Gartic

Uses

Indicated in atopic, infantile & discoid eczema; prurigo nodularis; Psoriasis (excluding widespread plague psoriasis); lichen simplex or planus; contact sensitivity reactions; seborrhoeic dermatitis; discoid lupus erythematosus & adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma.

The confirmed indication for Clotrimazole include:

• All dermatomycoses due to dermatophytes (e.g. Trichophyton species).
• All dermatomycoses due to yeasts (Candida species).
• Dermatomycoses due to moulds and other fungi.
• Skin diseases showing superinfections with these fungi.

To the dermatomycoses listed under 1-4 belong for example, interdigital myocoses (e.g. athlete’s foot), paronychias (associated with nail mycoses), myocoses in skin folds, Candida vulvitis, Candida balanitis, Pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma.

Clotrimazole rectal preparation is used for vaginal itching, burning and discharge associated with recurrent vaginal yeast infections (Vaginal candidiasis) and also in viginitis due to Candida species as well as Mycotic infections complicated by other microorganisms sensitive to the drug.

Clotrimazole Sterile Eye Ointment is used for the treatment of fungal keratitis due to filamentous fungi and Candida species.

Clotrimazole Ear Drop is used for the treatment of fungal infections of the ear.

Blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, acute meibomianitis, and corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms. Otorrhea associated with external otitis, chronic suppurative otitis media or subacute purulent otitis media; or postoperative otorrhea, such as that following fenestration, mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty.

Gentamicin cream is used for the topical treatment of the primary and secondary bacterial infections of the skin caused by the organisms sensitive to Gentamicin. Gentamicin may clear infections that have not responded to other topical antibiotics.

Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic used for the following purposes-

• To help prevent pain associated with minor surgical procedures in the ear, nose and throat
• To help prevent pain and or discomfort during dental procedures (e.g., prior to an injection)
• During general anesthesia to prevent coughing
• To help prevent pain during the final stages of childbirth, before the cutting or stitching of the perineum (skin between the vagina and anus)

Gartic is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Alopecia Areata (AA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Berylliosis, Blepharitis allergic, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, Bursitis, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatomyositis, Dermatosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Edema of the cerebrum, Epicondylitis, Episcleritis, External ear inflammation, Eye allergy, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, Inflammatory Reaction of the ear, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Itching caused by Allergies, Keloid Scars, Keratitis interstitial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Leukemias, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Lupus Erythematosus, Malignant Lymphomas, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, Nephrotic Syndrome, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular injuries, Ophthalmia, Sympathetic, Pemphigus, Plaque psoriasis of the body, Plaque psoriasis of the scalp, Polymyositis, Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriatic plaque, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Regional Enteritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Scleritis, Secondary thrombocytopenia, Severe Asthma, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Temporal Arteritis, Trichinosis, Tuberculous Meningitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Uveitis, Verrucous Lichen Planus (LP), Acquired immune hemolytic anemia, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, Acute rheumatic carditis, Bacterial blepharitis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Eczematous rash, Exfoliative erythroderma, Granuloma annulare lesions, Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, Non-suppurative Thyroiditis, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Allergic rhinitis, Severe Contact dermatitis, Severe Serum sickness, Severe Transfusion Reactions, Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, Superficial ocular infections, Symptomatic Sarcoidosis, Synovitis of osteoarthritisBalanitis candida, Candidiasis, Dermatitis, Dermatomycoses, Ear infection fungal, Erythrasma, Fungal Vaginal Infections, Fungal skin infection, Genital candidiasis, Inflammation, Mixed Vaginal Infections, Oropharyngeal Candidiasis, Pityriasis versicolor, Pyoderma, Ringworm, Skin Infections, Skin candida, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Pedis, Tinea inguinalis, Trichophytosis, Vaginal Candidiasis, Vaginal Mycosis, Vulvitis, Cutaneous candidiasis, Infection mycotic, Susceptible Bacterial Infections, Symptomatic Tinea Corporis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Symptomatic Tinea Cruris caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Symptomatic Tinea Pedis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Tinea versicolor caused by Malassezia infectionBacterial Conjunctivitis, Bacterial Infections, Bacterial Peritonitis, Bacterial dacryocystitis, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Central Nervous System Infections, Conjunctivitis allergic, Corneal infection, Dermatitis infected, Ecthyma, Eczematous dermatitis infected, Folliculitis, Furunculosis, Gram-negative enteric bacilli neonatal sepsis, Impetigo contagious, Inflammation, Keratitis bacterial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Meibomianitis, Meningitis, Bacterial, Ocular Inflammation, Pustular Psoriasis (PP), Pustular acne, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Septicemia gram-negative, Skin Infections, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Bacterial Infections, Sycosis barbae, Bacterial blepharitis, Bacterial corneal ulcers, Bacterial dermatoses, Complicated Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections, Complicated Respiratory tract infection bacterial, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Endocarditis enterococcal, Severe Infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Severe Staphylococcal infectionAcute Otitis Media, Anal Fissures, Anorectal discomfort, Arrhythmia, Back Pain Lower Back, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Burns, Cervical Syndrome, Earache, Hemorrhoids, Infection, Inflammatory Reaction caused by ear infection-not otherwise specified, Insect Bites, Joint Pain, Mixed Vaginal Infections, Multiple Myeloma (MM), Myringitis, Neuritis, Osteolysis caused by Bone Tumors, Osteoporosis, Otitis Externa, Pain caused by ear infection-not otherwise specified, Pain, Inflammatory, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), Postherpetic Neuralgia, Primary Hyperparathyroidism, Rheumatic Diseases, Rheumatic Joint Disease, Sciatica, Skin Irritation, Soft Tissue Inflammation, Sore Throat, Sunburn, Susceptible infections, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Ulcers, Leg, Urethral Strictures, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Abrasions, Anal discomfort, Arrhythmia of ventricular origin, Cutaneous lesions, Gum pain, Minor burns, Superficial Wounds, Susceptible Bacterial Infections, Ulceration of the mouth, Viral infections of the external ear canal, Post Myocardial Infarction Treatment, Regional Anesthesia, Local anesthesia therapy

