Lets play the drug of choice game

blue82 · Jul 30, 2014

klone said:
Something I recently learned...if one takes levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, you can take your entire week's worth of meds all at once, and it's just as effective.

Please explain??

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

Meaning, for those for which compliance is an issue, physicians can recommend that the person take 7 days' worth of their Synthroid once a week, and the body utilizes it just about the same as if it's taken once per day.

erinberrin, CNA · Jul 30, 2014

lol..that was a guesse..thanxs..

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 30, 2014

klone said:
Meaning, for those for which compliance is an issue, physicians can recommend that the person take 7 days' worth of their Synthroid once a week, and the body utilizes it just about the same as if it's taken once per day.

Very interesting. Kind of like a loading dose and the body hangs on to it and uses as needed.

Drugs and compliance as a nurse if a provider prescribes an antibiotic TID or QID (like ampicillin) but you know the patient has difficulty with compliance whether due to forgetfulness, life balance, work schedule talk with the provider about switching to a once a day or BID dosing (amoxicillin and Augmentin are often q12h drugs) to increase patient compliance and completion of the RX. Sometimes a one time I'm shot of Rocephin will meet patient needs. If the provider isn't sure of a substitute contact the pharmacist for recommendations.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Jul 30, 2014

Love, love, love pharmacology, can't wait to take that class haha. I love having a job that deals with it and can't wait to learn more.

CantDecideUsername · Jul 30, 2014

Advil (ibuprofen) for headaches

Not a nursing student yet so that's all I got

Love this thread !

amoLucia · Jul 30, 2014

Very informative thread but it sounds like homework. Your screen name seems to indicate that you have graduated.

This would be a good exercise for any instructors out there looking for activities for pre/post conference.

Just to add - vesicare, Detrol for overactive bladder (OAB). Celebrex, an NSAID, for osteoarthritis knee pain mgt.

CantDecideUsername · Jul 30, 2014

Omeprazole/lansoprazole for heartburn

Kittycat12 · Jul 30, 2014

Pancreatitis: Give anatacids, pancreatic enzymes (with EVERY meal), Demerol for pain. DONT give morphine! Monitor glucose levels, and avoid alcohol!!

psu_213, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

Kittycat12 said:
Demerol for pain. DONT give morphine!

Be careful with this one…we don't even carry Demerol in our ED. I over 6 years as a nurse I gave demerol once--and not for pancreatitis.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Jul 30, 2014

Humira and Enbrel for rheumatoid arththritis.

dextroamphetamine-amphetamine/Adderall for ADD. Which brings me to this: Why do physicians sometimes prescribe multiple prescriptions that do the same thing for patients with ADD/ADHD, specifically children? I know a kid who's 13 and he's as small as a 9-10 year old and has ADHD, takes two types of medications for it, and I know another kid who's 13 and is not diagnosed with anything, nor taking any medications. The second kid is about 5'3" and the first one, on the medications, is about 4'10"-4'11". I know it could have something to do with growing, period, kids can grow at different paces, but I read that ADD/ADHD medications can cause children who are not done growing, slow bone growth and development. Not sure how much it's been studied but it's ridiculous. I deal with prior authorizations and it's happened a few times where a kid needs one for an ADHD medication and they're on more than one. I don't think that's healthy. Rant over, I'm just baffled at times. I could have a few more rants about the stuff doctors prescribe.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Jul 30, 2014

Oh yeah, I meant to add that the second kid is in no way genetically inclined to gain much height as he gets older ?