Patient instructed Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Labs will need to be drawn routinely to check effectiveness & dose may need to be changed. Patient instructed to take this medication 30min. before breakfast & all other meds. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole, with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The tablet may dissolve very quickly and could swell in your throat. Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: grapefruit juice, infant soy formula, soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.
Patient instructed Duloxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It is also used to treat general generalized anxiety disorder. It is also used in adults to treat fibromyalgia (a chronic pain disorder), or chronic muscle or joint pain (such as low back pain and osteoarthritis pain). Take duloxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. You may take duloxetine with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.
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.
Patient instructed Pravastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. Instructed to follow a low fat diet to help reduce cholesterol. May take with or without food. Medication should be taken in the evening. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with pravastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on new medication Amoxicillin; It can treat infections and stomach ulcers. It comes from the penicillin family. It is ok to take food before taking amoxicillin to decrease possible stomach upset.
Colace is a laxative prescribed to treat occasional constipation, as well as constipation associated with certain medical conditions. Docusate sodium, the active ingredient in Colace, works by allowing water and fats to get into the stool. This helps soften the stool and makes the passing stool more comfortable. Your doctor may recommend stool softeners such as docusate sodium as the first method used for preventing and treating constipation.
Patient instructed on risk for internal bleeding R/T taking Warfarin. Any s/s of an internal bleed include: abdominal pain, black, tarry or bright red stool, coffee ground emesis, coughing up blood, unusual dark purple large bruising, & bloody urine. Patient should to seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
SN instructed patient/CG to seek medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Augmentin such as: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); easy bruising or bleeding; little or no urination; or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
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.
SN instructed patient/CG about proper nutrition while taking antibiotics. Taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of diarrhea, although the two should be taken a few hours apart. Probiotics can also help restore the gut bacteria after antibiotics. Fermented foods contain healthy bacteria, including Lactobacilli, which can help restore damage to the microbiota caused by antibiotics. Yogurt may also reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. High-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can help the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They should be eaten after taking antibiotics but not during, as fiber may reduce antibiotic absorption. Probiotics are foods that help the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and may help restore the gut microbiota after taking antibiotics. SN instructed also to avoid the ingestion of grapefruit and calcium-fortified foods while on antibiotics since they can affect how antibiotics are absorbed in the body.