medication management
Medications
Instructed in new medication Temazepam to manage insomnia. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, disturbed coordination, daytime sedation, confusion, nightmares, vertigo, euphoria, weakness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, depression, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, physical and psychological dependence. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Caution when performing activities that require mental alertness or physical coordination. Instructed not to discontinue drug abruptly if it is taken for 1 month or longer.
Instructed in new medication Amitriptyline to manage depression. In additon, warned of possible S/E such as coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, ataxia, tremor, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, extrapyramidal reactions, MI, stroke, arrhythmias, heart block, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, ECG changes, hypertension, edema, blurred vision, tinnitus, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, epigastric distress, diarrhea, constipation, paralytic ileum, urine retention, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, diaphoresis and hypersensitivity reaction. Instructed to take full dose at bedtime but warned patient of possible morning orthostatic hypotension. Avoid alcohol during drug therapy. Consult MD before taking other medications. Avoid activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Drowsiness and dizziness usually subside after a few weeks. Dry mouth may be relieved with sugarless hard candy or gum. Saliva substitutes may be needed. Instructed to use a sun block, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. To prevent photosensitivity reactions. Do not stop drug therapy abruptly.
Instructed in new medication Aspirin to manage rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, GI distress, occult bleeding, dyspepsia, GI bleeding, leukopenia, hepatitis, rash, urticaria and others.
Instructed in new medication Atenolol to manage hypertension. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as fatigue, lethargy, vertigo, drowsiness, dizziness, fever, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, intermittent claudication, nausea, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, increased risk of developing type-two diabetes, dyspnea, bronchospasm, rash and leg pain. Instructed to take drug exactly as prescribed at the same time every day. Do not stop drug suddenly but do call prescriber if unpleasant adverse reactions occur. If pulse rate is below 60 beats/minute, stop taking drug and call prescriber. Women: notify prescriber if pregnancy occurs. Drug usage might be discontinued.
Instructed in new medication Atorvastatin to reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, asthenia, insomnia, peripheral edema, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, bronchitis, rash, infection, flu-like syndrome, and allergic reaction.
Instructed in new medication Synthroid and in S/E such as nervousness, insomnia, tremor, headache, fever, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, angina pectoris, cardiac arrest, diarrhea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, weight loss, allergic skin reactions, diaphoresis or heat intolerance.
Instructed in new medication Metaproterenol sulfate, to manage bronchial asthma. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as vertigo, headache, nervousness, dry and irritated throat, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, etc.
Instructed in new medication Levaquin to manage infection. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, encephalopathy, chest pain, palpitations, vasodilation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, vaginitis, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, back pain, tendon rupture, rash, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions, etc. Instructed to take drug as prescribed, even if signs and symptoms disappear. Take drug with plenty of fluids and avoid antacids, sucralfate, and products containing iron or zinc for at least 2 hours before and after each dose. Avoid excessive sunlight, use sun block, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Stop drug usage and notify prescriber if rash or other S/S of hypersensitivity develop. Notify prescriber if patient experiences pain or inflammation. Tendon rupture can occur with drug. Instructed to Diabetic patient to monitor glucose level and notify prescriber if a hypoglycemia reaction occurs. Notify prescriber if loose stools or diarrhea occurs.
Instructed in new medication Bactroban to manage wound care. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, rhinitis, pharyngitis, burning or stinging with intranasal use, taste perversion, upper respiratory tract congestion, cough with intranasal use, burning pruritis, stinging, rash, pain, and erythema with topical use. Instructed to notify prescriber immediately if no improvement occurs in 3 to 5 days or if condition worsens. Advised not to use other nasal products with Bactroban. Warned patient about local adverse reactions related to drug use. Advised not to use cosmetics or other skin products on treated area.
Instructed in new medication Albuterol to prevent or treat bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as tremor, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, hyperactivity, weakness, CNS stimulation, malaise, tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, dry and irritated nose and throat (with inhaled form), nasal congestion, epistaxis, hoarseness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bad taste in mouth, increased appetite, hypokalemia, muscle cramps, bronchospasm, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchitis, increased sputum or hypersensitivity reactions. Warned patient about possibility of paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, discontinue drug immediately. If more than one inhalation is ordered, instructed to wait at least 2 minutes before repeating procedure. Use of an aero chamber may improve drug delivery to the lungs. If steroid inhaler used, advised to use the bronchodilator first and then advised to wait about 5 minutes before using the steroid. This allows the bronchodilator to open the air passages for maximum effectiveness. Advised to remove canister and wash inhaler with warm, soapy water at least once a week.