Archive for December, 2007

ED Treatments for People With Diabetes

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Diabetes is a very common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical
experience and numerous studies suggest that at least 50% of diabetic patients
will experience difficulties with erections. When compared to nondiabetic men,
men with diabetes are up to 3 times more likely to have ED and appear to get it
earlier in life. The significance of ED increases with the severity and
duration of diabetes as well as with advanced age.

There is evidence that controlling blood sugars and cholesterol as well as
participating in a consistent exercise program may help in preventing the
development of ED and, in some cases, may even improve symptoms in those with
ED. If you are one of the many men with diabetes and ED, you have many
treatment options to consider, including:

Oral Drugs

The three oral medications available — Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra — to
treat ED have been used successfully in people with diabetes. In general,
however, the success rate of these medications is less than the reported
success rates in people without diabetes. These medications may help 50% to 60%
of men with diabetes.

Injection Treatment

When oral medications are , intracavernous injection therapy (the
injection of medication directly into the erection chamber of the penis) may be
helpful in facilitating intercourse. Among diabetic men, the success rates with
this method range from 60% to 80%. The medications used include:

  • Alprostadil (brand names Caverject Impulse, Edex, and Prostin VR)
  • Papaverine hydrochloride
  • mesylate

In many cases, it may take a mixture of the three medications to produce an
adequate response. Although injections may be reasonably effective in diabetic
patients, about 50% of users stop after several years.

Vacuum Constriction Devices (VCD)

VCDs have been helpful in
facilitating intercourse among diabetic patients. They work in up to 80% of
users; however, like injection therapy, many people discontinue treatment after
several years.

This device consists of an acrylic cylinder that is placed over the penis. A
lubricant is used to create a good seal between the body and the cylinder. A
pump mechanism is used to create a vacuum inside the cylinder, allowing a
patient to achieve an adequate erection. If an adequate erection can be
achieved, a band or ring is then placed over the base of the penis (the part of
the penis closest to the body) and is used to help maintain the erection.

Learn more about vacuum constriction
devices.

Intraurethral Therapy

This treatment involves using an applicator to place a suppository or pellet
containing medicine into the urethra (canal in the penis that carries
urine).

Learn more about
therapy.

Penile Implants

Clinical studies have shown a high degree of patient satisfaction with
penile implants when other therapies have not worked. Patients need to be
suitable surgical candidates and it is preferable that patients have reasonably
good diabetic control before surgery.

Learn more about penile
implants.

Get the facts about diabetes and
ED.

View the full table of contents
for the ED guide.

Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman Urological
Institute at The Cleveland Clinic.

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High Blood Pressure and ED: When Medication Is the Problem

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

To treat erectile (ED), you have to lower your blood pressure
first. Some people are able to do that through lifestyle changes alone. Others
need help from prescribed blood pressure medication.

A problem for many men, however, is that some types of blood pressure
medicines can actually cause erectile dysfunction. That may make it
difficult to stay on your medication, especially if your high blood pressure
never caused any symptoms before. An estimated 70% of men who have side effects
from blood pressure medicine stop taking it.

Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure have been linked to erectile
dysfunction. But some are much less likely than others to cause problems.
Certain of the blood pressures drugs may even improve erectile
dysfunction for some men.

It’s known that diuretics (or water pills, like hydrochlorothiazide) and
beta-blockers (like Atenolol) can cause erection problems. These are also the
first drugs that a doctor is likely to prescribe if you are not able to lower
your blood pressure through diet and exercise.

If you’re taking a diuretic, you should stay on your medicine until your
blood pressure is under control. If your erection problem persists, or your
blood pressure goes back up, then your doctor might switch you to a drug that’s
less likely to cause erectile dysfunction. Or, a combination of medications
might work better to control your blood pressure and reduce the risk of
erectile dysfunction.

If you take a beta blocker you may also want to ask your doctor if it might
cause erectile dysfunction. You might be better off on a medication less likely
to cause a problem.

Erection-Friendly High Blood Pressure Drugs

Some families of high blood pressure drugs rarely cause erectile dysfunction
as a side effect:

  • ACE inhibitors
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • ARBs

ACE ( converting enzyme) inhibitors — such as Lotensin, Capoten,
Zestril, Prinivil, etc. — widen blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Erectile dysfunction is rarely a side effect, occurring in less than 1% of
patients. There are several different medications in the category. This seems
to be true of all of them.

