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About the Medicine: eg brand name, generic name, other brands, dose form/s.

What are the indications for this medicine?

What doses of this medicine are used?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding information

Are there any precautions or contraindications for this medicine?

What side effects may be associated with this medicine? Identify which are common and which are
serious.

List any questions that you may want to ask the patient before proceeding.

What do you need to tell patients about this medicine?

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 9:

Chloramphenicol 0.5% / Chlorsig broad-spectrum antibacterial

Ancillary labels

Used for : Bacterial conjunctivitis or blepharitis, for eye or ear broad spectrum antibiotic

Benefits of drug: prevents infection

Sore in fridge, once opened keep at RT


Dose, : 1 drop every 2 hours while awake, for 2 days, if improvements are seen then do 1 drop 4
times a day for up to 5 days, if no improvement see dr or pharmacist

Tilt head back and look up, with one hand pull eyelid down, with other drop into eye pocket you
have made

When to take am/pm

When it will take effect : within 2 days

Important points about this med

- DO NOT wear contact lnses while using this


- Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Changes to Faeces: Blue, black discolouration.

Adverse effects

- Common: stinging or burning after instillation


- Infrequent : unpleasant taste
- Rare: hypersensitivity reactions, eg angioedema, anaphylaxis, dermatitis
-

When to contact ur dr

- If skin rash, seek medical advice

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification: Always wash hands before and after touching eyes to prevent infection or
spread to others, when wiping- wipe from inner corner to outer corner when wiping discharge, use
cold compresses ,

- Wear glasses mean time , DO NOT wear contact lnses while using this
- Throw away the old lenses and use new ones once treated

f/u with dr/surgeon as directed

Adrenaline 300mcg /Epinephrine adrenergic agonist

Ancillary labels : 13- (do NOT remove from original packaging until dose is required)

Used for Anaphylactic reactions, Severe croup

Benefits of drug

Dose
- Adult dose: Severe asthma or anaphylaxis: IM, 100–500 micrograms (0.1–0.5 mL of the
1:1,000 solution) initially; repeat every 5 mins if needed. Maximum single dose: 500
micrograms.
o Autoinjector (eg EpiPen®, Anapen®)
o The doses below are recommended by bodies such as the Australasian Society of
Clinical Immunology and Allergy; for some children they are higher than the
doses recommended by the manufacturer. Repeat dose after 5 minutes if
required.
o The following doses are for adults and children.
 >50 kg, IM 300 micrograms or 500 micrograms.
 20–50 kg, IM 300 micrograms.
 7.5–20 kg, IM 150 micrograms.
- Paed
o Anaphylaxis: IM, 10 micrograms/kg (i.e. 0.01 mL/kg of 1:1,000 solution),
repeated every 5 minutes if needed. Maximum single dose: 500 micrograms (0.5
mL).
o AMH severe croup >1 month, neb 5 mL of undiluted adrenaline
1:1000 as a single dose. Repeat after 30 minutes if required.
o Croup: Nebulised, 0.5 mg/kg (i.e. 0.5 mL/kg adrenaline 1:1,000); maximum 5 mg
(5 mL).
o for children 20–30 kg, the doses are higher than the doses recommended by the
manufacturer.
o Adult, child >20 kg: IM, 0.3 mg (EpiPen®).
o Child 10–20 kg: IM, 0.15 mg (EpiPen Jr®).

When to take when required

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

- no absolute contraindications to adrenaline in anaphylactic reactions


- Pregnancy A
- Breast feeding : Use with caution. Excreted into breast milk. Monitor infant for adverse
effects
- Allergy to sulfites > may contain sulfites. However, if you have a sulfite allergy, you
should still use this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can save your
life, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems.
- Contact poison line incase if overdosed
- Protect from light (Light sensitive).
- Note use-by date and arrange new supply in advance.
- Make sure anyone who may need to give you adrenaline is taught how to recognise
when you need it and how to give it.
- Some brands of adrenaline autoinjectors (eg Anapen®, EpiPen®) are not used in exactly
the same way; TAKE TIME TO READ INSTRUCTIONS make sure you and your carers are
taught how to use the device you are given.
- When administering an autoinjector to a child, hold the child’s leg firmly to minimise
risk of injury (eg lacerations) to the child or the person giving the dose.
- Call an ambulance as soon as possible after using adrenaline because further doses may
be required.
- Keep two adrenaline autoinjectors with you at all times. They need to be stored in the
dark, between 15°C and 25°C, but not refrigerated; you may need an insulated pouch.
- Note the use by date for your adrenaline and arrange a new supply in advance.

- ampoules contain 1 mg adrenaline, ie:


o adrenaline 1:1 000 = 1 mg in 1 mL
o adrenaline 1:10 000 = 1 mg in 10 mL

Adverse effects

- Fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing,


headache, dizziness, anxiety, shakiness, or pale skin may occur.
- . Careful monitoring of vital signs is crucial, especially in patients with polypharmacy

When to contact ur dr inform ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification – avoid allergens , triggers

f/u with dr for maabgement

Glyceryl Trinitrate 400mcg nitrate, anti-anginal

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Sublingual tablets and spray
• Use during episodes of angina or before an activity expected to precipitate angina.
• Sit or lie down before use: the drug may cause orthostatic hypotension.
• Prime spray 5 times before first use, then spray under tongue.
• Place the tablet under the tongue, but do not swallow. Once angina has been relieved, spit out what is left of the tablet to avoid adverse
effects such as headache.
• If 2 tablets or 2 sprays over 15 minutes do not relieve pain, advise patient to seek immediate medical assistance.
Common adverse effects include headache, flushing,
palpitations and hypotension.
• Store tablets in a glass container and protect from
moisture, light and heat; do not carry close to the
body; discard unused tablets 3 months after opening
the bottle.
Patch
• Ensure a nitrate-free period of 10–12 hours
each day.
• This form of glyceryl trinitrate will not relieve an
acute attack; use sublingual tablets or spray.
Changes to urinary system: Brown–black
discolouration of urine.
Renal and hepatic impairment (severe): Caution.
Monitor clinically.
Pregnancy: B2. Consider alternatives. Use minimum
effective dose if required in acute situation.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution, particularly
infusions and sustained-release preparations. Excretion
in breast milk unknown. Monitor for adverse effects
in infants.
Common Dose Range
Adult dose
Acute angina: Sublingual tablet, 300–900 micrograms;
sublingual spray, 400–800 micrograms (1–2 sprays).
Prevention of chronic angina: Patch, 5–15 mg for up to
14 hours daily.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Sumatriptan 50mg 5HT1 agonist

