scholarly journals Mechanism of Action, Efficacy and Safety of Emergency Hormonal Contraception (levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate) and Attitudes of Pharmacists

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Milosavljević ◽  
Katarina Ilić ◽  
Dušanka Krajnović
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
History Of ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
History Of Use

Summary Emergency hormonal contraception is used to prevent unintended pregnancy postcoitally. The mechanism of action of the most frequently used hormonal preparations for emergency contraception, levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA), is still not fully known, but clinical trials indicate that they act by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. LNG has a long history of use for emergency contraception, proven safety and high efficacy if administered in the preovulation period. The newest emergency contraceptive, UPA, available only with a prescription, is indicated within this period of 120 hours after sexual intercourse and the data indicate that UPA does not lose efficacy within this period. Clinical trials showed its noninferiority versus LNG and its effect on the potentially occurring pregnancy is being additionally monitored. However, many misconceptions and controversial opinions about emergency contraception are still present, even among pharmacists. A search of Medline database identified 20 papers published from January 1993 to December 2012, on pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices related to emergency contraception. In these papers, the attitudes of pharmacists pertaining to the dispensing regime of emergency contraception were different. Research in Australia has shown that personal attitudes and religious convictions influence the practice of dispensing emergency contraception. In the research conducted in New Mexico, 30% of pharmacists were against prescribing emergency contraception for religious or moral reasons. There were no published data in regards to pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and dispensing practice in Serbia and such research is highly recommended.

scholarly journals Ulipristal acetate. A new emergency contraceptive. Ethical aspects of its use

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justo Aznar
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Ethical Assessment ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancies ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
First Time

Così come si presenta la pillola del giorno dopo può essere utilizzata in modo efficace fino a 72 ore dopo il rapporto sessuale non protetto. Tuttavia, in alcuni casi, questo periodo può essere troppo breve. Per tale motivo, è stata commercializzata per la prima volta una pillola, l’acetato ulipristal (Ellaone), per la contraccezione d’emergenza post-coitale fino a 120 ore (5 giorni) dopo i rapporti sessuali non protetti o nel caso di insuccesso del contraccettivo. Un aspetto importante da considerare nella valutazione etica di un farmaco usato per la contraccezione d’emergenza è il suo meccanismo d’azione, in quanto tale valutazione sarà molto diversa se il farmaco agisce inibendo o ritardando l’ovulazione o impedendo l’impianto della blastocisti nell’utero materno, dal momento che in quest’ultimo caso eserciterebbe la sua azione portando a termine la vita di un embrione in vita, secondo dunque un meccanismo abortivo. In relazione al meccanismo d’azione dell’Ellaone, quando la pillola è assunta cinque giorni prima dell’ovulazione la sua azione sarà fondamentalmente anticoncezionale, e lo stesso se è assunta quattro giorni prima. Se assunta tre giorni prima dell’ovulazione, può essere anticoncezionale o anti-impiantatorio, ma da allora in poi, il meccanismo attraverso cui l’Ellaone è in grado di prevenire le gravidanze indesiderate sarà anti-impiantatorio o, in altre parole, abortivo. In sintesi, tra il 50% e il 70% del tempo, Ellaone agirà secondo un meccanismo abortivo. Ci sembra che questa sia la realtà oggettiva circa il meccanismo d’azione dell’acetato ulipristal (Ellaone), e quindi il suo effetto anti-impiantatorio dovrà essere preso in considerazione per l’elaborazione di un giudizio etico sul suo uso. ---------- Current presentations of the morning-after pill can be used effectively for up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. However in some cases, this period can be short. For that reason, a pill, ulipristal acetate (Ellaone), which is licensed for post-coital emergency contraception up to 120 hours (5 days) following unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, has now been marketed for the first time. An important aspect to consider in the ethical assessment of any drug used in emergency contraception is its mechanism of action, as this assessment will be very different if the drug acts by inhibition or delaying the ovulation or by preventing the implantation of the blastocyst in the maternal uterus, since in the latter case it would exert its action by terminating the life of an already living embryo, i.e. by an abortive mechanism. In relation to the Ellaone’s mechanism of action, when the pill is taken five days before ovulation its action will be basically anticonceptive, and the same if it is taken four days beforehand. When it is taken three days before ovulation, it may be anticonceptive or by prenventing implantation, but from then on, the mechanism by which Ellaone may prevent unwanted pregnancies will be by an anti-implantation mechanism, in other words, abortive. In summary, between 50% and 70% of the time, Ellaone will act by an abortive mechanism. It seems to us that this is the objective reality about the mechanism of action of ulipristal acetate (Ellaone), and therefore its anti-implantation effect will have to be taken into consideration when issuing an ethical judgement on its use.

