Health Scripts
Note: Health Scripts are published at the beginning of each month.
Jul 26, 2010
Prevent Malaria with Medications
Malaria is a medical condition transmitted by mosquitoes. This condition occurs in tropical areas all over the world, in more than 100 countries. Travelers from the U.S. to Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America may be at an increased risk of becoming infected with the condition. Signs and symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Symptoms may begin within one day of being bitten by an infected mosquito, but may not appear until about a month after the bite.
Depending on the travel destination, prevention of malaria is key. Also, the time of year can affect to what extent preventative measures should be taken. Some recommendations for preventing mosquito bites include protective clothing to fully cover the skin, insect repellant, and using bed nets or staying inside a screened in area. Treatments for prevention may be prescribed depending on the travel destination. Atovaquone (Mepron) is an anitprotozoal medication. Primaquine is an antimalarial medication that may be started before a trip and continued to be taken until after the trip for prevention of malaria. Chloroquine (Arelan) and mefloquine (Lariam) are other types of antimalaria medications that also may be taken for prevention before, during, and after a trip to an area where malaria may be a concern.
Jul 19, 2010
Measles Vaccine for Children
Measles is a viral condition that occurs rarely in the U.S. An infection from the virus can be spread from person to person and is highly contagious. Signs and symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. Koplik spots are a defining characteristic of measles, and appear as a blue to white colored rash on the body, particularly near the mouth. A more widespread rash typically develops, progressing from the face to the neck, arms, and legs several weeks after exposure to the virus. The majority of persons in the U.S. who become infected with measles have not been vaccinated.
The measles vaccine is recommended for all children over 1 year of age, in a series of 2 doses, spaced apart by at least 1 month. The measles vaccine (Attenuvax) is a live vaccine that may be administered within 3 days of exposure to the virus to prevent infection. Alternatively, immune globulin can be administered within 6 days of exposure to the virus. Measles vaccine should then be administered 3 months after administration of immune globulin, to ensure continued protection from infection. Measles vaccine is also available in combination with other recommended vaccines (MMVax, MMR II, ProQuad). Ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol) is an antiviral that is sometime used in the treatment of measles.
Jul 12, 2010
OTC Does Not Always Spell SAFE
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can have desirable effects that are just as significant as prescription medication. Americans purchase more and more OTC products each year as a significant number of prescription medications are converted to OTC status. Most consumers believe that OTC means safe. Not necessarily true. Some OTC products have potent effects that should be monitored by a doctor and pharmacist. Over 200,000 hospitalizations occur each year in the US that are associated with the use and misuse of OTC medication. Over half of adults admit that they have taken more than the recommended dose for over-the-counter drugs in the past.
Navigating the shelves of OTC pain relievers and cold remedies can be confusing. Concentrate on the symptoms you are experiencing and focus on only taking medication to relieve those symptoms. It is easy to choose a product that has “a little of everything” in it, but that is not necessarily best, especially if you are elderly or giving the medication to a child. Chronic ibuprofen or naproxen use can lead to stomach ulcers. Diphenhydramine can be very sedating and cause confusion and urinary retention in the elderly. Check with your pharmacist before purchasing and taking any OTC product along with prescription drugs and/or consuming alcohol.
Recent Health Scripts
- Playground Equipment Safety - 07/05/2010
- What to do About Bee Stings - 06/28/2010
- Rotavirus Vaccines Cleared for Use in Infants - 06/21/2010
- Multiple Treatments for Seasonal Allergies - 06/14/2010
- First Aid Kit for the Home - 06/07/2010
- Antibiotics Prescribed for Meningitis - 05/31/2010
- Treatment For This Eyelid Inflammation - 05/24/2010