Shannon Hobson 242425 BIOP211 Pharmacology Abbreviated Drug Monograph By: Shannon Hobson Student Number: 242425 Word count: 1100 Drug Monographs: OCP, Warfarin, Paracetamol, and Beta-blockers 1 Shannon Hobson 242425 Abstract: A drug monograph as a document that outlines the class, indications, limitations, efficacy, mechanism of action, cautions, contradictions, interactions, safety, as well as, the health effects of a pharmaceutical drug. This report outlines 4 drug monographs, focusing on oral contraceptive pills (specifically Triphasic formulation), Warfarin, Paracetamol, and betablockers (specifically Carvedilol). 2 Shannon Hobson 242425 Table of Contents: Introduction, p.4 Drug Monographs Oral Contraceptive Pill: Triphasic formulation, pp. 5-7 Warfarin, pp. 8-10 Paracetamol, pp. 11-13 Beta-blocker: Carvedilol, pp. 14-15 Conclusion, p.16 References, pp. 17-20 3 Shannon Hobson 242425 Introduction: The turnover for pharmaceutical companies here in Australia is estimated at a staggering $23.4 billion (Australian Government 2014), and the one issue surrounding the heavy reliance on pharmaceuticals is their risks versus rewards. This report outlines 4 drug monographs; oral contraceptive pills (Triphasic formulation), Warfarin, Paracetamol, and beta-blockers (Carvedilol). These monographs outline indications, mechanism of action, efficacy and limitations, cautions/contradictions, as well as, adverse health effects that could occur upon use. It’s important to note that there are alternatives to pharmaceutical drug use, and that these drugs should not be considered a ‘cure-all’ solution. 4 Shannon Hobson 242425 Drug Monographs: 1) Oral Contraception Pill: Triphasic formulation Class: Combined oral contraceptive pill (MIMS Australia 2015) Table 1.1: Examples and Active ingredients of Triphasic Formulations Example Active Ingredients Triphasil® Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Ortho Tri-Cyclen® Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol Ortho Tri-Cyclen® Lo Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol *table information from The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2015) Indications: Oral contraceptive or birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy (triphasic’s), and some are used to treat acne and reduce symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorders (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015). A randomised control trial by Byamugisha et al. (2010, p.670) outlined that the active ingredients Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are used for emergency contraception (EC). Mechanism of Action: Oestrogens and progestin’s inhibit the release of follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones, thus not enabling the follicle to grow (West Virginia University 2013). Progestin’s also alter the uterine lining, making it inhospitable for implantation, as well, they increase cervical mucus which reduces sperm motility (West Virginia University 2013). Efficacy and limitations: A review by Grimes et al. (2009, p.13) determined that triphasic formulations of oral contraceptive pills did have a slightly better outcome in reducing pregnancies, as well as, having less break-through bleeding then monophasics pill formulations. Although, WHO (2015) determined that triphasic formulations did not have a significant advantage over monophasic formulations. Also, a systematic review by Mansour et al. (2010, p.9) points out that triphasic failure rates depend greatly on compliance with dosing regime and fecundity. Cautions/contradictions: Use caution when combining triphastic oral contraceptive with hepatic enzyme inducers, protease inhibitors, St. John’s Wort, CYP3A4 5 Shannon Hobson 242425 inhibitors, beta-adrenergic antagonists, caffeine, competitive inhibitors of gastrointestinal sulfation, drugs that decrease gastro-intestinal transit time, antihypertensive’s, anti-convulsant’s, anti-coagulants, and hypoglycaemic’s (MIMS Australia 2015). The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2015) also state to exercise caution if overweight, have a family history of breast cancer, may be pregnant, or having surgery. Table 1.2: Adverse effects Source Adverse Health Effects The American Society of Health- Outline that the oral contraception pill can System Pharmacists (2015) cause nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, break-through bleeding, headaches, skin changes, change in libido, and potential weight gain. Also, possible serious adverse effects include thrombosis and potential increased risk of developing breast cancer. Battaglia et al. (2014, p.478) This randomized control trial determined that the active ingredient Ethinyl Estradiol in birth control formulations caused a reduction in female sexual libido, specifically decreasing clitoral vascularization and increasing vaginal dryness, as well as, decreasing testosterone levels. Klipping et al. (2011, p.165) This open-label, randomized, crossover study determined that an intake of a ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel formulation showed adverse effects like headache and nasopharyngitis among some participants. Also, ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel