May cause dry mouth.
Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release or film-coated tablets.
Assess serum lithium levels q3-4 days during initial phase of therapy, q1-2 months thereafter and weekly if no improvement.
Monitor for signs of lithium toxicity vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, incoordination, hand tremor, muscle twitching, mental confusion, ataxia.
LORATADINE–ANTIHISTAMINE
Brand Name
Claritin
Uses
Treat seasonal rhinitis.
Availability
Syrup: 5 mg/5 mL. Tablet: 10 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Children 2-12 years: 5 mg daily. Children older than12 years, adult: 10 mg daily.
Adverse Reactions
Sedation is more common with larger doses, headache.
Implications
Use sunscreen (photosensitive).
Avoid driving if drowsiness occurs.
Additive CNS effects with alcohol and antidepressants.
MEBENDAZOLE–ANTHELMINTIC
Brand Name
Vermox
Uses
Treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and Ancylostoma duodenale (common hookworm).
Availability
Tablets, chewable: 100 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Enterobiasis:
Children, adults: 100 mg PO as a single dose.
Other infestations:
Children, adults: 100 mg 2 bid for 3 days.
Adverse Reactions
GI transient abdominal pain. Carbamazepine and phenytoin can increase metabolism of mebendazole.
Implications
Tablets may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food.
Do not administer to children younger than 2 years or pregnant and lactating women.
If patient is not cured in 3 weeks following treatment, retreatment is necessary.
All family members should be treated at the same time.
Discuss hygiene, transmission, and reinfection.