not freez.
Store suppositories in the refrigerator.
Never share your medicine with anyone. Keep all medicine away from children.

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Amodiaquine

What is this Amodiaquine
Amodiaquine is an antimalarial drug belonging to the 4-aminoquinoline group. It is effective against the erythrocytic stages of all 4 species of plasmodium falciparum.

Amodiaquine is used alone or in combination with other antimalarials for the treatment of umcomplicated malaria.

Amodiaquine is a blood schizonticide. It accumulates in the lysosomes and brings about loss of function. It also appears to bind to nucleoproteins and inhibit DNA and RNA polymerase. The parasite is unable to digest haemoglobin on which it depends for its energy.

Cautions
- Known hypersensitivity to amodiaquine or 4-aminoquinolines
- Contraindicated in patients with hepatic disorders
- Should not be used for chemo prophylaxis or as a prevention against malaria
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism or receiving hepatotoxic drugs
- Use with caution in pregnancy

What are the possible side effects of Amodiaquine?
You may experience any of the following side effects whiles on amodiaquine:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, abdominal pain, lethargy, headache and photosensitivity. Irregular heartbeats, involuntary movements, convulsions, dizziness, itching, tinnitus and increased hair loss, macular rash, flatulence, bodyache, blood dyscrasias and hepatitis.

Amodiaquine may sometimes cause visual disturbances and bluish - grey pigmentation of the fingernails, skin and hard palate and irreversible retinopathy, when used for long periods. Regular eye examination is advised.

What should I avoid while taking Amodiaquine?
Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Magnesium trisilicate and kaolin may decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of amodiaquine, hence they should be administered at least in two hour interval if need be.
Avoid alcohol whiles on amodiaquine.

How should I take Amodiaquine?
Take amodiaquine or its pack exactly as you are directed to, or follow the instructions in the package insert. Seek further explanations from your Pharmacist or Doctor if need be.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water (about 240ml) after meals. Do not lie down immediately or at least 30 minutes after taking your medication.
If you miss a dose of your medicine take as soon as you remember, or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. Seek emergency medical attention if over dosage occurs.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

Storage of amodiaquine and amodiaquine containing products
Keep in a container at a cool, dry, dark place, and out of the reach of children
Keep liquid preparations in a refrigerator especially after opening.

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This consumer medicine information is not a substitute for the professional judgement of a Doctor or Pharmacist or any other health professional but serves as a reminder of concerns that may need discussion.
Medicines listed on this site do not signify endorsement of the medicine or product, and the absence of a medicine does not imply criticism or rejection. These are for purposes of education