formulation showed an increase in D-dimer levels and a more pronounced increase in 6 Shannon Hobson 242425 levels of prothrombin and fibrinogen, thus a slight increase to coagulation. Ziller et al. (2014, p.417) Determined that there is a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis when using combined oral contraceptive pills. Also, the use of pills containing Norgestimate over Levonorgestrel did slightly increase this risk. 7 Shannon Hobson 242425 2) Warfarin: Class: Anti-thrombotics, anticoagulants (MIMS Australia 2015) Table 2.1: Examples and Active ingredients of Warfarin Example Active Ingredients Coumadin Warfarin sodium Marevan Warfarin sodium *table information from MIMS Australia 2015 Indications: Warfarin is used as a prophylactic and treatment for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, associated with myocardial infraction, atrial fibrillation or person’s with prosthetic heart valves (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.580). Mechanism of Action: Warfarin inhibits the synthesis of clotting factors, as well as, C1 subunit of vitamin K (epoxide reductase enzyme complex), and thus reduces the regeneration of vitamin K1 epoxide (MIMS Australia 2015). Warfarin also decreases the amount of active form vitamin K dependent clotting factors by 30-50%, which are made in the liver (MIMS Australia 2015). Efficacy and limitations: Yuh-Jer Shen et al. (2008, p.818) outlines Warfarin’s lack of efficacy in relation to use for noncardioembolic stroke in differing ethnic populations. Schulman (2014, p.2) outlines that warfarin needs to be taken for longer (5 days) to see maximum effects, as well it has a longer half-life (36-48 hours) in comparison to new anti-coagulants, thus it takes longer for warfarin to reach a steady state in the body, this could lead to adverse health effects if dosing is not correct. Cautions/contradictions: Warfarin is known to have many drug and food interactions; table 2.2 outlines these. MIMS (2015) states that Marevan and Coumadin should not be interchanged. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2015) states that person’s on warfarin need to have regular blood tests to determine viscosity of blood for proper dosing. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2015) also states that using warfarin during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended, also that there is an increased risk of bleeding if injury should occur. Table 2.3 outlines more of Warfarin’s cautions and contradictions. 8 Shannon Hobson 242425 Table 2.2: Drug and Food Interactions with Warfarin Interactions with: Antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs, anti-inflammatories, immunodulators, analgesic drugs, drugs for the gastrointestinal system, anti-neoplastic drugs (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.580) Food interactions: -Increased anti-coagulating effect seen with dong quai, St. John’s Wort, garlic and papaya -Decreased anti-coagulating effect seen with ginseng (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.580) Leafy green vegetables reduce warfarin’s anti-coagulating effects, thus increasing the chances of clotting if eaten in high doses (Palo Alto Medical Foundation 2009) Ingestion of large amounts of cranberry juice and mangoes increases warfarin’s effects and thus increases chance of bleeding (Palo Alto Medical Foundation 2009) Alcohol consumption over moderate intakes (over 2 drinks/day) increases the risk of bleeding when on warfarin (Palo Alto Medical Foundation 2009) Table 2.3: Other cautions and contradictions when using Warfarin Other cautions/contradictions: Use with caution in people with a history of allergic reactions (severe) or anaphylaxis, oedema, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, the elderly, alcoholics, person’s on psychotics or the mentally unstable, blood disorders, pericarditis, visceral cancer, liver and kidney impairment, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin K deficiency, or endocarditis (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.580) 9 Shannon Hobson 242425 Table 2.4: Adverse effects Source Adverse Health Effects Yuh-Jer Shen et al. (2008, p.819) Outlines that warfarin is associated with a greater bleeding risk then aspirin. As well, this review determined that there was a 2-fold increase to the risk of stroke when on warfarin for people of colour. Reddy et al. (2014, p.1991-1993) Adverse effects seen in this randomized clinical trial were major bleeding, serious pericardial effluence, stroke, and cardiovascular or unexplained death. Guidoni, Obreli-Neto & Leira Pereira This study found that there was a high (2014, p.547) incidence of excessive anticoagulation and risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin. Verret et al. (2012, p.876) Adverse effects seen, in this randomized control trial, were ocular hematoma from taking the wrong dosage amount, some major bleeding events, gastrointestinal bleeding associated with chronic ulcerative colitis, and haematuria in posturologic surgery. 