Avoid alcohol, caffeine.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles.
RANTIDINE–ANTIULCER AGENT, GASTRIC ACID SECRETION INHIBITOR
Brand Name
Zantac
Uses
To prevent and treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Availability
Syrup 15 mg/5 mL; Tablets 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg; effervescent capsules 150 mg, 300 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
GERD and ulcers: Children 1 month-16 years. 2-4 mg/kg bid; effervescent tabs 2.5-5 mg/kg bid; adults and adolescents 150 mg bid.
SERTRALINE–SEROTONIN SELECTIVE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR, ANTIDEPRESSANT, ANTIPANIC AGENT
Brand Name
Zoloft
Uses
Treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, PMDD.
Availability
Oral liquid: 20 mg/mL. Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.
Indications/Routes/Dosage
Anxiety: Children: starting dose of 25 mg/day increase to 50-100 mg/day; 50-200 mg/ day for teens.
Major depression: Children: starting dose of 25 mg/day increase to 50-150 mg/day; 50-200 mg/day for teens.
Adverse Reactions
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, rash, dry mouth, anxiety, sexual dysfunction.
Implications
Do not give within 14 days of MAO inhibitor.
Therapeutic effect may take 2-3 weeks.
Avoid tasks that require alertness, motor skills until response to drug is established.
Take with food or milk, avoid alcohol.
Weigh weekly: appetite may decrease.
Notify provider if intending to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Do not use with St. John's wort, Sam-e.
Avoid CNS depressants.
Do not stop quickly, need to taper.
Educate parents about FDA concerns of suicide risk in patients on SSRI antidepressants, monitor suicidal risk closely during course of treatment especially in the first 30 days of treatment.