April 2023 Archive — RXMedicin Highlights: hepatic encephalopathy, alfacalcidol, adapalene, azilsartan

April brought four focused pieces that answer practical questions about drugs and conditions you might actually run into. I’ll summarize each post and give quick takeaways so you can use the info without digging through the full articles.

Top posts this month

First up: a look at hepatic encephalopathy and sleep disturbances. Patients with liver dysfunction often report insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and sleep apnea. The post explains how cognitive changes from ammonia buildup can alter sleep cycles and why telling your clinician about new sleep problems matters. If you or a family member has liver disease, ask your provider whether sleep screening or targeted therapy could help daily function and safety.

Next: alfacalcidol and skin health. Alfacalcidol is an active vitamin D analog used in bone and calcium disorders. The write-up highlights how vitamin D action supports skin cell growth, immune defense, and inflammation control—factors that affect dryness, acne, and healing. It also notes that supplementation is useful when deficiency is confirmed, and that topical or systemic vitamin D derivatives can show benefit for certain skin problems under medical supervision.

The third post focuses on adapalene for acne on darker skin tones. Adapalene is a topical retinoid that reduces inflammation and speeds up cell turnover. The piece points out that adapalene tends to cause less irritation than older retinoids and can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when used carefully. Practical advice: start with lower frequency, use gentle moisturizers, and protect skin from sun to avoid worsening dark spots.

Finally, there’s a summary about azilsartan and blood pressure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that can lower blood pressure effectively. The post mentions that controlling hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis patients reduces cardiovascular risk and may improve wellbeing. It also recommends regular BP checks and discussing drug interactions or side effects with your rheumatologist or primary care doctor.

Quick practical takeaways

If you notice new sleep problems with liver disease, report them—sleep changes can signal worsening encephalopathy and are treatable. Check vitamin D levels before assuming supplements will fix skin issues; alfacalcidol or vitamin D therapy can help but should be guided by testing. For acne on darker skin, adapalene is often a good option—ease in, moisturize, and use sun protection. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure, consider asking about azilsartan as part of a blood pressure plan, but review all meds with your doctor.

Want the full posts? Each summary here links back to the original articles on RXMedicin for deeper reading and sources. These April pieces were written to give clear, usable facts—not to replace your clinician, but to help you ask better questions at your next appointment.