There are also medications known as calcium channel blockers, such as
Diltiazem, Verapamil, or Amlodipine. As a group, they rarely cause erectile
dysfunction. But erection problems may be less common with some individual
drugs within that group than with others. Your doctor can tell you which.

In general, alpha-blockers do not often cause erection problems either. In
one study published in the journal Hypertension in 1997, a small
number of men actually had a 100% improvement in their erectile dysfunction
after two years on the alpha-blocker Cardura.

Drugs known as ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers, like Losarten) are
not only unlikely to cause erection problems, but they may actually
improve sexual function in men with high blood pressure.

A 2001 study published in the American Journal of the Medical
Sciences
looked at the drug Cozaar, an ARB. At first, just 7% of men and
women in the study said they felt sexually satisfied overall. After 12 weeks of
Cozaar, about 58% said they were sexually satisfied. The percentage of men who
reported having erectile dysfunction dropped from 75% to 12%.

Another study compared the drug Diovan, an ARB, with Coreg, a beta-blocker.
The study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension in 2001,
compared the effect of the two drugs on blood pressure and frequency of sexual
intercourse.

The drugs controlled blood pressure equally well. But people who took the
ARB reported having sex more often during the 16 weeks of treatment. They said
they had sex about eight times a month before, and 10 times a month after.
People taking the beta-blocker had sex much less often: eight times a month
before, and four times a month after.

Steps to Take If Your Medicine Causes Erection Problems

Tell your doctor if you think your blood pressure medicine may be causing
problems with your erections.

If it is your medication, and not just your high blood pressure,
switching to another may solve the problem. Never stop taking your
medicine without your doctor’s OK.

But high blood pressure itself still could be to blame for your erectile
dysfunction. In that case, ask about trying an erectile dysfunction drug like
Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra.

You should only take these drugs once your blood pressure is under control.
They are not safe for men with untreated high blood pressure. They are also not
safe for men taking alpha-blockers, or men taking nitrate drugs for heart
disease.

Source:
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8 Causes of Night Sweats: Is it Menopause — Or Something Else?

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

rimary care fields often hear their patients complain of night
sweats. Night sweats refer to any excess sweating occurring during the night.
However, if your bedroom is unusually hot or you are using too many bedclothes,
you may begin to sweat during sleep–and this is normal. In order to
distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur
because ones surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night
sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and
sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.

In one study of 2267 patients visiting a primary care physician, 41%
reported experiencing night sweats during the previous month, so the perception
of excessive sweating at night is fairly common. It is important to note that
flushing (a warmth and redness of the face or trunk) may also be hard to
distinguish from true night sweats.

There are many different causes of night sweats. To determine what is
causing night sweats in a particular individual, a doctor must obtain a
detailed medical history and order tests to decide if an underlying medical
condition is responsible for the night sweats. Some of the known conditions
that can cause night sweats are:

  1. Menopause
    The hot flashes that accompany the menopausal
    transition can occur at night and cause sweating. This is a very common cause
    of night sweats in perimenopausal women.
  1. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a condition
    in which the body chronically produces too much sweat without any identifiable
    medical cause.
  1. Infections Classically, tuberculosis is the infection most
    commonly associated with night sweats. However, bacterial infections, such as
    endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), osteomyelitis (inflammation
    within the bones), and abscesses all may result in night sweats. Night sweats
    are also a symptom of AIDS virus (HIV) infection.
  1. Cancers Night sweats are an early symptom of some cancers. The
    most common type of cancer associated with night sweats is lymphoma. However,
    people who have an undiagnosed cancer frequently have other symptoms as well,
    such as unexplained weight loss and fevers.
  1. Medications Taking certain medications can lead to night sweats.
    In cases without other physical symptoms or signs of tumor or infection,
    medications are often determined to be the cause of night sweats.
    Antidepressant medications are a common type of medication that can lead to
    night sweats. All types of s can cause night sweats as a side
    effect, with a range in incidence from 8 to 22% of persons taking
    antidepressant drugs. Other psychiatric drugs have also been associated with
    night sweats. Medicines taken to lower fever such as aspirin and acetaminophen
    can sometimes lead to sweating. Other types of drugs can cause flushing, which,
    as mentioned above, may be confused with night sweats. Some of the many drugs
    that can cause flushing include:
  • niacin (taken in the higher doses used for lipid disorders),
  • tamoxifen,
  • hydralazine,
  • nitroglycerine, and
  • sildenafil (Viagra).