How Gartic works

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.

Clotrimazole acts primarily by damaging the permeability barrier in the cell membrane of fungi. Clotrimazole causes inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, an essential constituent of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is either completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact and functional cell membrane ,. Because ergosterol directly promotes the growth of fungal cells in a hormone‐like fashion, rapid onset of the above events leads to dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth .

Though decreased ergosterol, due to the inhibition of lanosterol 14-demethylase (also known as CYP51) is accepted to be primarily responsible for the antimycotic properties of clotrimazole, this drug also shows other pharmacological effects. These include the inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, depletion of intracellular calcium, and blocking of calcium‐dependent potassium channels and voltage‐dependent calcium channels . The action of clotrimazole on these targets accounts for other effects of this drug that are separate from its antimycotic activities .

There are 3 key phases of aminoglycoside entry into cells. The first “ionic binding phase” occurs when polycationic aminoglycosides bind electrostatically to negatively charged components of bacterial cell membranes including with lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids within the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and to teichoic acids and phospholipids within the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. This binding results in displacement of divalent cations and increased membrane permeability, allowing for aminoglycoside entry. The second “energy-dependent phase I” of aminoglycoside entry into the cytoplasm relies on the proton-motive force and allows a limited amount of aminoglycoside access to its primary intracellular target - the bacterial 30S ribosome. This ultimately results in the mistranslation of proteins and disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane.[A233320] Finally, in the “energy-dependent phase II” stage, concentration-dependent bacterial killing is observed. Aminoglycoside rapidly accumulates in the cell due to the damaged cytoplasmic membrane, and protein mistranslation and synthesis inhibition is amplified. The necessity of oxygen-dependent active transport explains why aminoglycosides are ineffective against anaerobic bacteria. Hence, aminoglycosides have both immediate bactericidal effects through membrane disruption and delayed bactericidal effects through impaired protein synthesis; observed experimental data and mathematical modeling support this two-mechanism model. Inhibition of protein synthesis is a key component of aminoglycoside efficacy. Structural and cell biological studies suggest that aminoglycosides bind to the 16S rRNA in helix 44 (h44), near the A site of the 30S ribosomal subunit, altering interactions between h44 and h45. This binding also displaces two important residues, A1492 and A1493, from h44, mimicking normal conformational changes that occur with successful codon-anticodon pairing in the A site.[A232324, A232329] Overall, aminoglycoside binding has several negative effects including inhibition of translation, initiation, elongation, and ribosome recycling. Recent evidence suggests that the latter effect is due to a cryptic second binding site situated in h69 of the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit.[A232329, A232339] Also, by stabilizing a conformation that mimics correct codon-anticodon pairing, aminoglycosides promote error-prone translation.[A232344] Mistranslated proteins can incorporate into the cell membrane, inducing the damage discussed above.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amide type . It is used to provide local anesthesia by nerve blockade at various sites in the body . It does so by stabilizing the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses, thereby effecting local anesthetic action . In particular, the lidocaine agent acts on sodium ion channels located on the internal surface of nerve cell membranes . At these channels, neutral uncharged lidocaine molecules diffuse through neural sheaths into the axoplasm where they are subsequently ionized by joining with hydrogen ions . The resultant lidocaine cations are then capable of reversibly binding the sodium channels from the inside, keeping them locked in an open state that prevents nerve depolarization . As a result, with sufficient blockage, the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron will ultimately not depolarize and will thus fail to transmit an action potential . This facilitates an anesthetic effect by not merely preventing pain signals from propagating to the brain but by aborting their generation in the first place .

