Monday 6 May 2013

How to differentiate Bronchial Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that make up COPD. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Emphysema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles) in the lungs are gradually destroyed.

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezingcoughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

References: 
^ NHLBI Guideline 2007, pp. 11–12
                   
http://www.mayoclinic.com/

Saturday 4 May 2013

Cephalosporins classification:


Cephalosporins classification:
  • I generation - parenteral: Cefazolin, oral: Cefalexin, Cefadroxil. Active against Streptococcusspp. (S.pyogenes, S.pneumoniae) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus spp.
  • II generation parenteral: Cefuroxime, oral: Cefuroxime axetil, Cefaclor. Active against Streptococcusspp., Staphylococcus spp, Neisseriaspp., E.coli, Shigellaspp., Salmonellaspp., P.mirabilis, Klebsiellaspp., P.vulgaris, C.diversus
  • III generation parenteral: Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Cefoperazone, Cefoperazone/Sulbactam, oral: Cefixime, Ceftibuten. Active against Streptococcus spp., S.aureu, exceptMRSA,meningococci, gonococci, H.influenzae, M.catarrhalis, Enterobacteriaceae
  • IV generation parenteral: Cefepime. Active against Enterobacter spp., C.freundii, Serratiaspp., M.morganii,P.stuartii, P.rettgeri.
  • V generation: Ceftobiprole, Ceftaroline

    Reference: J Am Pharm Assoc, Pharmacists Association: