Tuesday, September 19, 2006

More Medicine!

Since Monday, we are using the following medicine for two weeks:
  • Terbutaline
  • Ketotifen
  • Iliadin
The first two are in syrup form, and the last one is metered nasal drops.

Terbutaline is a beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist drug from a group known as bronchodilators that stimulate nerves in parts of the body. In this case, the drug will open up the bronchial tubes and muscles of the lungs, thereby providing relief for cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can treat cases of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, among others. Possible side effects include: allergic reaction, chest pains, headache, and insomnia. Terbutaline was approved by the FDA in 1974.

<URL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbutaline>

Ketotifen is a type of antiasthma medicine and prophylactic agent which can reduce the frequency, severity and/or duration of asthma symptoms and attacks in children. It is not a bronchodilator and thus is not suitable for acute asthmatic cases. This medicine works best if taken on a regular basis, and improvement may be evident in the first few weeks, reaching significant benefits after ten. Withdrawal of medicine should be done in gradual reduction of doses. Possible side effects include: weight gain, increased appetite, chills, cough, headache and nausea. Ketotifen was approved by the FDA in 1999.

<URL:http://www.rxmed.com/b.main/b2.pharmaceutical/b2.1.monographs/CPS-%20Monographs/CPS-%20(General%20Monographs-%20Z)/ZADITEN.html>

Iliadin's active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. As a topical decongestant, its sympathomimetic property constricts the blood vessels of the nose and sinuses via activation of alpha1 adrenergic receptors, causing reduced production of mucous. It can help moisturize nasal passages due to air conditioning, air pollutants, hay fever and colds. Overuse, usually more than three days, may cause rebound congestion or addiction, so observe for such symptoms.

<URL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliadin>

When your child has certain health problems such as respiratory, try to eliminate possible causes of infection and isolate them so that the real cause can be determined. In our case, we are avoiding the babysitter's place with two other pretty sick (heheh) kids and turning off the air sterilizer / ionizer for at least a week. Hopefully, we'll see Gab recover fully and then we'll turn things back on one by one.

Has anyone heard of air ionizers causing negative effects such as respiratory problems? We are suspicious of their benefits even though we frequently clean the room.

To me, some of the most important things a child should have from their parents is nourishment of the body and avoidance of viruses and diseases. Choose your doctor carefully and stick to the doctor's advice. Every child is different, so try not to compare but be prudent in your judgement of your own child's conditions and needs.

Western medicine usually have instructions and advice for use. When doctors prescribe such medicine for our babies and toddlers, some of us go berserk. We see that the labels say "tested and recommended for use for children two years and older", but our children are younger! For some of these medicine, do not be alarmed. Doctors have been prescribing them in their common practice and health pharmacies are not able to test on younger children. Again, use discretion to decide.

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