Carvacrol-Loaded Nanoemulsion Promotes Tocolytic and Anti-Dysmenorrhea Effects in Rodents.

INTRODUCTION: Carvacrol is a phenolic constituent of essential oils that has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. METHOD: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro spasmolytic and in vivo anti-dysmenorrhea potential of a nanoemulsion-containing carvacrol (nanoCARV). RESULTS: In isolated rat uterus, nanoCARV reduced spontaneous contractions (pEC50 = 3.91 ± 0.25) and relaxed preparations pre-contracted with oxytocin (pEC50 = 3.78 ± 0.2), carbachol (pEC50 = 4.15 ± 0.4), prostaglandin F2α (pEC50 = 3.00 ± 0.36), and KCl (pEC50 = 3.98 ± 0.32). The investigation of the mechanism of action revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the pEC50 values of nanoCARV in the absence or presence of aminophylline or tetraethylammonium. In a primary dysmenorrhea model, treatment with nanoCARV reduced the number of oxytocin-induced abdominal writhes. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the anti-dysmenorrhea effect of nanoCARV may be related to the relaxation of uterine smooth muscle, with participation of the cAMP signaling pathway and potassium channels.

[Assessment of the clinical efficacy and safety of epinastine plus pseudoephedrine vs loratadine plus pseudoephedrine in perennial allergic rhinitis]. / Evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad clínica de epinastina más pseudoefedrina vs loratadina más pseudoefedrina en rinitis alérgica perenne.

BACKGROUND: Several drugs for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis and its symptoms have been investigated since some years ago. These drugs are: steroidal-type immunoregulators, immunotherapy and antihistamines. Because of first generation of the last ones originated several side effects, pharmacological research was oriented to the search of formulas with the same of higher efficacy, but with fewer effects on central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of epinastine 10 mg plus pseudoephedrine 120 mg vs loratadine 5 mg plus pseudoephedrine 120 mg, twice a day, in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative, random, open, prospective, longitudinal and multicenter study was made in 62 patients with an average age of 26.17 +/- 9.75 years (13-56 years) with diagnosis of perennial allergic rhinitis, who attended to external consultation of the different departments of allergy of the participant institutions. All patients were submitted to: complete clinical history, physical exploration, measurement of vital signs, nasal exploration, qualification of allergic symptoms and record of daily symptoms. Moreover, washout during a week and pharmacological treatment was given during two weeks. Symptoms referred by patient and findings of physical exploration during the different visits, as well as rhinoscopic findings, were assessed by a scale of five parameters of rhinitis. Tolerance grade of drugs was assessed based on frequency and severity of side effects. RESULTS: According to the basal clinical assessment symptoms qualification of patients of groups of epinastine and loratadine was of 9.12 +/- 2.78 and 7.90 +/- 2.7, respectively. Seven side effects appeared: three cases of somnolence, one of sickness and one of anxiety in patients of group of loratadine and one case of somnolence and one of dysmenorrhea in the subjects of group of epinestine. Although it did not have statistically significant difference, it is clinically important for patients. Frequency of side effects was higher in the loratadine group. CONCLUSION: Both drugs are efficient for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.

[Contraception with implanted gestagens]. / Kontraception ved implanterede gestagener.

PIP: 990 women, 18-35 years of age, underwent subcutaneous silastic implants of levonorgestrel (N = 492) and norgestrionone (N = 498). These patients were compared to 402 women who used the Copper-T 200 IUD. Control examinations were performed 1,3,6,9, and 12 months after contraceptive use began. There were 3 pregnancies in the levo-norgestrel group which occurred during the first 4 months of contraceptive use. There were 17 pregnancies in the norgestrionone group, which occurred toward the end of the contraceptive use period. Menstrual bleeding disorders were the most frequent reasons for discontinuing subcutaneous implant use and occurred more often among the levo-norgestrel patients (generally metrorrhagia and menorrhagia). There were 4 pregnancies among the IUD patients. The continuation rate for the levo-norgestrel group was 74.6%; for the norgestrionone users 79.9%; and for the IUD users 81.1%. Anemia and changes in blood pressure were not observed among the subcutaneous implant patients. IUD patients showed no weight gain, while the subcutaneous implant patients gained on an average 1 kg.^ieng