In addition to blocking conduction in nerve axons in the peripheral nervous system, lidocaine has important effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system . After absorption, lidocaine may cause stimulation of the CNS followed by depression and in the cardiovascular system, it acts primarily on the myocardium where it may produce decreases in electrical excitability, conduction rate, and force of contraction .

Dosage

Gartic dosage

Apply sparingly to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until an improvement occurs.

Topical

Wash skin with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the cream or solution 2-3 times daily and gently massage over affected area as directed by the doctor. For Athlete’s foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes. Best results in Athlete's foot and ringworm are usually obtained with 4 weeks use of this product. The cream should be applied two or three times daily for one month or for at least two weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection. If satisfactory results have not occurred within these times consultation with doctor is essential. For best results, follow directions and continue treatment for length of time indicated. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localization of the disease.

Recommended duration of treatment :

• Dermatomycoses: 3-4 weeks
• Candida vulvitis and candida balanitis: 1-2 weeks
• Erythrasma and pityriasis versicolor (approx.): 3 weeks
• In fungal infection of the feet, to prevent relapses:Treatment should be continued for about 2 weeks beyond the disappearance of all signs of disease.

Clotrimazole cream is odourless, can be washed off and does not stain.

Rectal

First infections: In general, a 3-day treatment is sufficient for Candida vaginitis. On 3 consecutive nights, Clotrimazole 200 mg vaginal preparation is inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. This is best achieved when lying on one's back with the knees slightly bent.

Re-infections: In general, a 6-day treatment is sufficient. This applies also to mixed infections with the above-mentioned causative organisms. On six consecutive nights, 1 Clotrimazole 100 mgvaginal preparation is inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. If necessary, 2 Clotrimazole 100 mg(1 in the morning and 1 in the evening) or 1 Clotrimazole 200 mg daily can be used for 6-12 days. Treatment should be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period and be finished before the onset of menstruation. To avoid re-infection, the partner should undergo local treatment with Clotrimazole cream at the same time.

Clotrimazole 500 mg vaginal preparation: Single dose, complete treatment with one vaginal tablet. The tablet should be inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. This is best achieved when lying on one's back with the knees slightly bent. It is recommended that the treatment should be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period. For prevention of re-infection the partner should be treated locally with Clotrimazole cream at the same time.

Clotrimazolevaginal preparation are colorless and do not stain the underwear.

Eye

Adult: It should be applied thinly and evenly to the conjunctival sac every 4 hours daily or as advised by a physician.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have been established for Clotrimazole when used as indicated and in the recommended dosage.

Ear

Instill 2-3 drops of Clarizol Ear Drops in the affected ear two or three times daily.The treatment should be continued for at least two weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection to prevent re-infection.

Eye: 1-2 drops instilled in affected eye up to 6 times a day or more frequently if required (severe infections may require 1-2 drops every 15-20 minutes initially, reducing the frequency of instillation gradually as the infection is controlled).

Ear: The area should be cleaned and 2-3 drops should be instilled every 3-4 times a day and at night, or more frequently if required.

A small amount of Gentamicin should be applied gently to the affected areas three to four times daily. The area treated may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired. Before applying the medication the affected area should be properly cleaned.

Intramuscular:Emergency treatment of ventricular arrhythmias: 300 mg injected into the deltoid muscle, repeat after 60-90 min if necessary.

