Flu Medication Research Articles

Integrating Machine Learning and Pharmacophore Features for Enhanced Prediction of H1 Receptor Blockers.

Histamine Type I Receptor Antagonists (H1 blockers) are widely used to mitigate histamine-induced inflammation, particularly in allergic reactions. Histamine, a biogenic amine found in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, bronchial smooth muscle, and the hypothalamus, is a key player in these responses. H1 blockers are essential in cough syrups and flu medications and are divided into two generations: first-generation H1 blockers, which are sedating and have numerous side effects, and second-generation blockers, which are non-sedating and generally less toxic but may still exhibit cross-reactivity with other receptors. In this study, a comprehensive database of compounds was utilized alongside fexofenadine as a benchmark to discover compounds with potentially superior efficacy and reduced side effect profiles. In particular, multidimensional K-means clustering, a machine-learning technique, was applied to identify compounds with chemical structures similar to fexofenadine. Utilizing computational prediction of pharmacokinetic profile and molecular docking experiments, the action of these drugs on the H1 receptor was assessed. Furthermore, the crossreactivity of antihistamines was investigated by conducting a structure-based pharmacophore feature analysis of the docked poses of highly toxic antihistamines with various receptors. By identifying and proposing the removal of common toxic features, we aim to facilitate the development of antihistamines with fewer adverse effects.

Menyikapi Preferensi Masyarakat Pondok Benda Pamulang Dalam Pemilihan Obat Flu Berdasarkan Iklan Dengan Bijak

Flu is an upper respiratory tract infection that is often treated with various flu medications on the market and promoted through various media, especially television. This research aims to understand people's preferences for flu medicine in Pondok Benda Pamulang, South Tangerang. Through group discussions and delivery of educational materials, this study found that price, quality, and brand trust factors influenced the choice of flu medication. The results show an increase in public knowledge about flu and its treatment. The attractiveness of flu medicine advertisements is important in influencing consumer behavior. The right use of endorsers and advertising frequency can increase the effectiveness of advertising in mass media. This study provides insight into the importance of education in forming wise health decisions and provides a better understanding of people's preferences for cold medicines.

Awareness and practice of preventive measures among healthcare workers in medical institutions in Beijing during influenza season on the eve of COVID-19 epidemic: A cross-sectional survey.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, which poses a certain threat to humans due to its short incubation period, fast transmission and strong infectivity. To evaluate the awareness and prevention behavior against influenza among healthcare workers on the eve of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Beijing, China. Using the cross-sectional research design based on the principle of convenience sampling, an online questionnaire survey on the knowledge of flu, vaccination, medical protection behavior, and flu medication was conducted between January and February 2020. Healthcare workers from different healthcare facilities and different job positions in Beijing participated in this survey. A total of 1910 healthcare workers from different medical institutions and jobs were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 32.69 ±8.72 years (range: 18-64 years). There were significant differences in knowledge about clinical signs about flu and prevention approaches among different age groups, individuals with different work experience and job titles (χ2 = 8.903-32.839; p < 0.05). Personnel with different job positions and education levels differed only in the knowledge about clinical signs of flu and identification of high-risk populations. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.979, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.966-0.992) and education level (OR = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.588-0.921) were risk factors for hand hygiene practices, whereas job position (OR = 1.757, 95% CI: 1.146-2.695) and awareness of high-risk populations (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.096-1.800) were protective factors influencing hand hygiene practices (p < 0.05). The only factor influencing mask wearing was the education level (OR = 0.610, 95% CI: 0.450-0.828). The knowledge level and preventive behavior of healthcare workers before the outbreak of COVID-19 has been insufficient.

Profile of drug consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in a pharmacy in the city of Teresina-PI

Objective: To evaluate the consumption of vitamin, flu, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic medications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a community pharmacy in Teresina, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Methods: This retrospective observational case study evaluated the consumption of five classes of medications, including vitamins, flu, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic drugs, in the period before and in the pandemic. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS program, and p&lt;0.05 was significant. Results: During the pandemic period, vitamin (36%), flu (34%), and antiparasitic (22%) drugs were the most consumed during the study period. The chi-square test of independence showed an association between medication consumption (influenza, ivermectin, antiparasitic, multivitamins, and vitamin C) and the COVID-19 pandemic. When comparing the period before and during the pandemic, it was observed that only the drug ivermectin used as off-label had an increase in consumption of 917.65%. Conclusion: The study corroborated the national and international results that observed a significant increase in the consumption of some medications, especially ivermectin and multivitamins. Then, our results reinforce the importance of the correct use of drugs, the risks of self-medication and the monitoring of patients using drugs in an off-label regimen.

