Is it ok for the nurse to recommend OTC drugs to a patient?

[Blackheartednurse]

Ok so one of my patients has suffers from constipation and is it ok to recommend him laxative OTC drugs like Metamucil or MOM?

[TonyaM73, ASN, RN]

For constipation I give them warm prune juice, prunes or use what we make "fruit butter". All natural and it shows the patient that it is not just "pills" that can help them, but a better diet and being aware of what is in your diet. (This just happend this week actually. The lady had her son bring in some prunes and she finally started going after 2 days.) I would never recomend any medication either over the counter or prescribed, that's the doctor's job. You never know, without going into a complete history and knowing all of the interactions what could happen with a patient even if it is JUST an aspirin.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i tend to recommend natural type remedies like dried fruit or prune juice for constipation or lots of water and a brisk walk. or for head cold symptoms warm fluids and chicken soup (i'm a firm believer in chicken soup). As others have said - tread lightly with pharmaceuticals.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

Like mentioned before, in North Carolina an RN can recommend the use of OTC and herbal/dietary supplements (I practice in NC too). Many people have posted valid reasons as to why they defer the patient to the doctor which is a good way to protect yourself. But to answer the question, yes you can recommend (If allowed in your state), but you need to make sure that you understand everything about the drug/supplement that you are recommending, and you need to know the patient's medical history. That is why in NC, only the RN can recommend OTC and herbal drugs, and the LPN can not. The RN is expected to have the knowledge and professional judgement needed to make these recommendations safely. Also, the RN should have the knowledge and judgement to know when they should defer to the MD instead of making the recommendation themselves (ex. renal or liver impairment, children, elderly, etc.). Of course if your nurse practice act allows you to make these recommendations, and you feel comfortable doing so, you should always recommend that they speak with their doctor about it. Just to protect yourself. And remember, you are recommending the use of these products, not prescribing.

May I also suggest that all nurses consider purchasing an herbal drug guide. I know my nursing school never went into herbal supplements very often and there are many herbs out there that people use on a daily basis without knowing it. Sesame, poppy, garlic, etc. And all the herbal teas that people drink. Many of these may diminish or potentiate the action of many drugs, or have other serious adverse interactions. A good herbal drug guide is nice to have around.