Medications:
ASACOL
AXID
CARAFATE
CIPRO
FLAGYL
FOSAMAX
IMURAN
LEVAQUIN
LORTAB
MYCOSTATIN
NEXIUM
PEPCID
PREDNISONE (cortisone pill)
PREVACID
PRILOSEC
QUESTRAN
ROWASA ENEMA
ASACOL
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· Generic: Mesalamine (colitis drug)
· USES: Treatment of Crohn’s
disease, ulcerative colitis, and proctitis.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Swallow
tablets whole. Do not break outer covering. May take with or without
food
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to mesalamine or salicylates; or if you have chronic
kidney disease. In a few patients, this drug may aggravate abdominal
cramping, diarrhea, or blood in the stool. Notify physician. Advise
physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: abdominal cramps,
indigestion, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash.
Rare or serious reactions: fever, severe headaches, increased blood
in stool.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
AXID
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· Generic: Nizatidine (ulcer
medicine)
· USES: Treatment of peptic
ulcer and related acid conditions, such as gastric ulcer and reflux
esophagitis.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Take
with food for increased blood absorption. Caffeine (coffee, tea,
cola, chocolate) and alcohol increase stomach acid secretion and
may worsen ulcer/acid symptoms. Do not take with antacids.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to nizatidine or H2 blocker ulcer medicine; or if you
have chronic kidney or liver disease. Asprin (salicylates) aggravates
acid-ulcer conditions-avoid! Consult physician before stopping drug.
Do not use over-the-counter for more than 2 weeks without physician
approval. Report for tests as directed. Advise physician if pregnant,
planning pregnancy or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: drowsiness,
sweating, hives, palpitations, rash. Rare or serious reactions:
confusion, agitation.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
CARAFATE
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· Generic: Sucralfate (ulcer medicine)
· USES: Colon protection after
removal of polyps
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Best
effect occurs when taken on empty stomach one hour before eating.
Avoid antacids one hour before or after taking drug. Keep this and
all medications out of the reach of children.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to sucralfate; or if taking antacids, cimetidine (Tagamet),
digoxin (Lanoxin) phenytoin (Dilantin), tetracycline (Achromycin),
blood thinners (Coumadin), or Vitamins A, D, E, or K. Do not drive
or engage in hazardous activities if dizziness or drowsiness occurs.
Consult physician before stopping drug. Advise physician if pregnant,
planning pregnancy or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: dizziness,
drowsiness, indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps, constipation, rash.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
CIPRO
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· Generic: Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)
· Uses: Antibiotic used in
the treatment of urinary tract and other infections.
· Food-Drug Interaction: Take
on empty stomach for best blood absorption. Delayed but full absorption
does occur with food. Do not take antacids or products containing
iron or zinc for 4 hours before or 2 hours after this medication
because they block absorption. Drink plenty of fluids. Use caution
with alcohol and with driving or operating hazardous machinery until
effect is known (dizziness, sedation). Not recommended for children
or during pregnancy.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics; or if taking
antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), blood thinners (Coumadin), caffeine
(NoDoz, coffee), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), iron (Fesol), probenecid,
sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), zinc preparations,
phenytoin (Dilantin), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta), or cimetidine
(Tagamet); or if you have severe chronic kidney or liver disease,
seizures, epilepsy, or ulcerative colitis. Stop drug if pain occurs
in or around a joint-possible tendon rupture. Do not exercise, contact
physician. Avoid excessive sun (skin sensitivity). Advise physician
if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: nausea, diarrhea,
headache, dizziness, indigestion, rash, drowsiness, constipation.
Rare or serious reactions: fever, sore throat, visual disturbances.
· This does not cover
all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist for
more information.
FLAGYL
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· Generic Name: Metronidazole
(me-troe-NI-da-zole)
· Uses: Used to treat infections
· Food Drug Interaction: Take
this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL
while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 days after
the last dose. This medicine may cause a harmless darkening of the
urine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not
breast feed while taking this medicine.
· Possible side effects: stomach
upset, loss of appetite, constipation, headache, or metallic taste.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check
with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash; vomiting;
sore throat or fever; numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms,
hands, legs, or feet; or seizures.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
FOSAMAX
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· Generic: Alendronate (osteoporosis pill)
· USES: Treatment of postmenopausal
osteoporosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Must
be taken 30 minutes before first food, liquid, or medicine of the
day. Take with a full glass (6-8oz) of plain tap water only. Do
not use bottled or mineral water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes
after taking.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to alendronate; or if taking ranitidine (Zantac), calcium
supplements, antacids, aspirin or salicylates; or if you have severe
chronic kidney disease. Consult physician regarding proper diet,
especially intake of calcium and vitamin D. Report for tests as
directed. Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: constipation,
diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain. Rare or serious reactions:
severe heartburn, food sticking in throat, painful swallowing.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
IMURAN
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· USES: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis. Allows patient to reduce dosage of steroid use.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: If
nausea or vomiting develops, eat dry foods (toast, crackers), soups,
or unsweetened juices. Eat small meals throughout the day. Avoid
sugars, sweets, fried, or fatty foods. There are medications available
to treat nausea and vomiting.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to azathioprine or other chemotherapy drugs; or if taking
ACE inhibitors (Capoten, Vasotec, Accupril, Altace, Monopril, Lotensin,
Zestril, Prinivil), allopurinol (Zyloprim), methotrexate (Rheumatrex,
Folex), blood thinners (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Sandimmune); or
if you have a history of pancreatitis, chronic kidney or liver disease,
or have had a recent infection, especially shingles or chicken pox.
