Drugs by class suffix COPY

Question 1

General considerations for herbal use

Answer 1

• Do not take if pregnant or nursing
• Do not give to infants and young children
• Use safest for middle-aged, healthy adults
• Do not take in large quantities
• Buy only products w/plant and quantity labled
• Contact HCP before stopping Rx
• Store in a cool dry place
• Use only current products
• Don’t delay seeking care
• Advise against “miracle cures”
• Herbs are NOT placebos
• Risk for interactions are greater

Question 2

Aloe vera

Answer 2

• External
  
  • pain relief
  • healing burns
• Internal
  
  • constipation, arrhythmias, neuropathies, edema

Question 3

Chamomile

Answer 3

• Relief of digestive complaints
• May have sedative effects
• Rare allergic rxn of urticaria and bronchoconstriction if allergic to daisy or ragweed.

Question 4

Dong quai

Answer 4

• All-purpose woman’s tonic
• Frequently mixed with fillers
• Contains B12
• SE:
  
  • fever
  • excessive menstrual bleeding

Question 5

Echinacea

Answer 5

• Stimulates immune system; however, immunosuppression may occur with extended use
• For colds, flu, recurrent respiratory and UT infections, limit to 2 weeks
• People w/ autoimmune diseases should not use.

Question 6

Evening primrose

Answer 6

• Natural estrogen promoter; aids in lowering cholesterol and relieving pain and inflammation
• may lower seizure threshold if taken with an anticonvulsant

Question 7

Feverfew

Answer 7

• Interferes with platelet aggregation; acts as a serotonin antagonist for migraine headaches, RA, PMS

Question 8

Garlic

Answer 8

• Detoxifies and increases immune function; decreases platelet aggregation; for hypercholesterolemia, mild HTN

Question 9

Ginger

Answer 9

• Stimulates digestion; antispasmodic; decreases platelet aggregation

Question 10

Ginkgo biloba

Answer 10

• Antioxidant; peripheral vasodilator and increased blood flow to CNS; decreased platelet aggregation
• Used for dementia, early stroke, and Raynaud’s phenomenon

Question 11

Kava Kava

Answer 11

• CNS sedation without loss of mental acuity or memory; may be hepatotoxic

Question 12

Licorice

Answer 12

• Antiinflammatory; antibacterial; antiviral; topical: psoriasis and eczema

Question 13

Milk Thistle

Answer 13

• Increases liver cell regeneration; liver tonic; cirrhotic disease slows and increased quality of life

Question 14

Ginseng

Answer 14

• Used for stress relief
• Boosts energy, helps digestion
• Supports immune system, preventing infections

Question 15

Peppermint

Answer 15

• Internal: stimulates appetite and aids in digestion
• External: relief of tension headaches when rubbed on forehead (according to research in Germany, comparable to acetaminophen)

Question 16

Sage

Answer 16

• Herb of longevity
• Used for sore throat and cough
• Limit use to 2 weeks

Question 17

Saw palmetto

Answer 17

• Decreases size of prostate; discontinue herb 1 to 2 weeks before PSA test because can cause false-negative test results
• “Plant catheter”

Question 18

Velerian

Answer 18

• Mild sedative
  
  • Sleep-inducing agent
  • “Herbal valium”
  • “Dirty socks” odor

Question 19

St. John’s Wort

Answer 19

• Antidepressant and antiviral; for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders;
  
  • effects in 4 to 8 weeks;
  • drug interactions: transplant medications and antidepressants;
  • not of benefit to HIV clients
  • Can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with prescription anti-depressants
• • It will increase effects of SSRIs, MAOIs, & benzodiazepines
    
    • It will decrease effectiveness of Coumadin, Oral Contraceptives, Theophylline, and Digoxin

Question 20

Potential Hazards of Herbs

Answer 20

• No preparations are safe in all situations
• Contamination
• Interaction with Rx and OTC drugs

Question 21

Assessment for Herbs

Answer 21

• Baseline of client’s use of herbs
• Identify complete product information
• Identify all prescription and OTC drugs

Question 22

Interventions for Herbs

Answer 22

• Monitor client’s response to Rx, OTC, and herbal products
• Consult w/ dietitian and others as appropriate
• Continue w/ same brand; discuss w/ HCP before changing or starting product

Question 23

Pt teaching for Herbs

Answer 23

• General – look these up in the book!
• Diet
• SE
• Self-admin
• cultural considerations
• Evaluation