Children and Medication

Before giving your child any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding any questions you may have. You should find out the exact dosage requirements and how often it should be taken. Also ask if the medication needs to be refrigerated and should be taken before or after meals. If another medication is being taken, find out if it can be taken with another medication. Other important questions to ask are how long the medication should be taken, what if symptoms do not subside, and if the child throws up the initial dosage, should it be given again. Don't forget to find out what to do if the child gets more than the required dosage, are there any side effects, can it be renewed, and how long is it good for. You may also want to know if there is a generic brand or chewable tablets available. By asking these questions, you will have an extensive knowledge of the medication. Any additional questions should be discussed with your pharmacist. Remember, they are there to help you.

Ask Your Pharmacist

Your pharmacist will fulfill your prescription provided by your doctor, and also write the labels for the medications which include directions for use. However, your pharmacist also has an extensive knowledge and can give advice and answer any questions. Pharmacists can advise you on non-prescriptive drugs, like aspirin, or let you know about generic medication available which can save you money. Pharmacists can also help evaluate your symptoms, but only your doctor can prescribe medication.

Generic vs Name Brand Drugs

If your doctor prescribes a name brand drug, you may want to have it filled with a less expensive generic brand. Before you do, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may need the name brand because of dosage requirements of there may not be a generic brand available. A pharmaceutical company first develops a drug which they give a brand name and patent. For a number of years, only that company can manufacture the drug until the patent runs out. Once that happens, another company can manufacture the drug using a generic name. Its the same drug only with a different name. Because a number of companies will manufacture it, the price will come down considerably. So, if you currently have a name brand medication, ask your pharmacist about generic drugs available.

Generic vs Name Brand Medications

The issue of choosing name brand medications or generic brands is common to patients regarding many medications. The decision can be made, however, from an informed position. Some of the questions you can ask your pharmacist are:

1) Is there any significant difference between the generic and name brands of this drug? In select cases, this is true and learning of the differences may help you decide on which is right for you.

2) Is the dose of this drug a small or large amount of medication? If it is a small quantity that is required, the cost of generic vs name brands is quite similar.

3) If I choose one brand over another, What effect will it have on the result of the medication? In select cases, different brands have been proven to result in different outcomes. This information is well documented for the pharmacist so they will be able to answer this question for you.

4) What is the price difference? Most generic brands are less expensive to the consumer. Generic brands of medication work equally as well as the brand name medication and cost much less. The cost savings is a valuable part in addressing the current costs of heath care. It is most important, however, that the patient receive the desired outcomes from taking the medication.

What You Should Ask About Your Medication

When getting a prescription filled there are many questions you may have that can be answered by your pharmacist. These may include: Why is this drug prescribed? When and how should it be taken? What special instructions should I follow while taking this drug? What should I do if I forget to take a dose? What storage conditions are necessary for this drug? Remember that your pharmacist is the drug expert on the health care team and will have or be able to find all the answers to your questions on any medications. If your pharmacist is very busy at the time you have questions, don't hesitate to phone later or make an appointment for a consultation. You are an important partner in your drug therapy and the more you know about your medication the better the end result will be. Remember, if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.

How Your Pharmacist Can Save You Money

When shopping in a pharmacy, it is a good idea to consult with the pharmacist about all your health needs. You may be surprised at the money you can save. If you are looking for a product in the front store, the pharmacist can narrow down your choice to the perfect product with the right combination of ingredients rather than you purchasing several different products. He or she may also suggest a generic brand, if appropriate, that can help save you more money. When getting a prescription filled a pharmacist will check his records on all the other medications you are taking. As well as checking for drug interaction, he can also check for duplication in medications and assure that you are not getting a prescription unnecessarily. In this case, the pharmacist can also offer you a lower cost alternative to the brand of medication you are taking. Consulting with your pharmacist can also offer you a lower cost alternative to the brand of medication you are taking. Consulting with your pharmacist and getting the right product the first time can save you time and money as you will not have to return for a second product when an inappropriate product was used the first time. Always remember, ask your pharmacist.