Ancillary labels : 12

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


• Seek medical advice if no relief occurs, or if
headaches are increasing in frequency or severity.
• If shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
(anaphylactic-type reactions) or chest pain/tightness
is experienced, seek medical advice.
• Should not be taken within 24 hours of ergotamine.
• Separate doses of different triptans by at least
12–24 hours.
Tablets:
• Swallow whole as soon as possible after the onset of
the migraine.
• Dose may be repeated if migraine recurs but not if
unresponsive to initial dose.
Injection:
• Inject one dose as soon as possible after the onset of
the migraine.
• Dose may be repeated, after not less than 1 hour
if migraine recurs but not if unresponsive to
initial dose.
Nasal spray:
• Spray one spray into one nostril as soon as possible
after the onset of the migraine.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Contraindicated.
Pregnancy: B3. Use not recommended.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Small amounts
excreted but no safety data on drug in infants. If used,
express and discard milk for eight hours after dose.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 10:

Metronidazole suspension - anti-infective agent

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Before crushing or otherwise altering tablets, consider unacceptable/undisguisable taste.
•Avoid alcohol for 48 hours following completion of treatment.
• If numbness, tingling or pain in extremities occurs, seek medical advice.
• Confirm appropriate antibiotic and dose regimen.
• Common adverse effects—nausea, diarrhoea, gastric upset.
• If a skin rash develops, seek medical advice.
• Significant interaction with warfarin.
Changes to urinary system: Dark–brown discolouration of urine.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution. Dose reduction may be necessary.
Pregnancy: B2 (systemic and topical). May be used if drug of choice.
Breastfeeding: May be used in usual doses.
Avoid high single-dose therapy or withhold feeds for 12–24 hours if necessary. Small amounts excreted in breast milk. Monitor for
adverse effects (e.g. diarrhoea, thrush) in infant. May cause temporary change to
taste of milk.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Zolpidem 10mg non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Effects potentiated by cytochrome P450 3A4
inhibitors (see Table D.1, Section D).
• Potential for dependence.
• Used for minimum required period only.
Hepatic impairment (moderate): Starting dose of 5
mg.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Contraindicated.
Pregnancy: B3. Use not recommended.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. sedation, poor feeding) in infant.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Immediate-release formulation: 10 mg at night (5 mg for
elderly patients).
Controlled-release formulation: 12.5 mg at night
(6.25 mg for elderly patients).

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr
Fluticasone Nasal Spray inhaled corticosteroid

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Inquire about asthma management plan.
• A preventive medication intended for continued and
regular use even if no symptoms present. Not for use
during acute attacks.
• Review technique and compliance.
• Rinse mouth with water after use to decrease
systemic absorption and minimise risk
of oral thrush.
• Cover eyes during nebulisation because of possible
leakage from a mask.
• If asthma is well controlled, try a dose reduction
of 25% every three months. Titrate dose to lowest
possible dose for effective control.
• Systemic effects may include bone density loss,
glaucoma, cataract, skin thinning, impaired growth,
adrenal suppression.
• Use after beta2 agonist if being used concurrently.
• May take >1 week to achieve full benefit.
Renal and hepatic impairment: Safe to use, no dosage
adjustment necessary.
Pregnancy: B3. May be used. Women planning a
pregnancy should switch to budesonide.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Negligible
systemic absorption.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Fluticasone MDI
Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 11

Dexamphetamine 5mg - psychostimulant

Ancillary labels : 5, 12

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• To minimise insomnia, avoid taking doses later
than 2.00 pm.
• Weight and height may be monitored, although
effect on these parameters is probably insignificant.
Renal impairment (severe): Caution.
Pregnancy: B3. Previously commenced therapy should
be tapered off as soon as pregnancy is suspected. If drug
of choice in narcolepsy, minimum effective dose may
be used.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended. Excretion
and concentration in breast milk. Potential for adverse
effects (e.g. insomnia, irritability, poor feeding) in infant.

Common dosage range


Adult dose
5–60 mg daily in divided doses.
Paediatric dose
Initially, 0.15–0.5 mg/kg daily in two doses, usually
morning and early afternoon. Increase at weekly intervals
up to a maximum of 0.5 mg/kg daily or, for adolescents, 40 mg daily.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Oxycodone 5mg opioid analgesic

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Crushing or otherwise altering controlled-release tablets
will alter absorption characteristics.

Notes
• Constipation may be a problem with chronic use.
Commence treatment with stimulant or osmotic
laxative (see ‘Prevention and treatment of opioidinduced
constipation’, Section D).
• Dose required varies widely, adjust dose according to
response. Recommend a pain chart.
• Nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Onset of action and duration of effect vary with
preparation prescribed. Advise accordingly, especially
if controlled-release preparation dispensed for the
first time.
• Naloxone may be used to reverse oxycodoneinduced
respiratory depression.
• Inappropriate intravenous use of oxycodone
products has been reported.
Changes to urinary system: May induce or aggravate
overflow/functional incontinence due to inhibition of the
voiding reflex, constipation, confusion, reduced detrusor
activity, or urinary retention.
Elderly: Caution. Initiate therapy at one-third to
one-half of normal dose.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Caution. Initiate therapy
at one-third to one-half of normal dose.
Pregnancy: C. Use only if drug of choice. High doses
or prolonged use at or near term may cause respiratory
depression and withdrawal in newborn.
Breastfeeding: May be used for occasional or shortterm
dosing. Excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse
effects (e.g. sedation, gastrointestinal effects) in infant.
Long-term use not recommended.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Buprenorphine 5mcg/hour patch opioid analgesic

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


potent opioid drugs.
Regular users quickly develop tolerance and may become
complacent about the safety of their dosage regimen.
On the other hand, a non-tolerant person is likely to
experience serious effects with a comparatively small
dose.