Jack London and White Fang: a lost struggle

The California State Parks curators granted access to artifacts owned by Jack London that are in storage in their Sonoma Barracks in Sonoma, CA. A medicine case, drug vials, and various paper documents that covered the period of his life from 1906 to 1915 were examined for drug residues left on their surface. All the objects were tested with the non-invasive surface analysis EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) technology, which consist of a foil studded with ground mixed-bed cation/anion exchangers as well as with C 8 and C 18 resins. The harvested material collected by the foils was analysed via GC-MS and the following 12 drugs were identified: N-(4-ethoxyphenyl) acetamide, phenyl salicylic acid, morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, 3-acetylmorphine, diacetylmorphine, dipenteneglycol, quinine dihydrochloride, quinine base, atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Despite the claims by his biographers that he used opium, morphine, and heroin on a regular basis this assertion could not be confirmed by the chemical analyses of the objects here tested. Only two opioids were discovered, morphine and diacetylmorphine (heroin) both of which could have been derived from the use of common, legal (over-the-counter) flu and cough medications.

Analysis of self-care strategies among nurses in southern Poland - a cross-sectional survey.

This study aimed to explore the self-care strategies undertaken by Polish nurses, and more specifically: to assess the participants' self-care strategies; to check self-medication patterns in the study group; and to analyze compliance with medical recommendations regarding pharmacotherapy. A quantitative and cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine the phenomenon of interest. The study employed a questionnaire survey with an independently designed questionnaire as a research tool. A total of 446 registered nurses taking part in different professional training courses for nurses in January-June 2018 who agreed to participate were included in the study. The findings of this study reveal generally poor self-care strategies and compliance with medical recommendations among Polish nurses. The most frequent health behaviors among the surveyed nurses were caring for personal hygiene and a healthy diet. About 31% of the nurses confirmed supplements use. The most common reasons for taking supplements concerned the prevention of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (77.5%), and boosting of the immune system (49.3%). The most popular supplements included packs of vitamins (57.2%), single vitamin D3 (33.3%) and magnesium (31.2%). The vast majority of participants (79.8%) took some kind of over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) in the last 6 months, most often painkillers and flu medications, relying most frequently on the information included on the drug leaflets. The analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between declared OTC use and age, marital status, years of professional experience and economic status. Overall, 26.9% of the study participants declared the use of both supplements and OTCs, while 16.4% of the participants used neither supplements nor OTCs. Self-care strategies undertaken by nurses should be seen as an essential factor in their positive therapeutic relationship with patients. The ageing nursing workforce should make all of us increasingly aware that their self-care needs will increase as well. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(1):13-25.

Impact of cold and flu medication on obstructive sleep apnoea and its underlying traits: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Animal studies indicate that alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonists and antimuscarinic agents improve genioglossus muscle activity during sleep and may be candidates for the pharmacological treatment of OSA. On the other hand, noradrenergic stimulants may be wake-promoting or cause insomnia symptoms if taken before bedtime, and the addition of a medication with sedative properties, such as an antihistaminic, may reduce these side effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of the combination of an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist (pseudoephedrine) and an antihistaminic-antimuscarinic (diphenhydramine) on OSA severity (AHI), genioglossus responsiveness and other endotypic traits (Vpassive , muscle compensation, LG and arousal threshold). Ten OSA patients performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial comparing one night of pseudoephedrine 120 mg plus diphenhydramine 50 mg (DAW1033D) to placebo administered prior to sleep. The AHI, genioglossus muscle responsiveness to negative oesophageal pressure and the endotypic traits were measured via PSG. The participants' median (interquartile range) age was 50 (46-53) years and body mass index (BMI) was 34.3 (30.6-39.2) kg/m2 . The drug combination had no effect on AHI (21.6 (9.1-49.8) on placebo vs 37.9 (5.1-55.4) events/h on DAW1033D, P > 0.5) or genioglossus responsiveness (6.0 (2.6-9.2) on placebo vs 4.0 (3.5-7.3) %/cm H2 O). Amongst the phenotypic traits, only Vpassive was improved by 29 (3-55) % eupnoea, P = 0.03 (mean (95% CI)). The combination of pseudoephedrine and diphenhydramine did not improve OSA severity or genioglossus responsiveness but induced a small improvement in upper airway collapsibility, possibly due to the decongestant effect of the medications. The results of this study do not support the use of these medications for OSA treatment.

