Homeopathy employs the principle of therapeutic similitude as a method of treatment.
Primary action of drugs is followed by secondary and opposite reaction of the organism.
This secondary and opposite reaction of the organism is namely the rebound effect of drugs.
Homeopathy employs the rebound effect of drugs in a therapeutic way.
| Primary action (therapeutic effect) of modern drugs | Secondary action (rebound effect or paradoxical reaction) of the body |
|---|---|
| Hypotension action (α–2 agonists, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, nitrates, sodium nitroprusside and hydralazine) | Paradoxical arterial hypertension |
| Antithrombotic action (argatroban, bezafibrate, heparin, salicylates, warfarin and clopidogrel) | Rebound thromboembolism |
| Antianginal action (nitrates, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers) Antiarrhythmic action (adenosine, amiodarone, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, disopyramide, flecainide, lidocaine, mexiletine, moricizine and procainamide) | Paradoxical increase of frequency and/or intensity of angina pectoris |
| Rebound exacerbation of basal arrhythmia after discontinuation or withdrawal of drug | Pleiotropic (vasoprotective) action (statins) |
| Anxiolytic action (barbiturates, benzodiazepines and carbamates) | Paradoxical endothelial dysfunction Rebound anxiety |
| Sedative-hypnotic action (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, morphine, promethazine and zopiclone) | Paradoxical increased of agitation, nervousness, restlessness and irritability |
| Antidepressant action (tricyclic, MAO inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, | Rebound increase of depressive symptoms |
| Antipsychotic action (clozapine, phenothiazines, haloperidol and pimozide) | Paradoxical exacerbation of psychotic manifestations |
| Primary action (therapeutic effect) of modern drugs | Secondary action (rebound effect or paradoxical reaction) of the body |
|---|---|
| Antidyspeptic action (antacids, H2 antagonists, misoprostol, sucralfate, and protons pump inhibitors) | Paradoxical increase in the production of hydrochloric acid and gastrin |
| Bronchodilator action (short- and long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists, sodium cromoglycate, ipratropium and nedocromil, | Rebound bronchoconstriction |
| Analgesic action (caffeine, calcium channels blockers, clonidine, ergotamine, methy-sergide, opiates and salicylates) | Paradoxical hyperalgesia after discontinuation or withdrawal of drug |
| Anti-inflammatory action (steroids, ibuprofen, indomethacin, paracetamol, and salicylates) | Rebound increase of inflammation |
| Diuretic action (furosemide, torasemide and triamterene) | Paradoxical retention of sodium and potassium with consequent increase of blood volume and arterial pressure |
| Antiresorptive action (bisphosphonates, denosumab and odanacatib) | Rebound increase of osteoclastic activity causing paradoxical atypical fractures |
| Immunomodulatory action (glucocorticoids, interferon, recombinant monoclonal antibodies, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors) | Paradoxical effects on the inflammatory and immune response of drugs |
