Drug Utilization Review (dur): From 1 Different Sources
A formal programme for assessing drug prescription and use patterns. DURs typically examine patterns of drug misuse, monitor current therapies, and intervene when prescription or utilization patterns fall outside pre-established standards. DUR is usually retrospective, but can also be performed before drugs are dispensed.
An agent that is used therapeutically to treat diseases. It may also be defined as any chemical agent and/or biological product or natural product that affects living processes... drug
Review by individuals from the same discipline and with essentially equal qualifications (peers).... peer review
One third of those taking tranquillisers become addicted. One of the problems of psychological dependence is the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms. Tremors, restlessness, nausea and sleep disturbance. The greater potency of the drug, the higher the rebound anxiety. Many drugs create stress, weaken resistance to disease, tax the heart and raise blood sugar levels.
Drugs like Cortisone cause bone loss by imperfect absorption of calcium. Taken in the form of milk and dairy products, calcium is not always absorbed. Herbs to make good calcium loss are: Horsetail, Chickweed, Slippery Elm, Spinach, Alfalfa.
Agents to calm nerves and promote withdrawal may augment a doctor’s prescription for reduction of drug dosage, until the latter may be discontinued. Skullcap and Valerian offer a good base for a prescription adjusted to meet individual requirements.
Alternatives. Teas: German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Hops, Lime flowers, Hyssop, Alfalfa, Passion flower, Valerian, Mistletoe, Oats, Lavender, Vervain, Motherwort. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; half-1 cup thrice daily.
Decoctions: Valerian, Devil’s Claw, Siberian Ginseng, Lady’s Slipper. Jamaica Dogwood, Black Cohosh.
Tablets/capsules. Motherwort, Dogwood, Valerian, Skullcap, Passion flower, Mistletoe, Liquorice. Powders. Formulae. Alternatives. (1) Combine equal parts Valerian, Skullcap, Mistletoe. Or, (2) Combine Valerian 1; Skullcap 2; Asafoetida quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily. Formula No 2 is very effective but offensive to taste and smell.
Practitioner. Tincture Nucis vom. once or twice daily, as advised.
Aloe Vera gel (or juice). Russians tested this plant on rabbits given heavy drug doses and expected to die. Their survival revealed the protective property of this plant: dose, 1 tablespoon morning and evening. Aromatherapy. Sniff Ylang Ylang oil. Lavender oil massage for its relaxing and stress-reducing properties.
Diet. Avoid high blood sugar levels by rejecting alcohol, white flour products, chocolate, sugar, sweets and high cholesterol foods.
Supplements. Daily. Multivitamins, Vitamin B-complex, B6, Vitamin C 2g, Minerals: Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc. Change of lifestyle. Stop smoking. Yoga.
Notes. “Do not withdraw: insulin, anticoagulants, epileptic drugs, steroids, thyroxin and hormone replacement therapy (the endocrine glands may no longer be active). Long-term tranquillisers e.g., Largactil or any medicament which has been used for a long period. Patients on these drugs are on a finely-tuned medication the balance of which may be easily disturbed.” (Simon Mills, FNIMH)
Counselling and relaxation therapy.