Intraspinal:Spinal anaesthesia: As hyperbaric soln of 1.5% or 5% lidocaine in 7.5% glucose soln. Normal vaginal delivery: Up to 50 mg (as 5% soln) or 9-15 mg (as 1.5% soln). Caesarian operation: Up to 75 mg (as 5% soln). Other surgical procedures: 75-100 mg.Intravenous:Pulseless ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia : 1-1.5 mg/kg repeated as necessary. Max: 3 mg/kg. For ventricular arrhythmias in more stable patients: Usual loading dose: 50-100 mg as an IV inj at 25-50 mg/min, may repeat once or twice up to a max of 200-300 mg in 1 hr, followed by 1-4 mg/min via continuous IV infusion. May need to reduce dose if the infusion is longer than 24 hr.

Intravenous:Intravenous regional anaesthesia: As 0.5% soln w/o epinephrine: 50-300 mg. Max: 4 mg/kg.

Parenteral:Percutaneous infiltration anaesthesia: As 0.5% or 1% soln: 5-300 mg.Sympathetic nerve block: As 1% soln: 50 mg for cervical block or 50-100 mg for lumbar block.Peripheral nerve block:

• As 1.5% soln: For brachial plexus block: 225-300 mg.
• As 2% soln: For dental nerve block: 20-100 mg.
• As 1% soln: For intercostal nerve block: 30 mg;
• For paracervical block: 100 mg on each side, repeated not more frequently than every 90 min;
• For paravertebral block: 30-50 mg;
• For pudendal block: 100 mg on each side.
• As 4% soln: For retrobulbar block: 120-200 mg.

Spray:

• The maximum dose is 200 mg (Approximately 20 spray).
• In dentistry, the normal dose is 1-5 sprays. Two sprays per quarter of the mouth is recommended, with a maximum of 3 sprays per quarter of the mouth over 30 minutes.
• In sinus procedures 3 sprays are used.
• In procedures of the throat and windpipe, up to 20 sprays may be necessary.
• Up to 20 sprays may be necessary in childbirth (cesarian procedure).
• Lower doses are used for children aged 3-12 years. Lidocaine 10% Spray is not recommended for children under 3 years.

Topical: Anaesthesia before e.g. venepuncture (not for infants), apply a thick layer under an occlusive dressing 1-5 hours before procedure; split skin grafting, apply a thick layer under an occlusive dressing 2-5 hours before procedure; genital warts (not for children), apply up to 10 gm 5-10 minutes before removal.

For the treatment to become a complete success, reliable and sufficiently long application of Clotrimazole cream is important. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localisation of the disease.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrychosis acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliariamay be reported.

Clotrimazole is generally well tolerated after local application but the few side effects have been reported infrequently like erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, oedema, pruritus, urticaria and general irritation.

Since there is practically no Clotrimazole absorption through the vaginal skin, no systemic effect is expected. The local tolerance of Clotrimazole vaginal tablet is generally good. Local irritation or burning sensation may occur in a very few cases but these symptoms are not considered harmful.

Rarely patients may experience burning or irritation immediately after applying the ointment.

In patients with dermatoses treated with gentamicin, irritation (erythema and pruritus) had been reported in small number of cases. Itching, redness, swelling or other signs of irritation may develop. With the eye/ear drop bacterial and corneal ulcer have developed during treatment with gentamicin. Most frequently reported adverse reactions are ocular burning and irritation upon drug instillation, non specific conjunctivitis, conjunctival epithelial defects, and conjunctival hyperemia.

Gentamicin cream is well tolerated. There has been no evidence of irritation and sensitization after using Gentamicin cream.

Arrhythmia, bradycardia, arterial spasms, CV collapse, oedema, flushing, hert block, hypotension, sinus node suppression, agitation, anxiety, coma, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations, euphoria, headache, hyperaesthesia, hypoaesthesia, lightheadedness, lethargy, nervousness, psychosis, seizure, slurred speech, unconsciousness, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, tinnitus, disorientation, dizziness, paraesthesia, resp depression and convulsions. Patch: Bruising, depigmentation, petechiae, irritation. Ophth: Conjunctival hyperaemia, corneal epithelial changes, diplopia,visual changes.

Toxicity

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Symptoms of overdose include erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, edema, pruritus, urticaria, burning, and general irritation of the skin, and cramps. As with all topical agents, skin sensitization may result .

Oral LD50 (rat): 708 mg/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (rat): 445 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LDLO (rat): 10 g/kg; Oral LD50 (mouse): 761 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LDLO (mouse): 10 g/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (mouse): 108 mg/kg;

Overdose

This drug poses no risk of acute intoxication, as it is unlikely to occur following a single vaginal or dermal application of an overdose (application over a large area under conditions favorable to absorption) or accidental oral ingestion. There is no specific antidote .