Metal nanoantimicrobials for textile applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Carla Giannossa ◽  
Daniela Longano ◽  
Nicoletta Ditaranto ◽  
Maria Angela Nitti ◽  
Federica Paladini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Transition Metals ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Short Description ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Silver Copper ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Novel Applications

AbstractResearch on the nanomaterials containing one or more transition metals is growing tremendously, thanks to the large number of preparation processes available and to the novel applications that can be envisaged in several fields. This review presents an overview of the selected studies in the field of antimicrobial textiles, employing bioactive nanophases of elements/compounds such as silver, copper, or zinc oxide. In addition, the history of use of these antimicrobials and their mechanism of action are shortly reported. Finally, a short description is provided of the deposition/preparation methods, which are being used in the authors’ labs for the development of the textiles modified by the novel nanoantimicrobials.

scholarly journals Potential of Rasayana (ayurvedic) polyherbo-mineral formulation in prophylaxis of COVID-19 infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-113
Author(s):  
Yogesh Narayan Bendale ◽  
◽  
Vineeta Yogesh Bendale ◽  
Avinash Pandurang Kadam ◽  
Poonam Kantilal Birari-Gawande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Acorus Calamus ◽  
Piper Longum ◽  
History Of ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Primary Basis

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has become a cause of global concern because of its fast rate of transmission and high mortality rates in patients with comorbid illness. In absence of any vaccine or approved chemoprophylaxis, this threat will keep on increasing till effective solution is found. The ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has released guidelines for use of certain herbs as an immunity booster in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, several patients are approaching the practitioners for alternative medicine advices that will enhance overall health and keep diseases at bay. Although the herbs, which are used as immunomodulators to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, have long history of use but there is paucity of well documented and published data about its tolerability, safety and efficacy. Aims and Objectives: To study the outcomes of Ayurveda herbs treatment in individuals residing in coronavirus hotspot city. Materials and Methods: Individuals, who have approached our Ayurveda clinic, have received Ayurveda formulation containing Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Adhatoda vasica, Piper Longum, Piper Nigra, Acorus calamus and Sacrum offcinarum. These herbs have been consumed orally for about two months. Result: The herbs are well tolerated by all and none of the individual have developed any symptoms of influenza like illness or tested positive for COVID-19. These observations indicate that immunomodulator herbs mentioned in Ayurveda are well tolerable and safe. Conclusion: This formulation can be considered as preliminary evidence for the tolerability, safety and can be used as a prophylactic herbs, mentioned in Ayurveda. In view of the scarce information available for this newly appeared pandemic, such results can serve as a primary basis for carrying out further studies. Further investigations and clinical studies using the Ayurveda herbal medicine, described in this work, may help in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection by boosting our immunity.

Ulipristal acetate in emergency contraception: mechanism of action

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Mozzanega ◽  
Erich Cosmi ◽  
Giovanni Battista Nardelli
Keyword(s):  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate

Skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo stosowania korzenia Symphytum officinale L. – przegląd danych literaturowych

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kimel ◽  
Mirosława Krauze-Baranowska
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Plant Raw Materials ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
History Of Use

Comfrey root – Symphyti radix has been present in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, European Medicine Agency (EMA) restricts its only for external use, in short therapies not exceeding 10 days. The last decade has been characterized by the progress in research on the chemical composition and metabolism of biologically active compounds present in the root and leaves. The result is the presence of herbal medicinal products containing comfrey root extracts with reduced content or free of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids on the European market of herbal products. Moreover, the medicinal properties of leaves from another Symphytum species, namely Russian comfrey, are also in the use. The results of clinical trials indicate the beneficial effects of plant raw materials obtained from comfreys in musculoskeletal system disorders – comfrey root and skin inflammations – leaves of Russian comfrey. The paper presents the history of use, chemical composition, therapeutic effect and toxicity of comfrey, as well as characterizes clinical trials on products containing comfrey extracts from root and leaves.

scholarly journals Emerging Options for Emergency Contraception

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMRH.S8145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsuko Koyama ◽  
Laura Hagopian ◽  
Judith Linden
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Intrauterine Device ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
Clinical Considerations ◽  
Copper Intrauterine Device

Emergency post-coital contraception (EC) is an effective method of preventing pregnancy when used appropriately. EC has been available since the 1970s, and its availability and use have become widespread. Options for EC are broad and include the copper intrauterine device (IUD) and emergency contraceptive pills such as levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate, combined oral contraceptive pills (Yuzpe method), and less commonly, mifepristone. Some options are available over-the-counter, while others require provider prescription or placement. There are no absolute contraindications to the use of emergency contraceptive pills, with the exception of ulipristal acetate and mifepristone. This article reviews the mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, side effects, clinical considerations, and patient preferences with respect to EC usage. The decision of which regimen to use is influenced by local availability, cost, and patient preference.

