A short review of drug-food interactions of medicines treating overactive bladder syndrome

Background Overactive bladder syndrome is a condition where one or more of the symptoms such as pollakiuria, urgent need to urinate, nocturia and urinary incontinence is observed. Its prevalence ranges between 7 and 27 % in men and 9–43 % in women. The role of a pharmacist is to educate the patient on medications administration scheme, and drug interactions with particular food or food components. Aim of the review To assess a potential impact of food and fruit juice on the pharmacokinetic and therapeutic effects of medications used in treating overactive bladder syndrome. This information will enhance pharmaceutical care and is vital and helpful for pharmacists counseling their patients. Method In order to gather information on interactions of medications employed in bladder dysfunctions, the English language reports published in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL database over the years 1996–2015 were studied. Additionally, other resources, namely drugs.com, Medscape, UpToDate, Micromedex, Medical Letter, as well as Stockley Drugs Interaction electronic publication were included in the study. The analysis also covered product data sheets for particular medicinal products. Results Meals and the consumption of grapefruit juice were found to exert a diversified effect on the pharmacokinetics of drugs employed in overactive bladder syndrome therapy. Neither tolterodine, nor mirabegron interact with food and citrus fruit juice, whereas darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin and solifenacin do interact with grapefruit and others citrus fruit juice. The effects of such interactions may potentially be negative to patients. Trospium absorption is significantly decreased by food. Conclusion For selected medicines used in treating bladder dysfunctions food and grapefruit juice consumption may significantly affect efficacy and safety of the therapy. All information on the topic is likely to enhance the quality of pharmaceutical care

Diet and nutritional factors in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development is affected by complex interactions between environmental factors, changes in intestinal flora, various predisposing genetic properties and changes in the immune system. Dietary factors seem to play an underestimated role in the etiopathogenesis and course of the disease. However, research about food and IBD is conflicting. An excessive consumption of sugar, animal fat and linoleic acid is considered a risk factor for IBD development, whereas a high fiber diet and citrus fruit consumption may play a protective role. Also, appropriate nutrition in particular periods of the disease may facilitate achieving or prolonging remissions and most of all, improve the quality of life for patients. During disease exacerbation, a low fiber diet is recommended for most patients. In the remission time, an excessive consumption of alcohol and sulfur products may have a negative effect on the disease course. Attempts are also made at employing diets composed in detail in order to supplement IBD therapy. A diet with a modified carbohydrate composition, a semi-vegetarian diet and a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols are under investigation. Due to chronic inflammation as well as side effects of chronically used medications, patients with IBD are also at increased risk of nutritional factor deficiencies, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, magnesium and vitamin A. It should also be remembered that there is no single common diet suitable for all IBD patients; each of them is unique and dietary recommendations must be individually developed for each patient, depending on the course of the disease, past surgical procedures and type of pharmacotherapy

Insulin-like growth factor system in remission and flare of inflammatory bowel diseases

Insulin‑like growth factor 1 (IGF‑1) is involved in the modulation of immunity and inflammation. It also plays a role in regulating the migration of endothelial cells and production of vasoactive agents. This study assessed the concentrations of IGF‑1 and insulin‑like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP‑3) and their relationships to disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 129 adult patients with IBD (69 with Crohn disease [CD] and 60 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) were involved in the study. The control group consisted of 31 healthy volunteers. Biochemical serum analyses were performed and the associations of IGF‑1 and IGFBP‑3 with inflammatory markers and disease activity were assessed. IGF‑1 levels were decreased in patients with active UC compared with those with nonactive UC (mean [SD], 78.3 [22.7] ng/ml and 96.2 [24.5] ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.02) and controls (94.5 [26.5] ng/ml; P = 0.03). The IGF‑1 level was lower in patients with active CD compared with those with nonactive CD (mean [SD], 79.2 [24.9] ng/ml and 110.1 [43.4] ng/ml, respectively; P <0.001). The IGFBP‑3 level was lower in patients with active UC compared with those with nonactive UC (P = 0.04) and controls (P = 0.04). IGF‑1 correlated negatively with C‑reactive protein (CRP) levels (P <0.01), disease activity (P <0.05), and disease duration (P <0.05). IGFBP‑3 levels correlated negatively with CRP levels (P <0.05). The IGF system is disrupted in patients with IBD. Systemic levels of the IGF axis components are related to disease activity and duration

Comparison of the molecular action on cells, as well as the content and dosage of individual components of the most popular vitamin supplements available in Polish pharmacies.

The aim of the study was to present vitamins as substances essential for normal functioning of the human body. described the roles, biological effects and major food sources of thirteen main vitamins. The most common syndromes of vitamins deficiency and overdosage, were characterized. Futhermore vitamins interactions with drugs and other compounds of multivitamin supplements, were also discussed. Compared the composition and amount of vitamins contained in most multivitamins available in Poland. On the basis of the discussion it has been ascertained that vitamins deficiency should be met primarily through consuming foods and suplementation with multivitamin products should be used only in special cases (like breast-feeding or pregnancy). Preparation should be chosen individually, so that was the best suited to current needs of the body for vitamins.W pracy przedstawiono rolę witamin, jako związków niezbędnych do prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu. Opisano działanie na komórki, rolę w organizmie, a także główne źródła w diecie trzynastu najważniejszych witamin. Omówiono konsekwencje wynikające z niedoboru i nadmiaru, tych ważnych dla życia składników oraz możliwe interakcje z innymi składnikami preparatów multiwitaminowych i leków. Porównano składy oraz zawartość poszczególnych witamin w większości dostępnych w Polsce preparatach multiwitaminowych. Na podstawie przeprowadzonej dyskusji stwierdzono, iż niedobory witamin najlepiej uzupełnić zbilansowaną dietą, a suplementacja preparatami multiwitaminowymi powinna być wprowadzona tylko w szczególnych przypadkach (m.in. w okresie ciąży i karmienia piersią). Zastosowany preparat powinien być dobrany indywidualnie, tak aby był jak najlepiej dostosowany do aktualnego zapotrzebowania organizmu w witaminy