The Committee on Safety of Medicines specifically warns against the abrupt cessation of the Benzodiazepines and similar tranquillisers because of the considerable risk of convulsions. ... drug dependence
See DEPENDENCE.... drug addiction
The outermost and strongest of the three membranes or meninges which envelop the brain and spinal cord. In it run vessels which nourish the inner surface of the skull. (See BRAIN.)... dura mater
A medicinal drug that is sold under its o?cial (generic) name instead of its proprietary (patented brand) name. NHS doctors are advised to prescribe generic drugs where possible as this enables any suitable drug to be dispensed, saving delay to the patient and sometimes expense to the NHS. (See APPROVED NAMES FOR MEDICINES.)... generic drug
A drug that increases the amount of URIC ACID excreted in the URINE. Among the drugs used are PROBENECID or a sulfa derivative. Uricosurics are used to treat GOUT and other disorders which cause raised blood-uric-acid concentrations.... uricosuric drug
See over-the-counter drug.... otc drug
A review that occurs during the course of patient treatment. Concurrent review enables the medical practitioner or other health care provider to evaluate whether the course of treatment is consistent with expectations for the usual management of a clinical case. The review may also facilitate early identification of negative consequences of treatment (e.g. complications, failure to respond to therapy) that will affect the length of the care episode and outcomes.... concurrent review
A dried, unprocessed plant, and referring to one that was or is an official drug plant or the source of a refined drug substance. A—... crude drug
Drugs are usually administered distant to their site of action in the body; they must then pass across cell membranes to reach their site of action. For example, drugs given by mouth must pass across the gut membrane to enter the bloodstream and then pass through the endothelium of vessel walls to reach the site of action in the tissues. This process is called absorption and may depend on lipid di?usion, aqueous di?usion, active transport, or pinocytosis – a process in which a cell takes in small droplets of ?uid by cytoplasmic engulfment.... drug absorption
Also known as ‘date rape’, this is an unwelcome phenomenon in which an intending rapist undermines a potential victim’s resistance by giving her a hypnotic drug such as benzodiazepine. The British National Formulary warns that ?unitrazepam (Rohypnol®) tablets may be particularly subject to abuse – perhaps given to the unsuspecting victim in an alcoholic drink so the sedative e?ect is greatly enhanced.... drug assisted rape
The process of attachment of a drug to a receptor or plasma protein, fat, mucopolysaccharide or other tissue component. This process may be reversible or irreversible.... drug binding
The volume of blood from which a drug is completely removed in one minute is known as clearance. Renal clearance of a drug is the amount of blood completely cleared of the drug by the kidney in one minute.... drug clearance
A process by which the body destroys and excretes drugs, so limiting their duration of action. Phase 1 metabolism consists of transformation by oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. In phase 2 this transformed product is conjugated (joined up) with another molecule to produce a water-soluble product which is easier to excrete.... drug metabolism
A finished dosage form, for eg., a tablet, capsule or solution that contains a drug substance... drug product
An active ingredient that is intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect in diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of diseases or to effect the structure or any function of the human body... drug substance
The use of drugs to treat a medical problem, to improve a person’s condition or to otherwise produce a therapeutic effect.... drug therapy
A written legal document in which a person appoints another individual to act as his/her agent for the purposes of health care decision-making in the event that he/she is unable or unwilling to make such decisions. See also “advance directive”.... durable power of attorney (enduring power of attorney)
The most common type, resulting from autotoxicity or an excess of blood metabolites, such as from liver dysfunction or hangovers.... dural headaches
(Arabic) Resembling a pearl Durandana, Durindana, Durdaana, Durriya... durdana
(Hindi) One who is unattainable; in Hinduism, a wife of Shiva Doorga... durga
Generic drugs have been licensed as equivalent to brand name drugs. Generics are usually less expensive and they may be substituted by the dispenser.... generic drug substitution
Green tea is considered a “wonder drug” because of its healthy contribution in human diets. Its antioxidant properties fight successfully against cancer, but not only.
Green tea description
Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis, an Asian plant, originating from China, Japan and South Korea. Oolong tea and black tea are prepared from the same plant as the green tea. A special feature of this type of tea is the ability to block the natural process of fermentation: after being picked, its leaves are steamed, dried and then rolled, thus blocking fermentation.
Due to its constituents, it acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, cerebral and fattening burning stimulator, and also as a cancer protector.
Green tea has been the subject of many scientific and medical studies so as to determine its health benefits. It seems that regular green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart diseases and certain types of cancer.
There are several types of green tea available on the market: Bancha Tea,
Chun Hao Tea ,
Dao Ren Tea ,
Dragonwell Tea ,
Genmaicha Tea ,
Gunpowder ,
Gyokuro Tea ,
Hojicha Tea , Kai Hua Long Ding Tea,
Kukicha Tea ,
Matcha Tea ,
Sencha Tea , White Monkey Tea.
Green Tea brewing
To prepare
green tea, use
: two grams of tea per 100ml of water, or one teaspoon of green tea per five ounce cup.
Green tea steeping time varies from thirty seconds to two, three minutes. The temperature differs as well, from 140°F to 190°F.
Consumers recommend that lower-quality green teas to be steeped hotter and longer and higher-quality teas to be steeped cooler and shorter. In case of steeping the green tea too hot or too long, the resulting beverage is bitter and astringent.
Green Tea benefits
Green Tea lowers the risk of cancer.
Studies have shown the green tea’s contribution against tumors growth, due to its high content of antioxidants, able to fight free radicals which are responsible for cancer spreading.
