Top 200 Drugs - Counseling Points
Albuterol ans: (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil)
Do not take more frequently than recommended, shake canister well before each inhalation, clean
mouthpiece once a week
Allopurinol ans: (Zyzoprim)
May take one or more week to reach maximum effectiveness, Take with food or milk to avoid GI upset,
May causes drowsiness, Avoid alcohol, Take with lots of fluids to avoid kidney stones
Alprazolam ans: (Xanax)
May causes drowsiness. Avoid alcohol (resp. depression). Medication may be habit-forming. Warn about
duration. Avoid abrupt discontinuation (with chronic use)
Amoxicillin ans: (Amoxil)
Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Miss
dose - skip it. May have diarrhea - take with probiotic.
Amoxicillin with Clavulanate ans: (Augmentin)
Talk about both drugs. Take at the start of meal, Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Otherwise,
just like Amoxil.
Azelastine ans: (Astepro)
Units need to be primed with 4 sprays upon assembly and with 2 sprays if not used for 3 days. Wait 30
minutes to blow nose. May dry out the nose - nosebleed may be normal - can use nasal saline if
bothersome. Use lowest effective dose. Clear nose, breathe in through the nose out the mouth.
Alternate nostril between sprays.
Buspirone ans: (Buspar)
Good substitute for benzos. May causes drowsiness, Report involuntary movements of the tongue or
facial muscles and any change in motor restlessness, Avoid grapefruit juice
Butalbital, Acetaminophen & Caffeine ans: (Fiorcet)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol, May take with food, If dose is missed skip and return to normal
dosing. APAP warning.
Carbamazepine ans: (Tegretol, Equetro)
Take with food or milk, May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Compliance with all seizure meds.
Compliance - seizures can become resistant if subtherapeutic.
Cephalexin ans: (Keflex)
Take W/w/o food. Take at even intervals, Complete therapy
Ciprofloxacin ans: (Cipro, Ciloxan)
,Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, Discontinue use and contact physician if a rash develops, Drink a
full glass of water after each dose because it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, Do not take
antacids at the same time
Clindamycin ans: (Cleocin)
Discontinue use and contact physician if rash develops or diarrhea is severe or persistent. With or
without food. Drink a full glass of water after each dose, Finish medication. Diarrhea after completion of
treatment may indicate another infection.
Diazepam ans: (Valium)
Dilute oral concentrate before use. May cause drowsiness but mostly it will relax you so be cautious and
know how you react to the medicine. Avoid alcohol. Use as needed or up to every X hours. May be habit
forming, If a dose is missed skip it and return to normal dosing schedule
Donepezil ans: (Aricept)
Can take with or without food, with food if upset stomach and to reduce dizziness/drowsiness. Take in
the evening just prior to retiring, If a dose is missed skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
Emphasize compliance.
Doxycycline ans: (Vibratab, Oracea, Doryx)
Preferably taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, May be taken with food if stomach
upset occurs. Avoid dairy or antacids. Can cause sun sensitivity so stay out of the sun or use sunscreen.
Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Diarrhea. Monohydrate - QD (usually)
Esomeprazole ans: (Nexium)
Take at least 30 minutes- an hour prior to eating unless symptoms are mainly at night after laying down.
Don't abruptly stop - can cause rebound reflux - taper off if necessary. Granules should be mixed with 1
tbs of water left for 2-3 minutes then taken orally, Take the dose within 30 minutes of mixing, May take
with antacids at the same time.
Famotidine ans: (
Taken BID 30 minutes prior to meal unless (ranitidine 300mg QD). Antacids may be given concomitantly
to relieve acute pain after meals. Can be used prn. May not be effective if non-compliant. Not as much
rebound. Shake suspension well and discard unused portion after 30 days
Fexofenadine ans: (Allegra)
May be taken without regards to meals. Avoid citrus - keeps drug from working as well. Drink plenty of
fluids because it will dry you up. Avoid if you have heart problems (Connie's warning - seldane issue)
Avoid in pregnancy. Tolerance.
Fluticasone (Inhalation) ans: Avoid contact with eyes, To receive the full benefits of therapy use on a
regular basis, 4 weeks may be needed to observe benefits, Use bronchodilator a few minutes prior to
using fluticasone, Shake well
Fluticasone (nasal) ans: Few seconds between each dose and 30 minutes before blowing nose.
Therapeutic effects not seen at once (3-5 days) Use at onset of symptoms but only according to doctor's
instruction. In through nose out through mouth. May experience some dryness --> nosebleed (nasal
saline for this) 2 EN QD or 1 EN BID. Benefits may take as long as 3 weeks to appear, Clear nasal
, passages of secretions prior to use- Oral decongestants may be used if needed, Shake container well
before use
Fluticasone with salmeterol ans: (Advair)
Not intended to provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. This is for maintenance of asthma
treatment. 4 weeks may be needed to observe benefits, Know how to use diskus. Two drug products -
one for inflammation, the other to open the airway. ADRs - cough due to powder. Rinse mouth after
using to avoid thrush. Explain how to use the disk.