Many other drugs not mentioned above, including cortisone medications such
as prednisone and prednisolone, may also be associated with flushing or night
sweats.

  1. Hypoglycemia
    Sometimes low blood glucose can cause
    sweating. People who are taking insulin or oral anti-diabetic medications may
    experience hypoglycemia at night that is accompanied by sweating.
  1. Hormone disorders - Sweating or flushing can be seen with several
    hormone disorders, including , carcinoid syndrome, and
    hyperthyroidism.
  1. Neurologic conditions Uncommonly, neurologic conditions including
    autonomic dysreflexia, post-traumatic syringomyelia, stroke, and autonomic
    neuropathy may cause increased sweating and possibly lead to night sweats.

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High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction: Working With Your Doctor

Friday, December 28th, 2007

If you have high blood pressure (or hypertension) and are having problems
with erectile (ED), the first step toward a solution is to see your
doctor. You may be a bit hesitant to discuss your sex life with a doctor, but
rest assured. Your doctor has heard it all before and will know how to help
you.

Erectile dysfunction is fairly common in men with high blood pressure. One
study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that
nearly half of men aged 40 to 79 with high blood pressure had it.

Your doctor will need a lot of information from you before suggesting any
treatment. If this doctor had been involved in your care for high blood
pressure in the past, you can talk about how well you’ve been your
blood pressure and about how you are doing with the medications you’re taking.
If you are meeting with a new doctor, you will share all that, plus
information about other health problems you may have, like diabetes or high
cholesterol.

Telling a doctor that you have difficulty with your erection is not the
easiest thing to do. But to get the right care you have to tell your doctor
everything, including the truth about things like drinking a lot of alcohol,
doing drugs, or smoking cigarettes. It’s in your best interest to be totally
honest.

You may also feel uncomfortable if the doctor asks a lot of questions about
your sex life and your emotions. You may be asked things like:

  • What’s your sexual orientation?
  • Do you have a steady partner? Multiple partners?
  • How is sex with your partner? Has anything changed recently?
  • Has anything upsetting happened to you lately?
  • In general, are you under a lot of stress?
  • Do you feel depressed a lot?

Again, it’s best to answer honestly, even though these things are very
personal.

A doctor you are seeing for the first time may also need to examine your
penis, testicles, and prostate gland. Some men have their testosterone level
tested.

There is another test that is done sometimes to see whether you get
erections while you are asleep. The doctor may send you home with a special
tape that you wrap around your penis before you go to bed. If the tape is
broken in the morning, you’ve had an erection during the night. That means the
cause of your erection problem may not be physical.

In many cases erectile dysfunction does have a physical cause.

The first treatment doctors usually try is one of the erectile dysfunction
pills: Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra.

Typically you will see the doctor again for follow-up around the time that
your prescription runs out. You can talk then about any issues you may be
having with the medication. Maybe it’s not working as well as you’d like. If
not, you can make sure you’re using it correctly. The doctor might switch you
to a different drug or a different type of treatment if thing’s aren’t
improving.

It’s a good idea to stay in touch with your doctor about your erectile
dysfunction. Changes in your health over time may affect your treatment. But
you don’t need to be in the doctor’s office more often. Since you will already
have regular checkups for managing your blood pressure, bring up your erectile
dysfunction treatment at those visits.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a bad question. Your doctor asks you lots
of questions. Feel free to ask as many of your own, until you’re confident that
you all the risks and benefits of your treatment. Also, it’s
important to show your doctor all the other medications that you take. And, if
the doctor doesn’t know the answer to a question you ask, you can have them get
back to you with it.

If you ever feel like your concerns are being ignored, don’t accept it. Find
another doctor who will talk to you.

But most doctors genuinely want to work together with you to solve your
health problems. You can help them help you by taking an active role in your
care.

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Sexual Health: Sexual Problems in Women

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem
during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or
couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual
response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43%
of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that
many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual
dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your
partner and doctor.

What Causes Sexual Problems?

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or
psychological problem.

  • Physical causes. Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause
    problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart
    disease, diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause, chronic
    diseases such as kidney disease or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug
    abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some
    drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
  • causes. These include work-related stress and anxiety,
    concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression,
    feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?

Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual
problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those
in the geriatric population, which may be related to a decline in health
associated with aging.

