OTC Drugs
OTC medications now account for about what percent of all medications used in the US
60%
Black Cohosh
Acts as estrogen substitute, treats manifestations of menopause
Black Cohosh
GI distress, lightheaded, rash, headache, weight gain. Avoid taking during pregnancy
Ginko
Vasodilation, decrease bronchospasm, increased blood flow to the brain
Ginko
Mild GI upset, headache, lightheaded. DO NOT USE IN PATIENTS AT RISK OF SEIZURES
A 56-year-old man is taking OTC antacids for relief of
indigestion. He tells the nurse that he consumes at least one
bottle a week and has done so for more than 1 month because
“it works for me.” What is the nurse’s primary concern
This self-treatment may be delaying treatment of a more
serious problem
Echinacea
Stimulates the Immune system, decrease inflammation
Echinacea
Mold GI upset, fever, allergic reaction
GLUCOSAMINE
Stimulates cells to make cartilage and synovial fluid
Glucosamine
Mild GI upset. Caution in patients with shellfish allergy. Avoid use in taking anti platelet or anticoagulants
Complimentary and Alternative Medicine include
Complimentary and
Alternative Medicine
Includes:
Dietary supplements
Herbals
Prayer
Homeopathy
Massage
Mind-body techniques
Therapeutic touch
Acupuncture
Cupping
Natural remedies
Feverfew
Decrease number and severity of migraine headaches
Feverfew
Mild GI upset, can block platelet aggregation
St John’s Wart
Depression, relieve pain and inflammation, topical to treat infection
St. John’s wart
CAN CAUSE SEROTONIN SYNDROME. Decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives, cyclosporines, warfarin, digoxin, CCB
What are common conditions treated with Herbal Supplements
Anxiety
Cold & cough
Depression
Headache
Insomnia
Ulcers
Premenstrual syndrome
Arthritis
Constipation
Fever
Infection
Stress
Weakness
Garlic
Blocks LDL and raises HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides
Garlic
Increase risk of bleeding
Saw Palmetto Interactions
Anti platelet and anticoagulant
Saw Palmetto
Mild GI effects, CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY
Harmful Supplement Name, Use, Why dangerous
Comfrey-bone ailments, back pain, “female problems”, CAN CAUSE VENO OCCLUSIVE DISEASE AND LIVER DAMAGE
Kava- used for anxiety, CAN CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE
MA HUANG (EPHEDRA)- Stimulant, weight loss, decongestant. CAUSES HTN, STROKE, MI AND DEATH
Ginger Root
Relieves vertigo and nausea, increase intestinal motility, increase gastric mucous production, decrease GI spasms, anti-inflammatory
Ginger Root
Can cause uterine contractions, potential CNS depression and cardiac dyshrythmias
VALERIAN
Prevents Insomnia, reduces anxiety related retlessness
Valerian
Drowsiness, lightheaded, depression, risk of physical dependence