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Prescription. Step 5: Give information, instructions and warnings. Effects of the drug: Why the drug is needed: “ Mr. Paprika, you have to take these drugs because these will control your high blood pressure.”
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Step 5: Give information, instructions and warnings • Effects of the drug: • Why the drug is needed: “Mr. Paprika, you have to take these drugs because these will control your high blood pressure.” • Which symptoms will disappear and which will not: “BP will be lowered and should last for about 24 hours.” • What will happen if the drug is taken incorrectly or not at all: “ The hypertension will persist and can result to further organ damage and other complications.”
Side effects: • Which side effects may occur: “Captopril may cause persistent dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and skin reactions. Losartan may cause dizziness, runny nose, sore throat and back pain.” • What action to take: “Inform the doctor/me.”
Instructions • How the drug should be taken; when it should be taken; how long the treatment should continue– “For Captopril, you have to take ½ tablet orally twice a day. It should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals: breakfast and dinner. For Losartan, you have to take 1 tablet orally once a day with or without food. Continue the treatment for 2 weeks”. • How the drug should be stored: “Store the drugs at room temperature” • What to do with left-over drugs: “Finish all the drugs and none should be left”
Warnings: • When the drug should not be taken: “As much as possible, do not drink any alcoholic drink as this may interact with the drugs.” • Why the drug should be taken regularly: “You have to take the drugs correctly and regularly for it to have an effect on your BP and prevent further serious complications.”
Future Consultations: • When to come back (or not):“You have to come back after two weeks for evaluation.” • In what circumstances to come earlier: “ You can come back earlier if you experience side effects of the drugs or other new symptoms.” • What information the doctor will need at the next appointment: “Please have your BP taken regularly (at least twice a day), record it in a logbook and when you come back, bring the log of your BP from the start of treatment.”
Everything clear? • Ask the patient whether everything is understood • Ask the patient to repeat the most important information • Ask whether the patient has any more questions