How Do Sexual Problems Affect Women?

The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in women
include:

  • Inhibited sexual desire. This involves a lack of sexual desire or
    interest in sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including
    hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example cancer and
    chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress and fatigue. Boredom with regular
    sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can
    lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.
  • Inability to become aroused. For women, the inability to become
    physically aroused during sexual activity often involves insufficient vaginal
    lubrication. The inability to become aroused also may be related to anxiety or
    inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are investigating how blood
    flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal
    problems.
  • Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia). This is the absence of sexual climax
    (orgasm). It can be caused by sexual inhibition, , lack of
    knowledge and psychological factors such as guilt, anxiety, or a past sexual
    trauma or abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient
    stimulation, certain medications, and chronic diseases.
  • Painful intercourse. Pain during intercourse can be caused by a
    number of problems, including endometriosis, a pelvic mass,
    ovarian cysts, vaginitis, poor
    lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery, or a sexually transmitted disease. A
    condition called vaginismus is a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles that
    surround the vaginal entrance. It may occur in women who fear that penetration
    will be painful and also may stem from a sexual phobia or from a previous
    traumatic or painful experience.

How Is a Female Sexual Problem Diagnosed?

The doctor likely will begin with a physical exam and a
thorough evaluation of symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor may perform a
pelvic examination to evaluate
the health of the reproductive organs and a Pap smear to detect changes in the
cells of the cervix (to check for cancer or a pre-cancerous condition). He or
she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be
contributing to the problem.

An evaluation of your attitude regarding sex, as well as other
possible contributing factors (fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse,
relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, etc.) will help the doctor
understand the underlying cause of the problem and make appropriate
recommendations for treatment.

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Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications - Home Treatment

Tuesday, December 25th, 2007

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type 2 diabetes. Eating a balanced diet, getting
regular exercise, taking oral diabetes medication, and possibly taking insulin
to keep your blood sugar levels within a
normal or near-normal range will help you feel better
and have control of your life. If you need help with these skills, see the
topic
Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease.

Early treatment of complications can help save your vision, slow
the rate of kidney failure, and reduce the risk of amputation. Keep all
appointments with your doctor, specialists, and other health s. The
and tests done during these visits can detect early signs of
complications and monitor the progression of existing complications.

Take the following measures at home to help control
complications.

Heart and large blood vessel disease (macrovascular disease)

  • Don’t smoke.
    Smoking increases your risk for heart
    attack.
  • If you are age 30 or older, take a low-dose, or baby,
    aspirin daily if advised by your health professional.
  • Take your
    blood pressure medicine, as prescribed.

Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)

Call your
ophthalmologist or
optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision.
Early detection and treatment of any changes can help prevent vision
loss.

Avoid heavy lifting if you have advanced diabetic eye disease
(proliferative retinopathy).

Call your ophthalmologist if you have retinopathy and become
pregnant. Retinopathy can become worse rapidly during pregnancy.

If you have severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy,
vision aids can help you do as much of your diabetes
care as possible. These include home glucose monitors with displays
and talking glucose monitors. Your local or state organization for the visually
impaired can help you find appropriate vision aids.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Retinopathy.

Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

  • Take your blood pressure medications, if
    prescribed. Your blood pressure should be 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
    or lower.
  • Get no more than 10% of your daily calories from
    protein.
  • Limit salt in your diet, because it makes your body retain
    fluid and can increase your blood pressure.
  • Avoid
    anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
    including ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), ketoprofen, and
    naproxen (such as Aleve). These medications can harm your kidneys.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Nephropathy.

Foot problems

Foot care is important for people with diabetes. You need to
inspect your feet every day and protect them from injury. If you have poor
eyesight, have someone else check your feet.

To protect your feet:

  • Avoid exercise that could injure your feet;
    walking is fine, but jogging may be too rough.
  • Make sure bathwater
    is not too hot.
  • Check your shoes for any loose objects or rough
    edges before you put them on.
  • Get early treatment for any foot
    problem, even a minor one. Call your doctor at the first sign of a problem with
    your feet. Blisters, small cuts, or other problems that may seem minor can
    quickly become more serious.

For more information on protecting your feet, see:

Foot care

Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)

If it affects your ability to feel (peripheral
neuropathy
):

  • Turn down the temperature of your hot-water
    heater and use a bath thermometer or have someone test your bath water to see
    whether it is too hot.
  • Do not go barefoot, even in the
    house.
  • Do not use an electric blanket.
  • To prevent
    falls, arrange your furniture so that walkways are free of clutter.
  • To avoid burning your hands, use pot holders when you
    cook.

