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Medication and the side effects

Almost all of people with disabilities are prescribed multiple medications. Here are the most common medications used for treatments and the side effects that parents should be aware of.

COMMON MEDCATIONS
DISABILITY/MEDICATION
USE
SIDE EFFECTS
SPINAL CORD INJURY (Spina Bifida)
Bladder (UTI): Antibacterial
BactrimAntibacterialSkin rash, Sore throat, Fever, Shortness of breath
Septra (Sula drug)AntibacterialNausea, Vomiting, Headache, Dizziness, Allergic reaction
MacrodantinAntibacterialNausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Malaise
FurdantinAntibacterialNausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Malaise
Bladder (Spasms): Anticholinergics
UrecholineTreats urinary retention by contracting the bladderDizziness, Lightheadedness, Fainting may occur
DitropanAntispasmodicBlurred vision, Drowsiness, Nausea, Dry mouth
DariconAntispasmodicUrinary retention, Blurred vision, Loss of taste, Headache, Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea
BLIND (Diabetes)
Pancreas
NPH InsulinLong-lasting, peaks in 12 hours, stabilizes blood sugar level throughout the day 
Insulin (Regular)Fast-acting, peaks in ½ hour (i.e., if blood sugar is very high take regular insulin) 
DiabineseBlood-glucose-lowering drug: situluates release of insulin from pancreasJaundice, Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Hunger, Photosensitivity
CVA (Cardio Vascular Accident), STROKE, HEMPILEGIA
Anticoagulants
CoumadinPrevents clotting of the blood given for leg clots, lung clotsMinor/major hemorrhages from an organ or tissue, Dermatitis, Fever, Nausea, Diarrhea
HeparinAnticoagulen, prevents embolismsCould cause hemorrhage at any site
EPILEPSY (Can follow head trauma)
Gran Mal/Petit Mal
DilantinPrevent seizuresSlurred speech, Mental confusion, Dizziness, Insomnia, Headache, Vomiting, Gum enlargement, Nausea, Increased body hair, Decreased coordination
PhenobarbitolPrevent seizuresSleepiness
TegretolPrevent seizuresSlurred speech, mental confusion, insomnia, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Gum enlargement, Decreased coordination
ClonopinPrevent seizures (rare)Drowsiness, Headache
DepakanePrevent seizuresNausea, Vomiting, Sleepiness
Depakote (Valproic acid)Antiepileptic, Prevent seizuresHepatic failure may result; Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion, Hallucination, Dizziness, Incoordination, Photosensitivity, Hyperactivity
PSYCHIATRIC, NERVOUS DISORDER
Major Tranquilizers
ThorazineSevere agitation, powerful drug used only for specific situationsMany
HaldolSevere agitation, powerful drug used only for specific situationsMany
Major Tranquilizers
ValiumReduction of nervous tension and agitationDrowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
LibriumReduction of nervous tension and agitationDrowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
TranzeneReduction of nervous tension and agitationDrowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
ANALGESICS
NarcoticsPain reliefPotential for addiction
CodeinePain reliefConstipation, Depression of cough reflex, addiction
DemerolPain reliefConstipation, Depression of cough reflect, addiction
ANTIEMETIC
CompazineControl nausea and vomitingDrowsiness, Abnormal movements
PhenerganPrevention and control of nausea and vomitingDrowsiness, Dizziness, Dryness of the mouth, Blurring of the vision
VistarilControl of Nausea and vomitingDrowsiness, Dryness of the mouth
ANTIBIOTICS
AmpicillinTreat infectionsDiarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
PenicillinTreat infectionsDiarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
OxacillinTreat infectionsDiarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
KeflexTreat infectionsHeadache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
AncefTreat infectionsHeadache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
TetracyclineTreat infectionsHeadache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
GentamycinTreat serious infections 
TobramycinTreat serious infections 
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
DecadronPotent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systemsFluid retention, Potassium loss, Muscle weakness, Ulcers, Abdominal Distention, Menstrual irregularities, Suppression of growth in children
ANTISPASMODIC
DantriumRelief of muscle spasmsDrowsiness, Dizziness, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Liver injury rarely
LioresalRelief of muscle spasmsDrowsiness, Dizziness, Weakness, Fatigue
ValiumRelief of muscle spasmsDrowsiness, Fatigue
HYPERTENSIVE
AldactazideDiuretic medicationDryness of the mouth, Weakness, Lethargy, Drowsiness, Muscle cramps, hypotension, Grastrointestinal symptoms
ApresolineReduction of high blood pressureContinued malaise, chest pain, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Changes in the blood pressure

 

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