This week, we’ll discuss how to properly prescribe, use, and dispose of Viagra, as well as other commonly used prescription drugs. Let’s get started.
Learn About Drug Facts And Side Effects
When taking a prescription drug, it’s essential to know a few things about the product. First, you should learn about the facts and side effects pertaining to that drug. You can use several resources to learn about drugs, including the drug’s package insert, the Physicians’ Desk Reference, and the Internet. For example, the Physicians’ Desk Reference provides you with important information such as how often the drug should be used, how long it should be continued, and any contraindications or warnings related to the product. As drugs are involved, you should always consult your pharmacist for advice and monitoring. Keeping all of this in mind will help you prescribe Viagra (and other drugs) the right way.
Understand How The Body Works
Every body is different, which means that the way your body responds to drugs varies from person to person. It’s essential to understand how your body works, as well as how the drug you’re taking interacts with your body. Unfortunately, many doctors and patients don’t have the time to go through extensive trials and observations to figure this out. Thankfully, there are numerous resources that provide the basics of pharmacology, which are the study of drugs and how they work in the body. You can use several resources to learn more, including the Physicians’ Desk Reference, which provides information on over 100 commonly used drugs, or the Internet, where you can search for any medication and its ingredients.
Know The Contra-Indications And Warnings
Every drug is different, and not all medications are created equal. Some drugs are generally safe to combine with other drugs or treatments, while others shouldn’t be combined with anything until the effects of the drug have been determined. The Physicians’ Desk Reference provides you with information on each medication’s contra-indications and warnings. Knowing what these are can help you determine whether or not the medication is appropriate for your patient. The most common contra-indications for Viagra are nitrates, which are used to treat chest pain and heart failure. Other common contra-indications for Viagra include but are not limited to prostatic hypertrophy, liver disease, and certain mental illnesses. Knowing these things can help you determine the proper dosage and duration of treatment with Viagra (and other medications).
Learn About Niacin
Niacin is a form of vitamin B that’s commonly used to reduce the bad cholesterol, LDL, which is responsible for the clogging of our arteries. Many doctors and scientists believe that niacin can play a role in preventing certain types of cancer, so it’s considered to be a “nutrient for cancer prevention,” as explained on MedlinePlus. You may have heard of niacin, as it’s commonly found in nutritional supplements and medications for the treatment of high cholesterol and triglycerides. While niacin can help in these cases, it can also cause some pretty serious side effects, including nausea, flushing, and diarrhea. So it’s essential to learn about its possible side effects before using it.
Be Familiar With Over-The-Counter Drugs
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available to fight infections and reduce fever. It’s important to know the side effects and warnings of these drugs, just as with any other medication. For example, there are numerous side effects associated with acetaminophen, including liver toxicity, which is why it’s always better to be safe than sorry when taking this drug. While OTC drugs don’t carry the same risks as prescription medications, such as serious psychiatric side effects or developing a tolerance to the drug, it’s still essential to know about them so you can alert your doctor in case of an adverse reaction.
Have A Plan B
In the event that your patient develops a tolerance to the drugs they’re taking, or if they experience an adverse reaction, which can be quite rare, but still occurs, you’ll need a Plan B. Just as with any other medication, tolerance to and adverse reactions from the medication can develop, which forces you to find an alternative. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives that are equally effective and have fewer side effects. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on which medication to use in your situation based on your patient’s health and the type of condition they’re treating. If you’re not sure what to advise your patient, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. In most cases, developing a tolerance to and having an adverse reaction to a drug prescribed by a doctor is a rare event, but it does happen and can be quite serious. In these instances, it’s important to develop a plan B before the medication starts having an adverse effect. Fortunately, most doctors and patients are aware of this risk and take preparing for it seriously.
Be Confident
When you’re confident that you know what you’re talking about and that you’ve prescribed the appropriate medication for your patient, you’ll feel much better about your ability to treat them. Being confident is a skill that can be learned and implemented into your practice. With time and experience, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to prescribe medication, regardless of the complexity of the cases you’re faced with.
To learn more, consult the drug’s package insert or the Physicians’ Desk Reference. Then, when you’ve got the basics down, feel free to look for other courses that would help you specialize in internal medicine. When entering the field, you’ll find there’s a great deal of opportunity for general practitioners to learn and grow.