Android

Generic Name: methyltestosterone (METH il tes TOS te role)

Brand Names: Android, Methitest, Testred

What is Android (methyltestosterone)?

Methyltestosterone is a man-made form of testosterone, a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system.

Methyltestosterone is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty or other hormonal imbalances. Methyltestosterone is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Methyltestosterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Android (methyltestosterone)?

Methyltestosterone can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyltestosterone, or have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.

Before receiving methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you have benign prostatic hypertrophy, breast cancer, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Methyltestosterone can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Android (methyltestosterone)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyltestosterone, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• 
  

  prostate cancer;

  
  


• 
  

  male breast cancer; or

  
  


• 
  

  if you are pregnant.

  
  

Before receiving methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• 
  

  benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH);

  
  


• 
  

  breast cancer;

  
  


• 
  

  a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  
  


• 
  

  delayed puberty;

  
  


• 
  

  liver or kidney disease; or

  
  


• 
  

  heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methyltestosterone.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not receive methyltestosterone if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication. It is not known whether methyltestosterone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Methyltestosterone can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.

How should I take Android (methyltestosterone)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Methyltestosterone can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment. Store methyltestosterone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of methyltestosterone is not expected to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Android (methyltestosterone)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using methyltestosterone.

Android (methyltestosterone) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 
  

  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


• 
  

  swelling, rapid weight gain;

  
  


• 
  

  increased or ongoing erection of the penis;

  
  


• 
  

  bone pain, increased thirst, memory problems, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, loss of appetite, increased urination, weakness, muscle twitching; or

  
  


• 
  

  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Women receiving methyltestosterone may develop male characteristics, which could be irreversible if testosterone treatment is continued. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you notice any of these signs of excess testosterone:

• 
  

  changes in menstrual periods;

  
  


• 
  

  male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest);

  
  


• 
  

  hoarse voice; or

  
  


• enlarged clitoris.

Less serious side effects (in men or women) may include:

• 
  

  acne, changes in skin color;

  
  


• 
  

  breast swelling;

  
  


• 
  

  male pattern baldness;

  
  


• 
  

  headache, anxiety, depressed mood;

  
  


• 
  

  mild nausea;

  
  


• 
  

  numbness or tingly feeling; or

  
  


• 
  

  increased or decreased interest in sex.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Android (methyltestosterone)?

The following drugs can interact with methyltestosterone. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• 
  

  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

  
  


• 
  

  insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect methyltestosterone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Android resources

• Android Side Effects (in more detail)
• Android Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Android Drug Interactions
• Android Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Android - Add your own review/rating

• Android Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Android MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Methyltestosterone Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Methyltestosterone Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Testred Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Android with other medications

• Breast Cancer, Palliative
• Delayed Puberty, Male
• Hypogonadism, Male
• Postpartum Breast Pain

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about methyltestosterone.

See also: Android side effects (in more detail)

Anthraforte 2% Topical

Generic Name: anthralin (Topical route)

AN-thra-lin

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Drithocreme


• Dritho-Scalp


• Psoriatec


• Zithranol-RR

In Canada

• Anthraforte 2%


• Anthraforte 3%


• Anthrascalp

Available Dosage Forms:

• Paste


• Ointment


• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antipsoriatic

Uses For Anthraforte 2%

Anthralin is used to treat psoriasis. It may also be used to treat other skin conditions as determined by your doctor.

In the U.S., this medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, anthralin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:

• Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)

Before Using Anthraforte 2%

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of anthralin in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of anthralin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Skin diseases or problems (other)—Anthralin may make the condition worse

Proper Use of anthralin

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain anthralin. It may not be specific to Anthraforte 2%. Please read with care.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and mucous membranes, such as the mouth and the inside of the nose.

Do not apply this medicine to blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin or scalp.

Do not use this medicine on your face or sex organs or in the folds and creases of your skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Anthralin may be used in different ways. In some cases, it is applied at night and allowed to remain on the affected areas overnight, then washed off the next morning or before the next application. In other cases, it may be applied and allowed to remain on the affected areas for a short period of time (usually 10 to 30 minutes), then washed off. (This is called short contact treatment.) Make sure you understand exactly how you are to use this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Anthralin may cause irritation of normal skin. If it does, petrolatum may be applied to the skin or scalp around the affected areas for protection.

Apply a thin layer of anthralin to only the affected area of the skin or scalp and rub in gently and well.

