6 Prescribed Medications

This paper will look at six commonly prescribed medications: Lanoxin, used to increase the strength and efficiency of the heart; estrogen, used in hormone replacement therapy in women; Coumadin, an anticoagulant; Lasix, a diuretic; potassium, an essential mineral; and Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid hormone. It will look at what these medications do in the body, the reasons for prescribing them, what the patient needs to know when taking them, and any special considerations the doctor needs to be aware of when prescribing them.

LANOXIN: Lanoxin is a trade name for digoxin, one of the digitalis medications used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart or to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat (USP DI, 1997). It is used to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the hands and feet in patients with heart problems. The medication can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription as it can cause serious problems if used incorrectly, or by patients who do not need it.

Lanoxin is one of the cardiac glycosides which acts on the myocardium (heart muscle). It's effects are dose-related and it acts directly on the heart muscle and its specialized conduction system and indirectly on the cardiovascular system mediated by the autonomic nervous system (PDR, 1997). Lanoxin increases the force and velocity of myocardial systolic contraction, slows the heart rate, and decreases conduction velocity through the AV node. It is prescribed for heart failure, at

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be familiar with the patient's history and any current medical conditions which may contraindicate its use. The most serious side effects from improper Coumadin therapy are bleeding in any tissues or organs, and necrosis and/or gangrene of the skin and other tissues (PDR, 1997). Since the half-life of Coumadin is two and one half days, its effects may become pronounced if the patient takes it daily. Patients need to be treated on an individual basis, and regular tests of prothrombin time and other coagulation factors need to be carried out. Coumadin may cause birth defects affecting the physical or mental growth of the fetus (UPS DI, 1997. If taken during late pregnancy, Coumadin may cause severe bleeding in both the fetus and the mother. Coumadin is found in breast milk in an inactive form so does not affect a nursing infant (PDR, 1997). Many medications affect the way Coumadin works in the body, so a doctor must know which medications a patient is taking before prescribing Coumadin. Simple things like diet, traveling, physical state, changes in environment, alcohol, aspirin, and even large amounts of leafy green vegetables can affect the way Coumadin acts in the body, so good communications between the doctor and pati

Category: Medical - 6