Sunday, January 6, 2008

Drugs: Contemporary

CO-ENZYME 10
- Has antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties
- Q10 is a free radical scavenger
- Protects cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage
- Found in all human cells
- Protects tissue from cellular damage

INDICATIONS
Allergies
Asthma
Respiratory disease
Alzheimers’ disease
Schizophrenia
Gives energy to the heart especially in CHF

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Anorexia
Nausea
Diarrhea
Epigastric discomfort

SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Oral antidiabetic agents may decrease effectiveness of Co-Q10
Co-Q10 may decrease response to warfarin

INTERVENTIONS
Cardiovascular assessment should be ongoing
Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and is best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods such as fish

EDUCATION
Co-Q10 is perishable and deteriorates in temperatures above 115’F
A liquid form or oil form is preferable
Vitamin E helps preserve Co-enzyme

FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN E
Mackerel, salmon, sardines
Peanuts
Spinach
Beef

EVALUATION CLIENT WILL HAVE NO SIGNS OF:
Peripheral edema, hepato-splenomegaly, bibasilar crackles
Client will have normal sinus rhythm on ECG
Increased sense of well-being

BRANDS
ADELIR
CO-Q10
HEARTACIN
INOKITON
NEUQUINONE
TAIDECANONE
UBIQUINONE
UDEKINONE

ECHINACEA
- Stimulates phagocytosis
- Increases mobility of leukocytes
- Increases respiratory cellular activity
- Increased immunity
- Antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory
- Has peripheral vasodilator property

INDICATIONS
Sore throat, colds, flu, low immune status, CA
Ointments used for burns, ulceration, eczema, herpes simplex, psoriasis
Reduces recurrence of Candida Albicans
Decreases growth of Trichomonas Vaginalis

WARNINGS
EXTERNALLY: none
INTERNALLY: TB, MS, HIV, collagen diseases and autoimmune diseases
Alcoholics and with liver disease
Pregnancy, breastfeeding
Children

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Allergies may occur if client is allergic to plants in the daisy family.

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Do not administer with immunosupressants or hepatotoxic drugs, or with disulfiram and metronidazole)

INTERVENTIONS
Monitor WBC
Vital signs
Breath sounds

EDUCATION
- Instruct the client that herb should not be used longer than 8 weeks ,10-14 days of therapy is probably sufficient
- If illness does not resolve after taking the herb, advise to notify provider.

EVALUATION
WBCs will return to normal range.Temperature will return to normal range, and client will have a decrease in the symptoms for which the herb was administered.

BRANDS
CONEFLOWER EXTRACT
ECHINACEA
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA
ECHINACEA FRESH FREEZE-DRIED
ECHINACEA GLYCERITE
ECHINACEA PURPUREA

EVENING PRIMROSE
- Its oil stems from essential fatty acids that are crucial as structural elements for cells as precursors of synthesis of prostaglandins
- Linoleic acid is not manfactured by the body and must be provided through diet
- The body relies on the metabolic conversion of lenoleic acid (LA) to gamma lenoleic acid (GLA). A deficiency in this process results in diabetes , CA, CVD.
- This herb contains the highest amount of GLA .

INDICATIONS
Rheumatoid arthritis
PMS
Menopause
diabetic neuropathy

WARNINGS
Pregnancy
Breast CA
Schizophrenia
Clients taking epileptogenic meds such as penothiazines

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea
Headache
Rash
Immunosuppression may occur after use of GLA > 1year

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Penothiazines may increase risk of seizures

EDUCATION
Instruct women with breast CA or clients with seizure disorder not to use this herb

EVALUATION
The client's symptoms will improve based on therapeutic reason for taking the herb

BRANDS
EFAMOL
EPOGRAM
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
PRIMROSE POWER
MEGA PRIMROSE OIL

FEVERFEW
- Inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes
- Inhibits secretion of serotonin from platelet granules

INDICATIONS

Migraine headaches
Arthritis
Fever
Menstrual disorders

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Occasional mouth ulceration
GI disturbances
Dry, sore tongue
Swollen lips
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea, flatulence

POST FEVERFEW SYNDROME
Withdrawal syndrome characterized by moderate to severe pain and joint and muscle stiffness

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Use caution with anti-coagulants, may increase bleeding

INTERVENTIONS
Recommend avoiding chewing the leaves since they can cause mouth ulcers

EDUCATION
- Discuss proper oral hygiene due to the risk of mouth ulcerations.
- Discuss the importance of reporting undesirable effects to provider
- Even feverfew is given for pain, the user can still operate heavy machinery
- Treatment for at least a few months is recommended .
- Instruct the client not to withdraw the herb abruptly.