Immediately after applying this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

For patients using anthralin for short contact (usually 10 to 30 minutes) treatment:

• After applying anthralin, allow the medicine to remain on the affected area for 10 to 30 minutes or as directed by your doctor. Then remove the medicine by bathing, if the anthralin was applied to the skin, or by shampooing, if it was applied to the scalp.

For patients using the cream form of anthralin for overnight treatment:

• If anthralin cream is applied to the skin, any medicine remaining on the affected areas the next morning should be removed by bathing.


• If anthralin cream is applied to the scalp, shampoo to remove the scales and any medicine remaining on the affected areas from the previous application. Dry the hair and, after parting, rub the cream into the affected areas. Check with your doctor to see when the cream should be removed.

For patients using the ointment form of anthralin for overnight treatment:

• If anthralin ointment is applied to the skin at night, any ointment remaining on the affected areas the next morning should be removed with warm liquid petrolatum followed by bathing.


• If anthralin ointment is applied to the scalp at night, shampoo the next morning to clean the scalp.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For psoriasis:
  
  • For cream dosage form:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the dry, affected area(s) of the skin once a day, preferably at night, or as directed by your doctor. Wash medicine off skin at the proper time.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  
  • For ointment dosage form:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the dry, affected area(s) of the skin once a day or as directed by your doctor. Wash medicine off skin at the proper time.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using Anthraforte 2%

Anthralin may stain the skin, hair, fingernails, clothing, bed linens, or bathtub or shower. The stain on the skin or hair will wear off in several weeks after you stop using this medicine. Some ways to prevent or lessen anthralin staining include:

• Wear plastic gloves when you apply this medicine.


• Avoid getting the medicine on your clothing or on bed linens. Ask your doctor if you can wear a plastic cap while sleeping if you apply your medicine to your scalp at bedtime.


• Remove any medicine on the surface of the bathtub or shower stall by immediately rinsing it with hot water after bathing or showering. Afterwards wash the bathtub or shower stall with a household cleanser to remove any remaining deposits.

Anthraforte 2% Side Effects

Anthralin has been shown to cause tumors in animals. However, there have been no reports of anthralin causing tumors in humans.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Redness or other skin irritation of treated or uninvolved skin not present before use of this medicine

Rare

• Skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

More Anthraforte 2% Topical resources

• Anthraforte 2% Topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Anthraforte 2% Topical Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Anthraforte 2% Topical - Add your own review/rating

Compare Anthraforte 2% Topical with other medications

• Psoriasis

Anestafoam Foam

Pronunciation: LYE-doe-kane
Generic Name: Lidocaine
Brand Name: Anestafoam

Anestafoam Foam is used for:

Treating pain, itching, soreness, and discomfort of the skin or mucous membranes due to certain conditions such as minor cuts, minor burns, scrapes, insect bites, and sunburn.

Anestafoam Foam is an anesthetic. It works by preventing nerves from transmitting painful impulses to the brain.

Do NOT use Anestafoam Foam if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Anestafoam Foam or to similar medications (eg, dibucaine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Anestafoam Foam:

Some medical conditions may interact with Anestafoam Foam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to any anesthetic medicine

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anestafoam Foam. Because little, if any, of Anestafoam Foam is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if Anestafoam Foam may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Anestafoam Foam:

Use Anestafoam Foam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Shake well before each use.


• You must prime the medicine before using it for the first time. To do this, shake vigorously and then remove the cap. Hold the can upright, away from the eyes and press down on the spout for 3 to 5 seconds or until the foam appears.


• Wash and completely dry the affected area. Apply the medicine to the palm of the hand, then rub it onto the affected area. Replace the cap after each use.


• Wash your hands immediately after using Anestafoam Foam, unless your hands are part of the treated area.


• Apply the medicine no more than 3 to 4 times per day, or as directed by your doctor.


• Do not bandage or wrap the affected area, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.


• If you miss a dose of Anestafoam Foam, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anestafoam Foam.

Important safety information:

• Anestafoam Foam is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If you get it in your eyes, rinse at once with cool tap water and contact your doctor. Protect the eye until the numbness goes away.


• Anestafoam Foam may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.


• Anestafoam Foam may cause a numbing effect at the application site. Do not scratch, rub, or expose the area to extreme hot or cold temperatures until the numbness is gone.


