ARGOTONE ® is a drug based on vitellinate silver and ephedrine hydrochloride
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Rhinological - Nasal decongestants and other preparations for topical use
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications ARGOTONE ® Vitellinated silver and Ephedrine hydrochloride
ARGOTONE ® is used in clinical settings as a decongestant and nasal antiseptic.
Mechanism of action ARGOTONE ® Silver vitellinate and Ephedrine hydrochloride
The dual therapeutic activity of ARGOTONE ® is evidently associated with the presence of its two active principles, endowed with different mechanisms of action and therefore effective in the treatment of rhinitis characterized by congestion of the nasal mucosa.
More precisely, Ephedrine, administered via a nasal topical route, is able to guarantee a constriction of the vascular smooth muscle of the mucosa, reducing the local blood flow and therefore also the consequent edema that accompanies this condition.
All this results in an improvement in the patency of the upper respiratory tract and therefore in overcoming the obstructive symptomatology.
The vitellinized silver, on the other hand, is an organicized form of silver, therefore more suitable for topical use, I note the reduced degree of absorption of the same, and equipped with a broad-spectrum antiseptic activity, carried out by the ability to interfere with normal processes bacterial metabolic, and in particular with those that foresee the use of oxygen, increasing the oxidative level of the cell and inducing its death.
Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these active ingredients, significantly limiting their systemic absorption, reduce the incidence of potential side effects.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
NASAL AND ANGINA DECONGESTANTS
BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Mar 24; 2011. pii: bcr0620103078. doi: 10.1136 / bcr.06.2010.3078.
Browning MG, Seddon JO, Yung LT, Gough G.
Work that reveals the appearance of angina linked to the abuse of a nasal decongestant without the need for a medical prescription based on Ephedrine. These studies reaffirm the importance of always requesting a medical consultation before and during treatment.
THE EFFECTS OF THE HEPEDRINE ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE NASAL LASH
ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2008; 70 (2): 91-6. doi: 10.1159 / 000114531. Epub 2008 Apr 15.
Zhang L, Han D, Song X, Wang H, Wang K, Liu Z.
Experimental work that demonstrates how the use of Ephedrine as a nasal decongestant can determine a stimulatory effect on the movement of the nasal cilia, without altering its basic functionality.
PHARMACOKINETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF NASAL DECONGESTANTS.
J Drug Target. 2007 Jun; 15 (5): 370-7.
Charlton ST, Davis SS, Illum L.
Pharmacokinetic studies that try to characterize the best chemical formulation to reduce the degree of systemic absorption of ephedrine used as a nasal decongestant, in order to make local therapy as safe as possible, using fibers such as pectins.
Method of use and dosage
ARGOTONE ®
Nasal drops of 1 g of vitellinate silver and 0.9 g of ephedrine hydrochloride.
Always according to medical indications, it is generally recommended to instill 3 drops per nostril 2-3 times a day.
The duration of therapy should be defined by the physician based on the clinical response.
Warnings ARGOTONE ® Vitellinated silver and Ephedrine hydrochloride
Although ARGOTONE ® therapy is generally well tolerated and free of particularly serious side effects, it should be remembered that the vasoconstrictor action of Ephedrine could cause a series of side effects in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
It is also recalled that the prolonged use of this product, in addition to causing an increase in the risk of potential side effects from hypersensitivity, could evidently lead to a reduction in therapeutic efficacy.
It is recommended to keep the drug out of the reach of children, given the potential toxic effects associated with accidental ingestion of the drug.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The presence of Ephedrine in ARGOTONE ® determines the need to extend the contraindications to the use of this drug also to pregnancy and the subsequent period of breastfeeding.
Interactions
The patient receiving ARGOTONE ® should avoid the simultaneous intake of corticosteroid drugs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Contraindications ARGOTONE ® Vitellinated silver and Ephedrine hydrochloride
The use of ARGOTONE ® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism and in patients under the age of 12 years.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The use of ARGOTONE ®, especially when continued for a long time, could determine the appearance of local side effects such as hives, rash, nasal dryness and itching.
Fortunately, the incidence of severe and clinically relevant systemic side effects such as hypertension, insomnia, micturition disorders and headache is rarer.
Note
ARGOTONE ® is a non-prescription drug.
