Mevac LSD

Indications

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Yellow fever
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Rotavirus

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific vaccine guidelines for paediatric dosing.

Adults: Refer to specific vaccine guidelines for adult dosing.

Mechanism of action

Attenuated vaccines work by mimicking a natural infection. The weakened pathogen replicates in the body, stimulating the immune system to produce a response against it, which includes the activation of T-cells and the production of antibodies. This prepares the immune system to recognize and fight off the pathogen if exposed in the future.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of attenuated vaccines involve the interaction of the attenuated pathogen with the host's immune system. Upon administration, the vaccine induces both humoral (antibody-mediated) and cell-mediated immunity. This leads to the development of memory cells that ensure a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen.

Pharmacokinetics

Attenuated vaccines are generally administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The pharmacokinetics are characterized by the distribution of the vaccine components within the body, with the attenuated organisms replicating locally and inducing an immune response. The onset of immunity typically occurs within weeks, and the duration of immunity can vary depending on the specific vaccine.

Contra-indications

• Severe immunodeficiency
• Pregnant women (specific live attenuated vaccines)
• Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components

Adverse effects

• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
• Low-grade fever
• Malaise
• Rash
• Rare neurological complications (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome)

Interactions

• Immunosuppressive agents (may reduce vaccine efficacy)
• Blood products (may interfere with immune response to vaccine)
• Other live vaccines (timing may affect immune response)

Precautions

• History of allergic reactions to previous vaccinations
• Presence of active infections
• Chronic illnesses that may affect immune response

Pregnancy

Live attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Most live attenuated vaccines are considered safe during breastfeeding, but caution and consultation with a healthcare provider are advised.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Formulations

• Injectable suspension
• Oral suspension
• Lyophilized powder for reconstitution

Indications

• Infectious diseases
• Chronic diseases
• Autoimmune disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Genetic disorders
• Neoplastic diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory diseases
• Neurological diseases

Dosage

Children: Dosage for pediatric patients is also highly variable and dependent on the specific disease and treatment. Refer to pediatric dosing guidelines for accurate information.

Adults: Dosage varies greatly depending on the specific disease and treatment regimen. Consult specific guidelines or clinical references for detailed dosing information.

Mechanism of action

The mechanisms of action for diseases vary widely depending on the specific disease being considered. For instance, infectious diseases may involve the mechanism of action of pathogens like bacteria or viruses, which can disrupt normal cellular functions, evade the immune response, or induce inflammatory processes. Chronic diseases may involve complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that lead to dysregulation of physiological processes.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics in the context of diseases refers to how disease processes alter the responses of the body to pharmacological agents. For example, in infectious diseases, the presence of pathogens can lead to changes in immune response, while in chronic diseases such as hypertension, changes in vascular responsiveness occur. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics in relation to diseases involves how the body affects a drug's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the presence of disease states. For example, liver disease can impair drug metabolism, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. Renal disease can affect drug clearance, necessitating dosage adjustments.

Pregnancy

Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on use during pregnancy, as risks may vary depending on the specific drug.

Breast-feeding

Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on use during breastfeeding, as excretion in breast milk may vary depending on the specific drug.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Indications

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Yellow fever
• Rotavirus
• Intranasal influenza

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information based on age and vaccine type.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing information, as it can vary by vaccine type and brand.

Mechanism of action

Live vaccines work by introducing a weakened or attenuated form of a pathogen into the body. This stimulates the immune system to recognize and respond to the pathogen, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term protection against future infections by the same pathogen.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of live vaccines involve the activation of both humoral and cellular immunity. Following vaccination, the immune system generates a robust response, including the production of specific antibodies and the activation of T cells that can recognize and eliminate infected cells. This dual action helps establish long-term immunity.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of live vaccines vary depending on the specific vaccine. Generally, the vaccine is administered via injection, allowing the live attenuated organisms to enter the bloodstream. The immune response typically begins within days and can last for years, depending on the vaccine. Live vaccines are usually stored under refrigeration to maintain their viability, and they should be administered within their expiration dates.

Interactions

• livevaccines + abrocitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + baricitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + filgotinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + dexrazoxane: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + iron chelators: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + ozanimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + ponesimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + siponimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + upadacitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
• livevaccines + diroximelfumarate: Moderate (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))

Dosage

Children: Specific dosing information is not available. Refer to relevant clinical guidelines or pharmacological literature for appropriate dosing regimens.

Adults: Specific dosing information is not available. Refer to relevant clinical guidelines or pharmacological literature for appropriate dosing regimens.

Indications

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Skin infections
• Acne
• Skin cancer
• Warts
• Fungal infections
• Burns
• Ulcers

Mechanism of action

Skin does not have a specific pharmacological mechanism of action, as it is a biological organ rather than a pharmaceutical compound. However, in the context of drug treatments for skin conditions, active ingredients may interact with skin cells, modulate inflammatory pathways, or influence the skin barrier function to alleviate symptoms or heal conditions.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics related to skin treatments involves understanding how active pharmaceutical ingredients affect skin physiology. This can include anti-inflammatory actions, antimicrobial effects, or modulation of skin cell turnover. The dynamics may vary depending on the specific condition being treated, such as eczema, psoriasis, or infections.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics for drugs affecting the skin involves absorption through the epidermis, distribution in the skin layers, metabolism by local enzymes, and excretion. Factors influencing pharmacokinetics include the formulation of the drug (e.g., cream, ointment), the condition of the skin (e.g., integrity, hydration), and the presence of occlusive dressings.

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Limited data available; exercise caution.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Indications

• Influenza
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B and C
• Herpes simplex virus infections
• Cytomegalovirus infections
• COVID-19
• Respiratory syncytial virus infections

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific antiviral agents for dosing guidance.

Adults: Refer to specific antiviral agents for dosing guidance.

Mechanism of action

Viruses infect host cells by attaching to specific receptors on the cell surface. Once inside, they hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce viral proteins. New viral particles are assembled and released from the host cell, often destroying the cell in the process. The specific mechanism can vary depending on the virus type, including integration into the host genome in retroviruses or utilizing specific pathways for replication.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of antiviral agents depend on the specific virus and the mechanism of action. Antiviral drugs may inhibit viral entry into host cells, block viral replication, or prevent the assembly of new virions. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy often relates to the stage of viral replication and the immune response of the host.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics of antiviral drugs varies widely based on the specific medication used. Generally, antiviral agents are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. They may undergo hepatic metabolism and are often excreted through the kidneys. The half-life of these drugs can range from a few hours to several days, influencing dosing schedules.