Prescription Updates

Perhaps one of the largest prescription launches in 1992 was that of Imitrex by Glaxo. The drug name for this product is sumatriptan. As this medication is becoming more common a brief review of drug interactions is necessary. First is the reaction with Ergotamine. The narrowing action of blood vessels that result with Ergotamine can be increased if sumatriptan is being taken at the same time. It is recommended that ergotamine not be taken within 24 hours before or 6 hours after taking sumatriptan. Another drug interaction to be aware of is with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitorsa, more commonly known as M.A.O.I.'s. This combination could produce a "serotonin syndrome", which is sever agitation, confusion, rigity, tremors, restlessness, nausea, sweating, hyperthermia, low blood pressure, rapid heart beat, or coma. It is recommended that at least two weeks elapse after discontinuing a MAOI before using sumatriptan. Thirdly, antidepressants, including such new medications as Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft, should not be combined with sumatriptan or the "serotonin syndrome" mentioned previously could occur. It is recommended that at least two weeks have elapsed following discontinuation of these agents before sumatriptan is used. Also, sumatriptan may alter the effects of lithium. Therefore, it is recommended that the combination of these drugs be avoided. Useful preventative agents that may be used with sumatriptan and have not shown any significant interactions are propranolol, flunarizine, and pizotyline.

Generic Prescriptions

A drug has two names: a brand name and a generic name. When the drug is first developed, it is patented. When the patent expires, other companies can market the drug under its generic name. Your doctor may prescribe the generic brand of the drug or he may prescribe the brand name if you require a very consistent dosage. Ask you pharmacist if your condition permits a generic substitute. If the drug is available in generic form, the pharmacist can phone your doctor for approval to prescribe the generic substitute. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than the brand name drugs.

Prescriptions and Expiration Dates

The label on your prescription bottle should state the prescription's expiration date which is the date after which you should discard the unused contents. All prescriptions become invalid after a year of being issued. Some, such as controlled substance prescriptions become invalid after six months. Many drugs, particularly tablets and capsules, may remain potent for months or years. On the other hand, some drugs such as certain types of antibiotics lose their potency in about 10 days. When discarding of your expired prescription or drugs that you are unsure of how old they are - you should flush them down the toilet to make sure they do not fall into the hands of children. Refrigerating your prescriptions can help prevent their decay from heat or light. Tablets may melt if left in the sunshine or in an overly warm room.

What are Prescription Requirements

When you leave your physician's office with a prescription, his orders for the prescription are written our for the pharmacists. The doctor will prescribe the type of drug, the form of drug, whether it's liquid, capsule, tablet, etc., the dosage, the times of the doses and any other special notes required of the drug. Your prescription label will spell these things out more clearly for you. On your prescription label, you will see the pharmacy's file number, the drug name and dosage, the number of times it can be refilled, the date it was filled, instructions for taking and the expiration date. If you have any questions about your prescription, ask your pharmacist for information.

How to Transfer Your Prescriptions

A prescription transfer takes place between two pharmacists. You may have forgotten your prescription in another city while traveling or you may have moved. In any case, you only need to call the pharmacist who originally filled the prescription. He may require you to bring your prescription in but usually has a complete file for you. He can then call, or you may contact the pharmacist accepting the transferral of your prescription to confirm the prescription specifics. Before your choose a pharmacist, ask if he or she will transfer your prescription if the need arises.

Drugs

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Acyclovir is used for the management of skin, lip, and genital herpes infections, shingles, and chicken pox. It does not cure herpes infections, but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing. Topical Acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence of sores, but may decrease the frequency and severity of recurrent sores, but is used only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible side effects. Avoid sexual contact while you have genital sores; as Acyclovir does not prevent the virus from spreading to other people. Side effects are not common but can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from taking oral Acyclovir. Take with food or milk and contact your doctor if these effects are severe. In the case of topical Acyclovir, avoid the eyes and do not use it more frequently than your doctor has prescribed because the drug can lose its effectiveness.