Green Tea lowers the risk of stroke and heart diseases.
The formation of blood clots (or
thrombosis) is the main cause of the heart attacks and strokes. Green Tea has been acknowledged to exhibit abnormal blood clot formation.
Green Tea lowers blood pressure.
Green Tea is proven to block the effects of an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, considered to be one of the main causes of hypertension.
Green Tea prevents tooth decay.
Dental plaque and bacterial colonies that occur on the tooth surfaces and cause tooth decay can be inhibited by one of the compounds of the
green tea. Also, this beverage has been shown to be effective against fighting gum diseases.
Green Tea inhibits viruses
Studies revealed that
green tea can kill certain bacteria and staphs. It blocks the development of several viruses such as viral hepatitis.
Green tea has also been successful in:
- Slowing early aging;
- Diets;
- The treatment of physical or intellectual fatigue;
- Treating fast cold and flu recovery;
- Preventing allergenic reactions;
- Balancing body fluids;
- Improving the immune function of the epidermis;
- Preventing and mending arthritis;
- Improving bone structure
Green Tea side effects
Green tea is not recommended to patients suffering from high blood pressure, gastric acid secretion, gastritis and ulcer.
Due to the amount of caffeine contained, scientists advise a reduced consumption of green tea for pregnant and nursing women.
Also, this tea should not be drunk after 5 p.m., because the consumption may lead to insomnia, palpitations and agitation.
Green tea is a well known beverage, especially due to its medicinal contribution to a large array of diseases such as arthritis, heart diseases and several types of cancer.... green tea or the wonder drug
A summary and interpretation of research findings reported in the literature. It may include unstructured qualitative reviews by single authors as well as various systematic and quantitative procedures, such as meta-analysis.... literature review
The process by which manuscripts submitted to a publisher or research applications are evaluated by experts in appropriate fields (usually anonymous to the authors) to ensure quality.... peer review (in research)
The systematic assessment of the relevance, adequacy, progress, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of a programme.... programme evaluation / review
Review by a government or private agency of a hospital’s or health service’s budget and financial data, performed for the purpose of determining if the rates are reasonable of the rates and evaluating proposed rate increases.... rate review
A review of studies in which evidence has been systematically searched for, studied, assessed and summarized according to predetermined criteria.... systematic review
Use of services and supplies. Utilization is commonly examined in terms of patterns or rates of use of a single service or type of service, such as hospital care, medical practitioner visits or prescription drugs. Measurement of utilization of all medical services in combination is usually done in terms of economic costs. Use is expressed in rates per unit of population at risk for a given period, such as the number of admissions to hospital per 1000 persons over age 65 per year, or the number of visits to a medical practitioner per person per year.... utilization
Evaluation of the necessity, appropriateness and efficiency of the use of health care services, procedures and facilities. In a hospital, this includes review of the appropriateness of admissions, services ordered and provided, length of a stay, and discharge practices, both on a concurrent and retrospective basis. Utilization review can be done by a peer review group or a public agency.... utilization review
A preparation containing more than one active substance.... combination drug
The effect of a drug when it is taken in combination with other drugs or with substances such as alcohol.... drug interaction
The taking of an excessive amount of a drug, which may cause toxic effects (see drug poisoning).... drug overdose
see anticonvulsant.... antiepileptic drug
any one of a class of drugs that reduce platelet aggregation (see platelet activation) and therefore the formation of clot (see thrombosis). Examples are *abciximab, *aspirin, *clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor.... antiplatelet drug
(ARV) any of a group of drugs that inhibit or slow the growth of *retroviruses, specifically HIV, and are used in the treatment of HIV infection and *AIDS. They include the *reverse transcriptase inhibitors and the *protease inhibitors (see also maraviroc; raltegravir). Treatment with a combination of antiretrovirals is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).... antiretroviral drug
any drug that reduces the normal rate of secretion of a body fluid, usually one that reduces acid secretion into the stomach. Such drugs include *antimuscarinic drugs, H2-receptor antagonists (see antihistamine), and *proton-pump inhibitors.... antisecretory drug
a drug effective against viruses that cause disease. Antiviral drugs include *DNA polymerase inhibitors (e.g. *aciclovir, *foscarnet, *ganciclovir), *ribavirin, and *oseltamivir; they are used for treating herpes, cytomegalovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections, and influenza. Antiviral drugs are also used for treating HIV infection and AIDS (see antiretroviral drug).... antiviral drug
