Medications 6x a day question

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Hello all,

I have a question about scheduling medications. I was curious how you would schedule a patients medications over 6 times a day (sinemet). We were considering putting him on a 4 hour schedule such as 9am, 1pm, 5pm, 9pm, 1am, 5am type deal but we had concerns about waking him up at 1am and 5am. There isn't any adverse reactions with his other medications.

Any ideas or thoughts?

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Hello all,

I have a question about scheduling medications. I was curious how you would schedule a patients medications over 6 times a day (sinemet). We were considering putting him on a 4 hour schedule such as 9am, 1pm, 5pm, 9pm, 1am, 5am type deal but we had concerns about waking him up at 1am and 5am. There isn't any adverse reactions with his other medications.

Any ideas or thoughts?

We have residents on schedules like that. Maybe 12 4 8 12 4 8??

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Specializes in Gerontology.

In my experience, Sinemet is different from all other drugs. Dosing/timing depends on pt's functioning. I have seen pt's get a dose at 0630, and another one at 8:30. You should consult the MD ordering the Sinement, and also ask the pt what they were doing at home.

I have seen pts that if the Sinement times are changed, it has a drastic effect on their functioning. Even giving it 15 mins late can set them off.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I agree with Pepper.I've seen all sorts of unusual Sinemet orders. I don't think waking someone up to give them Sinemet is a good idea.

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Def agree with Pepper The Cat! For example, I think I've given Sinemet at 6:30am, 8:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 6:30pm, 10:30pm... or something similar to that.

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Specializes in geriatrics,wound care,hospice.

At our facility,we've made a concerted effort to:reduce/eliminate waking elders from sleep to administer meds. MDs are completely on board with this,and nurses will ask if something ordered q4/6/8 could instead be given close to this while awake?ABX would be exception,and only for course of TMT. We specifically asked on 2 elders to change Sinemet from similar dosing times because of the awakening issue AND because both elders were "midnight ramblers".We were trying to promote sleep and stimulate motor function at the same time!?! Guess what-reduction in falls,more daytime alertness(better engagement,eating,ambulation-LIFE!) and 2 less doses per person.

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