Patient Teaching - Research Paper Example

This is the reason beta blockers are contraindicated in asthma patients. Metoprolol is more selective in choosing its target as compared to other drugs in the same class such as propanolol. Metoprolol is more cardio selective and has minimal effect on bronchioles at low dose, making it suitable for asthma patients. It is still contra indicated in patients suffering from heart failure or heart blocks. Certain drugs, such as cimetidine, flouxitine and ritonavir can interfere with the normal metabolism of beta blockers potentiating their antihypertensive properties.

Barbiturates, Rifampicin and phenytoin may increase its metabolism and decrease potency. Recommended dose of metoprolol for heart patient is about 50-100mg 2-3 times a day. (Mehta & Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 2009) Metformin Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug and the only medicine from Biguanides class currently available in the market. It is classified as insulin sensitizer and as the name suggest it increases the sensitivity of insulin in body. It works by inhibiting the production of glucose from liver, a process called gluconeogenesis.

Metformin is also known to promote glucose uptake by tissue cells and enhance its utilization, hence, decreasing its plasma concentration. Known adverse effect of metformin is lactic acidosis; therefore, it is contraindicated in patients suffering from ketocidosis. Other side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and nausea. There are no significant drug interactions as it does not bind to any plasma proteins or get metabolized within the system. Recommended dose is 500mg once, twice or three times a day depending on the glycemic control.

(Mehta & Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 2009) Lisinopril Lisinopril is an antihypertensive drug that inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) responsible for conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II. The latter is a strong vasoconstrictor substance and reduction in its production lowers blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II takes place in the lungs and same enzyme also mediates the breakdown of bradykinin.

Its inhibition, therefore, increases bradykinin and patient experiences dry cough as a side effect. Other side effects include hyperkalemia, skin rash, hypotension and fever. These drugs are also toxic during pregnancy (teratogenic) and may cause renal dysfunction in growing fetus. Recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. (Mehta & Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 2009) Ezetimibe It is a cholesterol inhibiting drug and selectively inhibits absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol in small intestines.

This cause reduction in blood cholesterol levels which is a crucial requirement in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and other related disorders. Gastrointestinal disturbance is a more frequent side effect along with headache, fatigue, and myalgia. There is no significant drug interaction. Conversely, it is usually administered in combination with other cholesterol lowering drugs such as simvastatin. Recommended dose is 10mg once a day for adults and children over 10 years. (Mehta & Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 2009).

Warfarin Warfarin is an anticoagulant and is widely used for preventing thrombotic incidences in patients at risk of ischemic heart di