If it affects your body’s internal functioning (autonomic neuropathy):

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals that contain
    less fat and fiber if you have
    or other digestive
    problems.
  • Drink more fluids each day if you have urinary problems
    or profuse sweating. This will prevent urinary tract infections and
    dehydration.
  • Try a device or medication
    such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis for erection problems or a lubricating cream
    for vaginal dryness if you have sexual problems. Check with your doctor to find
    out whether you can take these medications.
  • Check your blood sugar
    level more often if you have
    hypoglycemia unawareness, especially before
    driving.

If it affects one nerve (focal
neuropathy
):

  • Wear a joint splint, if your health
    professional advises this.
  • Take breaks when you are doing
    activities that require repetitive movements.
  • Make sure your work
    environment provides appropriate support.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Neuropathy.

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Coronary Artery Disease - Living With CAD

Monday, December 24th, 2007
coronary artery disease (CAD), can be difficult to
accept and understand. If you do not have symptoms, it may be especially hard
to recognize that CAD is a serious disease that can lead to complications.
Coronary artery disease is caused by the gradual buildup of plaque on the
inside of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich
blood to heart muscle.

It is important to talk with your doctor to learn about the disease
and what you can do to help manage CAD and prevent its progression.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can delay and possibly reverse the
course of CAD. Quitting smoking, eating a low-fat and diet, and
getting regular exercise are the most important steps you can take to reduce
your risk of developing coronary artery disease.26 For
more information, see:

Exercising for a healthy heart.

For more information on how to make healthy lifestyle changes, see
the Prevention section of this topic.

Most people are able to control
angina by taking medications as prescribed and
nitroglycerin when needed. See
how
to use nitroglycerin pills under the tongue. Remaining as active as
possible is important for most people. However, if angina is not controlled by
the above, consider these tips:

  • If an activity causes angina, slow it
    down.
  • Ease into activities in the morning, and reduce activity
    immediately after meals.
  • Change your eating patterns. Eat smaller,
    more frequent meals rather than 2 or 3 large meals.

When angina is more severe and cannot be controlled, the following
tips may be useful:

  • If it is feasible, it may help to move to a
    different home to avoid physical stress caused by climbing stairs, shoveling
    snow, or mowing lawns. Or, find other ways to get chores done, such as hired
    help, family members, or trading for other services that are easier to
    do.
  • It may be necessary to change the kind of work you perform to
    avoid physical stress. This may be especially important if your work involves
    heavy labor.

Taking nitroglycerin before an activity may reduce or eliminate the
chest pain associated with the activity. Discuss with your doctor the use of
nitroglycerin to prevent chest pain.

Do not use the medication
sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) if you are
taking nitroglycerin or other nitrates. Combined, these two drugs can result in
a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. If you are taking an
erection-enhancing medication and develop chest pain, be sure to alert the
health professionals caring for you about your use of this medication so that
they do not inadvertently give you nitroglycerin or another type of nitrate.
There are other oral medicines that may be .

Alert your doctor immediately if there is a sudden change in your
angina symptoms or if angina begins to occur unpredictably or when you are at
rest.

More Information:

  • What are the main lifestyle
    changes I need to make?
  • How to exercise for a healthy
    heart

  • How can I lower my stress
    level?
  • How can I make my meals
    healthier?
  • How can I get help managing the cost of
    treatment?
  • How can I help a loved one with coronary
    artery disease?
  • How can I communicate better with my
    doctor?

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Using Nitroglycerin for Sudden Chest Pain - Topic Overview

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007

angina-a type of chest pain-that happens when there is
not enough blood flowing to the heart. To improve blood flow to the heart,
nitroglycerin opens up (dilates) the arteries in the heart (coronary arteries), which improves symptoms and
reduces how hard the heart has to work.

Nitroglycerin comes in a quick-acting tablet or spray form, or as
a long-acting pill. The quick-acting pill or spray forms are used under the
tongue (sublingually). Your health professional will prescribe the right amount
for you; do not use another person’s nitroglycerin.

When do I use nitroglycerin under the tongue?

Your health professional will advise you when to use your
nitroglycerin. Generally, nitroglycerin under the tongue is used:

  • To relieve sudden angina.
  • Before
    stressful activities that can cause angina, such as walking uphill or having
    sexual intercourse.

