Mrs Choudry is collecting her regular repeat prescription for antihypertensive treatment. You ask how she and the family are, and she tells you that several members of the family have been suffering with diarrhea on and off. You know that…
Medical Practice
Constipation in practice. Case 3
A man comes into the pharmacy and asks for some good laxative tablets. Further questioning by the pharmacist reveals that the medicine is for his dad who is aged 72 years. He does not know many details except that his…
Diarrhea in practice. Case 3
Mrs Jean Berry wants to stock up on some medicines before her family sets off on their first holiday abroad; they will be going to Spain next week. Mrs Berry tells you that she has heard of people whose holidays…
Schizoaffective Meds
Question. My adult son has schizoaffective disorder. He has been on almost every antipsychotic medication, but none has eliminated the voices sufficiently to permit him to function. This past year he was taken off Olanzapine and put on Clozaril. Four…
Constipation (CSA)
CSA – Cheboygan Surgical Associates Definition Small, hard stools. Bowel movements (B.M.’s) may be infrequent and passing them may be difficult, painful or impossible. You may also have bloating or cramping. • Mild Constipation: no bowel movements for 1-2 days…
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Neuroleptics
Question. In my work assessing brain damage and dementia in adults, carbamazepine (Tegretol) in low doses (50 -100 mg per day) has often been effective. Particularly in cases where possible fronto-limbic lesions have caused unprovoked aggression, confusion, shouting or wandering.…
Case: Antipsychotic drugs
A 19-year-old man is brought to the physician’s office by his very concerned mother. He has been kicked out of the dormitory at college for his “bizarre” behavior. He has accused several fellow students and professors of spying on him…
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
THE QUESTION Stimulants, which have a calming effect on children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are the medication most often prescribed for this condition. How do two of these drugs — Ritalin and Focalin, a refined version of Ritalin —…
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Question. I need some information about risperidone. Can you tell me about its pharmacologic properties, its intended use and its impact on patients? Answer. Chemically, risperidone (RSP) belongs to the benzisoxazole group of antipsychotics. Its precise mechanism of action in…
Constipation in practice. Case 1
Mr Johnson is a middle-aged man who occasionally visits your pharmacy. Today he complains of constipation, which he has had for several weeks. He has been having a bowel movement every few days; normally they are every day or every…