Self-medication and its related Factors in Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Background & aim: Self-medication as a global challenge for mother and baby is a potential threat and it is common not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. Various factors affect drug use. This study aimed to determine the rate of practicing self-medication and its related factors in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 598 pregnant women referring to Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital and comprehensive health centers located in Rasht, Iran. The subjects were selected using random sampling method. The data were collected by a self-structured questionnaire on self-medication and analyzed using chi square test, logistic regression. Furthermore, a logistic regression model was applied to determine the factors associated with the rate of self-medication. Results: Practice of self-medication during pregnancy was reported by 8.7% of the mothers. The most commonly used medications were analgesics (50.9%), herbal medicines (24.5%), and cold/ flu medications (17%). The most common causes of self-medication among mothers included availability of medications (67.9%), previous use (60.4%), and treatments (47.2%). The majority of participants had an arbitrary use due to headache (34%), common cold (22.6%), and digestive diseases (22.6%). Also, 86.1% of the mothers had a moderate level of awareness about self-medication, which had no significant relationship with self-medication (P=0.872). The spousal age (OR=0.931, 95% CI=0.87-0.98; P=0.02), gravidity (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.03-1.74; P=0.028), comorbid diseases, (OR=2.36, 95% CI=1.29-4.32; P=0.005), and uncertainty about the effect of drugs (OR=0.189, 95% CI=0.04-0.805; P=0.024) were found to be the predictors of self-medication. Conclusion: As the findings indicated,the arbitrary use of medications during pregnancy increased with age and gravidity. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Health consider policies for the education and provision of the necessary information in this regard for the target population.

Current self-medication practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an observational study.

Introductionmedication without prescription is a growing public health concern or phenomenon worldwide. This cross-sectional study was designed to study the trends of self-medication among Saudi population.Methodsa prospective, cross-sectional study including 2004 participants was carried out from different family clinics across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The clinicians used a self-designed questionnaire to collect the data, using stringent inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire recorded participants' demographics and included several closed-ended and open-ended questions with options to choose from. The results were gathered, inserted into an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The analyzed information was presented as frequencies and percentages.Resultsour research showed that 924 respondents (46.1%) found it difficult to reach a hospital. Another 45.2% considered the inefficiency of health centers in providing necessary care as the main reason for self-medication. Other causes of self-medication included a lack of medical insurance, insurance not covering the costs for the drugs, and symptoms of the disease being mild enough for not going to the hospital. Analgesics were the most commonly self-administered drugs (84.58%), followed by antipyretics (71.26%), cough syrups (46.86%), eye drops (35.98%), antibiotics (35.28%), flu medication (32.83%), heartburn medication (23.15%), medicines for joint pain (15.02%), and so on.Conclusionthe majority of Saudi Arabians engage in self-medication and rely on advice from friends and family most of the time, instead of consulting a health professional.

Relation of Pulse Rate with Flu Medication Treatment

Relation of Pulse Rate with Flu Medication Treatment

Relation of Pulse Rate with Flu Medication Treatment

Relation of Pulse Rate with Flu Medication Treatment

Non-prescription cold and flu medication-induced transient myopia with uveal effusion: case report

BackgroundTo report a case of non-prescription cold and flu medication-induced transient myopia with uveal effusion.Case presentationBilateral high intraocular pressure, shallow anterior chambers, uveal effusion, and a myopic shift were encountered in a 39-year-old Chinese male 1 night after taking a non-prescription flu medicine three times than the recommended dose. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) showed bilateral ciliochoroidal effusions, disappearance of the ciliary sulcus, closure of the angle of the anterior chamber, and anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm. Treatment with aqueous suppressants was given. Within a week, the uncorrected vision restored, and the myopia had disappeared. UBM revealed major resolution of the ciliochoroidal effusions in both eyes, deepening of the anterior chamber, return of the lens-iris diaphragm to a more posterior position.ConclusionsOverdose of non-prescription cold and flu medication may cause bilateral uveal effusions inducing acute angle-closure glaucoma and acute myopia.

Characterization of medication advertisements in a popular US parenting magazine.

Background: Medication advertisements in magazines typically provide minimal educational benefit. This is of particular concern when targeted to caregivers responsible for making major medical decisions for their children. Methods: A cross-section of 72 issues from Parents magazine were collected and categorized by health condition and availability of the medication by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC).The type of medicine, dose, warning label, indication for child or adult, presence of a cartoon character, and the marketing theme used were documented. Chi-square analysis was used to determine significant differences in content. Results: Fewer than 30% (95% CI: 25.4%, 34.5%) of advertisements contained dosage information and approximately 50% (95% CI: 50.3%, 60.2%) contained side effect warnings. The greatest number of advertisements was for cold, cough and flu medications (14.7%; 95%CI: 11.6%, 18.6%).Conclusion: Medicine advertisements often do not include important information that could help consumers make informed decisions and avoid negative implications. Further research is needed to determine the attitudes of consumers to better understand and support consumers 'needs.

