Maalox and betapace?

[Zula1]

So the other day I gave maalox and betapace together. There was no instructions in the order that said to wait 2 hours inbetween these medications. My question is would this be considered a med error? Also what is the interaction? Let's say the patients pulse was mid 50's when given. The order stated to give betaspace if pulse was above 50

[JKL33]

Generally speaking the reason antacid administration is separated from other medications is so that it doesn't bind the medication/decrease absorption of the other medication resulting in a less-than-therapeutic dose being absorbed.

These should be scheduled at separate times (2 hours apart is the general recommendation).

I don't really have a comment on whether it is a med error. Take action to reschedule the medication.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

So the other day I gave maalox and betapace together. There was no instructions in the order that said to wait 2 hours inbetween these medications. My question is would this be considered a med error? Also what is the interaction? Let's say the patients pulse was mid 50's when given. The order stated to give betaspace if pulse was above 50

I think the pulse and the Maalox are two separate issues.

1. If the order is to give Betapace if HR>50, and the HR is over 50, then this is appropriate. On a side note, if the HR drops significantly below 50 after the administration, contact the doctor--he/she may want to adjust the dose.

2. Contact the pharmacy about whether or not Betapace needs to be spaced out from Maalox. If so, retime one or the other. Is the Maalox PRN? If so, a sentence should be added to the order for Maalox about how long you should wait to give it after other meds.