EVALUATION
Clients temperature will return to normal range and pain subside.

BRANDS
FEVERFEW
FEVERFEW GLYC
FEVERFEW POWER

GARLIC
- Inhibits platelet agreggation
- Decreases lipids
- Has anti-tumor effects
- Lowers total serum cholesterol, TG, and LDL
- Increases HDL
- Anti-microbial

INDICATIONS
Lowers high blood pressure and serum lipid levels
Aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis
Aids in treatment of yeast infection, wounds, colds and flu

WARNINGS
Hypersensitivity
Peptic ulcer or reflux disease
Pregnant women due to oxytoxic effects

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
The entire body can smell of garlic
Diaphoresis
Hypothyroidism
Irritation of the mouth, esophagus or stomach
Nausea and vomiting
Chronic use may lead to decreased hemoglobin production and lysis of RBCs

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Increases the risk of bleeding

INTERVENTIONS
Monitor CBC if client taking high-dose or long term

EDUCATION
Odorless garlic supplements are available
Instruct client watch for signs of bleeding (bleeding gums, petechiae) if taking with hemostatic agents

EVALUATION
The client will have a decrease in BP, lipid levels, or clinical symptoms for which the garlic was administered

BRANDS
GARLIC POWER
GARLIQUE
KWAI
ODORLESS GARLIC TABLETS
ONE A DAY GARLIC
APEC

GINKGO BILOBA
- Produces arterial and venous vasoactive changes that increase the tissue perfusion and cerebral blood flow
- Stimulates prostaglandin biosynthesis
- Acts as anti-oxidant

INDICATIONS
Memory loss
Early stages of Alzheimers’ disease
Poor circulation to extremeties
Intermittent claudication

WARNINGS
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
Children
Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
Clients taking anti-coagulants and anti-platelet meds

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
- Mild GI upset in less than 1% of patients
- Long term use has been linked with rare occurrence of spontaneous subdural hematoma, intracerebral or intraoccular hemorrhage

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Cigarette smoking or use of platelet agreggation inhibitors increases the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage, may interact with carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin.

INTERVENTIONS
Administration for at least 2 weeks recommended
Children and adults taking medicinal doses should be seen by a qualified health care provider

EDUCATION
- Stay within recommended dosage and duration. Advise not to take aspirin or - NSAIDs or alcohol; report unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Keep out of reach from children due to potential risk of seizures with ingestion
- Avoid contact with the fruit pulp or seed coats due to risk of dermatitis

EVALUATION
Substantial regression of major symptoms of chronic cerebral insufficiency including vertigo, senility, fatigue, lack of vigilance, and poor circulation to the limbs

BRANDS
BIOGINKO 24/6
BIOGINKO 27/7
GINCOSAN
GINEXIN REMIND
GINKAI
GINKOBA
GINKO PHYTOSOME

GINSENG
- Supports and enhances adrenal function , allowing for more consistent energy and better reaction to stress.
- Reduces cholesterol and TG, decreases platelet adhesiveness and coagulation increases fibrinolysis
- Antiarrhythmic effects have also been determined with ginseng similar to verapamil and amiodarone

INDICATIONS
- Improves stamina, concentration and stress-resistance; adjunct in radiation and chemotherapy.
- Lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels
- Has anti-hypertensive effects

WARNINGS
Cardiovascular disease
Hyper/hypotension
Diabetes
Steroid therapy
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
High doses can cause jitters, headache, hypertension, vaginal bleeding, skin eruptions and pruritus.

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- Anti-diabetic agents should be used cautiously due to ginseng's hypoglycemic effect.
- MAO inhibitors given with ginseng may result in tremors, headache and mania.
- Herb may interfere with digoxin effects

INTERVENTIONS
- Monitor for “Ginseng Abuse Syndrome” (nervousness, insomnia, morning diarrhea)
- This will occur if tea or coffee are taken with the herb.
- Monitor the diabetic client for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

EDUCATION
Take 1 hour before eating.
Vitamin C can interfere with absorption.
Avoid caffeine
Take early in the day to reduce over stimulation.
Generally up to 3 months is recommended

EVALUATION
Client will experience an increase in energy and an improvement of symptoms for which ginseng was administered.

BRANDS
BIOSTAR
CIMEXON
GINCOSAN
GINSANA
GINSATONIC
NEO GINSANA

KAVA - KAVA
- The limbic system is inhibited by kavapyrones an effect associated with suppression of emotional excitability and mood enhancement. Noted for promoting relaxation without loss of mental sharpness

INDICATIONS
Anxiety disorders
Stress
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
Backache
Neckache
Pain from TMJ

WARNINGS
Pregnant,breastfeeding
Children