Notes
• Constipation may be a problem with chronic use.
Start treatment with stimulant or osmotic laxative
(see ‘Prevention and treatment of opioid-induced
constipation’, Section D).
• Ask about nausea or vomiting.
• May be used for opioid dependence (see ‘Opioid
substitution therapy’, Section A).
Changes to urinary system: May induce or aggravate
overflow/functional incontinence due to inhibition of the
voiding reflex, constipation, confusion, reduced detrusor
activity or urinary retention.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution.
Monitor clinically.

Pregnancy: C. Previously commenced therapy can


be maintained as not associated with birth defects,
however methadone substitution is treatment of
choice for opioid dependence.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended as limited
data available. Known to be excreted in breast milk.

Adult dose

- Sublingual, 0.2–0.4 mg every 6–8 hours.


- Patch, initially 5 micrograms/hr; titrate dose to effect by adding another patch or changing to a higher strength patch.
Do not increase dose at intervals of <3 days; do not apply >2 patches concurrently; maximum dose 2 x 20
micrograms/hour patches. Each patch must be changed every 7 days.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Rabeprazole 10mg PPI

Ancillary labels : A

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Before crushing or altering enteric-coated tablets
consider medicine stability issues.
Notes
• Raised gastric pH can reduce bioavailability of
ketoconazole, itraconazole (capsule form),
iron salts and digoxin.
• Generally well tolerated.
• See doctor immediately if nausea, severe vomiting,
epigastric pain or diarrhoea with blood-stained
stools during or after treatment is experienced.

Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution


Start at low dose, careful titration of dose.
Pregnancy: B1. May be used when treatment with
antacids and H2 antagonists has failed. If a proton pump
inhibitor is required, omeprazole is preferred.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended. Excretion in
breast milk expected.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
20–40 mg daily in 1 or 2 doses.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Esomeprazole 20mg proton pump inhibitor, S-isomer of omeprazole

Ancillary labels : 5

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

- PPIs most effective given 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.2

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


(can be dispersed in non-carbonated water)
Modification of oral formulation
Before crushing or otherwise altering enteric-coated
tablets, consider medicine stability issues.

Notes
• Raised gastric pH can reduce bioavailability of
ketoconazole, itraconazole (capsule form), iron salts
and digoxin.
• Generally well tolerated.
• See doctor immediately if nausea, severe vomiting,
epigastric pain or diarrhoea with blood-stained
stools during or after treatment is experienced.
• Esomeprazole is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450
system (see Table D.1, Section D).
Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution dose reduction
necessary, maximum oral/IV dose 20 mg daily.
Pregnancy: B3. May be used when treatment with
antacids and H2 antagonists has failed. If a proton pump
inhibitor is required, omeprazole is preferred.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Excreted
in breast milk. Likely to be destroyed in infant’s
stomach, but no safety data on drug in infants.
H2 antagonists preferred.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
20–80 mg daily.
Paediatric dose
>12 years: 20–40 mg daily.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 12

Bisacodyl suppository stimulant laxative

Ancillary labels : L

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Before crushing or otherwise altering enteric
coated tablets, consider the increased risk of local
gastrointestinal irritant effect.
Notes
• Discuss increased fibre, fluid intake and increased
level of physical activity.
• Chronic management: may require combination
treatment.
• Faecal impaction may present as faecal soiling or
diarrhoea.
• Opioid-induced: use a stool softener or stimulant
and hyperosmotic (see ‘Prevention and treatment of
opioid-induced constipation’, Section D).
Pregnancy: A.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Avoid large doses due
to risk of diarrhoea in infant.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Oral, 5–15 mg at night.
Rectal, 10 mg once daily when required.
Paediatric dose
>3 years, oral 5–10 mg at night; rectal 5–10 mg once
daily as required.
6 months to 3 years, rectal 5 mg once daily as required.
Bowel preparation: Refer to local protocol.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Escitalopram 10mg selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

Have interaction with SSRIs like Citalopram


Notes
Medicine-free interval may • be required when
switching to/from any other antidepressants.
See NPS switching chart at www.nps.org.
au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/22830/
Depression2004ClinicalAuditPack.pdf.
• May increase the anticoagulant response to warfarin.
Monitor INR.
• Indications other than depression include OCD,
anxiety, panic and eating disorders.
• SSRIs inhibit the cytochrome P450 system
(citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline cause the
least inhibition).
• Usually given as a morning dose due to activating
effects (occasionally may cause somnolence and be
taken at night).
• Full benefit may not be seen for several weeks but
adverse effects may occur from start of treatment.
• The efficacy and safety of escitalopram for the
treatment of major depressive disorder has not
been established in individuals aged less than
18 years of age.
Changes to Urinary System: May induce or aggravate
urge/functional incontinence due to enhanced detrusor
activity (instability), sedation or impairment of mobility.
Elderly: Hyponatraemia (SIADH) may occur.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Dose reduction
necessary. Initiate with 5 mg and titrate carefully to
10 mg if necessary.
Renal impairment (mild–moderate): Caution.
Monitor clinically.
Renal impairment (severe): Caution. Limited data
available. Dose reduction may be necessary.