Report for tests as directed. Inform physician if you develop any
infection. Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or
breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: loss of appetite,
lip and mouth sores, joint, muscle, or stomach pain, loss of hair,
rash, unusual fatigue, weakness. Rare or serious reactions: fever,
sore throat, abnormal bleeding or bruising, cough, difficult breathing,
severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellow color to skin or eyes.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
LEVAQUIN
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· Generic: levofloxacin (antibiotic)
· Uses: Treatment of certain
infections, also as a prophylaxis for GI procedures.
· Food-Drug Interaction- May
take on empty stomach or with food/milk to prevent stomach upset.
Take 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking antacids containing
magnesium or aluminum. Drink plenty of liquids. Take full prescribed
course.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to levofloxacin, or if taking theophylline (Theo-Dur),
antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), sucralfate (Carafate), iron (Fesol),
iron containing multivitamins, phenytoin (Dilantin), diabetic pills,
arthritis medicine (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Voltaren, others); or
if you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or convulsions (seizures).
Avoid excessive sun (skin sensitivity). Do not drive or engage in
hazardous activities until effect of drug is known.
· Side Effects: itching, rash,
diarrhea, gas, nausea, abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, dizziness,
lightheadedness. Rare or serious reactions: convulsions, tremors.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
LORTAB
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· Generic Combination: Hydrocodone, acetaminophen
· USES: Analgesic used to control
moderate to severe pain.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: For
best blood absorption, take on an empty stomach 1 hour before or
2 hours after eating. May take with food/milk to prevent stomach
upset. Avoid alcohol due to risk of severe liver damage
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if overly sensitive to sedative drugs; or if taking any other drugs;
or if you have chronic lung, gallbladder, kidney or liver disease,
asthma or enlarged prostate. Avoid long-term use (may cause addiction).
Do not drive or engage hazardous activities if drowsiness, dizziness
or confusion occurs. Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy,
or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: lightheadedness,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficult
urination, itching, rash. Rare serious reactions: difficult breathing,
yellow color to skin or eyes, unusual weakness, fever, sore throat,
abnormal bleeding or bruising.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
MYCOSTATIN
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· Generic: Nystatin (yeast medicine)
· USES: Treatment of yeast infections.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: The oral form is not absorbed into
the blood. Take exact dose prescribed.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physicians
if allergic to nystatin; or if using any other medicine for yeast
infection. Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
· SIDE EFFECTS: With local
applications: irritation of skin or mouth tissues.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
NEXIUM
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· Generic Name: Esomeprazole (ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole)
· Uses: This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor used to
treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux or stomach ulcers. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
· How to use this medicine:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, or crush the capsule. Take this medicine
before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you
have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and
sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine
with the applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should
not be hot and should be soft enough to swallow without chewing.
Discard any uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. This medicine may
be taken with antacids if your doctor has instructed you to take
antacids. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2
doses at once.
· Cautions: Before you begin
taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: If you plan on
becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks
of using this medicine during pregnancy.
· Side Effects: headache, constipation,
cough, dizziness, or rash. If they continue or are bothersome, check
with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience
sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, or
loss of appetite. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
PEPCID
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· Generic: Famotidine (ulcer pill)
· Uses: Treatment or prevention
of peptic ulcers and related acid conditions.
· Food- Drug Interaction: Take
on empty stomach or with food to prevent stomach upset. Caffeine
(coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) and alcohol stimulate stomach acid
production and may worsen ulcer/acid symptoms.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if allergic to famotidine; or if taking ketoconazole (Nizoral);
or if you have chronic kidney or liver disease. Do not use over-the-counter
for more than 2 weeks without physician approval. Do not use in
children under 12 years of age. Advise physician if pregnant, planning
pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: headache, dizziness,
constipation, diarrhea. Rare or serious reactions: fever, swelling
of eyes, chest tightness, abnormal skin bruising, unusual weakness,
confusion, agitation.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
PREDNISONE
(cortisone pill)
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· Prednisone is a Generic Drug
· Brand Names: USA: Deltasone,
Orasone CANADA: Deltasone, Winpred
· USES: Used in many conditions,
including cortisone deficiency and many other conditions. Various
types of inflammatory bowel disease.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: May
take with or without food. A diet low in salt (sodium) and high
in potassium and protein is recommended. Long-term use may lower
bone calcium so calcium rich foods and/or vitamin D/calcium supplements
are recommended. Use alcohol with caution (stomach irritation).
