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Biomedical subjects

D C McLeod

Publications and source records attributed to D C McLeod.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Loratadine: a nonsedating antihistamine with once-daily dosing.

Loratadine is an addition to the class of nonsedating antihistamines which includes terfenadine, astemizole, and acrivastine. Loratadine is chemically related to the tricyclic antidepressants. Animal data have shown that insignificant amounts of loratadine enter the brain, and it has a threefold greater affinity for peripheral as compared with central histamine 1-receptors. Loratadine has one main metabolite, descarbethoxyloratadine, which is four times more active than the parent drug. Loratadine reaches peak plasma concentration in 1-2 hours; the metabolite does so in 3-4 hours. Their respective elimination half-lives are about 10 and 20 hours. Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation. Reports of sedation and other adverse reactions are no more frequent than found with placebo. Tachyphylaxis has not been noted in humans, and there is minimal potential for drug interactions based on animal data. Loratadine and terfenadine have comparable therapeutic applications. Both have shown minimal adverse effects, but loratadine has a quicker onset and longer duration of action. These two agents are useful for acute allergic reactions. In contrast, astemizole has an onset of action of several days and is most useful for prophylactic treatment of seasonal allergies.

Cyproheptadine↗
PubMed1985

Pharmaceutical services at Sint Radboud Hospital.

This article describes a contemporary pharmaceutical and clinical pharmacy program at a major university medical center in The Netherlands. The service components described illustrate practice concepts on an international basis. The number of professional personnel and their training vary considerably among the nations, and this requires imagination in adapting practice concepts in various countries. Several types of technical persons are used to support the professional role of the pharmacist at Sint Radboud Hospital. Pharmaceutical research and international liaison are high priorities in the department of clinical pharmacy. Primary differences at Sint Radboud, as compared with U.S. hospitals, are the use of various supportive personnel and a continuing drug analysis/quality control program for commercial pharmaceuticals.

Drug Information Services↗