Self-Medication for the Treatment of Abdominal Cramps and Pain-A Real-Life Comparison of Three Frequently Used Preparations.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are frequently handled by self-management with over-the-counter (OTC) products such as hyoscine butylbromide (HBB), alone or in combination with paracetamol, and natural products such as peppermint oil. To obtain real-world information, we have performed an anonymous pharmacy-based patient survey among 1686 users of HBB, HBB + paracetamol, and peppermint oil. Based on the distinct but overlapping indications for the three OTC products, multiple logistic regression was applied to compare them in users reporting gastrointestinal cramps and pain, bloating, flatulence, or IBS as cardinal symptoms.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind and Open-Label Studies in the Treatment and Prevention of Acute Diarrhea With SF68.

SF68® (SF68) is a licensed pharmaceutical for treatment and prevention of diarrhea in Austria, Italy and Switzerland. However, as for other probiotics, evidence for its efficacy is based on small to medium-sized studies. Four unpublished studies on the treatment of acute diarrhea and the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea were analyzed: one randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) for treatment ( = 1,143), one open-label study for treatment ( = 5,093), one RCT for prevention ( = 1,397) and one open-label study for prevention ( = 4,340).

Effect of Caffeine on the Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of an Acetylsalicylic Acid-Paracetamol Combination: Results of a Phase I Study.

Introduction: Caffeine is used as an adjuvant in analgesic combinations to enhance their efficacy. The present study aimed to determine the effect of caffeine on the pharmacokinetics of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and paracetamol when used as a fixed-dose ASA/paracetamol/caffeine combination.

Methods: In this single-centre, two-way, cross-over phase I study, volunteers fasted overnight (≥ 12 h) and randomly received single oral doses of 250 mg ASA/200 mg paracetamol (reference) or 250 mg ASA/200 mg paracetamol/50 mg caffeine (test).

Abdominal pain, cramping or discomfort impairs quality of life in women: An internet-based observational pilot study focussing on impact of treatment.

 Abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort (APCD) are experienced by up to 30 % of adults in Europe.  To assess the impact of APCD on quality of life (QoL) and to investigate the effectiveness, tolerability, and impact on QoL of hyoscine butylbromide (HBB, Buscopan) compared with STW 5 (Iberogast) or analgesics in women with APCD.  An internet-based observational pilot study was conducted in Germany in women who had predominantly used HBB, STW 5, or analgesics (n = 240 per treatment) to treat APCD.

Investigation of Model Sunscreen Formulations Comparing the Sun Protection Factor, the Universal Sun Protection Factor and the Radical Formation Ratio.

In view of globally rising skin cancer rates and harmful effects exerted by sunlight throughout the ultraviolet, visible and infrared ranges, an objective, safe and comprehensive method for determining sunscreen efficacy is required in order to warrant safe sun exposure. In this study, the influence of characteristic active ingredients (chemical filters, physical filters and antioxidants) on different sunscreen indicators, including the universal sun protection factor and the radical formation ratio, was determined and compared to their influence on sun protection factor values. Spectroscopic universal sun protection factor measurements were conducted ex vivo by analyzing tape strips taken from human skin, and radical formation ratio determination was performed via electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy using porcine ear skin ex vivo.