• Do not apply Anestafoam Foam over large areas of the body unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use more medicine, apply more often, or use for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, but the risk of side effects may be increased.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Anestafoam Foam before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Anestafoam Foam should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old without checking with a doctor.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Anestafoam Foam can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anestafoam Foam while you are pregnant. It is not known if Anestafoam Foam is found in breast milk after topical use. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anestafoam Foam, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Anestafoam Foam:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Redness or minor irritation at the application site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; chest pain; dizziness; drowsiness; irregular heartbeat; severe or persistent redness or irritation; tremor.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Anestafoam side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; chest pain; dizziness; drowsiness; irregular heartbeat; tremor.

Proper storage of Anestafoam Foam:

Store Anestafoam Foam at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Do not store at temperatures above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep Anestafoam Foam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Anestafoam Foam, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Anestafoam Foam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor


• Discard unused medicine and packaging in the trash out of the reach of children and pets.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anestafoam Foam. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Anestafoam resources

• Anestafoam Side Effects (in more detail)
• Anestafoam Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Anestafoam Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Anestafoam - Add your own review/rating

Compare Anestafoam with other medications

• Burns, External
• Pain
• Pruritus
• Sunburn

anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal Ophthalmic

Class Name: anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal (Ophthalmic route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Acular


• Acular LS


• Acular PF


• Acuvail


• Bromday


• Nevanac


• Ocufen


• Voltaren


• Xibrom

In Canada

• Apo-Ketorolac


• Indocid


• Ratio-Ketorolac


• Vofenal


• Voltaren Ophtha

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution


• Suspension

Uses For This Medicine

Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medicines are used in the eye to lessen problems that can occur during or after some kinds of eye surgery. Sometimes, the pupil of the eye gets smaller during an operation. This makes it more difficult for the surgeon to reach some areas of the eye. Some of these medicines are used to help prevent this. Also, some of them are used after eye surgery, to relieve effects such as inflammation or edema (too much fluid in the eye).

These medicines may also be used for other conditions, as determined by your ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

These medicines have been studied only in adults, and there is no specific information about their use in children.

Geriatric

These medicines have been tested and have not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Pregnancy

Although studies on birth defects have not been done in pregnant women after use of these medicines in the eye, ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medicines have not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems. Studies have been done in animals receiving anti-inflammatory medicines by mouth in amounts that are much greater than the amounts used in the eye. These medicines did not cause birth defects in these studies. However, they decreased the weight or slowed the growth of the fetus and caused other, more serious, harmful effects on the fetus when they were given in amounts that were large enough to cause harmful effects in the mother. Also, when these medicines were given to animals late in pregnancy, they increased the length of pregnancy or prolonged labor.

Breast Feeding

It is not known whether any of these medicines pass into the breast milk after they are placed in the eye. Diclofenac, indomethacin, and suprofen pass into the breast milk when they are are taken by mouth. It is not known whether flurbiprofen passes into the breast milk when it is taken by mouth. However, these medicines have not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Abciximab


• Argatroban


• Bivalirudin


• Cilostazol


• Ciprofloxacin


• Dabigatran Etexilate


• Dipyridamole


• Fondaparinux


• Heparin


• Lepirudin


• Protein C


• Rivaroxaban


• Sibutramine


• Ticlopidine


• Tirofiban


• Vilazodone

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Hemophilia or other bleeding problems—The possibility of bleeding may be increased.

• Viral eye infection (epithelial herpes simplex keratitis), or a history of having a viral eye infection—It is possible that a current infection could be made worse or an old infection could return.

• Use of soft contact lenses—Eye irritation, such as redness and burning of the eyes, may occur.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.


• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.


• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, always keep the container tightly closed.

Do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not use any leftover medicine for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor. If certain kinds of infection are present, using this medicine may make the infection worse and possibly lead to eye damage.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For diclofenac


• To treat photophobia (sensitivity to light) which may occur after incisional refractive surgery:
  
  • Adults—Your health care professional will probably give you the medicine before the operation, starting with 1 drop in the eye within one hour of surgery, then 1 drop fifteen minutes after surgery, then 1 drop four times a day beginning four to six hours after surgery and continuing for up to three days as needed.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  


• To relieve inflammation in the eye following cataract surgery:
  
  • Adults—1 drop in the eye four times a day beginning twenty-four hours after cataract surgery and throughout the first two weeks following the operation.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  

• For flurbiprofen


• For use before an eye operation:
  
  • Adults—Your health care professional will probably give you the medicine before your operation.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  


• To relieve inflammation:
  
  • Adults and children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  

• For indomethacin


• For use before an eye operation:
  
  • Adults—Your health care professional will probably give you the medicine before your operation.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  


• To relieve inflammation or edema in the eye:
  
  • Adults—1 drop in the eye four times a day.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  

• For suprofen


• For use before an eye operation:
  
  • Adults—Your health care professional will probably give you the medicine before your operation.
  
