US names for medications

[Whisper]

Does any one know a good web site for figuring out US medications?

I was reading a thread on the CCU page, and keep finding that I have to try googling the drugs, to find their 'official' names. Just so I can understand the disscussion

I know that in the UK, that there have been problems making the switch from British standard names, to European, but throwing in American brand names seem to make it more difficult.

I had no idea Glucophage was actually metformin! and some others I need to google later.

So... I just wondered if there was a sticky thread anywhere with a list of US names and UK names, or any one had any web sites.

If there isn't a sticky thread, could we arrange one? I'm sure it would be a great resource, and if we all put our heads together it wouldn't take long to make a helpful list (obviously not the size of the BNF) but large enough to help people naviagate the discussion on these boards?

Whisper

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Co codamol is more used now. DF118's didn't bother me but give me 2 co codamol and it made me feel ill

[barrjan]

I meant that we had Df118 in the trolley. We used Co codamol, and Co dyramol. If they were given as TTO's they were not allowed to have a repeat prescription, but over here you can get refills, it's no wonder that people get addicted.

[LMPhilbric]

Hi, Sharrie,

We do use tramadol here. It goes by the trade name Ultram. It can also be called Ultracet when it's combined with acetaminophen (paracetamol). I used to use these names in Canada, but it's been so long...lol.

[Sister Fox]

Thank you for that, everyone! I have a forum for people who are going to have or have had hip and knee replacements and we have a lot of US members. Their drugs make my head spin! This info will be very helpful.

No, DF118 are very rarely prescribed here because there are better analgesics available with lower side effect profiles.

You do get the odd patient who is admitted who has been on the drug for years and years and are notoriously difficult to manage pain control

Can you give me any more info on that, sharrie? I have a sister who has been on DF118-plus for about 20+ yrs for an old back injury and recently had two knees replaced. She got almost zero relief either from the PCA or the ora-morph and staff thought she was either a secret addict or faking it! Would be nice to know about it as she is soon to have her hip done!

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

Thank you for that, everyone! I have a forum for people who are going to have or have had hip and knee replacements and we have a lot of US members. Their drugs make my head spin! This info will be very helpful.

Can you give me any more info on that, sharrie? I have a sister who has been on DF118-plus for about 20+ yrs for an old back injury and recently had two knees replaced. She got almost zero relief either from the PCA or the ora-morph and staff thought she was either a secret addict or faking it! Would be nice to know about it as she is soon to have her hip done!

I think the main problem with long term DF118 use is the dependency and tolerance issues that build up. This means that post op increase analgesia may be required.

I am obviously not allowed to give any medical advice here, but in the UK your sister should have access to chronic pain services in her area and when in hospital the acute pain team, it may be worth getting in touch before admission to discuss the issues and the ineffective analgesia during her last admission.

Also take a look at this BMJ article about recent advances in chronic pain management

[Sister Fox]

Thank you for that - most helpful. I did get our pain team involved but even they seemed to be swayed by the ward staff's bias! I have a suspicion that some of the attitude was because I worked in the hospital! Great, huh?

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

Thank you for that - most helpful. I did get our pain team involved but even they seemed to be swayed by the ward staff's bias! I have a suspicion that some of the attitude was because I worked in the hospital! Great, huh?

That's really dissapointing. Do your acute pain nurses deal with the chronic pain as well, ours are seperate

[Sister Fox]

Yep! Not the best place in the world for nursing standards but the surgery is par excellance which was why I worked there.

[scootergirl1]

Hi,

I use a site called epocrates (I am in the States). I have the information on my treo. Both brand and generic names are listed. The site is totally awesome. Most of the ER docs use the site. It's updated frequently with all kinds of info ... interactions, adverse effects etc. Check it out. There is a free trial.

[haitham abo majed]

very good

[jordan nurse]

Does any one know a good web site for figuring out US medications?

I was reading a thread on the CCU page, and keep finding that I have to try googling the drugs, to find their 'official' names. Just so I can understand the disscussion

I know that in the UK, that there have been problems making the switch from British standard names, to European, but throwing in American brand names seem to make it more difficult.

I had no idea Glucophage was actually metformin! and some others I need to google later.

So... I just wondered if there was a sticky thread anywhere with a list of US names and UK names, or any one had any web sites.

If there isn't a sticky thread, could we arrange one? I'm sure it would be a great resource, and if we all put our heads together it wouldn't take long to make a helpful list (obviously not the size of the BNF) but large enough to help people naviagate the discussion on these boards?

Whisper

hi

how are you

i just sign up to this site but icant use it it seemed difficult to me

iam studing nursing

[kcalohagirl]

Am I an awful nurse because I live in the US, and I've had patients that were prescribed certain meds (Acetaminophen) and the docs said they wouldn't give anything stronger, and I told the patients they were getting paracetomol, and they were perfectly content?