Download Medication Hand Out

Common
Medications
ACE Inhibitors
These are designed to treat conditions such as hypertension, heart
failure and diabetic kidney disease
Fosinopril
Perindopril
Ramipril
Benzepril
Lisinopril
Common side effects are a persistent dry cough and dizziness
Angiotensin drugs
These help the muscles around blood vessels contract to relieve
blood pressure. Can improve heart failure and slow kidney disease,
reduce likelihood of strokes and enlarged hearts.
Candesartan
Losartan
Valsartan
Anticonvulsants
These are prescribed to control seizures in about 70% if cases and
are usually prescribed after a second Seizure.
Clonazepam
Diazepam
Midazolam
Lorazepam
Gabapentin
Common side effects are mood changes, drowsiness and sickness.
High dosage can cause unsteadiness, double vision and poor
concentration.
Anti-histaminesAre used to treat a number of allergic health conditions such as
hay fever, rhinitis, skin condition and conjunctivitis. They alter the
way the cells are affected by histamine.
Can be in Oral, Topical or Injection forms.
Clemasine
Doxylamine
Benadryl
Medizine
Common side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, impaired
thinking and urinary retention.
Anti-biotics
These are used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. They can
be Oral, Topical or Inject form
Penicillin- Commonly used to treat UTI, Skin and Chest infections
 Amoxicillin
 Flucloxacillin
Tetracyclines- to treat skin infections
Aminoglycosides
Macrolides- Commonly used to treat lung and chest infections.
 Erythromycin
 Spiramycin
Fluroguinolones- Newer antibiotics.
 Ciprofloxacin
 Norfloxacin.
Common side effects are skin rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting. 1 in
15 is at risk of developing an allergic reaction and even
Anaphylactic shock.
Anti-diarrheal
This medication is used to relieve acute diarrhoea and slow down
the speed of digestion.
Loperamide
Codeine phosphate
Co-phenotrope
Common side effects are constipation and dizziness. It can cause
skin rashes and irritation. It is very important to drink plenty of
fluids to avoid dehydration.
AntacidsThese are types of medicines which can control the acid levels in
the stomach. Neutralises stomach acid to aid digestion and relieve
heart burn.
Aluminium hydroxideMagnesium CarbonateMagnesium Trisillicate.
Alu-tab, Calci-chew and Titralac
Side effects include Diarrhoea, Constipation, Flatulence and
stomach cramps.
Anti-diabetics
This medication is to treat diabetes by lowering glucose levels.
Metformin (decreases insulin resistance)
Insulin by injection
Metformin should be taken with or after food. Common side effects
are feeling sick, diarrhoea and having unusual tastes.
Anti-coagulant
This medication prevents the clotting of blood (natural substance
produced by leeches) AVOID cranberry juice
Warfarin
Atromentin
Phenindione
Heparin injection (pigs intestines)
An Anti-coagulant therapy book will be issued and the patient will
undergo regular blood tests.
Side effects can include abnormal bruising, bleeding, blood in the
urine and blackened stools. Other Side effects can include hair
loss, diarrhoea and feeling sick.
Anti-hypertensive
This is medication to treat high blood pressure.
Furosemide
Bendroflumethiazide
Metolazone
Amiloride
Best taken in the morning, can cause possible dizziness
Diuretics
These are ‘water tablets’ which promotes the production of urine
and increases excretion of water.
Furosemide
Dopamine
Amiloride
Bendroflumethiazide
Hydrosclorothiazide.
Best taken in the morning and could cause possible dizziness.
Beta blockers
This treatment is for hypertension, atrial fibrillation and congestive
heart failure.
Alprenolol
Atenolol
Sotalol
Bisoprolol
Common side effects are blurred vision, dizziness and cold hands
and feet.
Cytotoxic
This medication is toxic to cancer cells and prevents them from
multiplying
Anastrozole
Letrozole
Tamoxifen
Can be dangerous to pregnant or breast feeding women.
Common side effects are hot flushes, feeling sick, loss of appetite
and feeling sleepy.
NSAID’s (Non- Steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs)
These block pain receptors and reduce inflammation and fever.