Pregnancy: C. Use when clinically indicated if it is


the drug of choice. There is increased risk of reversible
withdrawal symptoms, not congenital malformations.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended: limited data
available. Excreted in breast milk. Consider other
SSRIs first.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
10–20 mg daily.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Metformin 500mg biguanide antidiabetic agent

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Metformin has a slow onset of effect and may take
two weeks to see maximum effects.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• If loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
or weight loss occurs, seek medical advice.
• No risk of hypoglycaemia when used as a
single treatment.
• Drug of choice for the obese patient.
• Caution risk of lactic acidosis (anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, malaise,
weight loss) with high doses or if patient is renally
impaired or at risk of hypoxic situations (e.g. heart
failure, surgery).
• Metformin therapy should be temporarily stopped
in patients undergoing surgery and procedures
involving iodinated contrast media.
Elderly: Those on high doses and prolonged treatment
are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Contraindicated.
Renal impairment (mild–moderate): Caution. Dosage
modification required. Suggested maximum doses:
Clcr 60–90 mL/min, 2 g daily.
Clcr 30–60 mL/min, 1 g daily.
Renal impairment (severe): Contraindicated if
Clcr <30 mL/min.
Pregnancy: C. Oral hypoglycaemic agents usually
replaced with insulin.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Modest amount
excreted in breast milk.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Conventional tablet: 500–3,000 mg daily in 2–3 doses.
Controlled-release tablet: 500–2,000 mg once daily.
Paediatric dose
>10 years, conventional tablet, initially 500–850 mg
once daily; maximum daily dose 2 g in 2–3 doses.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Ibuprofen 400mg nsaid

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Preg/bf
Diclofenac and ibuprofen are the NSAIDs of choice in breastfeeding mothers
Important points about this med
Modification of oral formulation
Before crushing or otherwise altering tablets or capsules,
consider unacceptable/undisguisable taste.
Notes
• Maximum response should be seen in 1–3 weeks.
• Caution if taking warfarin or other anticoagulants.
• To lessen gastrointestinal complications, use
lowest effective dose and take paracetamol as an
alternative analgesic.
• Check use of over-the-counter NSAIDs.
• Caution with diabetes, hypertension, heart failure,
asthma or peptic ulcer.
• Consider stopping 2–3 days before planned surgery;
seek medical advice.
Changes to faeces: Pink, red, or black discolouration
may indicate medicine-induced gastrointestinal bleeding.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution. Dose reduction
may be necessary. Monitor clinically.
Renal impairment (moderate–severe): Caution.
Dose reduction may be necessary. Monitor clinically.
Pregnancy: C. Alternatives to NSAIDs should be
considered for analgesia. Use not recommended during
third trimester.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Not detected in breast
milk in doses up to 2.4 g daily. Diclofenac and ibuprofen
are the NSAIDs of choice in breastfeeding mothers.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
200–400 mg 3–4 times daily. Maximum 2,400 mg daily.
Paediatric dose
Fever, 5–10 mg/kg/dose 6–8 hourly as needed.
Anti-inflammatory, 10 mg/kg/dose 3–4 times a day.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

naproxen NSAID
Modification of oral formulation
Crushing or otherwise altering controlled-release tablets
will alter absorption characteristics.
Notes
• Maximum response should be seen in 1–3 weeks.
• Alert patient to signs of gastrointestinal bleeding,
(black stools or dark coffee-coloured vomit).
• Caution if taking warfarin or other anticoagulants.
• To lessen gastrointestinal complications, use
lowest effective dose and take paracetamol as an
alternative analgesic.
• Check use of over-the-counter NSAIDs.
• Caution with diabetes, hypertension, heart failure,
asthma or peptic ulcer.
• Consider stopping 2–3 days before planned surgery;
seek medical advice.
Changes to faeces: Pink, red or black discolouration
may indicate medicine-induced gastrointestinal bleeding.
Elderly: Increased risk of gastric ulceration, renal
dysfunction, dizziness, sodium and water retention,
exacerbation of hypertension and heart failure.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. May require
dose reduction.
Renal impairment: Caution. May require
dose reduction.
Pregnancy: C. Alternatives to NSAIDs should be
considered for analgesia. Use not recommended during
third trimester.
Breastfeeding: May be used for occasional doses.
Very small amounts excreted in breast milk but may
accumulate. Diclofenac and ibuprofen are the NSAIDs of
choice in breastfeeding mothers.
Common dosage range
Doses refer to naproxen. Naproxen sodium is used
in some formulations. 500 mg naproxen = 550 mg
naproxen sodium.
Adult dose
250–1,250 mg daily in 2–4 doses. Controlled-release
formulation, 750–1,000 mg once daily.
Paediatric dose
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 10–15 mg/kg daily
in two doses.
Paracetamol 665mg SR analgesic, antipyretic agent
Ancillary labels : 13, 19a, A for modified release

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Crushing or otherwise altering controlled-release tablets will alter absorption characteristics.
Notes
• Confirm the patient is not taking more than one
product containing paracetamol. Calculate total
daily dose where necessary. Maximum daily adult
dose is 4 g.
• Consider a pain management plan.
• Caution regarding excessive alcohol use.
• Counsel if taking warfarin: large fluctuations in
paracetamol doses may affect INR.
• Consider additional topical and non-drug options—
e.g. hot packs, relaxation and physiotherapy.
• Prolonged and frequent dosing should not
be extended beyond 24–48 hours without
medical review.
Changes to urinary system: In overdosage, dark brown
urine discolouration may occur.
Therapeutic monitoring: Therapeutic range is
10–30 micrograms/L (66–99 micromol/L). Time to steady
state: 10–20 hours.
Pregnancy: A
Breastfeeding: May be used. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk. If infant also requires
paracetamol, recommended dose does not need altering.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Oral/rectal: 500–1,000 mg 3–4 hourly. Maximum
4 g daily.
Controlled release: 665–1,330 mg every 6–8 hours.
Maximum 3,990 mg daily.
Paediatric dose
Oral: 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours; maximum daily dose,
60 mg/kg (up to 4 g); up to 90 mg/kg daily may be given
under medical supervision.
Rectal: 20–40 mg/kg as a single dose.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 13