  
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Wearing soft (hydrogel) contact lenses during treatment with diclofenac has caused severe irritation (redness and itching) in some people. Therefore, do not wear soft contact lenses during the time that you are being treated with diclofenac.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

• Bleeding in the eye or redness or swelling of the eye or the eyelid (not present before you started using this medicine or becoming worse while you are using this medicine)


• blurred vision or other change in vision


• fever or chills


• itching or tearing


• nausea or vomiting


• pain


• sensitivity to light


• shortness of breath


• sticky or matted eyelashes


• swelling of face


• throbbing pain


• tightness in chest


• troubled breathing


• wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning, stinging, or mild discomfort after application


• dry eyes

Less common or rare

• Bigger or smaller pupils (black part of eye)


• headache


• trouble in sleeping


• runny or stuffy nose


• unusual weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information contained in the Thomson Healthcare (Micromedex) products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Healthcare products.

Antara

Pronunciation: FEN-oh-FYE-brate
Generic Name: Fenofibrate
Brand Name: Examples include Antara and Tricor

Antara is used for:

Controlling high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is used in combination with a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Antara is a lipid-lowering agent. It works by lowering elevated blood triglyceride levels by making the liver produce fewer triglycerides and increasing the elimination of triglycerides from the blood stream.

Do NOT use Antara if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Antara


• you have gallbladder problems, liver problems (including cirrhosis, hepatitis), or severe kidney problems (eg, kidney failure)


• you are breast-feeding or pregnant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Antara:

Some medical conditions may interact with Antara. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have diabetes, an underactive thyroid, heart blood vessel problems, gallstones, kidney problems, or certain muscle problems (myopathy)


• if you have a history of pancreatitis or blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)


• if you are very overweight, have an inactive lifestyle, or you drink large amounts of alcohol


• if you are taking a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol), estrogen, or thiazide diuretic (eg, hydrochlorothiazide)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Antara. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin) because the risk of serious muscle problems leading to kidney failure may be increased


• Immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine) or other medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin) because they may decrease Antara's excretion and increase the risk of its side effects


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Antara

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Antara may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Antara:

Use Antara as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Antara by mouth with or without food.


• Swallow Antara whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not take chipped or broken tablets.


• Take Antara with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).


• If you also take a bile acid-binding resin (eg, cholestyramine), do not take it within 4 to 6 hours before or 1 hour after taking Antara. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.


• Take Antara on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.


• If you miss a dose of Antara, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Antara.

Important safety information:

• Antara may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Antara with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using Antara.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.


• Follow the diet, exercise, and weight reduction program given to you by your health care provider.


• Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.


• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, blood cholesterol, and other blood tests, may be performed while you use Antara. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Antara with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• Antara should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Antara while you are pregnant. It is not known if Antara is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Antara.

Possible side effects of Antara:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); calf pain; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased coughing or coughing up blood; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever and fatigue); pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness or lightheadedness; severe or persistent nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; severe pain or swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Antara side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Antara:

Store Antara between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a moisture-protective container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Antara out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Antara, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Antara is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Antara. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Antara resources

• Antara Side Effects (in more detail)
• Antara Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Antara Drug Interactions
• Antara Support Group
• 1 Review for Antara - Add your own review/rating

• Antara Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Antara Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Fenofibrate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fenofibrate Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Fenofibrate Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Fenoglide Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Lipofen Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Lofibra Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Tricor Consumer Overview


• Tricor Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Triglide Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Antara with other medications

• Hyperlipoproteinemia
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV, Elevated VLDL
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V, Elevated Chylomicrons VLDL
• Hypertriglyceridemia

Anergan 50 injection

Generic Name: promethazine (injection) (pro METH a zeen)

Brand Names: Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan

What is Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection))?

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-oh-zeens).

