Fixed-dose

Fixed-dose combination (FDC) is a term used in pharmacology to describe a medication that includes two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) combined in a single dosage form. The purpose of FDCs is to improve patient compliance and simplify complex medication regimens, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

History

The concept of FDCs has been around for many years, with the first known FDC being a combination of aspirin, phenacetin, and caffeine marketed in 1888. Since then, the use of FDCs has expanded to include a wide range of medications for various conditions.

Advantages

FDCs offer several advantages over separate dosage forms. They can improve patient compliance by reducing the number of pills a patient needs to take. This is particularly important in the management of chronic diseases, where long-term adherence to medication regimens is crucial for successful treatment. FDCs can also simplify complex medication regimens, making it easier for patients to understand and follow their treatment plan.

Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, FDCs also have some disadvantages. They may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with unique dosage requirements or those who are sensitive to one of the APIs in the combination. FDCs can also make it more difficult to adjust the dosage of individual APIs, which can be a problem if a patient's condition changes or if they experience side effects.

Examples

There are many examples of FDCs in use today. Some of the most common include:

• Antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS, which often involves a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs.
• Treatment for tuberculosis, which typically involves a combination of four antibiotics.
• Antimalarial drugs, which often include a combination of an artemisinin-based compound and a partner drug.

See also

• Pharmacology
• Drug combination
• Polypharmacy

Fixed-dose Resources
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