Folic acid ans: (Deplin - methylfolate - for patients with neuropathic pain)
Do not discontinue without first consulting physician. In pregnancy and if taken with methotrexate.
Derivative of B vitamins. Folic acid deficiency - anemia, fatigue, cognitive deficiency, muscle
spasms/pain. Water soluble. Supplements what you don't get in your diet. With MTX - 1mgQD. (may be
given large dose before, during, after). Let doctor know of any fatigue.
Gabapentin ans: (Neurontin)
What's the doctor giving this to you for. Usually tapered up due to drowsiness. Let doctor know if not
getting relief. Takes a while for effect (3-4 weeks). Normally for seizures, usually has other uses. May
cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Do not abruptly discontinue therapy- dose should be tapered down
over a one week period. Take with food - common side effect is diarrhea.
Hydroxyzine HCl ans: (Atarax)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Drink a lot of water to avoid dryness. Similar to benadryl, and
other antihistamines - avoid these.
Hydroxyzine Pamoate ans: (Vistaril)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Used for agitation rather than pruritus.
Ipratropium with Albuterol ans: (Duoneb/Combivent)
Inhaler - Shake well, Enclose mouthpiece with lips, canister base up. Keeps eyes closed. Exhale deeply,
then inhale slowly while pressing firmly on the canister base. Continue to inhale deeply. Hold breath for
a few seconds after inhalation. Repeat after 15 seconds as directed. If not used for more than 24 hours
the pump will require three actuations to prime. Nebulizer - instructions are in here. Take the vial - pour
it into the cup and turn the machine on and breathe in regularly until the medication is gone. Used for
rescue treatment - SOB, WHZ, CG. ADR - jitteriness
Isosorbide ans: May cause dizziness, headache, or flushing. Swallow whole or halved, do not crush or
chew. Avoid alcohol.
Lansoprazole ans: Take on an empty stomach. Capsules should be swallowed whole or the contents
sprinkled onto soft food and swallowed without chewing. Mix granules with 30 mL of water, stir and
drink immediately. IV version must be reconstituted and administered using an in-line filter
Latanprost ans: Store unopened bottle in refrigerator. Once opened store in a cool place for up to 6
weeks. Wait at least 5 minutes before instilling other ophthalmic preparations. Avoid squinting or
closing of eyes tightly after instilling drops. Increased pigmentation of iris may occur. Contact physician if
eye pigmentation occurs. Do not discontinue therapy without consulting physician
Albuterol ans: (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil)
Do not take more frequently than recommended, shake canister well before each inhalation, clean
mouthpiece once a week
Allopurinol ans: (Zyzoprim)
May take one or more week to reach maximum effectiveness, Take with food or milk to avoid GI upset,
May causes drowsiness, Avoid alcohol, Take with lots of fluids to avoid kidney stones
Alprazolam ans: (Xanax)
May causes drowsiness. Avoid alcohol (resp. depression). Medication may be habit-forming. Warn about
duration. Avoid abrupt discontinuation (with chronic use)
Amoxicillin ans: (Amoxil)
Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Miss
dose - skip it. May have diarrhea - take with probiotic.
Amoxicillin with Clavulanate ans: (Augmentin)
Talk about both drugs. Take at the start of meal, Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Otherwise,
just like Amoxil.
Azelastine ans: (Astepro)
Units need to be primed with 4 sprays upon assembly and with 2 sprays if not used for 3 days. Wait 30
minutes to blow nose. May dry out the nose - nosebleed may be normal - can use nasal saline if
bothersome. Use lowest effective dose. Clear nose, breathe in through the nose out the mouth.
Alternate nostril between sprays.
Buspirone ans: (Buspar)
Good substitute for benzos. May causes drowsiness, Report involuntary movements of the tongue or
facial muscles and any change in motor restlessness, Avoid grapefruit juice
Butalbital, Acetaminophen & Caffeine ans: (Fiorcet)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol, May take with food, If dose is missed skip and return to normal
dosing. APAP warning.
Carbamazepine ans: (Tegretol, Equetro)
Take with food or milk, May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Compliance with all seizure meds.
Compliance - seizures can become resistant if subtherapeutic.
Cephalexin ans: (Keflex)
Take W/w/o food. Take at even intervals, Complete therapy
Ciprofloxacin ans: (Cipro, Ciloxan)
,Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, Discontinue use and contact physician if a rash develops, Drink a
full glass of water after each dose because it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, Do not take
antacids at the same time
Clindamycin ans: (Cleocin)
Discontinue use and contact physician if rash develops or diarrhea is severe or persistent. With or
without food. Drink a full glass of water after each dose, Finish medication. Diarrhea after completion of
treatment may indicate another infection.
Diazepam ans: (Valium)
Dilute oral concentrate before use. May cause drowsiness but mostly it will relax you so be cautious and
know how you react to the medicine. Avoid alcohol. Use as needed or up to every X hours. May be habit
forming, If a dose is missed skip it and return to normal dosing schedule
Donepezil ans: (Aricept)
Can take with or without food, with food if upset stomach and to reduce dizziness/drowsiness. Take in
the evening just prior to retiring, If a dose is missed skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
Emphasize compliance.
