Wednesday, November 9, 2016

ABOUT LEVSIN

Levsin  is used as a drying agent to control excessive salivation, runny nose, or excessive sweating.  It also reduces fluid secretions from many organds and glands in the body, such as the stomach, pancreas, lungs, saliva glands, and sweat glands.  
Side-effects are rare, but some may cause you to be concerned. If you experience any unusual symptoms, speak with your hospice nurse straightaway.
Type of medicine
Anticholinergic/antispasmodic
Used for
Drying agent to control excessive sallivation
Also called
hyocyamine
Available as
Tablets, oral liquid medicine, and injection
Levsin side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling dizzy or sleepy
If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines
Decreased Sweating, Dry Mouth
This is an expected side effect
Confusion, hallucinations, eye pain
If any of these become troublesome, speak with your hospice nurse


Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Retrieved From: http://www.rxlist.com/levsin-sl-side-effects-drug-center.htm

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

GENERAL HOSPICE PROBLEMS WITH ASSOCIATED MEDICATION USES

Agitation/Delirium
      Haloperidol (Haldol)
Anorexia (a lack or loss of appetite)
     Prednisone (Deltasone)
     Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Anxiety
     Lorazepam (Ativan)
Constipation
     Docusate Sodium (Colace)
     Senna/Docusate sodium (Senokot S)
     Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
     Magnesium Hydroxide Suspension (Milk of Magnesia)
     Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax)
Cough
     Guaifenesin SR Tablet (Musinex)
Depression
     Citalopram (Celexa)
     Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Diarrhea
     Loperamide (Imodium)
Dyspnea (Difficult or labored breathing)
     Morphine IR (Roxanol, MSIR)
     Lorazepam (Ativan)
     Oxycodone IR (Oxyfast)
     Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Fever
     Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
     Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Fluid Retention
     Furosemide (Lasix)
     Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Gatrointestinal (related to the stomach and intestines)
     Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta)
     Omeprazole  (Prilosec)
     Sucralfate (Carafate)
Genitourinary ( relating to urinary organs)
     Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Hiccups
     Haloperidol (Haldol)
     Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Hypokalemia (not enough potassium)
     Potassium Chloride (Klor-Con, K-Dur)
Infection-Bacterial
     Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
     Cephalexin (Keflex)
     Metronidazole (Flagyl)
     Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim)
     Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
     Azithromycin (Zithromax)
     Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Infection - Fungal
     Nystatin Oral Suspension (Mycostatin)
Infection - Viral
     Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Insomnia (inability to sleep)
     Temazepam (Restoril)
     Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Muscle Spasm
     Diazepam (Valium)
     Baclofen (Lioresal)
Nausea & Vomiting
     Haloperidol (Haldol)
     Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
     Metoclopramide (Reglan)
     Lorazepam (Ativan)
     Meclizine (Anivert)
     Promethazine (Phenergan)
     Scopalamine Patch (Transderm Scop)
Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
     Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
     Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Pain
     Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
     Ibuprofen (Motrin)
     Naproxen (Naprosyn)
     Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Lortab, Vicodin, Norco)
     Oxycodone/Acetaminophen (Percocet)
     Morphine (Roxanol, MS Cotin)
     Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
     Oxycodone IR (Roxicodone, Oxyfast)
     Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Parkinsonism/Extrapyramidal symptoms
     Benztropine (Cogentin)
Pruritus (Itching)
     Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Respiratory
     Prednisone (Deltasone)
     Dexamethasone (Decadron)
     Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Secretions - Drying Agent
     Atropine 1% Opthalmic Soin (Isopto Atropine)
     Hyoscyamine (Levsin)
     Scopolamine Patch (Transerm Scop)
Seizures
     Valproic Acid/Divalproex (Depakote/ Depakene)
     Carbamazepine (egretol)
Topical
     Vitamin A & D cream
     Hydrocortisone Cream (Cortaid)
     Bacitracin (Bacitracin)
     Nystatin (Mycostatin, Nystop)
     Zinc Oxide Ointment (Desitin)
     Lidocaine Ointment (Lidocaine)
     Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (Silvadene)
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
     Artificial Salia (Biotene)
   
 
Retrieved from www.hospiscript.com

Friday, October 14, 2016

ADULT COMFORT KIT

A hospice comfort kit is kept in the refrigerator in home of the patient in the event of an emergency.

* This should not be opened without a nurse's orders*



Your hospice nurse will go over this kit with you.

What Is a Hospice Care Kit?

The hospice comfort kit -- also known as the emergency kit, e-kit or hospice kit -- is a prescribed set of medications that are kept in a patient's home should a medical crisis strike. Having the medications already in your home will help the hospice team treat any distressing symptoms as quickly as possible.
The hospice comfort kit may be ordered and delivered to your home at the start of hospice care or anytime the case manager nurse sees a possible need for one. The actual contents of the kit vary.
In some cases, it may be custom-designed for the hospice diagnosis, but this will vary widely among hospice agencies. The most basic of comfort kits contain medications for pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and breathing problems. A more complete list of medications that may be found in a hospice comfort kit and the symptoms they might treat includes:
·         Morphine liquid - used to treat pain and shortness of breath
·         Ativan (Lorazepam) - can be used to treat anxiety, nausea or insomnia
·         Atropine drops - used to treat wet respirations, also known as the death rattle
·         Levsin - an anti-cholinergic like atropine, also used to treat wet respirations
·         Haldol (Haloperidol)- can treat agitation and terminal restlessness
·         Compazine (prochlorperazine) - in either pill or rectal suppository form, this medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting

·         Phenergen (promethazine) - an anti-emetic like compazine, phenergen is used to treat nausea and vomiting

·         Dulcolax suppositories (Bisacodyl) - rectal suppositories to treat constipation
·         Senna - a plant-based laxative used to treat constipation
·         Fleet Enema - used to treat constipation if other treatments are ineffective

Other medications may be included depending on the hospice diagnosis. For example, a patient with a brain tumor who is at risk for seizures may have valium suppositories included in his comfort kit.

Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/what-is-the-hospice-comfort-kit-1132481

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.


Thursday, October 13, 2016

ABOUT PROCHLORPERAZINE

Prochlorperazine is prescribed for a number of different problems. In hospice, it is usually used to reduce nausea/vomiting
It may slow your reactions and make you feel drowsy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines.
Type of medicineA phenothiazine antipsychotic medicine
Used forThe treatment of dizziness and problems with balance; the treatment of nausea and vomiting; to ease agitation and severe restlessness 
Also calledBuccastem®; Stemetil®
Available asTablet, buccal tablet (dissolves in the mouth), oral liquid medicine, and injection
Common prochlorperazine side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling dizzy or sleepy, blurred vision, slowed reaction timeIf this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol
HeadacheAsk your hospice nurse to recommend a suitable painkiller
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets
Feeling shaky or restless, unusual or uncontrollable muscle movementsSpeak with your hospice nurse as soon as possible about any of these. Your treatment may need adjusting
Changes to the way your body regulates temperatureTake care in hot or cold weather to make sure that you do not get too hot or too cold
Changes in weight, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, stuffy nose, changes in sexual ability, breast enlargement, production of breast milk, menstrual problems, fast heartbeats, constipation, difficulty passing urineDiscuss these with your hospice nurse if any become troublesome
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Retrieved from: http://patient.info/medicine/prochlorperazine-buccastem-stemetil

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

ABOUT METOCLOPRAMIDE


Metoclopramide is to help prevent you from feeling or being sick.
Side-effects are rare, but some may cause you to be concerned. If you experience any unusual symptoms, speak with your hospice nurse straightaway.
Type of medicine
Anti-emetic
Used for
Nausea and vomiting, Gastric stasis (bowels not moving)
Also called
Maxolon®
Available as
Tablets, oral liquid medicine, and injection
Metoclopramide side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling dizzy or sleepy
If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines
Diarrhoea (with high doses)
Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid
Dry mouth, rash, breast tenderness, fast heartbeat, irregular periods
If any of these become troublesome, speak with your hospice nurse
Distressing muscle or movement disorders affecting the body, face, or eyes
Let your hospice nurse know about this straightaway
Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Retrieved From: http://patient.info/medicine/metoclopramide-maxolon

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.

ABOUT HALOPERIDOL


Haloperidol is used to treat a number of different problems.
It may slow your reactions and make you feel drowsy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.
Type of medicine
An antipsychotic medicine
Used mainly for
Agitation, delirium, nausea, and hiccups
Also called
Haldol®, Serenace®
Available as
Tablets, capsules, and oral liquid medicine

Common haloperidol side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Headache
Ask your hospice nurse to recommend a suitable painkiller
Feeling dizzy or sleepy, blurred vision
If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines
Feeling light-headed when you stand up
This can happen particularly when you first start taking this medicine. Getting up more slowly until you are aware how you react should help
Stomach upset
Stick to simple meals, avoid rich or spicy foods
Dry mouth
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets
Feeling shaky or restless, unusual or uncontrollable muscle movements
Speak with your hospice nurse as soon as possible about any of these. Your treatment may need adjusting
Changes in weight, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, stuffy nose, changes in sexual ability, breast enlargement, production of breast milk, menstrual problems, fast heartbeat, constipation, difficulty passing urine, skin rash
Discuss these with your hospice nurse if any become troublesome
Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Retrieved from: http://patient.info/medicine/haloperidol-haldol-serenace

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.

ABOUT LORAZEPAM

Lorazepam has a calming effect. It is prescribed for several different conditions.
Lorazepam is likely to affect your reactions and ability to drive. These effects can last into the following day. It is an offence to drive while your reactions are impaired.
Do not drink alcohol while you are on lorazepam.
About lorazepam
Type of medicine
A benzodiazepine
Used for
Anxiety; insomnia associated with anxiety; Nausea; difficult or labored breathing; seizures;  as pre-medication before surgery or medical procedures; acute panic attacks; convulsions
Available as
Tablets and injection

Common lorazepam side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sleepy, weak, or light-headed (these can continue into the following day)
Do not drive and do not use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol
Forgetfulness, feeling confused or unsteady
If any of these become troublesome, speak with your hospice nurse
Feeling (or being) aggressive
This can happen in some people - let your hospice nurse know about it as soon as possible
Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
Retrieved from : http://patient.info/medicine/lorazepam-a-benzodiazepine

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.  If you have questions or need help, please contact your Hospice Team.