What is i-Medications

Diabetes and heart disease are one of the most common urban diseases. According to the data of the Hong Kong Department of Health in 2016, one out of ten Hong Kong people is diabetic, and the mortality rate of heart disease is the third highest among those common diseases. Surgeries and drugs are the most common treatments for Diabetes and heart disease. However, not every type of diabetic and cardiovascular drugs fit for all. i-Medications provide you a guideline base on its effectiveness, toxicity, drug absorption and excretion, which enhances the treatment results and reduces discomfort and risk which might have.
Suitable age :
6 months +
Specimen Required :
Saliva
Turnaround Time :
About 4 weeks
Amlodipine
Indications
Amlodipine (Besylate) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers the blood pressure, relaxes heart muscles and dilates the heart blood vessels to prevent spasm.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Peripheral edema
-Sinus bradycardia
-Myocardial infarction
-Hypotension
-Bradyarrhythmias
-Congestive heart failure
-Conduction system Delay, etc.
Contraindications
Amlodipine (Besylate) is contraindicated in conditions like aortic stenosis, sinoatrial node disease,and hypersensitivity, etc.
Interactions
Alcohol, enhanced hypotensive effect when calcium-channel blockers (e.g Amlodipine) given with Alcohol.
Atenolol, enhanced hypotensive effects when calcium-channel blockers (e.g Amlodipine) given with beta-blockers (e.g Atenolol)
Carbamazepine, carbamazepine may increase the metabolism, via CYP isoenzymes, of Amlodipine.
Cimetidine (HCl), cimetidine may decrease the metabolism of Amlodipine.
Diazoxide, enhanced hypotensive effect when Diazoxide given with Amlodipine.
This list is not complete. Please give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you for professional advice.
Precaution
Cautions should be taken including but not limited to the following situation:
Should be used with caution in patients with heart, liver disease or if have any allergy.
Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug.
Should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy.
Atorvastatin
Indications
Atorvastatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Familial hypercholesterolaemia, Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers and duodenal errosions, etc.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Hemorrhagic stroke
-Arthralgia
-Diarrhea
-Nasopharyngitis
-Cough, etc.
Contraindications
Atorvastatin is contraindicated in conditions like hypersensitivity, regnancy, breast feeding, and actinic keratosis, etc.
Interactions
Amprenavir, Amprenavir possibly increases plasma concentration of Atorvastatin.
Cyclosporin A, Cyclosporin may increase the serum concentration of Atorvastatin.
Erythromycin, Erythromycin may decrease the metabolism, via CYP isoenzymes, of Atorvastatin. Possible increased risk of myopathy when atorvastatin given with erythromycin.
This list is not complete. Please give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you for professional advice.
Precaution
Cautions include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:
Patients with liver disease, severe infection, heart disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery, low blood pressure, any allergy or any other medical problem.
May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so patient should observe caution while driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Irbesartan
Indications
Irbesartan is an antihypertensive agent. Irbesartan is used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents for the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Irbesartan, which give rise to further complications include hyperkalemia, impaired renal function, myalgia, etc.
Contraindications
Irbesartan is contraindicated in conditions like pregnancy, breast feeding, etc
Interactions
Potassium glycerophosphate, concurrent use may cause high potassium concentrations to reside in the blood stream.
This list is not complete. Please provide a list of all medications to your healthcare provider to receive additional professional advice.
Precaution
Cautions include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:
Use with caution in renal artery stenosis, aortic or mitral valve stenosis, and in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Monitor plasma-potassium concentration, particularly in elderly, and in patients with renal impairment.
Metformin
Indications
Metformin (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Diabetes mellitus, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance, Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or obesity, etc.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Stomach upset
-Diarrhea
-Weakness
-A metallic taste in the mouth, etc.
Contraindications
Alcohol dependence, Anaemia, Myocardial infarction, Septicaemia, Infections, Respiratory disease, Ketosis, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetic coma, Trauma, Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Renal impairment, Diabetic retinopathy, Liver damage, etc.
Interactions
Aminosalicylic acid, Aminosalicylic acid may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Metformin.
Insulin Glargine, Metformin may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Insulin Glargine.
Furosemide, The therapeutic efficacy of Metformin can be decreased when used in combination with Furosemide.
Levofloxacin, Levofloxacin may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Metformin.
Precaution
Cautions include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
Should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart trouble or if have any allergy, infections.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol while taking this.
It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be used only if clearly needed during lactation.
Repaglinide
Indications
Repaglinide is primarily designed for conditions like NIDDM, Type II diabetes mellitus, etc.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Weight gain
-Diarrhea
-Joint pain
-Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
-Symptoms may include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger etc.
Contraindications
Coma, Diabetic ketoacidosis, etc.
Interactions
Acetylsalicylic Acid, Acetylsalicylic acid may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Repaglinide.
Canagliflozin, Canagliflozin may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Repaglinide.
Sitagliptin, Sitagliptin may increase the hypoclycemic activities of Repaglinide.
