Question

What do I know about these medications?

What is the recommended dose, the route and the best time of the day to take it

what lab results I need regarding each medication?

what are the approved use of each medication?

what are the most common diseases treated by the listed medications?

Are any off-label uses approved for each drug?

For these medications please answer the one above :)

Amlodipine

Aspirin

Atenolol

Answer 1

1. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as Calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood flows more easily.

Recommended dosage for Adult (18-64yrs) - 5 -10 mg once per day depending upon the severity of disease and response . For Child (6- 17 years) - 2.5 - 5mg/ day. For senior citizens (65 years and more) - 2.5 mg/ day. Route of administration- orally. Best time of the day - same time every day.

Lab results - Serum blood calcium negative correlation with Amlodipine response.

Approved use - To treat systemic Hypertension, coronary artery disease and Angina. Not approved for age group less than 6years old. By reducing hypertension, it is used to prevent coronary artery disease, Kidney diseases and stroke. It is also used in Raynaud's phenomenon.

Off label uses are- to treat Cluster headache, migraine, Raynaud's syndrome ( blood vessel disorder ) and congestive heart failure.

2.Aspirin- It is a salicylate, works by reducing the substance prostaglandin in the body that causes pain, fever and inflammation. It also has antithrombotic action.

Dosage - 50- 6000mg depending upon the use,given orally. Best time - at night compared to morning.

Lab tests- platelet function tests.

FDA approved use- In Heart attack and stroke.

Common diseases where Aspirin used are Kawasaki disease, Rheumatic fever, Pericarditis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis.

Off label uses- In preeclampsia, Emergency treatment of stroke and heart attack, to prevent blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation.

3. Atenolol - It is a beta blocker affecting heart and circulation.

Dose- 25 - 100 mg, given once per day, orally. Best time- first dose in the morning, if no dizziness, then given in evening.

Lab test- creatinine clearance.

Approved use- Hypertension,Angina pectoris, Acute myocardial infarction.

Common diseases where atenolol used are paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, thyrotoxicosis, arrhythmias, migraine prophylaxis, alcohol withdrawal, prophylaxis against secondary myocardial infarction.

Off label uses- in irregular heartbeats, migraine, tremor,heart failure prevention.