How do I use nitroglycerin under the tongue?

  • Sit or lie down to take your nitroglycerin.
    If you are driving, pull over and park the car. Taking nitroglycerin can lower
    your blood pressure, which sometimes may cause you to pass out, especially if
    you are standing up.
  • For sudden episodes of angina, use
    nitroglycerin in a tablet or liquid spray form.

    • The tablet should be placed under your
      tongue and left until it dissolves. If you accidentally swallow the tablet,
      take another. The medicine won’t work if it is swallowed.
    • To use
      the spray, lift your tongue and depress the spray canister button once.
  • Take one tablet or spray dose. If after 5
    minutes the chest pain is not better or gets worse, call 911 or other emergency
    services immediately
    .
  • After calling
    911 , continue to stay on the phone with the emergency
    operator; he or she will give you further .
  • Regardless
    of what happens, you should let your health professional know that you had an
    episode of angina. If this is unusual for you, your angina episodes are
    occurring more frequently or lasting longer, or you need more medicine to
    control them, tell your health professional. Report any change in your chest
    pain (unstable angina) to your health professional.

A fresh tablet should taste bitter and sting when you put it
under your tongue. If it does not, it probably is not effective and you should
take another.

Are there side effects or interactions with other drugs I should be aware of?

Normal, temporary side effects of nitroglycerin include a warm or
flushed feeling, headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness. You may also feel a
burning sensation under your tongue.

Do not take the erection-enhancing medicine sildenafil (Viagra),
vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) if you are taking nitroglycerin.
Combining nitroglycerin with any of these medicines can cause a
life-threatening drop in blood pressure. If you develop chest pain and have
taken one of these erection-enhancing medicines, be sure to tell your health
professional so that you are not given nitroglycerin or another nitrate
medicine.

Do not take the
pulmonary medication sildenafil (Revatio)
if you are taking nitroglycerin or another nitrate medication.

How should I store nitroglycerin?

Store nitroglycerin pills in a (such as brown),
airtight, glass container that you cannot see through. Keep nitroglycerin pills
and liquid spray away from heat or moisture. Remove the cotton stopper from the
bottle.

Can nitroglycerin get old and lose potency?

If nitroglycerin is old, the tablets may not work well. Get a new
as soon as possible if your supply is past the expiration date.
Usually you should replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months.

There are ways to tell whether your nitroglycerin is still
effective. You should have a headache when you use it. Or if you use
nitroglycerin under your tongue, you should feel a slight tingle or burn when
you place it there. If you do not notice these signs, your nitroglycerin is
probably old. In this case, contact your health professional to get a new
prescription. Fill the prescription as soon as possible, and discard your
out-of-date nitroglycerin.

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Grapefruit Juice: Is it Affecting Your Medication?

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

A is a food or part of a food that allegedly provides
medicinal or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of
disease. Grapefruit juice has been touted as containing many compounds that can
reduce hardening of the arteries () and even the risk of cancer.
Grapefruit juice can, therefore, be justifiably referred to as a classic
nutraceutical. However, for many persons taking certain medications, grapefruit
juice might actually better be termed a “nutrapollutical!”

It turns out that grapefruit juice can directly or indirectly interact in
important ways with a number of medications. This is especially important since
grapefruit juice is consumed by one fifth of Americans for
breakfast - a time of the day when medications also are commonly taken.

Grapefruit juice blocks special enzymes in the wall of the small intestine
that actually destroys many medications and prevents their absorption into the
body. Thus, smaller amounts of the drugs get into the body than are ingested.
When the action of this enzyme is blocked, more of the drugs get into the body
and the blood levels of these medications increase. This can lead to toxic side
effects from the medications.

Amazingly, this remarkable food-drug interaction was discovered completely
by accident over a decade ago! Researchers were investigating whether alcohol
could interact with felodipine (Plendil) and used a solution of alcohol with
grapefruit juice to mask the taste of alcohol for the study. Researchers
discovered that blood levels of felodipine were increased several fold more
than in previous studies. This increased blood level caused an increase in the
effect and side effects of felodipine. Further research revealed that the
grapefruit juice itself was actually increasing the amount of the study drug in
the body.

