Chlorzoxazone and Acetaminophen (Parafon Forte)
ACTION AND USE.— This drug combination is used the same as methocarbamol. This agent combines an analgesic with a muscle relaxant.
USUAL DOSE.— 2 tablets four times daily.
Orphenadrine, Aspirin, and Caffeine (Norgesic)
ACTION AND USE.— This combination is also used the same as methocarbamol. This drug has an analgesic-anti-inflammatory agent (aspirin) and a CNS stimulant included in its formulation.
USUAL DOSE.— 1 to 2 tablets three or four times daily.
CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS
Cardiovascular drugs comprise a large group that affect the action of the circulatory system. Most of these agents are highly specialized and will be listed according to their principal action.
Digitoxin (Crystodigin, Purodigin)
ACTION AND USE.— Digitoxin has a direct effect on the myocardium, causing an increase in the force of contraction. It is indicated for all degrees of congestive heart failure and for various arrhythmias.
USUAL DOSE.— The average digitalizing dose is given intravenously (1.2 to 1.6 mg). Maintenance dosage range is from 0.05 to 0.3 mg daily.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
ACTION AND USE.— This drug is used the same as digitoxin.
USUAL DOSE.— Digitalization is individualized for each patient for optimum response. The maintenance dosage range is from 0.125 to 0.5 mg daily, It is available as tablets, pediatric elixir, capsules, and injections.
Quinidine Sulfate
ACTION AND USE.— Quinidine sulfate is indicated for premature atrial and ventricular contractions and other arrhythmias.
USUAL DOSE.— Normal range is 200 to 600 mg three or four times daily. NOTE: DO NOT CONFUSE WITH QUININE SULFATE, AN ANTIMALARIAL.
VASODILATORS
These drugs produce vasodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle of the arteries, thereby lowering the blood pressure. This fall in blood pressure is the most important pharmacological action desired.
Amyl Nitrite
Amyl nitrite is used occasionally for cardiac patients. This drug is primarily used for the prevention of erection in urological adult male patients following circumcision.
Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Bid)
ACTION AND USE.— Nitroglycerin is indicated for the treatment and management of acute and chronic angina pectoris.
USUAL DOSE.— It is available as sublingual tablets, buccal tablets, sustained-release tablets and capsules, topical ointment, and topical patches. Nitroglycerin is also available in the injection form. Sublingual tablets are to be kept in the original container, tightly closed. Usual dose for the sublingual tablets is 1 tablet sublingually every 5 minutes up to 3 tablets in a 15 minute period during an angina attack. If there is no relief at that time, the patient should contact a physician. Other nitroglycerin dosages are individualized to meet the patient’s needs.
Isosorbide Dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate)
ACTION AND USE.— This drug is similar to nitroglycerin in its antianginal action.
USUAL DOSE.— 2.5 to 10 mg, up to 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours sublingually as a prophylaxis. It is available as sublingual tablets, chewable tablets, oral tablets, and sustained-release tablets and capsules.
Pyridamole (Persantine)
ACTION AND USE.— Pyridamole is possibly effective for long-term therapy of chronic angina pectoris. It is not intended to abort the acute anginal attack.