Clopidogrel, The serum concentration of Repaglinide can be increased when it is combined with Clopidogrel.
Precaution
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. All oral hypoglycemic agents can produce hypoglycemia. Proper patient selection, dosage, and instruction for patients are important to avoid hypoglycemic episodes.
It may be necessary to discontinue repaglinide and administer insulin if the patient is exposed to stress (fever, trauma, infection, surgery).
At higher doses sulfonylurea may block ATP-sensitive potassium channels, which may correspond to an increased risk of cardiovascular-based symptoms.
Avoid the use of sulfonylurea at higher dosages (repaglinide daily doses >1.5 mg).
Rosiglitazone
Indications
Rosiglitazone (Maleate) is primarily indicated in conditions like NIDDM, Type II diabetes mellitus, etc.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Headache
-Cough
-Fast/pounding heartbeat
-Changes in menstrual cycles
-Bone fracture
-Vision changes (such as color changes or night vision problems)
-Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
-Loss of appetite
-Stomach/abdominal pain
-Yellowing eyes/skin
-Dark urine, etc.
Contraindications
Diabetic ketoacidosis, Hypersensitivity, etc.
Interactions
Ciprofloxacin, Ciprofloxapin may increase the hyproglycemic activities of Rosflitazone.
Insulin glargine, Rosiglitazone may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Insulin Glargine.
Testosterone, The metabolism of Testosterone can be decreased when combined with Rosiglitazone.
Metoprolol, The serum concentration of Metoprolol can be increased when it is combined with Rosiglitazone.
Precaution
Cautions include, but are not limited to, the followingsituations:
Should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Should not be administered to nursing mothers.
Rosuvastatin
Indications
Rosuvastatin is an antilipemic agent that competitively inhibits hydroxymethylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. HMG-CoA reducuase catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Rosuvastatin belongs to a class of medications called statins and is used to reduce plasma cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Myalgia
-Constipation
-Asthenia
-Abdominal pain
-Nausea
-Myotoxicity (myopathy, myositis, rhabdomyolysis) Hepatotoxicity, etc.
Contraindications
Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or having liver or kidney disease, etc.
Interactions
Cyclosporin A, Cyclosporine significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure.
Gemfibrozil, Gemfibrozil significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure.
Lopinovir, Lopinovir significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure.
Simeprevir, co- administration may increased plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin
Precaution
Cautions should be taken including but not limited to the following situation:
To avoid toxicity in Asian patients, lower doses should be considered.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk.
Simvastatin
Indications
Simvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." It reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It can lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-gastrointestinal disorders
-myalgia
-arthralgia, etc.
Contraindications
N/A
Interactions
Amiodarone (HCl), Increased risk of myopathy when amiodarone is given with simvastatin.
Amprenavir, Amprenavir possibly increases plasma concentration of Simvastatin.
Atazanavir, inhibits the hepatic metabolism of simvastatin results in increased plasma concentration.
Precaution
Before taking simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.
Sitagliptin
Indications
Sitagliptin is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes, etc. It's used along with lifestyle changes and sometimes other medications.
Upset stomach
-Diarrhea
-Stomach pain
-Upper respiratory infect
-Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
-Headache, etc.
Contraindications
Pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis and allergies, etc.
Interactions
Alectinib, The serum concentration of Sitagliptin can be increased when it is combined with Alectinib.
Benzocaine, The serum concentration of Sitagliptin can be increased when it is combined with Benzocaine.
Ceritinib, The serum concentration of Sitagliptin can be increased when it is combined with Ceritinib.
Dilitazem, The metabolism of Diltiazem can be decreased when combined with Sitagliptin.
Precaution
Cautions should be taken including but not limited to the following situation:
Blood and urine tests may be nedded to check for unwanted effects.
Hyperglycemia may occur if the patient do not take enough or skip a dose of medicine, overeat or do not follow his hiet plan, has a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual.
Call the doctor right away of severe joint pain occur while using this medicine.
Vildagliptin
Indications
Vildagliptin has been shown to reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, etc.
Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
-Headache
-Nasopharyngitis
-Cough
-Constipation
-Dizziness
-Increased sweating etc.
Contraindications
History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to alogliptin-containing products, such as anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe cutaneous adverse reactions, etc.
Interactions
Aminophylline, The serum concentration of Aminophylline can be decreased when it is combined with Vildagliptin.
Clozapine, The therapeutic efficacy if Vildagliptin can be decreased when used in combination with Clozapine.
Desogestrel, The therapeutic efficacy of Vildagliptin can be decreased when used in combination with Desogestrel.
Ergotamine, The serum concentration of Ergotamine can be increased when it is combined with Vildagliptin.
Precaution
Cautions should be taken including but not limited to the following situation:
Caution should be exercised in patients with history of severe kidney disease.
It may cause dizziness or fatigue, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
Patient may develop with increased risk of foot ulcers and blistering of the skin; if it is so consult your doctor.
Monitor liver function and blood sugar level regularly while taking this medication.