Topical antimicrobial therapy with tea tree oil: fact or fantasy

2002 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
TV Riley
Keyword(s):  
Good Evidence ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Tea Tree Oil ◽  
Tea Tree ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Topical Antimicrobial

T his paper reviews briefly the evidence that tea tree oil may be suitable as a topical antimicrobial agent. Tea tree oil is the essential oil extracted by steam distillation from the Australian native tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It has a long history of use in Australia, and has emerged as a possible topical antimicrobial because of antimicrobial resistance to conventional agents. The history, production and chemistry of tea tree oil are described. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil has now been reported in numerous papers, and there is good evidence for antibacterial, antifungal and, to a lesser extent, antiviral activity. What is lacking is sufficient numbers of clinical trials to verify this efficacy in vivo. Tea tree oil is only safe to use as a topical agent and although skin sensitivity has been a concern, the evidence for this is not strong. However, long-term usage studies are still required. Based on the published data, tea tree oil may prove to be a very useful topical antimicrobial and there is a role for infection control practitioners in the validation of its use in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Ulipristal acetate. An emergency contraceptive?

2011 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justo Aznar ◽  
Julio Tudela
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Contraceptive Efficacy ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Human Love ◽  
Fundamental Part ◽  
Contraceptive Measure ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancies ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
The Right

Il forte aumento delle gravidanze e degli aborti negli adolescenti sembra giustificare l’adozione di misure per prevenirli. Sebbene la giusta soluzione al problema è senza dubbio l’educazione dei giovani ad un uso corretto della sessualità, e soprattutto in una considerazione di quest’ultima come parte fondamentale di qualcosa di molto più ampio come l’amore umano, alcuni intendono risolvere il problema implementando l’uso della contraccezione d’emergenza come unica misura contraccetiva. Uno degli ultimi farmaci in commercio per questo scopo è Ulipristal acetato, che ha cominciato ad essere distribuito in alcuni paesi europei dal novembre del 2009. Questo articolo fa riferimento alla composizione chimica di Ulipristal acetato, la sua efficacia contraccetiva, gli effetti collaterali, che non sono molto significativi, e in particolare al meccanismo d’azione con cui questo farmaco impedisce le gravidanze indesiderate, giungendo alla conclusione che per almeno il 60% del tempo esso agisce secondo un meccanismo antiimpianto, anche se ciò dipende in larga misura dal giorno in cui la donna lo assume entro il suo ciclo riproduttivo, e dal tempo trascorso dal rapporto sessuale. ---------- The large increase in pregnancies and abortions in adolescents appears to justify taking measures to prevent them. Although the right solution to the problem is undoubtedly through educating young people in the proper use of sexuality, and especially in considering it as a fundamental part of something much wider like human love, certain classes advocate resolving it by implementing the use of emergency contraception as the only contraceptive measure. One of the latest drugs marketed for this purpose is Ulipristal acetate, which began to be distributed in some European countries in November 2009. This paper refers to the chemical composition of Ulipristal acetate, its contraceptive efficacy, the side effects, which are not very significant, and especially to the mechanism of action by which this drug prevents unwanted pregnancies, concluding that at least 60% of the time it acts by an anti-implantation mechanism, although this depends to a large extent on the day on which the woman takes it, within her reproductive cycle, and on the time from sexual intercourse until she takes the drug.

scholarly journals Emergency Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Women Presenting to Family Planning Outpatient Clinic in Central India

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Laxmi Maru ◽  
Anupama Dave ◽  
Manila Kaushal
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Central India ◽  
Family Planning Clinic ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Contraceptive Knowledge ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study is to determine the degree of knowledge, attitude practices, and perceived needs about emergency contraception in women attending family planning clinic in Central India and to investigate the factors that militates against its use. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among women attending family planning clinic in Central India from April 2009 to March 2010. One thousand and forty-two women (aged 18-35 years) participated in this study and answered the questions presented in the self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and the awareness, knowledge and use of emergency contraception. Completed questionnaires were collected before the women left the clinic and the data analyzed. Results Overall, 149 (14.3%) women were aware of Emergency Contraceptive pills and among those, 125 (83.9%)women correctly identified 72 hours as the time limit for the methods to be used. More than half (61.8%) did not know correct dosage and 68.7% were unaware about the side effects of the available post-coital pill. Only 80 (7.7%) women had previously used emergency contraceptive pills. None of them was aware about use of intrauterine contraceptive device as emergency contraception. Emergency contraception awareness was positively associated with age, education and level of monthly income. Conclusion Awareness about emergency contraception was very low, especially regarding correct timing of its use and its side effects. Public information strategy needs to be devised and widely publicized so that awareness about Emergency contraception increases in India. How to cite this article Kaushal M, Maru L, Dave A. Emergency Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Women Presenting to Family Planning Outpatient Clinic in Central India. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(1): 21-24.

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