Phase I study of low-dose zidovudine and acyclovir in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals

Article Abstract:

The majority of people testing positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will eventually develop symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The only licensed drug available for the treatment of HIV infection is zidovudine, which reduces the number of opportunistic infections (caused by organisms not usually harmful to healthy individuals, but which are life-threatening to patients with AIDS). When administered over a long period of time, drugs such as zidovudine are highly toxic. Therefore, the long-term treatment of HIV-positive patients without symptoms of AIDS is of concern. The effects of long-term zidovudine treatment on the development of new strains of HIV is also a potential problem. When zidovudine is given in combination with another antiviral agent, acyclovir, the therapeutic effect is increased. Zidovudine (500 mg per day) and acyclovir (2 or 4 g per day) were administered together for six months to 20 healthy HIV-positive men. Drug action, safety and tolerance were observed. The side effects, usually experienced by patients receiving the higher dose of acyclovir, included nausea, fatigue and headache. The two drugs were generally well tolerated and produced no apparent adverse interactions. Blood values remained stable with no changes in the total number of white blood cell lymphocytes. The results of this early-phase study indicate that zidovudine and acyclovir, in combination, are safe to use for six months. Long-term safety and efficacy will be reported after completion of long-term follow-up studies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Drug therapy, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Dosage and administration, Acyclovir, Antiviral agents, AIDS (Disease), Zidovudine

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The safety profile of ofloxacin

Article Abstract:

The fluoroquinolone antibiotic ofloxacin is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, meaning that it is effective in preventing the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms. It is currently under investigation in the United States for use in treating various types of infections, both those that are localized to one organ and those affecting the entire body (systemic). Ofloxacin is completely absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion, undergoes minimal metabolism, is excreted by the kidney, and does not appear to interact with many drugs. Other types of quinolones cause adverse side effects, such as nausea, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, and seizures. The safety of ofloxacin was evaluated with respect to adverse reactions and abnormal laboratory results from clinical trials or preliminary studies of ofloxacin effects in human subjects. In 2,197 patients treated with the antibiotic for three to 10 days, ofloxacin caused nausea in 3.5 percent of patients, insomnia or inability to sleep in 1.8 percent, headache in 1.4 percent, and dizziness in 1.2 percent. Adverse reactions were not serious and could be rapidly reversed or eliminated. The incidence of side effects was not related to age, and ofloxacin did not interact with methylxanthine drugs such as caffeine or theophylline. Ofloxacin did not cause crystalluria, the deposition of crystals in the urine. The results show that ofloxacin is a well-tolerated fluoroquinolone antibiotic. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Ofloxacin

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Brief report: pharmacokinetics of orally administered ciprofloxacin in abdominal surgery

Article Abstract:

The quinolone ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, in that it is effective in preventing the growth of a wide variety of bacteria. It is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria, and can be taken by mouth or intravenously, directly into the circulation. Oral ciprofloxacin can be used to prevent infection during surgery, but it is not clear whether drugs used as premedication for surgery affect the absorption of this antibiotic. The effect of the premedicants temazepam and papaveretum on the absorption of oral ciprofloxacin was examined in 36 patients who underwent abdominal surgery. The results demonstrate that temazepam does not affect the absorption of oral ciprofloxacin. However, papaveretum decreased blood levels of ciprofloxacin. Thus, when ciprofloxacin is used to prevent bacterial infection during surgery, it is recommended that papaveretum not be used as a premedicant. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological absorption, Absorption (Physiology), Ciprofloxacin

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