10 Shannon Hobson 242425 3) Paracetamol: Other name: Acetaminophen (The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 2015) Class: Analgesic and antipyretic (MIMS Australia 2015) Dosage forms: Paracetamol dosage forms include capsules, oral powder, oral liquid or suspension, soluble tablets and tablets (uncoated, film coated, effervescent and gelatine coated) (Australian Government TGA 2014). Indications: Paracetamol is used readily to relieve fevers, as well as, mild to moderate pain, including use for headaches, period pain, otitis media (earache), migraine, muscular pain/aches, postoperative pain and osteoarthritis (first-line treatment) (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.67). Paracetamol can also be used for toothache, sinus pain, back pain, arthritis, tennis elbow, colds, and flu (Australian Government TGA 2014). Mechanism of Action: Paracetamol’s mechanism of action is still not completely understood (Marzuillo, Guarino & Barbi 2014, p.418). It is thought that paracetamol has an inhibiting effect on prostaglandin synthesis in the brain, but it has been further hypothesised that paracetamol activates the serotonergic inhibitory descending pain pathway (central serotonergic mechanism). Also, it has been hypothesised that paracetamol has an effect on cannabinoid receptors creating a paracetamol metabolite fatty acid amide N-arachidonoylphenolamine, giving this drug the ability to depolarize afferent neurons, causing the synthesis of nitric oxide within the spine and having an inhibiting effect on nociceptive conduction (Marzuillo, Guarino & Barbi 2014, p.418). Efficacy and limitations: A randomized comparative study by Vyas et al. (2014) determined that paracetamol did have an antipyretic action, seen over a 4 hour period, and having a 1.48% decrease in the temperature. Also, a randomized control trial by Williams et al. (2014) showed that paracetamol did not show any improvement to varying degrees of back pain versus the placebo treatment. As well, a randomised noninferiority trail by Ghosh et al. (2013, p.440) determined that differing dosages (1000mg/2 a day vs 500mg/4 times a day) of paracetamol did have an analgesic and antipyretic effect. Cautions/contradictions: Caution should be taken when giving paracetamol, as person’s with renal or liver dysfunction could be adversely affected (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.67). The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2015) 11 Shannon Hobson 242425 outlines that paracetamol should not be given to children under the age of 2, that paracetamol is considered safe for use during pregnancy, and has minimal risk during breastfeeding. Paracetamol should be taken as per instructions as over-dose can occur (The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 2015). Paracetamol does interact with other medicines and other, which is outlined in table 2.1. Table 3.1: Paracetamol drug and other interactions Drug and Other Interactions: Drugs/medicines: Imatinib Isoniazid Pixantrone Pneumococcal 13-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate Acenocoumarol Carbamazepine Fosphenytoin Lixisenatide Phenytoin Warfarin Zidovudine Other: Ethanol Tobacco Cabbage *table information from The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2015) Table 3.2: Adverse effects Source Adverse Health Effects Marzuillo, Guarino & Barbi 2014, This study outlines that paracetamol can p.418 potentially cause a rash or allergic reaction in some people, but this rash 12 Shannon Hobson 242425 can become serious and could be accompanied by mucosal lesions and fever. This study also states that paracetamol can cause flushing, hypotension, tachycardia, and is potentially linked to the development of childhood asthma if mother’s are exposed during pregnancy. As well, acute liver failure is considered a major adverse effect with the use of paracetamol, being seen in both adults and children. Vyas et al. (2014) This randomized comparative study did see vomiting and abdominal pain as adverse effects of taking paracetamol, although these reactions were not seen in all patients. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Outlines that paracetamol can cause rare Education and Research (2015) side effects like blood in stools, haematuria or cloudy urine, sharp lower back pain, pinpoint red spots, rash, hives, ulcers or sores, decrease in urine output, tiredness, and yellow of the skin and eyes. Also if dosing is not followed as per instructions over-dose can occur. 13 Shannon Hobson 242425 4) Beta-blocker: Carvedilol Class: Beta-adrenergic blocking agent, alpha1, nonselective beta-blocker (MIMS Australia 2015) Indications: Carvedilol is used for hypertension (MIMS Australia 2015) and congestive heart failure (mild to severe) (Bryant & Knights 2015, p.247). Mechanism of Action: Carvedilol has haemodynamic effects on β₁, β₂ and αadrenoceptors, and blocks their activation. A study by Jing Duan et al. (2010, p.996) outlines that carvedilol is a β-adrenorector antagonist, but has other non-betablocking actions like causing vasodilation, antioxidant and neuroprotective actions (Inhibition of potassium channels), reduction of mitochondrial damage, and protection against apoptosis. Efficacy and limitations: A randomised, controlled, double-blind study done by Hori, Izumi & Matsuzak (2014, p.245) determined that carvedilol did have an effect on