Astemizole (Hismanal)

Astemizole is an antihistamine that is used to relieve hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms including hives, runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation, and red irritated eyes. It causes fewer side effects, particularly drowsiness, than other antihistamines. Astemizole is taken once a day as needed. Do not exceed this dose. Take it on an empty stomach, at least two hours after a meal. Possible side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nervousness, weight gain, increased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth or throat. Contact your doctor if these side effects persist or are severe. If you experience difficulty breathing, palpitation, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. Do not take Astemizole if you have any heart or circulation problems. Also, do not take this drug with the antibiotics Erythromycin or Ketoconazole.

Beclomethasone (Becloforte Inhaler)

This drug, a "corticosteroid", is similar to a natural substance produced by your adrenal glands. It is used to treat asthma, but not for rapid relief of breathing problems. If you do not have another medication (inhaler) for prompt relief of breathing difficulty, ask your doctor to prescribe one. Although your asthma may improve when you start to use Beclomethasone, you may need to use it regularly for several weeks before feeling its full effects. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique, and practice using your inhaler while in her or his presence. After each treatment, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining drug. If you have difficulty getting the drug inhaled into your lungs, then ask your doctor or pharmacist for a "spacer" which is a special device that attaches to the inhaler. Once a day, remove the metal canister from the oral or nasal inhaler and rinse the mouthpiece or nosepiece and cap with warm water, then dry thoroughly. Beclomethasone must be used regularly but do not use more than your doctor has directed. If your symptoms do not improve of it your condition worsens, contact your doctor.

Budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler)

This drug, a "corticosteroid", is similar to a natural substance produced by your adrenal glands. It is used to treat asthma but not for rapid relief of breathing problems. If you do not have another medication (inhaler) for prompt relief of breathing difficulty, ask your doctor to prescribe one. Although your asthma may improve when you start to use bedizened, you may need to use it regularly for several weeks before feeling its full effects. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique and practice using your inhaler in his or her presence. After each treatment, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining drug. Budesonide must be used regularly but do not use more than your doctor has directed. If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition worsens, contact your doctor.

Cephalexin (Keflex)

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that eliminates bacteria that cause different kinds of infections, including pneumonia and infections of the ear, urinary tract, skin, and bone. Cephalexin is usually taken four times a day, every six hours, for seven to ten days. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return. Side effects are not common. But some that may occur include skin rash, shortness of breath, itching, or hives. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor. If you experience nausea or vomiting, then take the drug with crackers, a light snack, or meals. If you continue to have stomach upset, contact your doctor. If you have diarrhea that is severe or continues for more than two days, or if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, painful mouth or throat sores, contact your doctor.

Conjugated Estrogen (Premarin)

Estrogen is a hormone needed for normal growth and development of female sex organs and for natural functions such as bearing children. Estrogen is used to relieve "hot flashes", and seating that occur during menopause (when your estrogen production declines). It is also used for conditions caused by insufficient estrogen such as dry, itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation. Estrogen also is used with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise to slow progression of osteoporosis, which is a disease resulting in bones breaking easily. Although side effects are not common, some that can occur are nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, appetite and weight changes. If these effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor. Some other side effects are brown or black skin patches, swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs, bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, changes in menstrual flow, painful or missed menstrual periods, breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion, intolerance to contact lenses. Call your doctor if these effects are bothersome. If you experience sudden sever headache or vomiting, vision or speech problems, sudden partial or complete loss of vision, dizziness or faintness, weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, sharp, crushing chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, calf pain, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, itching. Loss of appetite, severe mental depression, or unusual bleeding, then contact your doctor.

Diclofenac (Voltaren)

This drug relieves the pain, tenderness, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling caused by certain types of arthritis. It also is used to relieve menstrual pain and pain after surgery or childbirth. Diclofenac usually is taken one to four times a day for arthritis. Although side effects are not common, it is possible to experience dizziness or headache. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you. Some other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, indigestion, or gas. Take Diclofenac with food or an antacid. Be sure not to drink alcoholic beverages. If these symptoms continue or are severe, contact your doctor. Of you vomit blood or have bloody diarrhea or black or tarry stools, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately. Do not take aspirin while taking Diclofenac unless your doctor directs you to do so. Tell your doctor if you ever has gastritis, bleeding from the stomach or rectum, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal disease. Also, inform the doctor of any liver, heart, or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or SLE (systematic lupus erythematosus).

