Instructed in Novolin 70/30 to manage diabetes. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Adverse effects usually occur during the first few week of therapy. Generally, these effects diminish over time.
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.
Instructed to perform oral inhalation correctly: Shake the inhaler. Clear nasal passages and throat. Breathe out, expelling as much air from lungs as possible. Place mouthpiece well into mouth as dose from inhaler is released and inhale deeply. Hold breath for several seconds, remove mouthpiece and exhale slowly. Or, inhaler may be held about 1 inch (two finger widths) from open mouth; inhale while dose is released.
Instructed in new medication Tylenol to manage mild pain or fever. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as hemolytuc anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, liver damage, jaundice, hypoglycemia, rash and urticaria. Consult prescriber before giving drug to children younger than age 2. Tylenol is only for short-term use. Consult prescriber if it is given to children for longer than 5 days or adults for longer than 10 days. Instructed not to use for marked fever (higher than 103.1 F), fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent fever unless it is directed by prescriber. Warned that high doses or unsupervised long-term use can cause hepatic damage. Excessive ingestion of alcohol may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Breast-feeding women: acetaminophen appears in breast milk in low levels (less than 1% of dose). Drug may be used safely if therapy is short-term and does not exceed recommended doses.
Instructed in new medication Glucovance to improve glycemic control in patients with type-two diabetes whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled with diet and exercise alone. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, or upper respiratory tract infection. Instructed to take one daily with breakfast and, if twice daily, then at breakfast and dinner. Stop drug and tell prescriber of unexplained hyperventilation, myalgia, malaise, unusual somnolence, or other symptoms of early lactic acidosis. GI symptoms are common with initial drug therapy but GI symptoms that occur after prolonged therapy may be related to lactic acidosis or other serious disease and should be reported promptly. Instructed not to take any other drugs, including OTC drugs, without checking with prescriber.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
Instructed in new medication: Zocor, ordered to manage cholesterol levels and in S/E such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, etc.