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician
if you have had previous side effects from any steroid or cortisone
drug; or if taking oral contraceptives, blood thinners (Coumadin),
Digoxin (Lanoxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral),
phenytoin (Dilantin); or if you have diabetes, viral hepatitis,
high blood pressure, osteoporosis, seizures, chronic kidney or liver
disease, or a history of tuberculosis. Sustained use may result
in serious damage to joints (hips, shoulders), or cataracts. Advise
physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: weight gain,
indigestion, nervousness, acne, rash, swelling of face, feet or
ankles; menstrual irregularity. Rare or serious reactions: mental
changes, depression, unusual fatigue or weakness, blurred or changing
vision, joint pain, especially shoulders or hips, infections.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
PREVACID
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· Generic name: Lansoprazole (lan-SOE-pra-zole)
· Uses: The medicine is a proton
pump inhibitor used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, or
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It may also be used to treat other conditions
as determined by your doctor.
· How to use this medicine:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
Take this medicine in the morning unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Take before eating. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew
before swallowing. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, check
with your pharmacist to see if capsule can be opened. If you miss
a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at one time.
· Side Effects: headache, diarrhea,
cough, dizziness, or rash. If they continue or are bothersome, check
with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact you doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
PRILOSEC
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· Generic: omeprazole (stomach acid pill)
· USES: Treatment of reflux
of stomach acid into the esophagus, reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcers,
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, other severe stomach acid conditions.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Usually
taken before meals once or twice a day. Do not open or crush, swallow
capsule whole. Antacids may be used. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and
alcohol, which may aggravate stomach acid symptoms.
· CAUTIONS: This drug is a
proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It blocks the production of stomach
acid. Inform physician if you have an allergy to omeprazole or other
proton pump inhibitors; or if taking diazepam (Valium), phenytoin
(Dilantin) or blood thinners (Cournadin). If stomach acid level
is too low certain iron preparations (Feosol), ampicillin (Polycillin),
ketoconazole (Nizoral), or digoxin (Lanoxin) may not be fully absorbed.
Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: headache, diarrhea,
constipation, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
rash, cough, weakness.
· This does
not cover all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist
for more information.
QUESTRAN
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· Generic: cholestyramine (cholesterol medicine)
· USES: To treat diarrhea
PURPOSE: To absorb and combine with
the bile salts in the intestine to form a more solid stool.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Mix with any liquid except carbonated
drinks, such as Coke or Sprite. May take on empty stomach or with
meals. Do not take this drug with other medicines because it may
make them ineffective. Take other drugs 1 hour before or 2 hours
after this medication. Long term use may lower levels of fat soluble
vitamins in body-Vitamins A, D, K, and E. Use foods high in these
vitamins or a multiple vitamin supplement.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician if allergic to cholestyramine
or if taking any other drug, especially a blood thinner (Coumadin),
Cordarone, prednisone (cortisone), propranolol (Inderal), digoxin
(Lanoxin), arthritis pills, diuretics or fluid pills, Actigall,
thyroid (Synthroid); or if you have a bleeding disorder, constipation,
gallstones, active liver disease, peptic ulcer disease, intestinal
disorder, or chronic kidney disease. Consult physician regarding
use of any other drug. Advise physician if pregnant, planning pregnancy,
or breast-feeding.
· SIDE EFFECTS: constipation, indigestion, bloating, diarrhea.
Rare or serious reactions: severe constipation, severe stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting, black stools, loss of weight.
· This does not cover all uses, cautions or side effects.
See physician/pharmacist for more information.
ROWASA ENEMA
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· USES: Treatment of ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative colitis,
Crohn's colitis.
· FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION: Shake bottle well before using.
Follow package instructions carefully on how to give enema. Since
retention of the drug is important, it is best given after a bowel
movement, at bedtime, or as instructed by physician.
· CAUTIONS: Inform physician if allergic to sulfites or mesalamine
(5-amino-salicylate); or if taking sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); or
if you have asthma or chronic kidney disease. Advise physician if
pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast feeding. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
· SIDE EFFECTS: headache, flu, flatus (gas), anal pain, mild
hair loss. Rare or serious reactions: acute abdominal pain, bloody
diarrhea, fever.
· This does not cover
all uses, cautions or side effects. See physician/pharmacist for
more information.
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Associates, Inc.
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