Drugs
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Treatment of bacterial infections in pregnancy requires an understanding of the unique problems related to the administration of antibacterial agents to pregnant women. The clinician must be aware not only of the antibiotic-associated untoward effects which may develop in the mother, but also of the possibility that adverse reactions may occur in the fetus. Precise knowledge of the microbial aetiology of those infections which occur during pregnancy and an understanding of the intricacies of antibiotic administration to pregnant women will assure the greatest likelihood that bacterial infections in pregnancy will be effectively, and safely, treated.
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Review Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Dantrolene sodium: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in spasticity.
Dantrolene sodium or dantrolene1 is 1([5-(nitrophenyl)furfurylidend] amino) hydantoin sodium hydrate. It is indicated for use in chronic disorders characterised by skeletal muscle spasticity, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Dantrolene is believed to act directly on the contractile mechanism of skeletal muscle to decrease the force of contraction in the absence of any demonstrated effects on neural pathways, on the neuromuscular junction, or on the excitable properties of the muscle fibre membranes. ⋯ The dosage of dantrolene has been fixed in most controlled trials, though long-term studies have indicated the need for individualisation of dosage. The initial dose is usually 25mg once daily, increasing to 25mg two, three or four times daily, and then by increments of 25mg up to as high as 100mg two, three or four times daily. The lowest dose compatible with optimal response is recommended.