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Biomedical subjects

P Karak

Publications and source records attributed to P Karak.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Antibacterial potential of an antispasmodic drug dicyclomine hydrochloride.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Several compounds are known to possess antimicrobial activity in addition to their predesignated pharmacological actions. In the present study, dicyclomine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic drug, was tested for possible antimicrobial property in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of dicyclomine against the bacteria was determined by agar and broth dilution methods in vitro. The antibacterial activity of dicyclomine was confirmed by animal experiments. Toxicity and protective efficacy of the drug were tested in vivo. RESULTS: Dicyclomine inhibited most of the bacterial isolates tested at 25-100 microg/ml concentration, and a few were sensitive even at a lower concentration (10 microg/ml). Dicyclomine was found to be bacteriostatic in nature against Shigella dysenteriae 7, and bactericidal against S. aureus NCTC 6571, 8530, and 8531. When administered to Swiss white mice at doses of 30 and 60 microg/mouse, dicyclomine protected the animals challenged with 50 MLD of Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 74. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Dicyclomine showed inhibitory action against several pathogenic bacteria. It also offered significant protection to mice against the bacterial challange. As dicyclomine is in routine therapeutic use, it may be developed as a potent antimicrobial agent in many infections.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Effect of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy on esophageal motor functions and gastroesophageal reflux.

UNLABELLED: Sclerotherapy results in significant local complications, both immediate and delayed. This study was designed to examine the esophageal pathophysiology underlying these complications. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated esophageal transit, motility abnormalities and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) with barium studies and esophageal functional scintigraphy in 24 patients (20 men, 4 women; mean age 33 +/- 12.4 yr) before sclerotherapy (Phase I), after two sessions (Phase II), following variceal eradication (Phase III) and 4 wk later (Phase IV). RESULTS: Varices were obliterated after 5.6 +/- 1.9 sessions of intravariceal sclerotherapy performed weekly with 1% polidocanol (17.3 ml per session). There was no baseline Phase I dysmotility or reflux. Phase II studies recorded a marked delay of esophageal global and segmental (mid and distal) transit time in 98.2% of patients by scintigraphy and 90% by barium studies. Incoordinate contractions and aperistalsis were observed in 0, 66.7%, 58.3% and 33.8% of patients from Phases I-IV studies, respectively. Barium studies revealed tertiary waves and reverse peristalsis in 0, 50%, and 75% of patients from Phases I-III; strictures were observed in 0, 1, and 3 patients during Phases I-III. GER was detected scintigraphically in 0, 58.3%, 25% and 16.6% during Phases I-IV sequentially. In contrast, barium studies grossly underestimated GER (0, 5% and 15% at phases I-III). CONCLUSION: There was strong concordance between esophageal symptoms, transit, motility abnormalities and GER (p < 0.05). Variceal eradication (Phases III and IV) was associated with a gradual recovery of esophageal symptoms, ulcers and all abnormal scintigraphic parameters. Sclerosant-induced chemical esophagitis in association with peptic esophagitis due to gross reflux following sclerotherapy possibly can explain the symptoms in most patients.

Adult↗