Embedded Files
drug is different from that of the trade name product. Many hospital trusts require that a drug be dispensed in the generic form if one is available. This requirement helps keep down the cost of drugs and health care. Some prescribers, however, specify that a drug prescription be ‘dispensed as written’; that is, the trade name product be used. By doing so, the prescriber ensures the quality control and bioavailability expected with that drug. These elements are particularly important in drugs that have narrow safety margins, such as digoxin, a heart drug, and warfarin, an anticoagulant. The initial cost may be higher, but some prescribers believe that, in the long run, the cost to the patient will be less. Over-the-Counter Drugs Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are products that are available without prescription for self-treatment of a variety of complaints. Some of these agents were approved as prescription drugs but were later found to be very safe and useful for patients without the need of a prescription. Although OTC drugs have been found to be safe when taken as directed, nurses should consider several problems related to OTC drug use: • Taking these drugs could mask the signs and symptoms of underlying disease, making diagnosis diffi cult. • Taking these drugs with prescription medications could result in drug interactions and interfere with drug therapy. • Not taking these drugs as directed could result in serious overdoses. Many patients do not consider OTC drugs to be medications and, therefore do not report their use. Nurses should always include specifi c questions about OTC drug use when taking a drug history and should provide information in all drug-teaching protocols about avoiding OTC use while taking prescription drugs. Sources of Drug Information The fi elds of pharmacology and drug therapy change so quickly that it is important to have access to sources of information about drug doses, therapeutic and adverse effects and nursing-related implications. This text addresses general drug information and provides valuable background and basic information to help in the understanding of pharmacology, but in clinical practice it is important to have access to up-to-the-minute information. Several sources of drug information are readily available. SAMPLE own ries for where Class A where Class . Examples of Examples iamorphine (heroin), hine (heroin), ine, crack, magic mush- magic mush- (crystal meth) and other (crystal meth) and other or injection. r injection. tamines, barbiturates, codeine, ines, barbiturates, codeine, orphine, glutethimide, pentazocine glutethimide, pentazocine phenmetrazine. ugs related to amphetamines, cannabis gs related to amphetamines, cannabis (including resin), most benzodiazepines and androgenic resin), most benzodiazepines and androgenic anabolic steroids. cond act, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (200 ct, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (20 ifi es those individuals who are authorized to individuals who are authorized t ly drugs from these categories to their patie drugs from these categories to their patie Home Offi Home Offi ce is responsible for the enforceme sponsible for the enforcem regulations. regulation Generic Drugs Generic Drug When a pharmaceutical comp carried out some preclinical t carried out some preclin A patent is usually valid for usually valid an sell the drug durin he drug durin on a trade nam a trade nam er manufa r manufa rodu t o hat a drug be d at a drug be able. This requireme ble. This req and health care. Some pres and health care. Some pr a drug prescription be ‘dispensed drug prescription be ‘dispens ade name product be used. By doing so, me product be used. By doing so, res the quality control and bioavailabil- lity control and bioavailabilh that drug. These elements are particularly elements are particularly drugs that have narrow safety margins, such as drugs that have narrow safety margins, such as heart drug, and warfarin, an anticoagulant. The heart drug, and warfarin, an anticoagulant. The ost may be higher, but some prescribers believe th t may be higher, but some prescribers believe t e long run, the cost to the patient will be less. n, the cost to the patient will be less. SAMPLE Over-the-Counter Dru Over-the-counter (OTC)
Report abuse