Patient Teaching for Antimicrobial Drugs

Question 1

I am pregnant is it safe to take antimicrobial drugs?

Answer 1

No these drugs can cause problems for a developing fetus

Question 2

Can a treat this viral infection with an antibiotic?

Answer 2

No don’t take it if it was not indicated to be used like that. It can cause more harm than good.

Question 3

Time wise how should an antimicrobial be taken?

Answer 3

evenly spaced intervals this helps maintain adequate blood levels

Question 4

Can antimicrobials be taken with food?

Answer 4

A patient should ask this question because some can be but some may decrease absorption. If it cant be taken with food take on an empty stomach or 1-2 hours before meals

Question 5

I have a liquid preparation of an antimicrobial, are there any special precautions?

Answer 5

Most should be stored in a refrigerator
Always check expiration dates

^ Important to ensure medicine remains stable and is evenly dispersed in solution

Question 6

What helps tables and capsules dissolve better in the stomach? What does it reduce?

Answer 6

Take it with a full glass of water.

It helps decrease stomach irritation.

Question 7

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: What is considered an allergic reaction to penicillin and what is not?

Answer 7

skin rash
swelling
difficulty breathing
- minor stomach upset is not an allergic reaction

Question 8

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: Why are more doses needed than most antibiotics?

Answer 8

they are rapidlly excreted by the kidneys

Question 9

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: How should most be taken?

Answer 9

On an empty stomach 1 - 2 hours before a meal

Penicillin V, Amoxicillin and Augmentin can be takin with food especially Augmentin because it increases absorption.

Question 10

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: What should I not take when swallowing these pills?

Answer 10

orange juice or other acidic fluids because they may destroy the drug

Question 11

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: I have liquid penicillin does this ever go bad?

Answer 11

Yes, throw away:

• 1 week if stored at room temp
• 2 weeks if refrigerated

Question 12

Patient Teaching for Oral Penicillins: What significant changes should I report to my health care provider?

Answer 12

skin rash
hives
itching
severe diarrhea
sob
fever
sore throat 
black tongue
unusual bleeding
---- these may be signs of an allergic reaction ----

Question 13

Patient Teaching for Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin): How should I use gentamicin ophthalmic preparation?

Answer 13

do not take it by mought

wash hands before and after use

administer any other ophthalmic preparations 10 minutes before of after gentamicin ophthalmic

Question 14

Patient Teaching for Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Cipro): What should I avoid when taking Cipro?

Answer 14

exposure to sunlight even sunscreen can’t save you but let the doctor know if you have any skin changes (burning, redness, swelling rash, itching)

Question 15

Patient Teaching for Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Cipiro):

I have to be alert at work is Cipiro a good drug choice?

Answer 15

You need to be careful if driving or doing alert or physical coordinated task because Cipiro can make you dizzy and light headed

Question 16

Patient Teaching for Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofoxacin, Cipiro):

When I take cipiro I get an upset stomach?

Answer 16

take it with food

Question 17

Patient Teaching for Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofoxacin, Cipiro):

Why do i need to drink 2-3 quarts of fluid daily?

Answer 17

to prevent kidney problems

Question 18

Patient Teaching for Tetracyclines:

Why should I take this around the clock?

Answer 18

because it inhibits bacteria it doesn’t kill them

Question 19

Patient Teaching for Tetracycline & Sulfisoxazole:

What everyday things should I avoid?

Answer 19

Sunlamps, tanning beds and intense or long exposure to sunlight. So wear sunscreen and cover up.

Question 20

Patient Teaching for Tetracycline:

What adverse affects should be reported to hcp?

Answer 20

n/v
diarrhea
skin rash
itchy groin

Question 21

Patient Teaching for Tetracycline:

When should I take it?

Answer 21

• on an empty stomach 1-2 hrs after meals with an 8 oz glass of water
• 2 hours after taking dairy, antacids or iron

Question 22

Patient Teaching for Tetracycline:

I was told I have to take an antacid but when should I?

Answer 22

at least 2-4 hours after Tetracycline

Question 23

Patient Teaching for Tetracycline & Sulfisoxazole:

I should let you know I take an oral contraceptive.

Answer 23

Well until you finish taking Tetracycline you need to use a different method of contraception because it decreases your birth control effects

Question 24

Patient Teaching for Sulfisoxazole:

When can I take it/ how?

Answer 24

before or after meals with 8 oz of water and 2-3liter of fluid a day min

Question 25

Patient Teaching for Sulfisoxazole: What hcp should I tell that I'm taking sulfisoxazole?

Answer 25

dentist because it changes lab values

Question 26

Patient Teaching for Sulfisoxazole: I was prescribed sulfisoxazole and I have diabetes. Are there any precautions I should take?

Answer 26

Yes monitor your sugar values. Reduced blood sugar levels can occur.

Question 27

Patient Teaching for Nitrofurantoin: Why do people tell me to take this with food like its important?

Answer 27

It is, taking it with food aids in absorption and decreases the onset of a/e

Question 28

Patient Teaching for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium): What should the nurse tell a pt about urine changes?

Answer 28

urine will turn reddish-orange

Question 29

Patient Teaching for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium): Black box warning

Answer 29

if your skin turns yellow contact hcp immediately. This is a sign that the drug is accumulating in your body. Also report sore throat, fever, bruising or bleeding

Question 30

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: when should I take it ?

Answer 30

on an empty stomach: 1 hour before meals or 2-3 hours after meals

Question 31

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: What juices should i not drink?

Answer 31

grapefruit juice

Question 32

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: Can i take it after drinking milk or taking an antacid?