Ibuprofen
Diclofenac
Celecoxib
Naproxen
Can possibly cause side effects such as indigestion, allergic
reactions and stomach Ulcers.
Could possibly trigger asthma attacks.
Anti-rheumatics
This is for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and should be
prescribed at early diagnosis.
Methotrexate
Azathiopine
Ciclosporin
Gold
Infiliximab
Side effects can include diarrhoea, metallic taste, skin rashes,
nausea and headaches.
Corticosteroids
These are anti-inflammatories for wide range of conditions. They
can be oral, intravenous, and intramuscular, either inhaled or
creams. They relieve inflammation when the immune system swells
in response to infections. Can be used in treatment for asthma,
arthritis, colitis and many skin conditions.
Prednisolone
Betamethasone
Cortisone
Fludrocortisone
Anabolic Steroids
These are used to enhance performance in body building, it acts
like testosterone.
Oxymetholone
Fluoxymesterone
Common misuse side effects can cause infertility and increased
risk of prostate cancer.
Bisphosphonate
These are designed to strengthen bone density, treat osteoporosis
and metsastic breast cancer. It can take 6-12 months to have an
affect and is usually used for 5 years of treatment. Must be taken 30
minutes to 2 hours before food. Once ingested with a full glass of
water, must sit upright for 30 minutes as it can irritate the
oesophagus.
Alendronic Acid
Risedronate
Etidronate
Common side effects are heartburn, indigestion, abdominal pain
and bloating. Diarrhoea and constipation.
Very important to practice good dental hygiene.
Analgesics
These are paracetamol, NSAID’s and OPIODS.
There are different strengths to control pain.
Paracetamol
Co-codamol
Co-dydramol
OPIODS (Stronger painkillers)
Diamorphine
Morphine
Codeine
Pethedine
Oxycodone
Tramadol
Buprenorphine
Methadone
It is important to follow prescribed dosage to avoid overdose and
follow stringent controls for control drugs.
The most common side effects are constipation, drowsiness and
feeling sick.
Anti- Dementia
These are designed to improve symptoms and slow progression of
Dementia. They prevent enzymes from breaking down
communication receptors between nerve cells.
Donezipil (Aricept)
Galantamine (Reminyl)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
This tablet should be taken at bedtime.
Side effects can include feeling sick, loss of appetite and
abdominal discomfort.
Antidepressants
These medications treat conditions such as depression, OCD,
anxiety disorder. Some anti-depressants are designed to increase
levels of serotonin to block out pain.
Fluoxetine
Citalopram
Setraline
Duloxetine
Common side effects are dry mouth and constipation.
High dosages of Amtityptilline, clomipramine and Nortryptiline can
be dangerous and even fatal.
Anti-Parkinsons
This medication slows the loss of dopamine in the brain.
Sinemet (L-Dopa) is the most common drugs which control rigidity.
Dopamine agonists act like a substitute for Dopamine.
Ropinirole
Pramipexole
Rotigotine
Selegiline
Rasagiline
Common side effects are nausea and uncontrollable muscle
movements (dyskinesia).
Proton Pump Inhibitor
These medications stop the lining of the stomach producing acid
which acts as an irritant which causes acid reflux and heartburn.
Losec
Mepradec
Omeprazole
Common side effects are flatulence, sickness and diarrhoea.
Iron Supplement
Anaemia is cause by a lack of iron. Iron is needed to make
haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the blood steam and
makes them red. Not enough oxygen in the body can cause
tiredness, breathlessness, palpitations and headaches.
Ferrous Sulphate
Ferrous Gluconate
Ironorm
These are best absorbed when they are taken an hour before
meals.
Side effects can include Stomach upset, constipation and
diarrhoea.
Lipid Regulator (Statin)
Lipid (fat) is easily stored in the body and serves as a source of
energy. It is made naturally in your body. When the concentration
of cholesterol in your blood is too high it is called
hypercholesterolemia, it reduces the amount of lipids such as
cholesterol made by the body.
Simvastatin
Atorvastatin
Common side effects are muscle aches, cramps, headaches,
indigestion and depression.