Key Counseling Points - Antibiotics/Amtifungals Flashcards
Amoxicillin
Complete full course of therapy. For the suspension, shake well and store in the refrigerator. Note short expiration after reconstitution. Can take with food if causes upset stomach. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages and use with measuring device that comes with prescription. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner. May decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives; encourage patients to use backup contraceptive method (eg, condom).
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Complete full course of therapy. Take dose with food to ensure proper absorption. For the suspension, shake well and store in refrigerator. Note short expiration after reconstitution of 10 days. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner. May decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives; encourage patients to use backup contraceptive method (eg, condom).
Cefdinir
Complete full course of therapy. For the suspension, shake well and store at room temperature. Note 10-day expiration after reconstitution. Avoid mixing the suspension with food or beverages, but food can be taken afterward to help with stomach upset. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health care provider. Separate administration of antacids, iron, and vitamins by 2 hours.
Cefuroxime
Seek medical attention if rash develops. Complete full course therapy. For suspension, shake well and store in refrigerator. Note 10-day expiration after reconstitution. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages, but food can be taken afterward. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP.
Cephalexin
Seek medical attention if rash develops. Complete full course of therapy. For the suspension, shake well and store in the refrigerator. Note short expiration after reconstitution. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages, but food can be taken afterward. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner.
Chlorhexidine
For oral rinse, measure out 1/2 fluid ounce (15 mL) as marked in the cap that comes with the bottle, swish the solution in mouth for at least 30 seconds; do not swallow. Wait several hours after use of chlorhexidine to eat or drink. Likely to cause tooth discoloration, which can be removed by dental cleaning. For topical product, use only on unbroken skin, do not swallow, or get in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, genital area, or anal area. Contains large amounts of alcohol (70%) and is flammable. Apply the medicine in a well-ventilated place. Do not cover the treated area until the skin is completely dry after application. This is usually 3 minutes or longer for hairless skin. If you must apply the medicine to a hairy area of the body, wipe the area with a towel to remove extra chlorhexidine.
Ciprofloxacin Oral
Seek medical attention if decreased urination, yellowing of eyes, blistering skin rash or extreme fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, shortness of breath or chest pain, tendon pain, muscle weakness, a “pins and needles” tingling or pricking sensation, numbness in the arms or legs, confusion or hallucinations. Take with or without food, but not with milk or other dairy products. Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, sucralfate, or mineral supplements and multivitamins with calcium, iron, or zinc. If using the suspension, shake well before use; suspension may be stored at room temperature.
Ciprofloxacin Otic
Warm solution by holding container in hands for at least 1 minute before administering. Patient should lie with affected ear upward; position should be maintained for at least 1 minute after instillation; repeat in the opposite ear if necessary.
Clarithromycin
Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP.
Clindamycin Oral
Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP. Take with full glass of water. Remain upright for 30 minutes after dose to minimize risk of GI ulceration.
Doxycycline
May take with food that does not contain calcium. Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days. May cause photosensitivity; discontinue at the first sign of skin erythema. Wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light. Administer with 240 mL of water.
Erythromycin
Seek medical attention if rash develops. Complete full course of therapy. For suspension, shake well. Some formulations require refrigeration. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner.
Fidaxomicin
May be given with or without food.
Levofloxacin
Seek medical attention if decreased urination, yellowing of eyes, blistering skin rash or extreme fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, shortness of breath or chest pain, tendon pain, muscle weakness, a “pins and needles” tingling or pricking sensation, numbness in the arms or legs, confusion or hallucinations. Take with or without food, but not with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products or calcium-fortified products (some juices and breads). If using antacids, sucralfate, or mineral supplements and multivitamins with calcium, iron, or zinc, take at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these medicines.
Metronidazole
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine and for 3 days after, may cause severe disulfiram-like reaction. Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP. May be administered with food to minimize stomach upset.
Minocycline
May take with food that does not contain calcium (dairy). Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days if treating infection; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner. Acne should improve within 1-2 weeks. Wear sunscreen. Avoid driving or using hazardous machines until side effects are known (dizziness). Warn patients (both male and female) to avoid pregnancy.
Moxifloxacin (Oral/Ophthalmic)
Seek medical attention if decreased urination, yellowing of eyes, blistering skin rash or extreme fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, shortness of breath or chest pain, tendon pain, muscle weakness, a “pins and needles” tingling or pricking sensation, numbness in the arms or legs, confusion or hallucinations. Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner. If tendon pain develops, discontinue use and seek medical attention. Patients >65 years of age and on concurrent steroids are at increased risk. You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take this medicine with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products or calcium-fortified products (some juices and breads). If using antacids, sucralfate, or mineral supplements and multivitamins with calcium, iron, or zinc, take at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after these medicines. Wear sunscreen.
Mupirocin
Instruct patients on proper application technique. Avoid drug exposure to open wounds, burns, or eyes.
Nitrofurantoin
May make urine brown. Complete full course of therapy. For the suspension, shake well and store at room temperature, use within 30 days. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages, but food can be taken afterward to help with stomach upset. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up care.
Penicillin
Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek medical care. Take on an empty stomach. Seek care for severe diarrhea, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, blistering skin rash, or shortness of breath.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
Complete full course of therapy. For the suspension, shake well and store at room temperature and protect from light. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner. May cause photosensitivity; use sunscreen. Maintain adequate hydration during therapy to prevent kidney complications. Seek medical attention for severe diarrhea, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eye, unusual bruising or bleeding, blistering skin rash, or shortness of breath.
Azithromycin
Complete full course of therapy. Take tablets with or without food, although some patients report increased tolerability when given with food. Avoid mixing suspension with food or beverages, but food can be taken afterward. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with health-care practitioner.
Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic
Complete full course of therapy. Symptoms should improve within 2-3 days; if they worsen, seek follow-up with HCP. Wash hands with soap and water before and after use. Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket. Hold the dropper close to your eye, but not touching, with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye.
Fluconazole
Many medications, including OTC medications, interact with fluconazole. Do not take any new medications without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If taking a weekly dose, take on same day and time each week.