Patterns and attitudes of self-medication practices and possible role of community pharmacists in Palestine

This research aims to describe the extent of self-medication, assess possible factors associated with it, identify patients' reasons for self-medication and their attitudes towards the role of pharmacists in self-care so that future interventions can be documented and planned. A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted. Questionnaires were distributed randomly to 565 persons from all over the West Bank. The questionnaire covered self-medication purchases and experience with minor illnesses. From 565 people approached. 400 (70.8%) agreed to participate in the study Self-medication was reported by 87.0% (n = 348) of cases interviewed, among them 224 (56.0%) used at least one medication without consulting a doctor in the previous month. Analgesics were the most common class used in self-medication by 317 (79.2%) respondents, followed by flu medications (233, 45.3%), and antibiotics (132, 33.0%). The majority reported that they selected medications based on selfdecision and previous use (233, 58.2%). Advice received from pharmacists was another important factor in 216 (54.0%). The most common reasons for self-medication were: their ailments being minor (341, 85.2%) and they had this medical problem before 198 (49.5%). Among 397 respondents, 335 (84.4%) either strongly agreed or agreed that the community pharmacists play an important role in providing advice - when needed - for self-medication. Self-medication practices have been common among people in Palestine. There has been a high rate of using antibiotics without prescription, which requires suitable regulations and interventions to solve this problem. The results have shown a positive attitude towards the role of pharmacists in self-care. Community pharmacists have the potential to make a huge impact in ensuring that medicines are used appropriately.

Students’ attitude toward use of over the counter medicines during exams in Saudi Arabia

PurposeTo explore the use of over the counter (OTC) medicines among students during exams in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MethodA cross-sectional study was designed; using a self-administered twenty-two item online questionnaire for the students’ convenience and easy response disclosure. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13®. ResultsA total of N=1596 students participated in this survey, of whom 829 (51.9%) were university students and 767 (48.1%) were high school students. Overall, 80.0% of the respondents disclosed the use of OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for headache and pain relief. In addition, other substances used during the exams were Energy Drinks (5.0%), Flu Medication (5.0%), Vitamins (5.0%) and Antibiotics (5.0%). Female students were found to be more knowledgeable about safety issues concerning the use of OTC medicines (5.11±1.27, p=<0.001) than male students. Ease in access to OTC medicine, availability of pharmacist consultation and advertisement in print and electronic media were the main factors disclosed by the respondents that may result in an increase in the use of OTC products. The use of OTC medicines was generally higher among female students (p=0.001). ConclusionThe use of OTC medication during exams was more among high school and university students. Gender, age and educational institution were found significantly affecting the use of OTC medicines during exams.

Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) supplementation and gastrointestinal and respiratory-tract illness symptoms: a randomised control trial in athletes

BackgroundProbiotics purportedly reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory-tract illness by modulating commensal microflora. Preventing and reducing symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness are the primary reason that dietary supplementation with probiotics are becoming increasingly popular with healthy active individuals. There is a paucity of data regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in this cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic on faecal microbiology, self-reported illness symptoms and immunity in healthy well trained individuals.MethodsCompetitive cyclists (64 males and 35 females; age 35 ± 9 and 36 ± 9 y, VO2max 56 ± 6 and 52 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1, mean ± SD) were randomised to either probiotic (minimum 1 × 109 Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) per day) or placebo treatment for 11 weeks in a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. The outcome measures were faecal L. fermentum counts, self-reported symptoms of illness and serum cytokines.ResultsLactobacillus numbers increased 7.7-fold (90% confidence limits 2.1- to 28-fold) more in males on the probiotic, while there was an unclear 2.2-fold (0.2- to 18-fold) increase in females taking the probiotic. The number and duration of mild gastrointestinal symptoms were ~2-fold greater in the probiotic group. However, there was a substantial 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) of a scale step reduction in the severity of gastrointestinal illness at the mean training load in males, which became more pronounced as training load increased. The load (duration×severity) of lower respiratory illness symptoms was less by a factor of 0.31 (99%CI; 0.07 to 0.96) in males taking the probiotic compared with placebo but increased by a factor of 2.2 (0.41 to 27) in females. Differences in use of cold and flu medication mirrored these symptoms. The observed effects on URTI had too much uncertainty for a decisive outcome. There were clear reductions in the magnitude of acute exercise-induced changes in some cytokines.ConclusionL. fermentum may be a useful nutritional adjunct for healthy exercising males. However, uncertainty in the effects of supplementation on URTI and on symptoms in females needs to be resolved.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000006943).

