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Biomedical subjects

O E Araujo

Publications and source records attributed to O E Araujo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Capsaicin: identification, nomenclature, and pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief overview of the chemical history, analysis, nomenclature, biology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy of capsaicin. DATA SOURCES: Chemical Abstracts, Biological Abstracts, and a MEDLINE search were used to identify pertinent literature; selected literature was used in this review. DATA EXTRACTION: Original articles, reviews, and abstracts of articles were used to select material pertinent to the objectives of the review. The volume of material available prohibits comprehensive data extraction. CONCLUSIONS: A history of the use of Capsicum spp. and the predominant active ingredient, capsaicin, the parent compound of a group of vanillyl fatty acid amides, is presented. Distinct structural differences are noted between this compound and the capsaicinoids, especially the synthetic analog nonivamide, which has appeared as an adulterant in capsaicin-labeled products. Analysis shows that although some of these synthetic analogs eventually may prove to be true natural products, conclusive evidence based on isolation and structure elucidation is still absent after decades of attempted isolation from several potential natural sources. Although the crude, dark oleoresin extract of capsicum contains over 100 distinct volatile compounds and therefore may function in many ways dissimilar to capsaicin, the oleoresin continues to be marketed in products with a high degree of variability in efficacy. Capsaicin as a pure white crystalline material, however, acts specifically by depleting stores of substance P from sensory neurons, and has been successful in the treatment of several painful conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathies.

Capsaicin↗

The interferons and their use in condyloma acuminata.

There are three naturally occurring interferons: alfa, beta, and gamma. Alfa, derived from lymphoblastic tissue, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of condyloma acuminata (genital or venereal warts). Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 50 subtypes have been described. Traditional therapies have centered on destruction of the lesions by either cytotoxic or physical modalities. Intralesional interferon exerts its antiviral effects on infected cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. In general, success rates with intralesional interferon alfa are comparable to traditional modalities. There is also evidence that interferon alfa might be particularly useful in the treatment of lesions that have failed to respond to other modalities.

Condylomata Acuminata↗

Patterns of prescribing isotretinoin: focus on women of childbearing potential.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this study were to determine how dermatologists currently prescribe isotretinoin and to determine if the potential for adverse effects, especially those affecting the fetus, has influenced dermatologists' prescribing patterns. DESIGN: A survey was mailed to 1618 dermatologists practicing in the US. The survey comprised 22 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions about the use of isotretinoin. Eight weeks were allowed for completion and return of the survey. SETTING: The setting of the study included dermatologists in private practice, those with academic appointments, those in administration, and a few dermatologists in other pursuits. PARTICIPANTS: The membership roster of the American Academy of Dermatology served as the sampling frame from which survey recipients were drawn. After arranging the list by zip code, a sample of dermatologists was taken by systematically choosing every fifth name on the list, giving the researchers the total sample of 1618 physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questions were organized into the following sections: (1) practice status of respondent, (2) prescriber demographics, (3) influence of adverse effects on prescribing, (4) prescribing practices, (5) discontinuation of therapy, and (6) restriction of isotretinoin to dermatologists. The survey concluded by providing participants the opportunity to make further observations or comments. RESULTS: Of the 1618 surveys mailed, 670 usable responses were received (41.4 percent). Most respondents were in private practice. Data show that dermatologists were prescribing isotretinoin for indications other than those contained in the official labeling. Most physicians reported that they do perform a pregnancy test before prescribing the drug, and many require written informed consent before prescribing. Physicians report that, in general, their patients tolerate isotretinoin well. When therapy is discontinued, it is most often secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. Dermatologists believe that they should have sole authority for prescribing isotretinoin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is still a need for emphasizing the limited indications for isotretinoin and a need for effective patient education for women of childbearing potential who may be prescribed this drug.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Toxic epidermal necrolysis: a review.

This article reviews the many facets of toxic epidermal necrolysis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis, burn unit placement, supportive care, and avoidance of systemic steroids. Discussion also includes other therapeutic options and the pathophysiology of the disease.

Humans↗

Griseofulvin: a new look at an old drug.

Griseofulvin is the oral antifungal agent of choice for the treatment of dermatophytoses. This article reviews the history, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions, and traditional therapeutic applications of griseofulvin. In addition, reports since 1960 of the use of the drug in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, progressive systemic sclerosis, lichen planus, mycosis fungoides, herpes zoster, eosinophilic fasciitis, and molluscum contagiosum are discussed, noting the varying degree of therapeutic success.

Animals↗

Phenytoin hypersensitivity syndrome.

The clinical manifestations of the phenytoin hypersensitivity syndrome are reviewed. The main symptoms of cutaneous eruptions, hepatitis, lymphadenopathy, as well as other manifestations, are described and discussed. Proposed theories as to the specific etiology of the syndrome are outlined. Finally, the review discusses the course, prognosis, and potential complications of the syndrome along with suggested therapeutic approaches.

