Chapter 7 and 61: Vitamins and alternative therapy

Question 1

what part of ginko biloba do pts with anticoagulants have to look out for?

Answer 1

-the flavones of gingko biloba
-flavones are plants compounds that have mild antiplatelet effects and this can be worsened for pts on anticougulants, increasing the risk for bleeding

Question 2

what can herbal drugs do?

Answer 2

they can interact with prescribed medications and affect drug action

Question 3

what does ginseng do?

Answer 3

increase:
-anticougulants
-blood flow
-energy
decreases:
-blood glucose (increasing the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycaemia agents)
-BP
-stress
-sexual dysfunction
-morphine

Question 4

what does ginko biloba do?

Answer 4

-its an antioxidant
-increases: anticougulants, blood flow and memory
-decreases: anticonvulsants, blood pressure and insulin levels in diabetes
-if taken with tricylic antidepressants it can create a risk for serotonin syndrome

Question 5

what does black licorice do (not the candy, the ground up root)?

Answer 5

-regulates hormones
-increases: digoxin, aspirin causing GI irritation, steroids effectiveness, potassium loss with laxatives
-decreases: stress and fat
-if taken in large amounts for 4 weeks or more it can lead to increases BP, decreased potassium and heart attack (which can be dangerous)

Question 6

what do ginger do?

Answer 6

-increase: anticougulants
-decrease: stomach problems, IBS, infammation, nausea

Question 7

what does garlic do?

Answer 7

-thins blood
-increase: anticougulants, immunity
-decreases: cholesterol

Question 8

what does feverfew do?

Answer 8

-increases: anticougulants, NSAIDS
-decreases: n/v migraine/dizziness, fever, inflammation, BP and tinnitus

Question 9

what does valerian do?

Answer 9

-helps with sleep disoders
-increases: CNS depressants
-decrease: anxiety, BP

Question 10

what does Kava Kava do?

Answer 10

-helps with sleeping problems and relaxes muscles
-increases: adderall, CNS depressants, 5-HTPS
-decreases: anxiety, stress, convulsants

Question 11

what does st johns wort do?

Answer 11

-increases: appetite, CNS depressants
-decrease: anxiety, depression, insomnia
-do not take with andepressants, as this can lead to increased serotonin levels = serotonin syndrome

Question 12

what does melatonin do?

Answer 12

-decreases insomnia
-if taken with calcium channel blocker, it can decrease melatonin in the body
-if taken with desipramine and fluoxetine, it can decrease antidepressant effects

Question 13

what does saw palmetto do?

Answer 13

decreases
-absorption of iron
-BPH
-urinary retention
-noturia and assists with initiation urination
-oral contraceptive
-used for men with prostate cancer (helps with decreasing urine retention)
-has a hormone like effect: avoid in pregnancy, lactation and hormone sensitive cancers
-do not take with finasteride (proscar) as it similar effects

Question 14

what does tumeric do?

Answer 14

-increases: anticoagulants
-decreases: stomach problems, inflamamation, infection, tumours
-decreases PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) and H2 blockers (increase stomach acid)

Question 15

what are fat soluable vits and where are they stored?

Answer 15

-k,a,d,e
-stored in liver and fatty tissue
-found in fatty foods and oils
-excessive intake can be harmful

Question 16

vit a

Answer 16

-aquasol a
-vision, immunity, development of teeth and bones, replacement therapy in lactation, pregnancy, infection
-oral contraceptives can increase serum levels of vit a
-adverse effects: hives, swelling of lips and tongue
-women: 4000 IU
-men:5000IU

Question 17

vit d

Answer 17

-calcitrol, rocaltrol
-regulates serum calcium levels, promotes mobilization of calcium from bone
-used to treat OP and OM (ostemalacia)
-adverse: dizziness, fatigue, weakness (fwd)

Question 18

vit e

Answer 18

-aquasol e, tocopherol
-antioxidant (prevents cell damage), protects against blood clot formation, used to treat anemia
-adverse: fatigue, headache, nausea
-contra: bleedings disorders, thrombocytopenia

Question 19

vit k

Answer 19

-aquamephyton
-helps produce RBC and synthesize clotting factors, used to treat neonatal hemorrohagic disease
-antidote for warfarin overdose
-takes 3-8 hrs to stop bleeding
-adverse effects: anaphylaxis like reaction
-contra: liver/biliary problems (liver is involved in liver)
-80mcg/day

Question 20

water soluble vits

Answer 20

-found in fresh fruits and veggies
-not stored in the body
-signs of deficiency apear fast
-excess intake not usually harmful
-considered anti stress vits

Question 21

vit b1

Answer 21

-thiamine
-helps in the metabolism of carbs to energy
-used for beriberi, neuritis and thiamine deficiency anorexia
-helps with the proper funtioning of the heart, NS, and muscles
-adverse: weakness, warming/sweating
-contra/precautions: none if within the RDA
-drug interactions: antibiotics such as erythromycin and azithromycin

Question 22

vit b2

Answer 22

-riboflavin
-antioxidant, used for txt of beriberi and pellagra, important for RBC production
-cheilosis: noninflammatory disorder characterized by cracks on the lips (caused by deficiency of vit b2)
-if you take in too much vit b2, you’re urine will be bright yellow

Question 23

vit b3

Answer 23

-niacin
-prescribed to decrease cholesterol and atherosclerotic disease
-pellegra (lack of vitb3 or tryptophan): characterized by dermatitis, dementia, diarrhea, death. overdependent on corn as a staple food

Question 24

vit b5

Answer 24

-pantothenic acid
-aids in digestion for carbs, proteins, lipids
-helps convert food into energy
-promotes healthy skin

Question 25

vit b6

Answer 25

-pyridoxine
-treats vit defiency s/s like n/vs, skin lesions
-decreases diuresis
-decreases effects of levodopa (parkinsons med)

Question 26

vit b9

Answer 26

-folic acid
-treats anemias and prevents neural tube defects

Question 27

vit b12

Answer 27

-cyancobalamin
-used for anemia,increasing brain alertness, surgery, GI pathology, tapeworms
-drug interaction: alcohol

Question 28

vit c

Answer 28

-absorbic acid
-important for synthesis and maintenance of collagen
-helps maintain immune system
-enhances iron absorption
-used to enhance wound healing
-decreases effects of oral anticougulants
-large doses may cause Gi effects (h/v, heartburn)

Question 29

what are macronminerals vs microminerals/

Answer 29

-macro: inorganic substance, we need at least 100 mg/day for normal function
-micro: inorganic, need 20 mg or less/day

Question 30

what is the normal adult serum calcium?

Answer 30

2.10-2.50mmol/L

Question 31

what does the trousseaus and chvostek sign mean?

Answer 31

-in pts with low calcium
-trousseau: observed when the blood pressure cuff is on the upper hand, using involuntary contraction of the hand and wrist
-chvostek: tap in front of the ear, and on the same side there will be a contraction or twitiching