Labetalol 100mg beta-blocker with alpha-blocker effect

Ancillary labels : 9, 12 t, 16

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
If patient has a history of asthma • or other lung
disease, seek medical advice before dispensing.
• Caution if patient suffers from diabetes (can mask
hypoglycaemic attack), hyperlipidaemia, peripheral
vascular disease, hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled heart
failure, asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease.
Pregnancy: C. First-line antihypertensive agent in
pregnancy. Monitor for hypoglycaemia in newborn.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. bradycardia) in infant.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Initially, 100–200 mg twice daily, increasing at weekly
intervals to maintenance dose of 200–2,400 mg daily in
1–4 doses.
Paediatric dose
4 mg/kg daily in two doses. Higher doses may be
needed, up to maximum 40 mg/kg daily in 1–4 doses.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr
When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

digoxin cardiac glycoside

Label : 5

Notes
• Narrow therapeutic index and involved in significant
drug interactions.
• Concomitant administration of antacids may reduce
absorption of digoxin. Digoxin concentration may
be increased by co-administration of verapamil,
nifedipine, spironolactone, quinidine or amiodarone.
• Potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations
should be monitored, particularly when diuretics are
also given.
• Anorexia, nausea, vomiting or blurred vision may
indicate toxicity.
• Extreme caution is required in very low birth
weight infants and in patients with impaired renal
function; reduced dosage and plasma concentration
monitoring should be used.
Elderly: Age-related renal impairment and possible
increased sensitivity of the myocardium may require a
reduced dose.
Renal impairment: Caution. Dose adjustment
necessary. Monitor clinically.
Clinicans may use reduced loading dose:
Clcr <60 mL/min oral/IV, 125–250 micrograms 4–6 hourly.
Maximum 750 micrograms in 24 hours.
Maintenance dose:
Clcr 30–60 ml/min oral/IV, 62.5–250 micrograms daily.
Clcr 10–30 ml/min oral/IV, 62.5–125 micrograms daily.
Clcr <10 ml/min oral/IV, 62.5 micrograms daily or
alternate days.
Therapeutic monitoring: Therapeutic range:
Atrial fibrillation and heart failure 0.5–1.0 micrograms/L
(0.6–1.3 nanomol/L).
Time to steady state: 6–20 days depending on
renal function.

Signs of Toxicity
Therapeutic range is a guide only and toxicity may occur
within the manufacturer's recommended range for atrial
fibrillation. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting or blurred vision
may indicate toxicity.
Pregnancy: A.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Loading: 250–500 micrograms every 4–6 hours to a
maximum of 1.5 mg.
Maintenance: 62.5–250 micrograms daily.
Paediatric dose
Loading: give half of the loading dose initially, then a
quarter of the dose at 6–12 hours, and the last quarter
at 12–18 hours.
Up to 2 years: oral/IV, 30–40 micrograms/kg.
>2 years: 30 micrograms/kg.
Maintenance: oral, 5–10 micrograms/kg daily in
1 or 2 doses. Maximum 250 micrograms daily

Magnesium 37.4mg

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug
Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

- When taking antibiotics like Azithromycin ( macrolide antibacterial) avoid magnesium


and aluminium containing antacids
- As MgOH
Notes
• For symptomatic relief of upper gastrointestinal
discomfort.
• Avoid precipitating factors—e.g. chocolate,
fat, spices, large meals, alcohol, eating at
bedtime, smoking.
• Dose best taken between meals and at bedtime as
this is when acid levels at highest—i.e. 1–3 hours
after meals.
• May interact with some medications. Separate by at
least two hours.
• Most preparations are safe in pregnancy and
breastfeeding; consult individual product
monographs for detailed information.
Pregnancy: A
Breastfeeding: May be used. Poor systemic
absorption. Excretion in breast milk unlikely.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
o 240–480 mg when required.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

brinzolamide/brimonidine eye drop 0.1

Simbrinza 1%/0.2% / brinzolamide ocular carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for glaucoma

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose
When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Shake well before use.
• Wait 5 minutes before administering other drops.
• Drops may cause discomfort on instillation.
• Apply pressure to tear duct after instillation to avoid
systemic absorption.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Caution.
Renal impairment (severe): Contraindicated.
Pregnancy: B3. If drug of choice, use with caution.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Excretion in breast
milk expected, but no safety data on drug in infants.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
1 drop twice daily.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Exforge 5/160/25 ( amlodipine besilate, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide)

Ancillary labels : 5, 11, 12 t, 16 t, 21, A, 9, 18, 8, 16, B (same for Novartis )

Used for Hypertension (not initial therapy)

Contraindication

- Dihydropyridine, sulfonamide hypersensitivity; severe hepatic impairment; biliary cirrhosis,


cholestasis; GFR < 30 mL/min, anuria, dialysis; refractory hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia,
hypercalcaemia, symptomatic hyperuricaemia; concomitant aliskiren in type 2 diabetes;
pregnancy

Precaution

- Hypotension
-  limit UV exposure

adverse effects

- Dizziness; hypotension; peripheral oedema; GI upset; fatigue; muscle spasm; back pain;
photosensitivity; hypersensitivity; angioedema (disc, do not readmin); incr creatinine, BUN,
LFTs; electrolyte imbalance; NMSC; choroidal effusion, acute myopia, angle closure
glaucoma; rare: hepatitis, rhabdomyolysis, incr frequency, duration and/or severity of angina,
acute MI; very rare: ARDS (disc)

Benefits of drug

Dose May be taken with or without food. Do not divide tablets


When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

- Avoid in pregnancy/stop when pregnant

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Metoprolol 50mg beta-blocker

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Modification of oral formulation
Controlled-release tablet may be broken in half but not
crushed or chewed.

