Uses
Treat anemia due to folate deficiency, nutritional supplement to prevent neural tube defects.
Availability
Tablets: 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.0 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Recommended daily intake for children: 6 months-3 years: 50 mcg (15 mcg/kg/day). 4-6 years: 75 mcg. 7-10 years: 100 mcg. 11-14 years: 150 mcg. Older than15 years: 200 mcg.
Dosage: Infants: 15 mcg/kg/daily. Children: 1 mg/day initial dosage. Maintenance dose, 1-10 years: 0.1-0.4 mg/day. Children older than 11 years, adults: 1 mg/day initial dose; maintenance dose 0.5 mg/day.
Adverse Reactions
Flushing, irritability, difficulty sleeping, malaise, rash, itching, GI upset, hypersensitivity reactions.
Implications
Take everyday.
Call provider if adverse reactions.
LACTULOSE–HYPEROSMOTIC LAXATIVE
Brand Name
Constilac, Constulose, Enulose
Uses
Treat constipation.
Availability
Syrup: 10 mg/15 mL. Packets: 10 g, 20 g.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Children: 7.5 mL/day after breakfast. Adults: 15-30 mL/day up to 60 mL/day.
Adverse Reactions
Cramping, flatulence, increased thirst, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea indicates an overdose.
Implications
Drink water, juice, milk with each dose.
Evacuation occurs in 24-48 hours of initial dose.
Patients should also be on a high-fiber diet and exercise to promote defecation.
LEVALBUTEROL–BRONCHODILATOR
Brand Name
Xopenex
Uses
Prevention of bronchospasm due to reversible obstructive airway disease.
Availability
Solution for nebulization: 0.63 mg OR 1.25 mg in 3-mL vials (no dilution necessary).
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Children older than12 years: 0.63-1.25 mg q6-8h (tid), with max of 1.25 mg tid.
Adverse Reactions
Tremors, nervousness, headache, throat dryness/irritation, palpitations, chest pain, extrasystole.
Implications
Monitor rate, depth, rhythm, and type of respiration.
Increase fluid intake.
Rinse mouth with water after inhalation.
Avoid caffeine.
LITHIUM CARBONATE–ANTIMANIC, ANTIDEPRESSANT
Brand Name
Eskalith, Dura-Lith
Uses
Prophylaxis, treatment of acute mania, manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Availability
Syrup: 300 mg/5 mL. Tablets: 300 mg. Tablets, slow-release: 300 mg, 450 mg. Capsules: 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Start at 25 mg/kg/day, gradually increase until serum level reaches therapeutic range of 0.9-1.1 mEq/L.
Adverse Reactions
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, dry mouth. May increase effects of antithyroid medication, iodinate glycerol, potassium iodide. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and diuretics may increase concentration, toxicity. May decrease absorption of phenothiazines.
Implications
Give with meals, milk.
Limit alcohol, caffeine.