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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
Bactrim Antibacterial Skin rash, Sore throat, Fever, Shortness of breath
Septra (Sula drug) Antibacterial Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Dizziness, Allergic reaction
Macrodantin Antibacterial Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Malaise
Furdantin Antibacterial Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Malaise
Bladder (Spasms): Anticholinergics
Urecholine Treats urinary retention by contracting the bladder Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Fainting may occur
Ditropan Antispasmodic Blurred vision, Drowsiness, Nausea, Dry mouth
Daricon Antispasmodic Urinary retention, Blurred vision, Loss of taste, Headache, Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea
BLIND (Diabetes)
Pancreas
NPH Insulin Long-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)  
Diabinese Blood-glucose-lowering drug: situluates release of insulin from pancreas Jaundice, Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Hunger, Photosensitivity
CVA (Cardio Vascular Accident), STROKE, HEMPILEGIA
Anticoagulants
Coumadin Prevents clotting of the blood given for leg clots, lung clots Minor/major hemorrhages from an organ or tissue, Dermatitis, Fever, Nausea, Diarrhea
Heparin Anticoagulen, prevents embolisms Could cause hemorrhage at any site
EPILEPSY (Can follow head trauma)
Gran Mal/Petit Mal
Dilantin Prevent seizures Slurred speech, Mental confusion, Dizziness, Insomnia, Headache, Vomiting, Gum enlargement, Nausea, Increased body hair, Decreased coordination
Phenobarbitol Prevent seizures Sleepiness
Tegretol Prevent seizures Slurred speech, mental confusion, insomnia, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Gum enlargement, Decreased coordination
Clonopin Prevent seizures (rare) Drowsiness, Headache
Depakane Prevent seizures Nausea, Vomiting, Sleepiness
Depakote (Valproic acid) Antiepileptic, Prevent seizures Hepatic failure may result; Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion, Hallucination, Dizziness, Incoordination, Photosensitivity, Hyperactivity
PSYCHIATRIC, NERVOUS DISORDER
Major Tranquilizers
Thorazine Severe agitation, powerful drug used only for specific situations Many
Haldol Severe agitation, powerful drug used only for specific situations Many
Major Tranquilizers
Valium Reduction of nervous tension and agitation Drowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
Librium Reduction of nervous tension and agitation Drowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
Tranzene Reduction of nervous tension and agitation Drowsiness, Decreased coordination, Dangerous to mix with alcohol
ANALGESICS
Narcotics Pain relief Potential for addiction
Codeine Pain relief Constipation, Depression of cough reflex, addiction
Demerol Pain relief Constipation, Depression of cough reflect, addiction
ANTIEMETIC
Compazine Control nausea and vomiting Drowsiness, Abnormal movements
Phenergan Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting Drowsiness, Dizziness, Dryness of the mouth, Blurring of the vision
Vistaril Control of Nausea and vomiting Drowsiness, Dryness of the mouth
ANTIBIOTICS
Ampicillin Treat infections Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
Penicillin Treat infections Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
Oxacillin Treat infections Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin rashes
Keflex Treat infections Headache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
Ancef Treat infections Headache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
Tetracycline Treat infections Headache, Malaise, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Allergic in the form of a rash
Gentamycin Treat serious infections  
Tobramycin Treat serious infections  
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Decadron Potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems Fluid retention, Potassium loss, Muscle weakness, Ulcers, Abdominal Distention, Menstrual irregularities, Suppression of growth in children
ANTISPASMODIC
Dantrium Relief of muscle spasms Drowsiness, Dizziness, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Liver injury rarely
Lioresal Relief of muscle spasms Drowsiness, Dizziness, Weakness, Fatigue
Valium Relief of muscle spasms Drowsiness, Fatigue
HYPERTENSIVE
Aldactazide Diuretic medication Dryness of the mouth, Weakness, Lethargy, Drowsiness, Muscle cramps, hypotension, Grastrointestinal symptoms
Apresoline Reduction of high blood pressure Continued malaise, chest pain, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Changes in the blood pressure

 

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