Notes
• Caution if patient suffers from diabetes (can mask
hypoglycaemic attack), hyperlipidaemia, peripheral
vascular disease, hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled heart
failure, asthma or other lung disease.
• Doses below 150 mg may be given once daily.
When used for heart failure
• Counsel on the need for monitoring of heart rate,
blood pressure, and clinical signs of heart failure
weekly during dose titration.
• Report increased tiredness, breathlessness or
wheezing, swollen feet or ankles, difficulty with
exercise or a swollen abdomen to your doctor.
• Weigh yourself daily and consult your doctor if there
is a weight gain of >1.5 kg in 24 hours.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Lower dose may be
required.
Pregnancy: C. If a cardioselective beta-blocker is
required, metoprolol is preferred. Use with caution.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk and may concentrate. Although
unlikely, monitor for adverse effects (e.g. hypotension,
bradycardia, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea) in infant.

Common dosage range


Adult dose
Hypertension: oral, 50–100 mg once or twice daily.
Maximum 400 mg daily.
Angina: oral, 25–100 mg 2–3 times daily.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Week 14

Testosterone 250mg

Ancillary labels

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr
Clomifene tab 50mg oestrogen receptor antagonist for ovulatory failure

Ancillary labels : 12, 21 , A

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Contraindication : Liver disease incl history; hormone dependent tumour; undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding; ovarian cyst (excl
PCOS); pregnancy
Hepatic impairment (severe): Contraindicated
Pregnancy: B3. Use not recommended.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended: no data
available. May suppress lactation.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
50–100 mg daily for five days, starting on or about
the fifth day of the menstrual cycle if spontaneous or
progestogen-induced uterine bleeding has occurred or at
any time if recent uterine bleeding has not occurred.

Adverse effects

- Hot flush; breast, pelvic, abdominal discomfort; ovarian enlargement, hyperstimulation


syndrome; stillbirth, birth defects; multiple, ectopic pregnancy; intermenstrual spotting;
menorrhagia; headache; GI upset; tachycardia, palpitation; decr endometrial thickness; incr
ovarian cancer risk (esp nulligravid women); incr transaminases; hypertriglyceridaemia ±
pancreatitis; anxiety, nervousness, mood disturbance; paraesthesia; erythema multiforme; visual
symptoms incl vision loss (disc); hypersensitivity incl angioedema, anaphylaxis (disc); seizure
(rare

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Aspirin analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antipyretic


Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Avoid in children aged < 18 years
High doses of aspirin may cause hypoglycaemia
Notes
• Avoid exposing soluble aspirin tablets to air,
especially when loaded into dose administration
aids. Disperse all soluble preparations in water
before taking.
• May be contraindicated in peptic ulcer.
• Caution if taking warfarin or other anticoagulants.
• May exacerbate heart failure or induce
bronchospasm in sensitive patients. Advise
accordingly.
• Use paracetamol instead of aspirin for children
less than 12 years of age (see warning under
dosage concerning Reye’s syndrome).
• For enteric-coated preparations avoid concurrent
use of antacids.
• Cease 7 days before planned surgery.
• Analgesic use:
–– Also consider topical and non-drug options—
e.g. hot packs, relaxation, physiotherapy.
–– Inquire about a pain management plan.
–– Inquire if the pain relief required is for acute or
chronic pain.
• Antiplatelet use:
–– If intolerant of or unable to use aspirin, consider
clopidogrel as alternative.
Changes to faeces: Pink red or black colouration may
indicate medicine-induced gastrointestinal bleeding.
Elderly: Gastric ulceration, sodium and water retention,
exacerbation of hypertension and heart failure, renal
dysfunction, tinnitus, nausea, anorexia, dizziness.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Monitor clinically.
Hypoalbuminaemia will result in salicylate toxicity
(reduction in bound salicylate).
Renal impairment (moderate): Dosage adjustment
necessary. Increase dose interval to 1.5–3 times normal.
Renal impairment (severe): Contraindicated when Clcr
<10 mL/min

Pregnancy: C. Low dose may be used with caution


during first and second trimester. Alternatives should be
considered for analgesia. Use not recommended during
third trimester.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts excreted in breast
milk. Consider risk of Reye’s syndrome. Occasional or
low doses may be used. Avoid high or prolonged dosing
especially during neonatal period. Avoid breastfeeding
one to two hours after dose to minimise amount infant
receives.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory: 300–900 mg/dose
4–6 hourly (maximum 4 g daily).
Acute rheumatism: 4–8 g daily in divided doses.
Antiplatelet activity: 75–150 mg daily (150–300 mg daily
may be required in acute conditions).

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Atorvastatin HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose May be taken with or without food. Individualise dose; 10-80 mg once daily; may adjust dose after 4
wks according to response

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Contraindication
o Active hepatic disease; unexplained persistently elevated serum transaminases;
concomitant fusidic acid, glecaprevir, pibrentasvir; women of childbearing potential (unless
effective contraception); pregnancy, lactation
Adverse effects
o GI upset; nasopharyngitis; epistaxis; myalgia; arthralgia; muscle spasm; joint swelling;
musculoskeletal, pharyngolaryngeal, extremity pain; hyperglycaemia; raised LFTs, CK,
lipoprotein (a), HbA1c; decr ubiquinone; UTI; headache; ILD (disc); rhabdomyolysis;
SCAR; lupus-like syndrome; muscle rupture; rare: myopathy incl immune mediated
necrotising (disc), hepatitis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, hypersensitivity, myositis, peripheral
neuropathy
Interaction
o digoxin; OCs (norethindrone + ethinylestradiol); Mg, Al antacids; fibrates; nicotinic acid
(lipid lowering dose); CYP3A4 inhibitors eg clarithromycin, erythromycin,
Notes
• If muscle pain, tenderness or weakness occurs, seek
medical advice.
• May be taken at any time during the day.
• Important to follow a low-fat diet and other
measures such as exercise and weight control.
• Increased risk of adverse effects in combination with
gemfibrozil.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Monitor clinically.
Pregnancy: D. Lipid-lowering therapy not
recommended during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Use contraindicated.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
10–80 mg once daily.
Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Rosuvastatin 5mg / Crestor

