high-blood-press
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Bystolic. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Bystolic is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient that the side effects of this medication includes: headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, slow heartbeat and trouble sleeping. SN instructed patient / caregiver that if any of these effects persist or worsen, to notify physician.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Furosemide. SN informed patient that Furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure and it causes increased urination. SN instructed patient to watch out for side effects of this medication such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, and numbness / burning / tingly feeling and to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing these side effects persistently. SN informed that Lasix may deplete potassium in the body, thus needing potassium supplement or increased potassium intake ( oranges, bananas ). SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences vomiting, fast / uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness or increased weakness, muscle pains, or urinating less or not at all.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Lipitor. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lipitor is a medication that reduces levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol ( HDL ). SN explained that this medication is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complication in people with type 2 diabetes. SN informed patient / caregiver that patient should eat low cholesterol diet and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking lipitor because it increase risk of liver damage. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects to watch out for are unexplained muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine, swelling urinating less than usual and weight gain. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report any persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metformin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that metformin is an oral anti - diabetic medication and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. SN explained that it is the first - line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people. SN explained that using metformin alone will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way food is used to make energy. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing symptoms / signs ( S / S ) of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, nervousness, sweating associated with dizziness / lightheadedness.
SN explained that the Tresiba is a long - acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults with diabetes. SN instructed about more frequents side effects of tresiba ( reactions at the injection site, itching, rash, allergic reactions , skin thickening or pits at the injection site ( lipodystrophy ), weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet, among others). SN oriented to notify the doctor if any of these side effects are severe. SN instructed that the insulin dose may need to change because of change in level of physical activity or exercise, increased stress, change in diet, weight gain or loss, or illness.
SN instructed patient on new medication Cholestyramine: This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels, patient verbalized understanding.
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.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
SN instructed patient on Nifedipine. You can take nifedipine before or after meals. Do not bite, chew or break the tablets/capsules. When you first start taking nifedipine you may get a headache or feel flushed. These symptoms usually go after a few days.