| abnormalities, drug-induced | Congenital abnormalities caused by medicinal substances or drugs of abuse given to or taken by the mother, or to which she is inadvertently exposed during the manufacture of such substances. The concept excludes abnormalities resulting from exposure to non-medicinal chemicals in the environment. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| akathisia, drug-induced | Motor restlessness with sensations of quivering and an urge to move about constantly resulting from the use of certain drugs, such as neuroleptic drugs, which affect the extrapyramidal region of the brain. This differs from dyskinesia, drug-induced in that long-term antipsychotic drug exposure is significantly correlated with the increased prevalence of akathisia while there is no such correlation with dyskinesia. The primary observable distinction between tardive akathisia and dyskinesia appears to be in the repetitive, stereotypy of the dyskinesic movements (lip smacking, for example), while akathisia is associated with anxiety, restlessness, and agitation (psychomotor agitation). (12 Dec 1998) |
| hepatitis, chronic, drug-induced | An inflammatory disease of the liver, lasting six months or more, and caused by an adverse drug effect. The adverse effect may result from a direct toxic effect of a drug or metabolite, or an idiosyncratic response to a drug or metabolite. The clinical and histological changes can mimic viral or autoimmune hepatitis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drug-induced cholestasis | <hepatology> A condition where a drug is interfering with the normal flow of bile from the liver to the gut via the biliary tract. The end result is jaundice. Origin: Gr. Stasis = stoppage (27 Sep 1997) |
| drug-induced diarrhoea | <gastroenterology> Diarrhoea may be produced by several mechanisms. Laxatives may produce diarrhoea by increasing the flow of water into the intestine or by increasing the intestinal motility. Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhoea by killing the normal bacteria that live in the intestine and help us digest our food. Some drugs produce diarrhoea as a side effect or as drug toxicity. (27 Sep 1997) |
| drug-induced disease | <pharmacology> A toxic reaction to or morbid condition resulting from the administration of a drug. (05 Mar 2000) |
| drug-induced eosinophilic lung disease | <radiology> Diffuse reticular pattern: nitrofurantoin, Loeffler-like pattern: penicillin, sulfonamides, ASA, para-ASA, imipramine, HCTZ, cromolyn sodium see: eosinophilic lung disease (12 Dec 1998) |
| drug-induced hepatitis | <hepatology, pathology> Inflammation and hepatocellular damage of the liver that is caused by a drug. Some medications may cause inflammation of the liver as a drug side effect or drug toxicity. Drugs that are known to cause hepatitis include acetaminophen, isoniazid, halothane, methyldopa, erythromycin and oral contraceptives. (27 Sep 1997) |
| drug-induced lupus | <dermatology> An inflammatory autoimmune disorder, similar to lupus, that develops in response to the use of a particular medication. It is characterised by anti-histone antibodies. More benign than the usual disease, with less renal involvement. The syndrome clears after stopping the offending drug. Drugs that are known to cause this reaction include procainamide, isoniazid, sulphasalazine, hydralazine, methyldopa, phenytoin, chlorpromazine and penicillamine. The arthritis, cardiac, pulmonary and systemic features may be present, but the kidney involvement (nephritis) and neurologic disease are rare. Symptoms generally resolve spontaneously after stopping the medication. Complications include myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombocytopenic purpura and infections. (18 Jul 2002) |
| drug-induced tremor | <neurology, pharmacology> A drug-induced condition where there is shaking (tremor) of the extremities that is increased with purposeful movement. Drugs known to induce tremor include: theophylline, Alupent, cyclosporine, amphetamines, lithium and caffeine. (27 Sep 1997) |
| dyskinesia, drug-induced | Abnormal movements induced as an adverse reaction of drug therapy. One particular movement disorder is the "on-off" effect. Tardive dyskinesia differs from akathisia, drug-induced in the repetitive nature of the movements rather than being associated with anxiety, restlessness, and agitation found in akathisia. (12 Dec 1998) |
| vitamin a deficiency | A nutritional condition produced by a deficiency of vitamin a in the diet, characterised by night blindness and other ocular manifestations such as dryness of the conjunctiva and later of the cornea (xerophthalmia). Vitamin a deficiency is a very common problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries as a consequence of famine or shortages of vitamin a-rich foods. In the united states it is found among the urban poor, the elderly, alcoholics, and patients with malabsorption. (12 Dec 1998) |
| vitamin B12 deficiency | A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). (27 Sep 1997) |
| vitamin b 12 deficiency | A nutritional condition produced by a deficiency of vitamin b 12 in the diet, characterised by megaloblastic anaemia. Since vitamin b 12 is not present in plants, humans have obtained their supply from animal products, from multivitamin supplements in the form of pills, and as additives to food preparations. A wide variety of neuropsychiatric abnormalities is also seen in vitamin b 12 deficiency and appears to be due to an undefined defect involving myelin synthesis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| vitamin B6 deficiency | Member of the water soluble B vitamin group. Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, is active in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is also a necessary part of haemoglobin synthesis. B6 deficiency results in retarded growth and a peripheral neuropathy. (27 Sep 1997) |