Adverse Effects of Medication

Adverse Effects of Metronidazole

• Unpleasant, metallic taste is commonly experienced
• Oral moniliasis (Candidiasis) is a possible side effect
• Rarely, neurotoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, and numbness or paresthesia) may occur, which may necessitate discontinuation of the drug
• Pregnancy category: B
• Alcohol intolerance (Disulfiram-like reaction) may occur

Co-administration and Contraindications

• Co-administration with mebendazole is contraindicated due to the risk of Steven Johnson syndrome (Epidermal necrolysis)

Comparison with Tinidazole

• Tinidazole has a longer duration of action and fewer adverse effects
• Tinidazole is category C in pregnancy
• Metronidazole has a higher efficacy regarding antibacterial effect

Diloxanide Furate

• Works only in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as a lumenal amebicide

Viral Replication and Antiviral Drugs

• Viral replication involves several steps:
  • Viral fusion and entry
  • Uncoating of viral nucleic acid
  • Synthesis and replication of genetic material (regulated by polymerase enzyme)
  • Viral assembly (maturation) (regulated by protease enzyme)
  • Viral release (regulated by neuroaminidase enzyme)
• Antiviral drugs can target any of these steps

Adjuvant Therapy

• Can be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation

Classification of Immune-therapies

• Immunosuppressant drugs:
  • Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
  • Mammalian Target of Rapamycin inhibitors (e.g., Sirolimus)
  • Anti-proliferative agents (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil)
  • Cytokine gene expression inhibitors (e.g., Corticosteroids)
  • Monoclonal anti-body based agents (e.g., basiliximab, muromonab)

This quiz covers the unpleasant side effects of a certain medication, including metallic taste, oral yeast infection, and neurotoxicity symptoms.