Promethazine is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia or surgery, certain types of allergic reactions, pain caused by surgery or childbirth, and to sedate patients before surgery or medical procedures.

Promethazine injection is usually given when a person cannot take the medication orally (by mouth).

Promethazine injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection))?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects. You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluperazine (Stelazine). This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects while receiving promethazine injection, such as slow, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, severe burning or skin irritation where the injection was given, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, or muscle movements you cannot control.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection))?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluperazine (Stelazine).

To make sure you can safely use promethazine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 
  

  asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing problems;

  
  


• 
  

  epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  
  


• 
  

  a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);

  
  


• 
  

  glaucoma;

  
  


• 
  

  enlarged prostate or problems with urination;

  
  


• 
  

  stomach ulcer or obstruction;

  
  


• 
  

  heart disease or high blood pressure;

  
  


• 
  

  liver disease;

  
  


• 
  

  adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);

  
  


• 
  

  low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or

  
  


• 
  

  if you have ever had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether promethazine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether promethazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is promethazine injection given?

Promethazine is given as an injection deep into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. This medication is usually given every 2 to 4 hours depending on the condition it is used for.

Promethazine injection is usually given for only a short time until no longer needed or until you can take promethazine by mouth.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received promethazine injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since promethazine injection is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or weakness, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while receiving Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection))?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Promethazine injection can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection)) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  twitching, or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;

  
  


• 
  

  tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;

  
  


• 
  

  slow, shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


• 
  

  increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

  
  


• 
  

  pain, burning, severe irritation, muscle weakness, or skin changes where the injection was given;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion, hallucinations, hysteria, seizure (black-out or convulsions);

  
  


• 
  

  fast or slow heartbeats;

  
  


• 
  

  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


• 
  

  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


• 
  

  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

  
  


• 
  

  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  drowsiness, dizziness, tired feeling;

  
  


• 
  

  ringing in your ears;

  
  


• 
  

  problems with balance or coordination;

  
  


• 
  

  blurred vision;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling nervous or shaky;

  
  


• 
  

  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


• 
  

  skin rash or itching; or

  
  


• 
  

  dry mouth, stuffy nose.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Anergan 50 (promethazine (injection))?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can interact with promethazine and cause medical problems or increase side effects. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 
  

  lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

  
  


• 
  

  atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine), belladonna (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);

  
  


• 
  

  blood pressure medication such as guanadrel (Hylorel), propranolol (Inderal), and others;

  
  


• 
  

  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

  
  


• 
  

  bronchodilators such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);

  
  


• 
  

  bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), and others;

  
  


• 
  

  an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam); or

  
  


• 
  

  medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma); or

  
  


• 
  

  medicine to treat stomach ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome, such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), mepenzolate (Cantil), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine).

  
  

This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with promethazine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

More Anergan 50 resources

• Anergan 50 Side Effects (in more detail)
• Anergan 50 Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Anergan 50 Drug Interactions
• Anergan 50 Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Anergan 50 - Add your own review/rating

Compare Anergan 50 with other medications

• Allergic Reactions
• Anaphylaxis
• Hay Fever
• Light Sedation
• Motion Sickness
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Opiate Adjunct
• Sedation
• Urticaria
• Vertigo

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist has information about promethazine injection.

See also: Anergan 50 side effects (in more detail)

anesthetic, local Topical application

Class Name: anesthetic, local (Topical application route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Aveeno Anti-Itch


• Curasore


• Dermamycin


• Derma-Pax


• Emla


• Exactacain


• Frigiderm


• Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride


• Lanex


• LidaMantle HC Relief


• Lidoderm


• Mandelay


• Medicone


• Nupercainal


• Olbas Analgesic Salve


• Outgro


• Pain Patch


• Polar Frost


• Pramegel


• Reflex Pain Relief


• Rid-A-Pain Rub


• Solarcaine


• Solarcaine First Aid


• Sting Kill


• Synera


• Therapy ICE


• Ulcerease


• Xylocaine

In Canada

• Baby Orajel Nighttime Formula


• Bactine


• Bactine First Aid


• Bengay Ice Extra Strength


• Clear Anti-Itch Lotion


• Dermoplast Maximum Strength


• Hand Lotion


• Lanacane


• Medicated Calamine Lotion With Pramoxine Hcl


• Medicated Foot Powder


• Myoflex Ice Cold Plus

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion


• Ointment


• Spray


• Kit


• Gel/Jelly


• Cream


• Solution


• Pad


• Dressing


• Swab


• Liquid


• Film


• Patch, Device Assisted


• Foam


• Patch, Extended Release

Uses For This Medicine

This medicine belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. Topical anesthetics are used to relieve pain and itching caused by conditions such as sunburn or other minor burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts and scratches.

