Miscellaneous (Counseling Tips)

Question 1

Levothyroxine

Answer 1

Take with water 30 minutes before breakfast
Take the same way everyday
Take 4 hours apart from iron or antacids
May take several weeks to see symptoms improve

Question 2

Tamsulosin

Answer 2

Take 30 minutes after the same meal everyday to increase absorption
Orthostatic hypotension
Headache
Dizziness

Question 3

Tolterodine

Answer 3

Constipation
Dry mouth
Headache

Question 4

Donepezil

Answer 4

Nausea
Diarrhea
Risk of stomach bleed with NSAIDS
Prolonged QT interval

Question 5

Alendronate

Answer 5

Take 30 minutes before breakfast to increase absorption
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
Take with 8oz of water and stay upright for 30 minutes
Report heartburn or bone pain to physician

Question 6

Allopurinol

Answer 6

Report rash to prescriber is it occurs
May cause nausea / diarrhea
Gout attacks may be more potent in early stages

Question 7

Oseltamivir

Answer 7

Nausea / Vomiting
Headache
Does not replace influenza vaccine
Must initiate within 48 hours of onset

Question 8

Ferrous Sulfate

Answer 8

Best absorbed on an empty stomach (but take with food if stomach becomes upset)
Separate 2 hours before or after other meds
Black stools
Constipation common

Question 9

Sumatriptan

Answer 9

Tingling, dizziness possible
Avoid if history of cardiovascular disease
Overuse may worsen headaches (more than 10 times a month)

Question 10

Tadalafil

Answer 10

Do not take more than once daily
Avoid alcohol because of low blood pressure risk
Avoid grapefruit juice
Headache and flushing
Report sudden loss of hearing or vision and discontinue use