Drug Information Guide PDF

1. Acarbose ​ Class: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor ​ MOA: Inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine, delaying carbohydrate absorption and lowering postprandial blood glucose levels. ​ Side effects: Flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, increased liver enz...

1. Acarbose ​ Class: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor ​ MOA: Inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine, delaying carbohydrate absorption and lowering postprandial blood glucose levels. ​ Side effects: Flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, increased liver enzymes (rare). ​ Interactions: May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Avoid co-administration with digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase). ​ Contraindications: Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, intestinal obstruction, severe renal impairment. ​ Monitoring: Monitor blood glucose levels, liver function (ALT, AST), renal function. 2. Aciclovir ​ Class: Antiviral (Nucleoside analogue) ​ MOA: Inhibits viral DNA synthesis by being incorporated into viral DNA, leading to chain termination. ​ Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, renal toxicity (rare with high doses), neurotoxicity (e.g., confusion, hallucinations in elderly or renal impairment). ​ Interactions: Caution with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides) due to increased renal risk. ​ Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to aciclovir or valaciclovir, severe renal impairment (adjust dose). ​ Monitoring: Renal function, liver enzymes, and clinical signs of neurotoxicity. 3. Adenosine ​ Class: Antiarrhythmic (Nucleoside) ​ MOA: Increases potassium efflux and inhibits calcium influx in the sinoatrial node, leading to a decrease in heart rate and AV node conduction. Used for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). ​ Side effects: Hypotension, flushing, chest pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, transient arrhythmias. ​ Interactions: Caution with other drugs causing bradycardia (e.g., beta-blockers, verapamil). ​ Contraindications: AV block, sick sinus syndrome, severe hypotension, bronchospastic lung disease. ​ Monitoring: Continuous ECG monitoring during administration, blood pressure. 4. Alendronic Acid ​ Class: Bisphosphonate ​ MOA: Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, thereby increasing bone mineral density. ​ Side effects: Gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., oesophagitis, dyspepsia), musculoskeletal pain, hypocalcaemia.  ​ Interactions: Reduced absorption with calcium, iron, magnesium, and antacids. Caution when co-administered with NSAIDs or other medications that affect the gastrointestinal tract. ​ Contraindications: Oesophageal abnormalities, hypocalcaemia, renal impairment (CrCl