diarrhea
Medications
SN instructed patient that Xifaxan is used for cessation of traveler's diarrhea and the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Side effects are dizziness and peripheral edema. SN instructed patient to take rifaximin as directed and to complete therapy, even if feeling better. Caution patient to stop taking rifaximin if diarrhea symptoms get worse, persist more than 24–48 hr or are accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Consult health care professional if these occur. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of medication. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
SN instructed patient about Linzess (linaclotide) which is indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. It can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea, the most common side effect, which can be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking Linzess and call your doctor asap if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with Linzess. Other common side effect may include gas, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension). Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
Instructed in new medication Cozaar and in S/E such as dizziness, asthenia, fatigue, headache, insomnia, edema, chest pain, nasal congestion, sinusitis, pharyngitis, sinus disorder, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, muscle cramps, myalgia, back or leg pain, cough, upper respiratory infection, angioedema, asthenia, fatigue, fever, hypesthesia, chest pain, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, sinusitis, cataract, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, urinary tract infection, anemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, weight gain, back pain, leg or knee pain, muscle weakness, cough, bronchitis, cellulites and others.
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.
SN advised patient to report severe diarrhea and consult healthcare professional prior to taking anti-diarrhea medicine. Other superinfection signs/symptoms should be reported as well. Patient and PCG verbalized understanding of instructions given.
SN advised patient to report severe diarrhea and consult healthcare professional prior to taking anti-diarrhea medicine while on Rocephin. Patient/PCG verbalized understanding of instructions given.
SN instructed about Pantoprazole or Protonix , it is used for short-term treatment of erosion and ulceration of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pantoprazole may also be used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori. Possible side effect / adverse reaction may include, Infection: Stomach acid plays a role in killing ingested bacteria. Use of pantoprazole may increase the chance of developing infections such as pneumonia, particularly in hospitalized patients. Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain , diarrhea , flatulence. Neurologic: headache. Serious side effect : Gastrointestinal: atrophic gastritis, clostridium difficile diarrhea; Hematologic: thrombocytopenia; Immunologic: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis; Musculoskeletal: Muscle disorders, bone fracture and infection, clostridium difficile infection, osteoporosis-related hip fracture, rhabdomyolysis; Renal: interstitial nephritis (rare), Nutrition: may reduce the absorption of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as medications.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Digoxin. Explained that Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm to treat A - fib. Explained that the side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather or by not drinking enough fluids, because Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if dehydrated, and to call 911 if overdose is suspected. Explained that the overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or objects, severe skin rash, fast / slow or uneven heartbeats, and feeling like passing out. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent side effects or adverse effects.
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.
Instructed in new medication Amoxicillin and in S/E such as lethargy, hallucinations, seizures, anxiety, confusion, agitation, depression, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, stomatitis, gastritis, abdominal pain, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, black tongue, interstitial nephritis, nephropathy, vaginitis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis, and overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms.
Notify MD if rash, fever, or chills develop. A rash is the most common allergic reaction, especially if allopurinol is also being taken.