Answer 32

no don't take within 2 hours of those

Question 33

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: How will this effect me, since I'm on the birth control pill?

Answer 33

It will decrease b.c

Question 34

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: What should I reports to hcp?

Answer 34

severe or watery diarrhea, n/v, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, hearing loss, itching and rash

Question 35

Patient Teaching for Erythromycin: Are there any a/e I should know about?

Answer 35

``` stomach cramps GI discomfort labile emotions crying laughing abnormal thoughts ```

Question 36

Patient Teaching for Telithromycin (Ketek): How should I take these tables?

Answer 36

swallow whole don't chew or crush and take them with or without food it does not matter but if you get a stomach ache take them with food take at the same time every day

Question 37

Patient Teaching for Telithromycin (Ketek): Will any of my sense be effected?

Answer 37

yes don't look quickly between objects far away if visual difficulties result

Question 38

Patient Teaching for Telithromycin (Ketek): What a/e should I report to hcp

Answer 38

bloody diarrhea, rash, fainting or yellowing of skin or eyes

Question 39

Patient Teaching for Telithromycin (Ketek): I drive a lot is it ok to take ketek?

Answer 39

no not if you have visual disturbances = no driving or heavy machine operating

Question 40

Patient Teaching for Linezolid (Zyvox): Black box warning

Answer 40

You shouldnt take zyvox if you're taking ssri, snri, maoi or tryicylic antidepressants. Seratonin syndrome can occur

Question 41

Patient Teaching for Linezolid (Zyvox): Are there any diet restrictions?

Answer 41

Avoid foods high in tyramine: aged cheeses, fermented or air dried meats, sauerkrau, soy sauce, tap beers and red wine

Question 42

Patient Teaching for Metronidazole (Flagyl): I'm taking flagyl but going to a st pattys day party, can I drink alcohol?

Answer 42

No consumption of alcohol will produce disulfiram reaction. This will cause flushing, headache, n/v and chest and ab pain.

Question 43

Patient Teaching for Vancomycin: Are there any unusual a/e I should know about?

Answer 43

only with IV there is an a/e called red man syndrome where hypo tension, flushing and skin rash occur

Question 44

Patient Teaching for INH (Isoniazid) & Rifampin (Rifadin): I have active TB, when should I feel better?

Answer 44

2-3 weeks and let your hcp know if you don't

Question 45

Patient Teaching for INH (Isoniazid): When should I take my vitamin b6?

Answer 45

at the same time as INH so you don't forget also take all other anti-TB drugs along with it

Question 46

Patient Teaching for INH (Isoniazid) & Rifampin (Rifadin): When / how should I take it?

Answer 46

try on an empty stomach unless gi upset occurs + a full glass of water

Question 47

Patient Teaching for INH (Isoniazid) & Rifampin (Rifadin): What should I immediately report to hcp?

Answer 47

liver damage s/s stop taking INH IMMEDIATELY appetite loss, nausea, jaundice, light colored stools, dark urine, fatigue and malaise

Question 48

Patient Teaching for INH (Isoniazid) & Rifampin (Rifadin): wHY DO i NEED BLOOD TEST?

Answer 48

to check your liver function only with INH: sputum cultures may also be done

Question 49

Patient Teaching for Rifampin (Rifadin): I have trouble swallowing pills

Answer 49

ok you can take the oral suspension form

Question 50

Patient Teaching for Rifampin (Rifadin): Should I be concerned about any temporary effects?

Answer 50

Tell you're eye care professional about the drug you may have to stop wearing soft contact lenses because it may permanently stain soft contact lenses

Question 51

Patient Teaching for Rifampin (Rifadin): I know some drugs alter contraception whats the best method to use?

Answer 51

Barrier methods

Question 52

Patient Teaching for Amphotericin B (Fungizone): Do I really have to take this long term?

Answer 52

yes its necessary

Question 53

Patient Teaching for Amphotericin B (Fungizone): When will I notice a change

Answer 53

in several weeks

Question 54

Patient Teaching for Amphotericin B (Fungizone): what side effects should I expect

Answer 54

nausea/v so eat small frequent meals

Question 55

Patient Teaching for Amphotericin B (Fungizone): I was ordered the topical form

Answer 55

be aware it can stain clothing

Question 56

Patient Teaching for Amphotericin B (Fungizone): what a/e should I report

Answer 56

skin irritation w/ topical or at injection site fever, chills, muscle aches and headache

Question 57

Amphotericin B: a/e GI: Genitourinary: Hematologic:

Answer 57

GI: nausea, dyspepsia and bleeding Genitourinary: hypo kalmia, azotemia, renal failure Hematological: leukopenia, thrombopenia

Question 58

Patient Teaching: Fluconazole What test should be ordered

Answer 58

Renal and hepatic function test

Question 59

Patient Teaching: Fluconazole How can I avoid GI upset?

Answer 59

Eat small frequent meals

Question 60

Patient Teaching: Fluconazole Ever since taking this med my stool and urine has changed

Answer 60

You should alert you're hcp about that even about skin eruption

Question 61

Patient Teaching for: Antiparasitic drugs What foods should be avoided

Answer 61

Raw fish and undercooked meats

Question 62

Patient Teaching for: Antiparasitic drugs Metronidazole: can I drink alcohol when I take this?

Answer 62

No for even for three days after you finished your prescription. A/e: headache, nausea, sweating, vomiting

Question 63

Patient Teaching for: Antiparasitic drugs Metronidazole: will any changes happen while taking this

Answer 63

Taking this drug will make your urine dark in color