Effects on Fertility

No human studies of the effects of clotrimazole on fertility have been conducted; however, animal studies have not shown any effects on the drug on fertility .

Use in Pregnancy

There are limited data regarding the use of clotrimazole in pregnant women. Animal studies do not show direct or indirect harmful effects on reproduction. Although the topical application of clotrimazole may result in very low serum and tissue levels, the use of clotrimazole topical cream by pregnant women is not recommended unless it is advised by the prescribing physician. Clotrimazole topical cream should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy unless it is considered by the physician to be essential to patient well-being .

Use in Breastfeeding

Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological studies in animals have shown excretion of clotrimazole/metabolites in breastmilk. Clotrimazole should not be administered during breastfeeding. Although the topical application of clotrimazole has resulted in very low serum and tissue levels, the use of clotrimazole topical cream by lactating women is not recommended unless it recommended by the prescribing physician .

As with other aminoglycosides, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are associated with gentamicin. Signs of nephrotoxicity include an increase in plasma creatinine and urea, while signs of ototoxicity include issues with balance, nausea, tinnitus, and hearing loss. It is important to note that aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity is typically reversible, while ototoxicity is more likely to be permanent. The risk of both toxicities increases with long-term gentamicin therapy. Gentamicin is considered to be more vestibulotoxic than cochleotoxic compared to other aminoglycosides. Unfortunately, gentamicin-related ototoxicity does not correlate with cumulative dosing, peak and trough levels, or dosing schedule. The unpredictability of ototoxicity supports close monitoring of the patient throughout treatment. In cases of toxicity or overdose, the medication should be discontinued immediately; hemodialysis may be initiated to lower gentamicin serum concentrations.

Symptoms of overdose and/or acute systemic toxicity involves central nervous system toxicity that presents with symptoms of increasing severity . Patients may present initially with circumoral paraesthesia, numbness of the tongue, light-headedness, hyperacusis, and tinnitus . Visual disturbance and muscular tremors or muscle twitching are more serious and precede the onset of generalized convulsions . These signs must not be mistaken for neurotic behavior . Unconsciousness and grand mal convulsions may follow, which may last from a few seconds to several minutes . Hypoxia and hypercapnia occur rapidly following convulsions due to increased muscular activity, together with the interference with normal respiration and loss of the airway . In severe cases, apnoea may occur. Acidosis increases the toxic effects of local anesthetics . Effects on the cardiovascular system may be seen in severe cases . Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia and cardiac arrest may occur as a result of high systemic concentrations, with potentially fatal outcome .

Pregnancy Category B has been established for the use of lidocaine in pregnancy, although there are no formal, adequate, and well-controlled studies in pregnant women . General consideration should be given to this fact before administering lidocaine to women of childbearing potential, especially during early pregnancy when maximum organogenesis takes place . Ultimately, although animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, lidocaine should not be administered during early pregnancy unless the benefits are considered to outweigh the risks . Lidocaine readily crosses the placental barrier after epidural or intravenous administration to the mother . The ratio of umbilical to maternal venous concentration is 0.5 to 0.6 . The fetus appears to be capable of metabolizing lidocaine at term . The elimination half-life in the newborn of the drug received in utero is about three hours, compared with 100 minutes in the adult . Elevated lidocaine levels may persist in the newborn for at least 48 hours after delivery . Fetal bradycardia or tachycardia, neonatal bradycardia, hypotonia or respiratory depression may occur .

Local anesthetics rapidly cross the placenta and when used for epidural, paracervical, pudendal or caudal block anesthesia, can cause varying degrees of maternal, fetal and neonatal toxicity . The potential for toxicity depends upon the procedure performed, the type and amount of drug used, and the technique of drug administration . Adverse reactions in the parturient, fetus and neonate involve alterations of the central nervous system, peripheral vascular tone, and cardiac function .

Maternal hypotension has resulted from regional anesthesia . Local anesthetics produce vasodilation by blocking sympathetic nerves . Elevating the patient’s legs and positioning her on her left side will help prevent decreases in blood pressure . The fetal heart rate also should be monitored continuously, and electronic fetal monitoring is highly advisable .