Ancillary labels: 21, A

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Important to follow a low-fat diet and other
measures such as exercise and weight control.
• If muscle pain, tenderness or weakness is
experienced, seek medical advice.
• Increased risk of adverse effects in combination with
gemfibrozil.
• Japanese and Chinese patients may need lower
doses (always start at 5 mg).
• May be taken at any time of day.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Start at low dose; careful
titration of dose. Monitor clinically. Contraindicated in
active liver disease or if patient has unexplained and
persisitent elevations in serum transaminases.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Initiate on 10 mg
once daily.
Renal impairment: Caution. Start at low dose; careful
titration upwards is needed. If Clcr <30 mL/min, initiate
on 5 mg once daily.
Pregnancy: D. Lipid-lowering therapy not
recommended during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Use contraindicated.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Initially, 5–10 mg once daily; usual range, 5–20 mg once
daily. Maximum 40 mg once daily.
Adverse effects

- Dizziness; headache; GI upset; myalgia; asthenia; diabetes; incr LFTs, HbA1c, BGL, CK; abnormal
TFTs; proteinuria, haematuria; depression; sleep disorder; ILD (disc); thrombocytopenia, hepatic
failure; peripheral neuropathy; gynaecomastia; DRESS; rare: myopathy, rhabdomyolysis (± acute
renal failure), pancreatitis, hypersensitivity incl angioedema; very rare: hepatitis, jaundice,

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Simvastatin
Notes
• Take in the evening.
• Important to follow a low-fat diet and other
measures such as exercise and weight control.
• If muscle pain, tenderness or weakness is
experienced, seek medical advice.
• Increased risk of adverse effects in combination
with gemfibrozil.
Pregnancy: D. Lipid-lowering therapy not
recommended during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Use contraindicated.

Sildenafil : 5, 16 phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Contraindicated in patients using any form
of nitrate.
• Cardiovascular risk associated with sexual activity
should be individually assessed.
• Additive antihypertensive effect in patients taking
antihypertensive agents.
• Report visual disturbances immediately.
• Flushing is common.
• If headache, blurred vision, chest pain or shortness
of breath occurs, seek medical advice.
• Not indicated for use in women.
Pregnancy: B3. Use not recommended.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended: not indicated
for use in women.

Common dosage range


Adult dose
Erectile dysfunction: 25–100 mg at a maximum
recommended dosing frequency of once daily, about one
hour before sexual activity.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

+ + + ---------------------

My meds

Perindopril 5 mg angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

Used for

Benefits of drug

Dose

When to take am/pm with/without food

Duration of therapy

When it will take effect

Important points about this med


Notes
• Blood pressure should be closely monitored during
initiation of therapy.
• Monitor renal function and potassium concentration.
• Caution if the patient is taking NSAIDs (including
COX-2 inhibitors) or lithium.
• Provide advice on foods and drugs with high
potassium content.
• Can cause cough (cough can also be a symptom
of heart failure). Establish if cough is productive
or unproductive.
• If swelling of face, lips or tongue is experienced,
seek medical advice.
• May cause metallic taste or lack of taste.
• A combination product of perindopril with a diuretic
is also available. Check that patient knows which
product is being taken.
• Two different formulations are available. Check
which has been prescribed as doses are not directly
equivalent. 2.5 mg of perindopril arginine is
equivalent to 2 mg of perindopril erbumine.
Changes to urinary system: May induce or
aggravate stress incontinence due to cough-induced
sphincter weakness.
Elderly: 2–4 mg daily.
Renal impairment: Caution.
Clcr 30–60 mL/min, 2 mg daily.
Clcr 15–30 mL/min, 2 mg every second day.
Pregnancy: D. Previously commenced therapy should
be discontinued as soon as possible if pregnancy is
suspected.
Breastfeeding: Use not recommended: limited data
available. If an ACE inhibitor is required, captopril or
enalapril are preferred.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
2–8 mg (erbumine formulation) once daily.
2.5–10 mg (arginine formulation) once daily.

Adverse effects

When to contact ur dr

When to go to ED

Lifestyle modification

f/u with dr

Drugs commonly used to lower severely elevated BP in pregnancy include intravenous


labetalol, hydralazine or diazoxide.

The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand guideline provides more


detailed information on the management of hypertensive disorders in pregnant people.
_++=====

Ampicillin moderate-spectrum beta-lactamase labile penicillin

Notes
• Confirm appropriate antibiotic and dose regimen.
• Space doses as evenly as possible during
waking hours.
• Ask about any previous reaction to penicillin.
• If a skin rash occurs, seek medical advice.
• Other common adverse effects—nausea,
diarrhoea, gastric upset.
• Reduce dose in severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Hepatic impairment: Caution.
Renal impairment: Caution. Monitor clinically. Dosage
adjustment necessary.
Clcr 10–50 mL/min = usual dose, every 6–12 hours.
Clcr <10 mL/min = usual dose, every 12–16 hours.
Pregnancy: A.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Trace amounts
excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. diarrhoea, thrush) in infant.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
IM/IV, 500 mg–1 g every 4–6 hours.
Meningitis or septicaemia: 200 mg/kg/day in divided
doses every 4–6 hours. Maximum 14 g daily.
Paediatric dose
IM/IV, 10–25 mg/kg every 6 hours. Maximum 50 mg/kg
every 4 hours.
Amoxycillin
Notes
• Confirm appropriate antibiotic and dose regimen.
• Space doses as evenly as possible during
waking hours.
• Ask about any previous reaction to penicillin.
• If a skin rash occurs, seek medical advice.
• Other common adverse effects—nausea,
diarrhoea, gastric upset.
• Reduce dose in severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment (severe): Caution. Dosage
adjustment necessary.
Clcr 10–30 mL/min = 250–500 mg twice daily.
Clcr <10 mL/min = 250–500 mg once daily.
Pregnancy: A.
Breastfeeding: May be used. Trace amounts
excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. diarrhoea, thrush) in infant.

