constipation
Medications
SN instructed patient on medication Torsemide. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and edema ( fluid retention, excess fluid held in body tissues ) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, or liver disease. In addition to taking this medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking and using alcohol in moderation. To help you remember to take torsemide, take it around the same time every day. Torsemide controls high blood pressure and edema but does not cure these conditions. SN instructed to patient to continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor. Common side effects of Torsemide includes: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, excessive urination, constipation
, headache and nausea.
Lovastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Lovastatin is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, it may interact with lovastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking lovastatin. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lovastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Common side effects may include: constipation
, stomach pain; muscle cramps; or headache. You can lower your Cholesterol by avoiding alcohol and avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, You can add soluble fiber to your diet by eating oats and fruits, beans, lentils, and vegetables. Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity.
SN instructed patient and care giver to take Carafate (sucralfate) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal and avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take Carafate. Side effects of Carafate include: nausea, vomiting, GI upset/pain, constipation
, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, drowsiness or headache.
Lactulose is an ammonia reducer and laxative. It can treat constipation
. It can also treat liver disease. Possible s/e If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Gas or burping, Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, Stomach pain or cramps.
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. This medicine is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Common side effects may include heartburn, upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
, bone pain, or muscle or joint pain. SN instructed pt to report if she experiences any of these s/sx. Pt voiced understanding.
SN instructed patient/ caregiver about Baclofen.That it is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent. SN instructed to Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to baclofen such as: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: weak or shallow breathing; confusion, hallucinations; or a seizure (convulsions). Common baclofen side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tired feeling; headache; sleep problems (insomnia); nausea, constipation
; or urinating more often than usual.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on common side effects of Amitiza include: diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Other side effects include: urinary tract infection, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, dizziness, peripheral edema, sinusitis, vomiting, and flatulence.
Metolazone is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. Metolazone is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Possible side effects to be aware of include low potassium, headache, constipation
, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on SIMVASTATIN. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. High blood cholesterol is first treated with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering medications such as Simvastatin can be added. Simvastatin is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. Minor side effects of Simvastatin include constipation
, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, and headache. Major side effects of Simvastatin include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
SN educated on medication Escitalopram. This medication is used to treat depression in adults and children and teenagers 12 years or older. Escitalopram is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life for 6 months or longer) in adults. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Escitalopram may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation
, changes in sex drive or ability, drowsiness, increased sweating, dizziness, heartburn, stomach pain, excessive tiredness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, weight loss, flu-like symptoms, runny nose, sneezing. Tell your doctor if any of those symptoms are severe or do not go away.