Doxycycline ans: (Vibratab, Oracea, Doryx)
Preferably taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, May be taken with food if stomach
upset occurs. Avoid dairy or antacids. Can cause sun sensitivity so stay out of the sun or use sunscreen.
Take at even intervals, Complete therapy. Diarrhea. Monohydrate - QD (usually)
Esomeprazole ans: (Nexium)
Take at least 30 minutes- an hour prior to eating unless symptoms are mainly at night after laying down.
Don't abruptly stop - can cause rebound reflux - taper off if necessary. Granules should be mixed with 1
tbs of water left for 2-3 minutes then taken orally, Take the dose within 30 minutes of mixing, May take
with antacids at the same time.
Famotidine ans: (
Taken BID 30 minutes prior to meal unless (ranitidine 300mg QD). Antacids may be given concomitantly
to relieve acute pain after meals. Can be used prn. May not be effective if non-compliant. Not as much
rebound. Shake suspension well and discard unused portion after 30 days
Fexofenadine ans: (Allegra)
May be taken without regards to meals. Avoid citrus - keeps drug from working as well. Drink plenty of
fluids because it will dry you up. Avoid if you have heart problems (Connie's warning - seldane issue)
Avoid in pregnancy. Tolerance.
Fluticasone (Inhalation) ans: Avoid contact with eyes, To receive the full benefits of therapy use on a
regular basis, 4 weeks may be needed to observe benefits, Use bronchodilator a few minutes prior to
using fluticasone, Shake well
Fluticasone (nasal) ans: Few seconds between each dose and 30 minutes before blowing nose.
Therapeutic effects not seen at once (3-5 days) Use at onset of symptoms but only according to doctor's
instruction. In through nose out through mouth. May experience some dryness --> nosebleed (nasal
saline for this) 2 EN QD or 1 EN BID. Benefits may take as long as 3 weeks to appear, Clear nasal
, passages of secretions prior to use- Oral decongestants may be used if needed, Shake container well
before use
Fluticasone with salmeterol ans: (Advair)
Not intended to provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. This is for maintenance of asthma
treatment. 4 weeks may be needed to observe benefits, Know how to use diskus. Two drug products -
one for inflammation, the other to open the airway. ADRs - cough due to powder. Rinse mouth after
using to avoid thrush. Explain how to use the disk.
Folic acid ans: (Deplin - methylfolate - for patients with neuropathic pain)
Do not discontinue without first consulting physician. In pregnancy and if taken with methotrexate.
Derivative of B vitamins. Folic acid deficiency - anemia, fatigue, cognitive deficiency, muscle
spasms/pain. Water soluble. Supplements what you don't get in your diet. With MTX - 1mgQD. (may be
given large dose before, during, after). Let doctor know of any fatigue.
Gabapentin ans: (Neurontin)
What's the doctor giving this to you for. Usually tapered up due to drowsiness. Let doctor know if not
getting relief. Takes a while for effect (3-4 weeks). Normally for seizures, usually has other uses. May
cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Do not abruptly discontinue therapy- dose should be tapered down
over a one week period. Take with food - common side effect is diarrhea.
Hydroxyzine HCl ans: (Atarax)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Drink a lot of water to avoid dryness. Similar to benadryl, and
other antihistamines - avoid these.
Hydroxyzine Pamoate ans: (Vistaril)
May cause drowsiness, Avoid alcohol. Used for agitation rather than pruritus.
Ipratropium with Albuterol ans: (Duoneb/Combivent)
Inhaler - Shake well, Enclose mouthpiece with lips, canister base up. Keeps eyes closed. Exhale deeply,
then inhale slowly while pressing firmly on the canister base. Continue to inhale deeply. Hold breath for
a few seconds after inhalation. Repeat after 15 seconds as directed. If not used for more than 24 hours
the pump will require three actuations to prime. Nebulizer - instructions are in here. Take the vial - pour
it into the cup and turn the machine on and breathe in regularly until the medication is gone. Used for
rescue treatment - SOB, WHZ, CG. ADR - jitteriness
Isosorbide ans: May cause dizziness, headache, or flushing. Swallow whole or halved, do not crush or
chew. Avoid alcohol.
Lansoprazole ans: Take on an empty stomach. Capsules should be swallowed whole or the contents
sprinkled onto soft food and swallowed without chewing. Mix granules with 30 mL of water, stir and
drink immediately. IV version must be reconstituted and administered using an in-line filter
Latanprost ans: Store unopened bottle in refrigerator. Once opened store in a cool place for up to 6
weeks. Wait at least 5 minutes before instilling other ophthalmic preparations. Avoid squinting or
closing of eyes tightly after instilling drops. Increased pigmentation of iris may occur. Contact physician if
eye pigmentation occurs. Do not discontinue therapy without consulting physician