Common dosage range


Adult dose
Oral, 250–500 mg eight-hourly or 1 g twice daily.
IM/IV, 250 mg to 1 g every six to eight hours.
Uncomplicated UTI: 3 g as a single dose.
Other indications: see Product Information.
Paediatric dose
Oral, 7.5–25 mg/kg every eight hours.
IM/IV, 10–25 mg/kg every eight hours. Maximum
50 mg/kg every four hours.
Acute otitis media: 15 mg/kg up to 500 mg orally,
eight hourly for five days. If compliance is a problem,
30 mg/kg (maximum 1 g) orally, 12-hourly for five days

amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant ) to citalopram

about amitriptyline , label : 1, 5, 9, 13, 16

Notes
• Orthostatic hypotension may occur when rising
quickly. Provide advice about getting up slowly from
sitting or lying position.

Full benefit may not be seen for several weeks, but


adverse effects may occur from start of treatment.
• Anticholinergic adverse effects are common—
dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty
in passing urine.
• Medicine-free interval may be required if switching
to or from other antidepressants.
See NPS switching chart at www.nps.org.au
/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/22830/
Depression2004ClinicalAuditPack.pdf.
• Sips of water, sugarless gum or sweets may help
relieve dry mouth.
• Best taken as a single dose at night.
• Start with a low dose and titrate upwards, especially
in older people.
Changes to urinary system: May discolour urine
blue–green. May induce or aggravate overflow/functional
incontinence due to anticholinergic urinary retention,
voiding difficulty, constipation, sedation or impairment
of mobility.
Elderly: Increased confusion, constipation and
orthostatic hypotension leading to falls or fractures.
Avoid use as a sedative due to pronounced
adverse effects.
Hepatic impairment: Caution.
Therapeutic monitoring: Therapeutic range is
60–250 micrograms/L (150–900 nanomol/L).
Toxicity: Both the parent drug and the active metabolite
(nortriptyline) are effective and levels should be
interpreted by considering the combined levels.
Pregnancy: C. Use when clinically indicated if it is
the drug of choice. There is increased risk of reversible
withdrawal symptoms, not congenital malformations.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Small amounts
excreted into breast milk. If needed, preferably taken as
a single dose. Monitor for adverse effects (e.g. sedation)
in infant.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Major depression: 25–150 mg daily. Maximum daily
dose 300 mg.
Other indications: see Product Information.

If amytryptaline doesn’t work (interaction with st joins wart- increases side effects) /causes dry
mouth and eyes >reduce dose slowly, then don’t take anything for 2 days then start new med.
change to citalopram, and see dr in 2 weeks for review

Citalopram notes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Labels: 5, 9, 12
Notes
• Medicine-free interval may be required when
switching to/from other antidepressants.
See NPS switching chart at: www.nps.org.
au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/22830/
Depression2004ClinicalAuditPack.pdf.
• May increase the anticoagulant response to warfarin.
Monitor INR.
• Indications other than depression include obsessive
compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic and eating
disorders.
• SSRIs inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes—
citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline the least.
See Table D.1, Section D.
• Usually given as a morning dose due to activating
effects, although occasionally may cause somnolence
and can be taken at night.
• Full benefit may not be seen for several weeks but
adverse effects may occur from start of treatment.
• The efficacy and safety of citalopram for the
treatment of major depressive disorder has not been
established in individuals aged less than 18 years.
Changes to urinary system: May induce or aggravate
urge/functional incontinence due to enhanced detrusor
activity (instability), sedation or impaired mobility.
Elderly: Hyponatraemia (SIADH) may occur.
Hepatic impairment: Caution. Start at low dose
and carefully titrate dose. Start with 20 mg daily.
In non-responders titrate carefully to maximum
40 mg daily.
Renal impairment (severe): Caution.

Pregnancy: C. Use when clinically indicated if it is


the drug of choice. There is increased risk of reversible
withdrawal symptoms, not congenital malformations.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Small amounts
excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. sedation, restlessness, irritability, poor feeding)
in infant.
Dosage range
Adult dose
20–60 mg daily.

Doxycycline

- Can cause heartburn if taken before bed, take 2 hours before bed or in am

Docusate / coloxyl
- Take tablet with penty of water
- Works within 1-3 day
- Safe in pregn and Breast feeding
- Stool softener /after rectal surgery to prevent straining
- Only has rare adverse effects: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, rash
-

clotrimazole preparations for vaginal use classified

paracetamol tablets Strength: 500 mg Quantity: 50 , Dosage: 2 tablets to be taken four times a da

is S2

nifedipine
is extremely susceptible to light.

Omeprazole is
degraded by exposure to gastric acid; crushing the
tablet will expose the medicine to gastric
acid in the stomach before the medicine reaches
its site of absorption in the upper small intestine.

Methadone opioid analgesic


Labels : 1, 24
Notes
• See also ‘Opioid substitution therapy’, Section A.
• Constipation may be a problem with chronic use.
Consider treatment with stimulant or osmotic
laxative (see ‘Prevention and treatment of
opioid-induced constipation’, Section D).
• May cause nausea or vomiting.
• Long half-life means it may take a few days to gain
the full effect of a dose change.
• Maintenance doses may need to be increased
during pregnancy due to increased metabolism.
Changes to urinary system: May induce or aggravate
overflow/functional incontinence due to inhibition of the
voiding reflex, constipation, confusion, reduced detrusor
activity or urinary retention.
Hepatic impairment (severe): Contraindicated
Renal impairment: Caution.
Clcr 10–50 mL/min, minimum dosage interval 8-hourly.
Clcr <10 mL/min, minimum dosage interval 12-hourly.
Pregnancy: C. May be used. Methadone substitution
is treatment of choice for opioid dependence.
Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Varying
amounts excreted in breast milk. Monitor for adverse
effects (e.g. sedation, poor feeding) in infant. When
ceasing breastfeeding, reduce gradually to minimise
infant withdrawal.
Common dosage range
Adult dose
Analgesic: oral, IM, initially 5–10 mg 6–8 hourly.
Opioid dependence: initially 10–20 mg daily, adjusting
gradually until stabilisation has occurred (usually
30–50 mg daily). Maximum recommended 80 mg daily.

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