Chapter 47 (Complimentary Meds) Flashcards
Alternative Medicine
Refers to using a non-mainstreamed practice in place of conventional medicine.
Complimentary Medicine
Refers to using a non-mainstreamed practice together WITH conventional medicine.
When complimentary and conventional treatments come together, the focus becomes emphasizing a holistic and client-focused approach to health care, often called integrative health.
Natural Products and herbal therapies
EXEMPT from FDA!
“Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease” must be printed on supplement labels.
Facts about Aloe Vera
Anti-inflammatory/analgesic properties.
-works well for burns, soothes pain, softens skin.
Oral Aloe has LAXATIVE EFFECT!
Interacts w/: Digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids, and heart meds (antidysrhythmics)
Teach patients importance of recognizing manifestations of fluid and electrolyte imbalance if using a laxative.
Facts about Black Cohosh
Treats manifestations of menopause and it acts as an estrogen substitute.
Adverse Effects:
GI distress, light headedness, headache, rash, weight gain.
Avoid taking during pregnancy.
Limit use to no longer than 6 months due to lack of info of long term effects.
Interactions: Increases effects of antihypertensive meds (can make you have low blood pressure)
Increases hypoglycemic effects.
Nursing Admin: question clients who take anti hypertensives, insulin, hypoglycemic agents, hormone therapy or clients who might be pregnant about possible use of black cohosh.
Facts on Echinacea
Stimulates the immune system
Decreases inflammation
Adverse effects:
- bitter taste
- mild GI manifestations or fever
- allergic reactions; contraindicated for pt’s with hay fever.
Interactions:
With chronic use (more than 6 months) can decrease the positive effects of meds for TB, HIV, or cancer.
Nursing admin: question clients who have TB, cancer, HIV, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis about concurrent use. Advise patients to talk to the provider.
Facts about Feverfew
INTERFERES w/ ANTICOAGULANTS! Blocks platelet aggregation (increases bleeding)
Interactions: increased risk of bleeding in clients taking NSAIDS, heparin, or warfarin.
Nursing admin:
Question clients about use of anticoagulants and NSAIDS.
Discontinue 2 weeks before elective surgery.
Facts about Garlic
Blocks LDL cholestorol, raises HDL, lowers triglycerides. Disrupts coagulation. Acts as vasodilator (can lower BP)
Adverse Effects: GI manifestations, bad breath, and body odor.
Nursing admin: question clients about use of anticoagulants and NSAIDS.
CAN INTERFERE WITH ANTICOAGULATNS, IT WILL MAKE YOU BLEED MORE IF YOU HAVE CLOTTING ISSUE!!!
Facts on Ginger Root
Relieves vertigo and nausea, increases intestinal motility, increases mucous production, decreases GI spasms, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Adverse effects:
High doses in clients who are pregnant can cause uterine contractions.
CNS depression and cardiac dysrhythmias with excessive ingestion.
Interactions: interferes with coagulation meds (NSAIDS, Warfarin, heparin)
Can increase hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetic meds.
INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!
Facts on Ginkgo Biloba
Promotes vasodilation; decreases leg pain from occlusive arterial disorders. Decreases platelet aggregation; can decrease risk of thrombosis. Decreases bronchospasms. Increases blood flow to brain, claims to improve memory.
Adverse effects:
Mild GI upset, avoid in clients at risk for seizures.
CONTAINS IODINE, QUESTION PATIENTS WHO ARE ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH B/C MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH ARE ALLERGIC TO THE IODINE.
INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!
Facts on Glucosamine
Stimulates cells to make cartilage and synovial fluid; helps with joint stiffness/aging.
INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!
Facts on St. John’s Wort
Affects serotonin, producing antidepressant effects. It’s used for mild to moderate depression. Also used orally as an analgesic to relieve pain/inflammation. Applied topically to treat infection.
Adverse effects:
Dry mouth, lightheadedness, constipation, GI upset. Skin rash w/ exposure to sunlight.
Interactions: decreases effectiveness of oral contraceptives, cyclosporines, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, HIV protease, and some anticancer meds. Can accelerate the metabolism of many drugs, increasing their effects.
INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!
Facts on Saw Palmetto
Used for prostate and urinary issues typically.
Adverse effects:
Mild GI effects, contraindicated during pregnancy.
Interactions:
Possible additive effects with finasteride.
Can interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant meds.
CAN INTERFERE WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!
Facts on Valerian
Used for sleep, reduces anxiety related to restlessness, drowsiness effect increases over time.
Adverse effects: can cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, and depression.
High risk for PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE! Addictive. It affects GABA!
Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Nursing admin: warn clients about possible drowsiness when operating motor vehicles or other equipment.
Facts about Cannabis (Medical Marijuana)
Schedule I type controlled substance.
Two FDA approved medications— dronabinol and nabilone that are derived from chemical components of marijuana; treats nausea and anorexia.
Qualifying conditions:
- cachexia (weakening of the body from chronic illness, malnourished)
- anorexia
- chemo
- pain
- chronic pain
- neuropathy (from HIV/AIDS, MS, or diabetes)
- spasticity (from MS or spinal cord injury)
Adverse effects:
Increase heart rate
Sleepiness
Decreased BP and urination
Dry mouth and eyes
Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia
Exacerbation of asthma, cardiac disease
Possible dependency
Exacerbation of alcohol or other substance dependencies.