Epidural, spinal, paracervical, or pudendal anesthesia may alter the forces of parturition through changes in uterine contractility or maternal expulsive efforts . In one study, paracervical block anesthesia was associated with a decrease in the mean duration of first stage labor and facilitation of cervical dilation . However, spinal and epidural anesthesia have also been reported to prolong the second stage of labor by removing the parturient’s reflex urge to bear down or by interfering with motor function . The use of obstetrical anesthesia may increase the need for forceps assistance .

The use of some local anesthetic drug products during labor and delivery may be followed by diminished muscle strength and tone for the first day or two of life . The long-term significance of these observations is unknown . Fetal bradycardia may occur in 20 to 30 percent of patients receiving paracervical nerve block anesthesia with the amide-type local anesthetics and may be associated with fetal acidosis . Fetal heart rate should always be monitored during paracervical anesthesia . The physician should weigh the possible advantages against risks when considering a paracervical block in prematurity, toxemia of pregnancy, and fetal distress . Careful adherence to the recommended dosage is of the utmost importance in obstetrical paracervical block . Failure to achieve adequate analgesia with recommended doses should arouse suspicion of intravascular or fetal intracranial injection . Cases compatible with unintended fetal intracranial injection of local anesthetic solution have been reported following intended paracervical or pudendal block or both. Babies so affected present with unexplained neonatal depression at birth, which correlates with high local anesthetic serum levels, and often manifest seizures within six hours . Prompt use of supportive measures combined with forced urinary excretion of the local anesthetic has been used successfully to manage this complication .

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk . Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when lidocaine is administered to a nursing woman .

Dosages in children should be reduced, commensurate with age, body weight and physical condition .

The oral LD 50 of lidocaine HCl in non-fasted female rats is 459 (346-773) mg/kg (as the salt) and 214 (159-324) mg/kg (as the salt) in fasted female rats .

Precaution

Avoid long-term therapy particularly in infant & children; the treated area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Avoid contact with eyes.

If local intolerance develops, consider withdrawal of the medicine and institution of appropriate therapy. Clotrimazole solution is not intended for ophthalmic use. Avoid contact with eyes upon topical application. Children 3 yrs. Pregnancy, lactation. If irritation or sensitivity develops with the use of Clotrimazole ointment, treatment should be discontinued.

If these occurs or if irritation, sensitization develops, treatment with gentamicin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Gentamicin ear/eye drops is not for injection. It should never be injected subconjunctivally, nor it should be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use of topical antibiotics occasionally cause overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If this occurs or if irritation, sensitisation or super infection develops, treatment with Gentamicin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Patient with pseudocholinesterase deficiency, resp depression. Hepatic and renal impairment. Elderly or debilitated patients. Pregnancy and lactation.

Interaction

Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum concentration of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents.

Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

There have been reports of a heat reaction when this medication used concomitantly with Sofradex drops in the ear.

Antagonism with polyene antibiotics.

None has been reported so far with topical and Eye/Ear drops.

May increase serum levels with cimetidine and propranolol. Increased risk of cardiac depression with β-blockers and other antiarrhythmics. Additive cardiac effects with IV phenytoin. Hypokalaemia caused by acetazolamide, loop diuretics and thiazides may antagonise effect of lidocaine. Dose requirements may be increased with long-term use of phenytoin and other enzyme-inducers.

Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).

The topical form is minimally absorbed in the serum and tissues . Clotrimazole is a lipophilic drug , and has been shown to be secreted in breastmilk in animal studies . There are limited data available regarding the volume of distribution following oral troche administration.

The volume of distribution determined for lidocaine is 0.7 to 1.5 L/kg .

In particular, lidocaine is distributed throughout the total body water . Its rate of disappearance from the blood can be described by a two or possibly even three-compartment model . There is a rapid disappearance (alpha phase) which is believed to be related to uptake by rapidly equilibrating tissues (tissues with high vascular perfusion, for example) . The slower phase is related to distribution to slowly equilibrating tissues (beta phase) and to its metabolism and excretion (gamma phase) .

Lidocaine's distribution is ultimately throughout all body tissues . In general, the more highly perfused organs will show higher concentrations of the agent . The highest percentage of this drug will be found in skeletal muscle, mainly due to the mass of muscle rather than an affinity .

Elimination Route

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.

Because clotrimazole is generally not significantly absorbed, drug interactions are not a major issue with its use .

