heart healthy diet
Medications
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 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.
SN educated pt on Simvastatin. Simvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Instructed in new medication Toprol and in S/E such as fatigue, dizziness, depression, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, AV block, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea and rash.
Instructed in new medication Bextra to manage osteoarthritis. In addition. warned of possible S/E such as dizziness, headache, cerebrovascular disorder, peripheral edema, hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure, aneurysm, sinusitis, abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, renal impairment, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, hepatitis, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperkalemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, increased or decreased weight, back pain, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchospasm, rash, flu-like syndrome, accidental injury.
Instructed in new medication Prednisone and in S/E such as euphoria, insomnia, psychotic behavior, vertigo, headache, paresthesia, seizures, pseudotumor cerebri, heart failure, hypertension, edema, arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulceration, GI irritation, increased appetite, pancreatitis, nausea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, increased urine calcium levels, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, carbohydrate intolerance, growth suppression in children, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, hirsutism, delayed wound healing, acne and various skin eruptions.
Instructed in new medication Actos to improve glycemic control. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, edema, heart failure, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tooth disorder, anemia, hypoglycemia (with combination therapy), aggravated diabetes mellitus, weight gain, myalgia and upper respiratory tract infection.
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 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 possible adverse reactions to Verapamil, including, dizziness, headache, fatigue, intermittent decrease in B/P and heart rate, nausea, and constipation.