Research about the interaction of grapefruit juice with drugs suggests that
compounds in grapefruit juice, called furanocoumarins (e.g. bergamottin), may
be responsible for the effects of grapefruit juice. Researchers believe that
furanocoumarins block the enzymes in the intestines that normally break down
many drugs. One glass of grapefruit juice could elicit the maximum blocking
effect, and the effect may persist for longer than 24 hours. Since the effects
can last for such a prolonged period of time, grapefruit juice does not have to
be taken at the same time as the medication in order for the interaction to
occur. Therefore, unlike similar interactions, where the interaction can be
avoided by separating the of the two interacting agents by a
couple of hours, administration of grapefruit juice with susceptible drugs
should be separated by 24 or more hours to avoid the interaction. Since this is
not practical for individuals who are taking a medication daily, they should
not consume grapefruit juice when taking medications that are affected by
grapefruit juice.

The grapefruit juice-drug interaction can lead to unpredictable and
hazardous levels of certain important drugs.

These are medications with which grapefruit juice should NOT be consumed
unless advised by a doctor:

  • Statins (Cholesterol Drugs): lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin Lipitor,
    Simvastatin Zocor, simvastatin/ezetimibe Vytorin
  • Antihistamines: Ebastine, Seldane (terfenadine, taken off the U.S.
    market)
  • Calcium Channel Blockers (Blood Pressure Drugs): nimodipine (Nimotop),
    Felodipine (, Plendil), Pranidipine, nisoldipine (Sular),
    nicardipine (Cardene), verapamil (Verelan)
  • Psychiatric Medications: buspirone (Buspar), triazolam (Halcion),
    carbamazepine (Tegretol), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), sertraline
    (Zoloft)
  • Intestinal Medications: cisapride, taken off the U.S. market
    (Propulsid)
  • Immune Suppressants: cyclosporine (Neoral), (tacrolimus) Prograf
  • Pain Medications: Methadone
  • Impotence Drug (erectile dysfunction): sildenafil (Viagra)
  • Ant-HIV medication : saquinavir (Invirase)
  • Antiarrhythmics: amiodarone (Cordarone)

Toxic blood levels of these medications can occur when patients taking them
consume grapefruit juice. The high blood levels of the medications can cause
damage to organs or impair the organs normal function, which can be dangerous.
If you or a family member are taking any of these medications, beware of the
“nutrapollutical” grapefruit juice.

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Female Sexual Problems

Friday, December 21st, 2007

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem
during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or
couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual
response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43%
of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that
many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual
dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your
partner and doctor.

What Causes Sexual Problems?

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or
psychological problem.

  • Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause
    problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart
    disease, neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause, chronic
    diseases such as kidney disease or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug
    abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some
    antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
  • causes: These include work-related stress and anxiety,
    concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression,
    feelings of guilt and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Who Is Affected By Sexual Problems?

Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual
problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those
in the geriatric population, which may be related to a decline in health
associated with aging.

How Do Sexual Problems Affect Women?

The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in women
include:

  • Inhibited sexual desire: This involves a lack of sexual desire or
    interest in sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including
    hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example cancer and
    chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress and fatigue. Boredom with regular
    sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can
    lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.
  • Inability to become aroused: For women, the inability to become
    physically aroused during sexual activity often involves vaginal
    lubrication. The inability to become aroused also may be related to anxiety or
    inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are investigating how blood
    flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal
    problems.
  • Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia): This is the absence of sexual climax
    (orgasm). It can be caused by sexual inhibition, inexperience, lack of
    knowledge and psychological factors such as guilt, anxiety, or a past sexual
    trauma or abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient
    stimulation, certain medications and chronic diseases.
  • Painful intercourse: Pain during intercourse can be caused by a
    number of problems, including endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cysts,
    vaginitis, poor lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery or a
    sexually transmitted disease. A condition called vaginismus is a painful,
    involuntary spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. It may
    occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and also may stem from
    a sexual phobia or from a previous traumatic or painful experience.

How Is a Female Sexual Problem Diagnosed?

The doctor likely will begin with a thorough evaluation of
symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor may perform a pelvic examination to
evaluate the health of the reproductive organs and a Pap smear to detect
changes in the cells of the cervix (to check for cancer or a pre-cancerous
condition). He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems
that may be contributing to the problem.

An evaluation of your attitude regarding sex, as well as other
possible contributing factors (fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse,
relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, etc.) will help the doctor
understand the underlying cause of the problem and make appropriate
for treatment.

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