In general, lidocaine is readily absorbed across mucous membranes and damaged skin but poorly through intact skin . The agent is quickly absorbed from the upper airway, tracheobronchial tree, and alveoli into the bloodstream . And although lidocaine is also well absorbed across the gastrointestinal tract the oral bioavailability is only about 35% as a result of a high degree of first-pass metabolism . After injection into tissues, lidocaine is also rapidly absorbed and the absorption rate is affected by both vascularity and the presence of tissue and fat capable of binding lidocaine in the particular tissues .

The concentration of lidocaine in the blood is subsequently affected by a variety of aspects, including its rate of absorption from the site of injection, the rate of tissue distribution, and the rate of metabolism and excretion . Subsequently, the systemic absorption of lidocaine is determined by the site of injection, the dosage given, and its pharmacological profile . The maximum blood concentration occurs following intercostal nerve blockade followed in order of decreasing concentration, the lumbar epidural space, brachial plexus site, and subcutaneous tissue . The total dose injected regardless of the site is the primary determinant of the absorption rate and blood levels achieved . There is a linear relationship between the amount of lidocaine injected and the resultant peak anesthetic blood levels .

Nevertheless, it has been observed that lidocaine hydrochloride is completely absorbed following parenteral administration, its rate of absorption depending also on lipid solubility and the presence or absence of a vasoconstrictor agent . Except for intravascular administration, the highest blood levels are obtained following intercostal nerve block and the lowest after subcutaneous administration .

Additionally, lidocaine crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers, presumably by passive diffusion .

Half Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.

One study assessing the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in children and adults reported a mean half-life of 75 minutes after intravenous administration. The mean half-life associated with intramuscular administration was about 29 minutes longer. Fever and anemia may result in a shorter half-life although dose adjustments are not usually necessary. Severe burns are also associated with a shorter half-life and may result in lower gentamicin serum concentrations.

The elimination half-life of lidocaine hydrochloride following an intravenous bolus injection is typically 1.5 to 2.0 hours . Because of the rapid rate at which lidocaine hydrochloride is metabolized, any condition that affects liver function may alter lidocaine HCl kinetics . The half-life may be prolonged two-fold or more in patients with liver dysfunction .

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.

The renal clearance of gentamicin is comparable to individual creatinine clearance.

The mean systemic clearance observed for intravenously administered lidocaine in a study of 15 adults was approximately 0.64 +/- 0.18 L/min .

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

Mainly hepatic .

Gentamicin is excreted primarily by the kidneys. In patients with normal renal function, 70% or more of an initial gentamicin dose can be recovered in the urine within 24 hours. Excretion of gentamicin is significantly reduced in patients with renal impairment.

The excretion of unchanged lidocaine and its metabolites occurs predominantly via the kidney with less than 5% in the unchanged form appearing in the urine . The renal clearance is inversely related to its protein binding affinity and the pH of the urine . This suggests by the latter that excretion of lidocaine occurs by non-ionic diffusion .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids and should not be used extensively for a prolonged period. Caution should be excercised when topical corticosteroids are administered in nursing women.

Pregnancy:Clotrimazole is recommended during pregnancy only after first consulting a doctor.

Lactation:Because systemic absorption of clotrimazole following topical application is marginal, there should be no risk for the infant during lactation.

Consideration should be given the possibility of foetal ototoxicity when gentamicin is applied topically to large denuded areas of skin. For Gentamicin Eye/Ear Drops safety profile in pregnancy is not yet established and should be administered when considered essential.

Category B: Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

Contraindication

Betamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. Betamethasone Eye/Ear/Nasal Drops is contraindicated in Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye; known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient; red eye due to unknown causes; viral or fungal infections in the treatment area; tuberculosis, glaucoma etc.

Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole.

Gentamicin is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reaction to any of its components. Use of topical Gentamicin may occasionally allow overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi.

Hypovolaemia, complete heart block, Adam-Stokes syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Must not be applied to inflamed or injured skin.

Special Warning

Hepatic Impairment Parenteral: Dosage reduction may be needed.

Acute Overdose

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects

Supportive measures should be taken incase of accidental oral ingestion.

In case of accidental oral ingestion, supportive measures should be taken.

Symptoms: Severe hypotension, asystole, bradycardia, apnoea, seizures, coma, cardiac arrest, resp arrest and death.

Management: Maintain oxygenation, stop convulsion and support the circulation.

Storage Condition

Protect from light. Do not freeze. Store between 15 °C and 30 °C.

Store at a cool and dry place. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelid or any surface.

Store below 25°C.

Innovators Monograph

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