Metformin Hydrochloride

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1. What are the indications and actions of the prescribed medications?
Metformin Hydrochloride is one of the oral hypoglycemic drugs used to treat Type II Diabetes (Allen, Brock et.al. 2009) which Mrs. Polly Pharm is diagnosed with. Because of her type II diabetes, which is known as having impaired insulin secretion and insulin receptor insensitivity (Allen, Boucher, Cain & Cooper, 2007), this drug activates Mrs. Polly’s pancreatic beta cells to release insulin although her pancreas is considered to be least functioning. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and absorption of glucose in the intestines and also improves insulin receptor sensitivity.
Ibuprofen belongs to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs which has three prevailing …show more content…

(Adams, Holland & Urban, 2011)
Herbal Medicines Ginseng- increases hypoglycemic effects Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, or Gingko – Increases risk of Bleeding
White Willow- drug has same components. Do not use together. (Kizior & Hodgson, 2015) Gingko and St John’s Wort – Decrease plasma concentration of drug (Adams, Holland & Urban, 2011)
Other Drugs Beta Blockers- Hypoglycemia may be difficult to distinguish.
Calcium channel blockers, Corticosteroids, Diuretics- May produce hyperglycemia. “Diabex” (2012) Anticoagulants, other modifiers – Avoid use as drug can affect platelet function.
Aspirin – Decreases anti-inflammatory effects
Lithium – Ibuprofen may increase lithium plasma levels thus increasing risk of toxicity
(Adams, Holland & Urban, 2011) Diazepam, phenytoin, other CNS depressants- Increased drug levels in blood.
Warfarin – Increase bleeding …show more content…

Discuss the medication management education that is required to enable Polly to manage her medications at home.
As the Nurse in charge of the unit where Polly was admitted, it is essential that I make it a point that she has been well educated and advised of the proper medication management in order to maintain the effectiveness of her Drug Regimen; Instructions as follows:
Metformin Hydrochloride
• Advise polly that these oral anti-diabetics do not work by themselves, it acts as an aid to lower blood sugar levels in combination of improving good lifestyle habits such as adding exercise and eating healthy foods especially the ones with low glycemic index. Spratto & Woods (2006, p.512)
• Encourage polly to report if any signs of nausea, vomiting or fever occurs. (Vallerand, Sanoski & Deglin, 2012)
• Advise polly to bring with her any form of simple sugars in case a hypoglycemic event attacks. (Vallerand, Sanoski & Deglin, 2012)
• Do not skip or delay meals as this will require adjustment of dosage. (Vallerand, Sanoski & Deglin,

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