>> Blood pressure meds linked to eye trouble
>> These pills won’t unstuff your nose
>> Pregnancy risks in a heat wave
The Med & Mic™ 09.08.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Blood Pressure Medicine Linked to Eye Problem
People taking calcium channel blockers were more likely to have glaucoma, according to a population-based study of 400,000 people in the U.K. The 39% higher odds with calcium channel blockers did not occur with other high blood pressure medicines, such as diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, or beta-blockers. Calcium channel blockers may contribute to glaucoma risk by thinning the layers of the retina and directly affecting the optic nerve, however this type of study cannot establish cause and effect. (Source: MedPage Today, R. Dotinga, 9.7.23)
FDA: OTC Decongestants Don’t Work
An FDA advisory committee has released the results of a long-running review of over-the-counter decongestants. The panel concluded that phenylephrine, the active ingredient in decongestants, taken by mouth at the recommended doses does not provide clinically significant relief. However, the agency is reluctant to remove the products from the market, because the only other oral option is pseudoephedrine, which was restricted to behind-the-counter availability in order to combat its use in the making of methamphetamine. A consumer study of 100,000 households showed half purchased OTC phenylephrine multiple times a year. The advisory panel meets on September 11 and 12 for further discussion of the issue. (Source: MedPageToday, C. Phend, 9.7.23)
Hot Temps and Pregnancy Risk
Long and short-term exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity, or life threatening conditions. These include heart attack, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart failure, stroke, blood pressure problems and eclampsia. The risks were higher for women with lower educational and socioeconomic status, and for women who became pregnant during the winter and early spring. In addition, extreme heat exposure has been associated with a risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, and stillbirth. (Source: Yahoo News, E. Donnelly, 9.7.23)
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