lowering heart rate in patients with chronic heart failure, but did not have an effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure. A prospective, randomized, open, blindedend point, multi-centre study by Kim et al. (2014, p.53-57) saw that using carvedilol reduced brachial blood pressure significantly (systolic and diastolic), decreased central pulse pressure, saw no significant difference to cfPWV, and saw a significant increase to triglyceride levels, while lowering HDL cholesterol levels. Cautions/contradictions: MIMS (2015) outlines carvedilol can cause decompensated heart failure, asthma, allergic reactions, sick sinus syndrome, cardiogenic shock, worsening heart failure, withdrawal symptoms, and hepatic dysfunction. Also, carvedilol should be taken with caution by patients taking CYP450 inducers and inhibitors (ex: grapefruit juice), and in people with worsening heart failure, severe hypertension, diabetes, and hypersensitivities (MIMS 2015). Caution should also be taken in children under age 18, pregnancy and lactation (MIMS 2015). Table 4.1: Adverse effects Source Adverse Health Effects Hori, Izumi & Matsuzak (2014, p.245) This study outlined that a rare adverse effect in patients with chronic heart failure taking carvedilol were the development of diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal bleeding. 14 Shannon Hobson 242425 Kim et al. (2014, p.54) This study saw some adverse effects like back pain due to acute transverse myelitis, chronic sinusitis, and 1 case of facial oedema, dizziness and nausea. The Mayo Foundation for Medical The Mayo Clinic outlines a large list of Education and Research (2015) adverse reactions that may occur when using carvedilol. The more commonly seen effects are allergic reaction, chest discomfort or tightness, dizziness, fainting, oedema of the feet/ankles/legs, shortness of breath, slowed heartbeat, weight gain, tingling sensations, and diarrhoea. (Acharya, Wilton & Shakir 2005, p.4) A cohort study followed over 800 patients to look specifically at the adverse reactions when taking carvedilol. These reactions included dyspepsia, lassitude, depression, respiratory infections, deep vein thrombosis, and wheezing, although symptoms were varied and moderate. 15 Shannon Hobson 242425 Conclusion: Currently the TGA is responsible for the research, licensing, safety, monitoring, and surveillance of pharmaceutical and complementary products on the Australian market. Although there is a regulating body, there are many over-the-counter drugs that offer medicinal benefits, but run the risk of adverse health effects. As outlined throughout this report, a relatively healthy individual should weigh-out the risk-benefits in relation to taking some of these discussed pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, some of the drugs like Warfarin are necessary to ensure the continued health of some individuals. Education is key and creates patient awareness, which is very important in a pharmaceutically driven society that is seen today. 16 Shannon Hobson 242425 References: Acharya, N, Wilton, L & Shakir, S 2005, 'Observational cohort study to monitor the use and safety of carvedilol in the treatment of heart failure in clinical practice in England--1st interim report', International Journal Of Clinical Pharmacology And Therapeutics, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 1-6, viewed 11 May 2015, <http://www.ebscohost.com>. 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Reddy, V, Sievert, H, Halperin, J, Doshi, S, Buchbinder, M, Neuzil, P, Huber, K, Whisenant, B, Kar, S, Swarup, V, Gordon, N & Holmes, D 2014, 'Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure vs warfarin for atrial fibrillation: a randomized clinical trial', Jama, vol. 312, no. 19, pp. 1988-1998, viewed 9 May 2015, <http://www.ebscohost.com>. Schulman, S 2014, 'Advantages and limitations of the new anticoagulants', Journal Of Internal Medicine, vol. 275, no. 1, pp. 1-11, viewed 9 May 2015, <http://www.ebscohost.com>. Shen, A, Chen, W, Yao, J, Brar, S, Wang, X & Go, A 2008, 'Effect of race/ethnicity on the efficacy of warfarin: potential implications for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation', CNS Drugs, vol. 22, no. 10, pp. 815-825, viewed 9 May 2015, <http://www.ebscohost.com>. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015, Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives), viewed 14 May 2015, <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601050.html>. Vyas, FI, Rana, DA, Patel, PM, Patel, VJ & Bhavsar, RH 2014, ‘Randomized comparative trial of efficacy of paracetamol, ibuprofen and paracetamol-ibuprofen combination for treatment of febrile children’, Perspect Clin Res., vol. 5, no. 1, pp.25–31, viewed 10 May 2015, <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915365/>. West Virginia University 2013, Estrogens and Female Reproductive Drugs, viewed 14 May 2015, <http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/physio/classes/pcol260/classroom/notes/estrogens.htm>. WHO 2015, Monophasic versus multiphasic oral contraceptives, viewed 14 May 2015, <http://apps.who.int/rhl/fertility/contraception/dscom/en/>. 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