Anti-Infective Agent

Anti-Infective Agent

Anti-Infective Agent
Anti-infective is a drug or substance that kill an infection or prevent the infection from spreading.

Recently Answered

  • QAre counterfeit or substandard anti-malarial drugs a concern?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Yes, counterfeit or substandard drugs can be an issue in malaria-endemic countries. These fake drugs may look like the brand drug or even be packaged to look like the more expensive medication, but they may not have active ingredients or may be expired. For the anti-malarial drug artesunate, it has been found that a large percentage of the counterfeit or substandard copies did not actually contain any artesunate. World travelers who are going to countries where malaria is a health concern should buy their medications before traveling, and bring them on the trip.

  • QWhat is Coartem (artemether and lumefantrine) used to treat?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Coartem (artemether and lumefantrine) is used to treat a malaria infection.

    This very serious infection affects people who are bitten by mosquitoes that spread the infection.

    Coartem is in a group of medications called antimalarials. Malaria is caused by an organism and these drugs kill the organisms that cause malaria.
  • QWhat is clofazimine?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Clofazimine is used to treat leprosy, which is also known as Hansen's disease. Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a bacterial infection. It causes severe skin sores, nerve damage in the arms and legs and other problems. Doctors may also prescribe clofazimine with other drugs to treat certain illnesses.

  • QHow is benzyl benzoate and sulfur used to treat scabies?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Benzyl benzoate and sulfur in petrolatum is a type of prescription cream that is effective in treating scabies infections. Scabies is a contagious skin disease that can be spread through direct contact with others already infected with scabies, and through contact with their bedding or clothing. Scabies is caused by very small mites that burrow into the skin, resulting in an itchy rash or allergic reaction.
  • QWhat is dapsone?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Dapsone is a drug used to treat leprosy. Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by a type of bacteria that damages the skin and nerves, especially in the hands and feet. Dapsone is an antibiotic, which is a drug that kills bacteria. This medication is taken as a tablet and may be used to treat other severe skin conditions and in combination with other drugs to treat malaria. Dapsone (Aczone) is also available as a topical gel which is used to treat acne.

  • QCan I take capreomycin when I'm pregnant?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    It is not safe to receive capreomycin if you are pregnant. This medication is an anti-tuberculosis drug and has known and unknown risks to the unborn baby. If you have questions or concerns about capreomycin or the treatment of tuberculosis, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for treatment options.

  • QWhat is capreomycin?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Capreomycin is a second-line (not the first choice drug) injectable medication used with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. This anti-tuberculosis medicine is not recommended for pregnant women because of known and unknown risks to the unborn baby. If you have questions or concerns about capreomycin or the treatment of tuberculosis, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for treatment options.

  • QWhat is amodiaquine used to treat?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Amodiaquine is primarily used to treat malaria. This drug is used mostly in Africa, where there are high rates of malaria, although some strains of the disease have become resistant to drugs. Research is showing that amodiaquine alone may not effectively combat malaria but that a combination of drugs may yield better results.

  • QWhere is amodiaquine primarily used?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Amodiaquine is used mostly in African countries with high rates of malaria. Many of these countries are concerned about the increase in drug resistance. Studies are being conducted to test the effectiveness of antimalarial drug combinations. At this time, there are few medication options when a malaria strain becomes resistant to the current drugs.

  • QWhat should I know about Rifater before taking it?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered

    Before you take Rifater, the combination of isoniazid-pyrazinamide-rifampin, you should know that isoniazid can cause serious liver damage. Your doctor will monitor your liver function while you take this drug, and you should alert your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of hepatitis (a liver disease), including:

    • nausea and vomiting
    • no appetite
    • yellowed skin or eyes
    • feeling weak
    • exhausted
    • generally unwell

    In addition, Rifater can cause vision problems. Get your eyes examined before you start taking this drug and then regularly while you are taking it. Rifater can alter the color of your tears, sweat, sputum and urine to a reddish-orange; this is a harmless side effect. If you wear contact lenses, they may become permanently stained.