Topical anesthetics deaden the nerve endings in the skin. They do not cause unconsciousness as do general anesthetics used for surgery.

Most topical anesthetics are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use and dose for your medical problem.

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Benzocaine may be absorbed through the skin of young children and cause unwanted effects. There is no specific information comparing use of other topical anesthetics in children with use in other age groups, but it is possible that they may also cause unwanted effects in young children. Check with your doctor before using any product that contains a topical anesthetic for a child younger than 2 years of age.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical anesthetics in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Pregnancy

Although studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in humans, topical anesthetics have not been reported to cause problems in humans. Lidocaine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Other topical anesthetics have not been studied in animals.

Breast Feeding

Topical anesthetics have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Varicella Virus Vaccine


• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Infection at or near the place of application or


• Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application—The chance of side effects may be increased.

Proper Use of This Medicine

For safe and effective use of this medicine:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.


• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.


• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not use this medicine on large areas, especially if the skin is broken or scraped. Also, do not use it more often than directed on the package label, or for more than a few days at a time. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of unwanted effects. This is especially important when benzocaine is used for children younger than 2 years of age.

This medicine should be used only for problems being treated by your doctor or conditions listed in the package directions. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

Read the package label very carefully to see if the product contains any alcohol. Alcohol is flammable and can catch on fire. Do not use any product containing alcohol near a fire or open flame, or while smoking. Also, do not smoke after applying one of these products until it has completely dried.

If you are using this medicine on your face, be very careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or nose. If you are using an aerosol or spray form of this medicine, do not spray it directly on your face. Instead, use your hand or an applicator (for example, a sterile gauze pad or a cotton swab) to apply the medicine.

For patients using butamben:

• Butamben may stain clothing and discolor hair. It may not be possible to remove the stains. To avoid this, do not touch your clothing or your hair while applying the medicine. Also, cover the treated area with a loose bandage after applying butamben, to protect your clothes.

To use lidocaine film-forming gel (e.g., DermaFlex):

• First dry the area with a clean cloth or a piece of gauze. Then apply the medicine. The medicine should dry, forming a clear film, after about 1 minute.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For benzocaine and for benzocaine and menthol combination


• For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, cream, lotion, ointment, and spray solution):
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    
    
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

• For butamben


• For topical dosage form (ointment):
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    
    
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

• For dibucaine


• For topical cream dosage form :
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    
    
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  


• For topical ointment dosage form :
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams, but much smaller amounts are usually enough.
    
    
    • Children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7.5 grams in a twenty-four-hour period.
    
    
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

• For lidocaine


• For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, film-forming gel, jelly, ointment, and spray solution):
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    
    
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

• For pramoxine and for pramoxine and menthol combination


• For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and lotion):
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    
    
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

• For tetracaine and for tetracaine and menthol combination


• For topical dosage forms (cream and ointment):
  
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    
    • Adults and teenagers—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams (a whole tube of the medicine), but much smaller amounts are usually enough
    
    
    • Children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7 grams (about one-fourth of a tube of the medicine) in a twenty-four-hour period.
    
    
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

After applying this medicine to the skin of a child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine into his or her mouth. Topical anesthetics can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if any of the medicine gets into the mouth or is swallowed.

• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor:


• If your condition does not improve within 7 days, or if it gets worse


• If the area you are treating becomes infected


• If you notice a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or any other sign of irritation that was not present when you began using this medicine


• If you swallow any of the medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Large swellings that look like hives on the skin or in the mouth or throat

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed by the body - very rare

• Blurred or double vision


• confusion


• convulsions (seizures)


• dizziness or lightheadedness


• drowsiness


• feeling hot, cold, or numb


• headache


• increased sweating


• ringing or buzzing in the ears


• shivering or trembling


• slow or irregular heartbeat


• troubled breathing


• unusual anxiety, excitement, nervousness, or restlessness


• unusual paleness


• unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Burning, stinging, or tenderness not present before treatment


• skin rash, redness, itching, or hives

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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