diarrhea
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 factors that increase the risk of diarrhea such as drug side effects, food allergies, infections, ingestion of toxins, fecal impactions, radiation, laxative abuse, stress, lactose intolerance, or diseases like cancer, diverticulosis and others.
Instructed in complication of diarrhea such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or anal excoriation. Dehydration is indicated by dry mouth, poor skin tugor, dry, flushed skin, decreased urine output, sunken eyes and weak, rapid pulse.
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 patient about factors that increase the risk of diarrhea, such as, medication side effects, food allergies, infections, ingestion of toxins, fecal contact, radiation, laxative abuse, stress, lactose intolerance, or diseases like cancer, diverticulosis, and others.
Instructed patient about complications of diarrhea, such as, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or anal excoriation.
Instructed patient to call MD if vomits or diarrhea persist for more than 6 hours.
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.