MONTELUKAST–ANTIASTHMATIC
Brand Name
Singulair
Uses
Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma.
Availability
Tablets: 10 mg. Tablets, chewable: 4 mg, 5 mg. Oral granules: 4 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosages
Children 1-5 years: one 4-mg tablet taken in the evening. 6-14 years: one 5-mg chewable tablet taken in the evening. Children older than 14, adults: 10 mg daily taken in the evening.
Adverse Effects
Headache, abdominal pain, fever, restlessness, irritability.
Implications
Do not use to reverse bronchospasm as in an acute asthma attack.
Increase fluid intake.
Continue other asthma medications while taking this one.
Chewable table contains phenylalanine.
Patients sensitive to aspirin should avoid aspirin and NSAIDs while on this medication.
NITROFURANTOIN–ANTIBIOTIC
Brand Name
Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin
Uses
Treat urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella.
Availability
Suspension: 25 mg/5 mL. Tablets: 50 mg, 100 mg. Capsules: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Active infections: Children 1 month old to 3 years: 5-7 mg/kg/day divided qid; 1-3 mg/ kg/day for long-term treatment. Children older than 12 years, adult: 50-100 mg qid PO or 50-100 mg at bedtime for long-term treatment.
Chronic suppression: Children: 1 mg/kg/day every night. Adults: 50-100 mg every night.
Adverse Reactions
Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Implications
Do not use in infants younger than 1 month old.
Take with food or milk.
Avoid alcohol.
Drowsiness may occur; do not drive or operate machinery until response to drug is established.
Do not crush tabs or open capsules.
May turn urine rust-yellow to brown.
OFLOXACIN–FLUOROQUINOLONE ANTIINFECTIVE
Brand Name
Floxin Optic, Floxin Otic Drops, Ocuflox
Uses
Ophthalmic: Treat bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers. Otic: Treat otitis externa, acute/chronic otitis media.
Availability
Ophthalmic solution: 3 mg/mL. Otic solution: 0.3%.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Bacterial conjunctivitis: 1-2 drops q2-4h for 2 days then 4 times/day for 5 days.
Corneal ulcers: Ophthalmic: 1-2 drops q30min while awake for 2 days, then q60min while awake for 5-7 days, then 4 times/day. Otic: twice daily.
Adverse Reactions
Allergic reaction.
Implications