Question

Select three common combinations of medicinal preparations and outline the possible side and adverse effects of these combinations for the patient. Discuss the actions the practitioner should take to support the patient in this type of situation.

Answer 1

Three common combination of medicinal preparations:

1.Aspirin/paracetamol/caffeine.

2.Glucose/fructose/phosphoric acid.

3.Carbidopa/levodopa/Entacapone.

1.Adverse effect of Aspirin /paracetamol /caffeine combination are -

-Its use with alcohol can produce a significant risk of hepatotoxicity.

-renal papillary necrosis if large dose taken

-chronic use is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Side effects of Aspirin /paracetamol /caffeine combination are:

-nausea ,vomiting ,stomach pain ,heartburn restlessness ,indigestion.

Actions the practitioner should take to support the patient-ask the patient not to take the drug more than the prescribed time/ prescribed dose as it can increase the risk of side effects.

-since this medication contain caffeine avoid drinking large amount of beverages containing caffeine.

-if taking powdered packet then dissolve it on tongue followed by one glass of water

-if your condition gets worsened immediately seek the medical help.

2.Adverse effects of glucose/ fructose/ phosphoric acid combination: fructose intolerance,they can also cause serious problems in patients with diabetics.

Common signs of fructose intolerance-fainting, swelling of arms legs, unusual bleeding, vomiting, yellow skin, weight loss.

Side effects of glucose/ fructose /phosphoric acid combination:

Itching,rash, wheezing, tightness in chest ,difficulty in breathing, swallowing, talking, swollen blistered peeling skin, nausea vomiting stomach pain

Actions the practitioner should take to support the patient:

-seek the medical help if nausea vomiting continuous or gets worsened the use of medication.

-do not use this combination if you have any signs of appendicitis.

-do not mix the medication with any other liquid or do not drink any other liquids just before or after the medication.

3. Adverse effects of carbidopa/levodopa/ Entacapone:

Involuntary movements, fainting or falling, unusual strong urges such as increased gambling, signs of infection, change in the amount of urine,mental/ mood changes.

Side effects of carbidopa /levodopa /Entacapone:

Diarrhoea, nausea ,vomiting ,dizziness, headache stomach pain, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth ,anxiety.

Actions the practitioner should take to support the patient:

-take the medication along with food , this may help to reduce nausea.

-avoid high protein and high fat rich food along with the medication.

-do not chew the medicine or cut into small pieces as it may give wrong dosing.

-seek the medical help if you have tremor,twitching, severe nausea vomiting, fluid buildup in or around the lungs ,weaknes sudden stopping of medication can cause serious effects,sudden stopping of medication can cause serious effects.