Aged↗

Generic equivalence of dermatologic products. How equivalent is equivalent?

More and more pharmaceutical products are becoming available under the generic designation as patents for their brand-name counterparts expire. Although some generic products are exact duplicates of the brand-name drug, others may vary with regard to their inactive ingredients or in other ways. Sometimes these allowable variations in product formulation are clinically significant for certain individuals. Therefore it is important for both the prescriber and the dispenser of medication to recognize potential differences in marketed products so that a truly equivalent preparation can be provided when a generic substitution is made. This article chronicles a case in which miscommunication and noncommunication led to the suboptimal treatment of a skin disease with a generic "equivalent." Suggestions are made for improving interprofessional communication so that the patient's needs are served to the maximum degree.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Current topical corticosteroid preparations.

A brief review of the development, desirability, potency, and side effects of topical corticosteroids is presented. Because of potential sensitizing agents present in vehicles delivering corticosteroids and because new products are constantly being marketed, a detailed listing of single and combination products, as well as the constituents of their vehicles, has been compiled to aid the practicing physician.

Administration, Topical↗

Antihistamines.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗

Effect of topically applied flurbiprofen on ultraviolet-induced erythema.

The effect of flurbiprofen, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent, on ultraviolet B-induced erythema was studied in normal volunteers. The effect of various concentrations as well as the effect of multiple applications were evaluated at 4, 8, and 24 hours after irradiation with three MEDs of ultraviolet B. Repeated applications of flurbiprofen during the four- and eight-hour periods following ultraviolet B exposure did not increase the blanching response obtained following a single treatment. A concentration dependent effect of flurbiprofen on blanching was observed with suppression of erythema increasing with increasing concentration of flurbiprofen up to 3%. Further increase in concentration up to 5% offered no added advantage. Significant differences in blanching were also observed at different postirradiation time periods. No cutaneous or systemic complications were reported during the entire study.

Administration, Topical↗

Survey of the professional interrelations between dermatologist and pharmacist.

A national survey of dermatologists and pharmacists was conducted to characterize the involvement of the community pharmacist in the area of skin diseases and to elicit suggestions to improve professional interrelations. The results show the dermatologists' major complaint is pharmacists' inability or unwillingness to compound prescriptions. The study clearly indicates the need for increased communication between the two professions in matters such as inventory control, prescription refill procedures, and substitution guidelines. The pharmacists, in general, admitted a deficiency in their educational preparedness to recognize common skin disorders, thus limiting their ability to assess the severity of patients' complaints.

Dermatology↗

Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

The clinical manifestations, including variations, of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are reviewed. Lesions of the skin, eye, and mucous membranes are described and discussed. The potential complications and therapeutic approaches are outlined. Finally, the review discusses the controversy over the use of systemic corticosteroids in this syndrome.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Sunscreens: efficacy, use, and misuse.

To provide a rational approach in the selection and use of sunscreens, we have reviewed some aspects of sun damage, the importance of genetically determined skin types, and the skin's natural protective mechanisms. In this review, we classify sunscreens, explain the sun protection factor (SPF), discuss characteristic features of specific sunscreens, supply guidelines for tanning while minimizing skin damage, and indicate which products and devices may be harmful to consumers.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Trolamine salicylate cream in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Twenty-five patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee were treated topically for one week with either 10% trolamine salicylate cream or placebo cream in a randomized double-blind crossover study. No significant difference was found in subjective or objective measures of pain relief between the treatment and control groups. Eight patients preferred "active" test cream, six preferred placebo, and 11 had no preference. No side effects were reported. Topically applied 10% trolamine salicylate cream did not relieve the pain of OA of the knee any more than did placebo.

Administration, Topical↗

Influence of cimetidine on oral diazepam elimination with measurement of subsequent cognitive change.

In a double-blind crossover design, the effect of cimetidine on oral diazepam pharmacokinetics and an evaluation of cognitive function change was studied in seven healthy volunteers. Subjects randomly received placebo or cimetidine 300 mg orally every 6 h for a total of five doses prior to diazepam 10 mg. A significant increase in diazepam elimination half-life from (mean +/- s.e. mean) 66.9 +/- 21.4 to 89.6 +/- 22.5 h (P = 0.006) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 5.06 +/- 1.47 to 8.93 +/- 1.88 micrograms ml-1 h (P = 0.028) was observed indicating a probable cimetidine induced inhibition of diazepam hepatic metabolism. Digit symbol substitution and visual analogue scales were used to measure the effect of an alteration of diazepam kinetics on cognitive function. An enhancement of pharmacological effect as reflected in digit symbol substitution scores and visual analogue scale measurements was not observed.

Administration, Oral↗