a psychoactive drug produced by minor chemical modification of existing illegal substances so as to circumvent prohibitive legislation. These drugs are manufactured in secret laboratories for profit, without regard to any probable medical and social dangers to the consumers.... designer drug
(DMARD) any of various drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic disease: they affect the progression of the disease by suppressing the disease process. DMARDs include drugs affecting the immune response (immunomodulators), such as *immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) and *cytokine inhibitors; *gold salts; *penicillamine; *sulfasalazine; and *hydroxychloroquine.... disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
see stent.... drug-eluting stent
lowered threshold or heightened sensitivity to the normal pharmacological action and dosage of a drug. It is unpredictable but there is some evidence of familial history.... drug intolerance
any drug that damages or destroys cells: usually refers to those drugs used to treat various types of cancer. There are various classes of cytotoxic drugs, including *alkylating agents (e.g. *chlorambucil, *cyclophosphamide, *melphalan), *antimetabolites (e.g. *fluorouracil, *methotrexate, *mercaptopurine), *anthracycline antibiotics (e.g. *doxorubicin, *daunorubicin, *dactinomycin), *vinca alkaloids, and platinum compounds (e.g. *carboplatin, *cisplatin). Other cytotoxic drugs include *taxanes and *topoisomerase inhibitors, and some *monoclonal antibodies (e.g. *bevacizumab, *trastuzumab) have cytotoxic activity. All these drugs offer successful treatment in some conditions and help reduce symptoms and prolong life in others. Cytotoxic drugs destroy cancer cells by interfering with cell division, but they also affect normal cells, particularly in bone marrow (causing *myelosuppression), hair follicles (causing hair loss), the stomach lining (resulting in severe nausea and vomiting), mouth (causing soreness), and fetal tissue (they should not be taken during the later stages of pregnancy). Dosage must therefore be carefully controlled. See also chemotherapy.... cytotoxic drug
(dura mater, pachymeninx) n. the thickest and outermost of the three *meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It consists of two closely adherent layers, the outer of which is identical with the periosteum of the skull. The inner dura extends downwards between the cerebral hemispheres to form the falx cerebri and forwards between the cerebrum and cerebellum to form the tentorium. A thin film of fluid (not cerebrospinal fluid) separates the inner dura from the arachnoid.... dura
adj. of, relating to, or affecting the *dura.... dural
(FDA) in the USA, the federal agency within the *Department of Health and Human Services responsible for ensuring that foods are safely edible; that medications (for humans and animals), biological products, and medical devices are safe and effective; and that cosmetics and electronic products that emit radiation are safe. The FDA is also responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the advertisements and labelling related to these products.... food and drug administration
(MHRT) a tribunal, established under the Mental Health Act 1959 and now operating under the Mental Health Act 2007, to which applications may be made for the discharge from hospital of a person compulsorily detained there under provisions of the Act (see compulsory admission). When a patient is subject to a restriction order an application may only be made after his or her first six months of detention. The powers of the tribunal, which comprises both legally and medically qualified members, include reclassifying unrestricted patients, recommending leave of absence for a patient, delaying discharge, and transferring patients to other hospitals. Detained patients may also apply to have a managers hearing to review their detention. The powers of the managers hearing are slightly different from those of the MHRT, but both are defined in the Mental Health Act 2007 and both can discharge a patient from a section of the Mental Health Act.... mental health review tribunal
see NSAID.... nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(oral antihyperglycaemic drug) one of the group of drugs that reduce the level of glucose in the blood and are taken by mouth for the treatment of type 2 *diabetes mellitus. They include the *sulphonylurea group (e.g. glibenclamide, gliclazide), metformin (a *biguanide), *alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, *meglitinides, *thiazolidinediones, *DPP-IV inhibitors, and *SGLT-2 inhibitors.... oral hypoglycaemic drug
(OTC drug) a drug that may be purchased directly from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription. Current government policy is to extend the range of OTC drugs: a number have already been derestricted (e.g. ibuprofen, ranitidine) and this trend is increasing, which will place an additional advisory responsibility on pharmacists.... over-the-counter drug
see sulphonamide.... sulpha drug
the correct use of an object at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate situation: such behaviour is indicative of frontal lobe lesions.... utilization behaviour
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