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)

An antibiotic eliminates bacteria that causes infections, including pneumonia, lyme disease, acne, and venereal (sexually transmitted) disease. Doxycycline is usually taken once or twice a day. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return. Doxycycline can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, limit the amount of time you spend in the sun until you know how this drug affects you. Although side effects from doxycycline are not common, they can occur. They are nausea or upset stomach. Take it with crackers, a light snack, or meals to help prevent this. Others are diarrhea, itching of the rectum or vagina, sore mouth, skin rash. If these problems are severe or persist fro longer than two days, contact your doctor. Doxycycline should not be taken by children under eight years of age, pregnant women, or women who are breast-feeding. Women who become pregnant while taking doxycycline should inform their doctors. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of reach of children. Store it, tightly closed, at room temperature. The container of liquid will have an expiration date on it. Do not take the liquid after the date. Throw it away and, if you need more doxycycline, get a new supply. Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure of the expiration date.

Captopril (Capoten)

This drug is used to treat mild to severe high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It decreases certain chemicals that construct the blood vessels so the blood flows more smoothly. Captopril is usually taken three times a day on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. This drug controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Therefore, Captopril must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. Have your blood pressure checked regularly to determine your response to this medication. Although side effects are not common, they can occur. Some of these are dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness when you get out of bed or rise from a chair. Salty or metallic taste or decreased ability to taste may occur when you first start taking this drug. If you experience coughing, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bruising, fast heartbeat, chest pain, and swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs, consult your doctor. Before taking this drug, make sure and inform your doctor what prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for heart or high blood pressure, arthritis medication, and probeneold.

Cholestyramine Resin (Questran)

This drug is used along with diet changes to decrease the amount of cholesterol in your blood. It is also used to relieve itching caused by some kinds of jaundice. Cholestyramine resin is usually taken two to four times a day. Take the medication before a meal and or at bedtime, and if you are taking any other medication try to take it at least one hour before or four hours after you take Cholestyramine resin. Keep all your appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You probably will have the cholesterol in your blood measured periodically to evaluate your response to this medication. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time, depending on your response. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. This precaution is especially important if you also take other drugs because changing your Cholestyramine resin dose may change the effect of other medications. The major risk factors in developing heart attacks and strokes are high blood levels of cholesterol and fats, obesity, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Follow your doctor's advice on smoking, diet, exercise, and weight control. Common side effects can include constipation, heartburn or indigestion, nausea or vomiting, and stomach pain. If these symptoms persist of are severe, contact your doctor.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

This is an antibiotic that eliminates bacteria that cause infections. Ciprofloxacin is usually taken twice a day for seven to fourteen days or longer. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after you begin to feel better. Failure to do so may allow the infection to return. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days of is you still have signs of infection after taking the medication, contact your doctor. Ciprofloxacin can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. It is important to take this medication on schedule, especially during the first few days of treatment, so that bacteria do not become resistant to Ciprofloxacin. Try to take Ciprofloxacin at the same time that you do some other regular activity such as brushing your teeth in the morning. Although side effects are not common, some that may occur are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort. You may also experience headache, restlessness, or skin rash. Contact your doctor id these symptoms persist or are severe. Do not take antacids within four hours of taking Ciprofloxacin. Make sure to tell your doctor what prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking, especially theophylline, antacids, and other infective medications. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or kidney disease.

Cloxacillin

This is a penicillin-like antibiotic which eliminates bacteria that cause infections, including pneumonia and infections of the ear, urinary tract, bone and skin. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Doses should be taken as far apart as possible throughout the day. Take in evenly spaced intervals between when you get up and when you go to bed. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return. Although side effects are not common, some that can occur are diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Contact your doctor if this problem is severe or lasts longer than two days. If your experience shortness of breath, wheezing, rash, itching, or hives, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital. You may need emergency treatment.