Bilateral simultaneous acute angle closure glaucoma precipitated by non‐prescription cold and flu medication

We present a case of a 63-year-old woman who presented to an ED with bifrontal headache, nausea and vomiting and reduced visual acuity. Examination revealed bilateral elevated intraocular pressures, corneal haze, shallow anterior chambers and poorly reactive, mid-dilated pupils. Diagnosis was made of simultaneous bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma. A complete drug history revealed that she had been using an over-the-counter cold and flu remedy whose active ingredients included atropa belladonna, an herb with anticholinergic properties. It is likely that drug-induced dilatation of the individual's pupils precipitated this angle closure emergency. In the report we discuss the risk factors for angle closure glaucoma, and review the local and systemic drugs known to trigger this sight-threatening emergency.

AMANTADINE’S DOUBLE BIND

NEW DETAILS about how the flu drug amantadine works could ease the route to novel flu medications, of which there are currently painfully few. Membrane protein specialist Mei Hong of Iowa State University and coworkers, including protein designer William F. DeGrado of the University of Pennsylvania, carried out the study ( Nature 2010, 463, 689). They hoped it would resolve a controversy about the drug’s mechanism. But dissent persists. The controversy goes back to independent studies in 2008 by Harvard Medical School structural biologist James J. Chou and DeGrado finding that amantadine and its sister drug rimantadine bind to different spots on influenza A’s M2 proton channel ( Nature 2008, 451, 591 and 596). Because the drugs are so similar, the studies left uncertainty about both drugs’ site and mechanism of action. The two drugs are approved but are no longer generally recommended because many flu strains have become resistant to them. Researchers would like to ...

Does Advice from Pharmacy Staff Vary According to the Nonprescription Medicine Requested?

Community pharmacy has long been advocated as an appropriate gateway of supply for nonprescription medicines and health-related advice. Consumers sometimes self-treat the symptoms of minor illness, yet there is conflicting evidence over their ability to do so properly. Emerging trends also suggest a variable approach to nonprescription medicine supply by pharmacy staff. Understanding of this is limited and more structured exploration is needed. To explore variation in pharmacy staff response to requests for nonprescription medicines from different legislative schedules through analysis of data collected using pseudo-patient methods. Consumers posed as pharmacy patrons (ie, pseudo-patients, simulated patients) and requested 1 of 3 specific nonprescription medicines by name. Two of these, ibuprofen and a branded cold and flu medication, could be sold by any pharmacy staff member (these were considered Pharmacy Medicine). The third, a combination analgesic containing paracetamol (acetaminophen), codeine, and doxylamine, required pharmacist involvement in the sale (considered Pharmacist Only Medicine). Pseudo-patient visits measured the service provided in each pharmacy by observing whether staff performed particular behaviors such as providing advice regarding the drugs. Staff response was generally superior when pseudo-patients requested the combination analgesic that required pharmacist intervention. Medicine advice was provided verbally to 84.9% of pseudo-patients requesting this analgesic compared with 51.1% of those requesting the cold and flu medication. Similar trends were observed for other behaviors. Emerging patterns imply that pharmacy staff response may vary according to the medicine requested. It may be that pharmacists and their staff prioritize drugs or behaviors that they consider critically relevant as part of a risk management approach. This has possible implications for future scheduling policy. Further research using a range of scenarios would more fully explore the breadth of such behavior. This would aid identification of medicines that trigger professional intervention and inform development of targeted training programs.

Manufacturing by-products from, and stereochemical outcomes of the biotransformation of benzaldehyde used in the synthesis of methamphetamine

Clandestine synthesis of methamphetamine in Australia has predominantly started from pseudoephedrine extracted from over the counter cold and flu medications. However, recently introduced restrictions on the sale of these products have made pseudoephedrine much more difficult to obtain. As a result clandestine chemists have had to resort to other means of obtaining the necessary chemical precursors. A recent drug raid (Adelaide, January 2008) resulted in the seizure of an unusual reaction mixture that indicated a novel approach involving the fermentation of glucose by yeast in the presence of benzaldehyde to give 1-hydroxy-1-phenylpropanone, also known as l-phenylacetylcarbinol ( l-PAC), a known precursor to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and hence methamphetamine. A study was undertaken into this process with the aim of determining the characteristic reaction by-products associated with methamphetamine made in this way. The study also looked at the stereochemical selectivity of the fermentation reaction and the stereochemistry of the subsequent reaction products, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and the final methamphetamine.