Docusate (Colace)

Indications: used to treat hard stools (constipation)

Senokot (Senna)

Indications: used to treat hard stools (constipation)

Side effects may include: belly pain, or belly cramps.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor if you would like medical advice about side effects. If you have severe belly pain call your doctor right away.

Take as needed with a full glass of water, if once a day it's suggested to take prior to bedtime as it may take time to work.

Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax)

Indications: used to treat hard stools (constipation)

Side effects: anal irritation, bloating, full feeling, upset stomach, throwing up, or belly cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Call doctor or get medical help right away if: you have very bad headache, swelling of the belly, throwing up, bloody diarrhea, or signs of electrolyte problems -- such as confusion, muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, fast heart beat, etc. 

Take medication with a full glass of water. Mix with water as told before you take this drug. Do not swallow the dry powder.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

Indication: used to treat or prevent upset stomach and throwing up

Side effects may include: headache, feeling tired or weak, hard stools (constipation), or feeling sleepy. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

These are rare side effects, but if they occur call your doctor immediately or seek care: chest pain or passing out, slow heart beat, trouble passing urine, trouble controlling you movements, or numbness or tingling.

Take medication with or without food. Keep in dry place, away from light. Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Indication: used to treat nausea/vomiting, hypomotility, and heartburn.

Possible side effects may include: headache, loose stools (diarrhea), not able to sleep, dizziness, feeling sleepy, upset stomach, feeling tired or weak.  

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Tardive dyskinesia: BLACK BOX WARNING: Call doctor right away if you have trouble controlling body movements or if you have muscle problems with your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw like tongue sticking out, puffing cheeks, mouth puckering, or chewing.

Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects. If you stop taking this drug all of a sudden, you may have signs of withdrawal. Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects.

Acetaminophen and Oxycodone (Percocet)

Indication: pain mangement 

Take with full glass of water, or food to lessen upset stomach.

Possible side effects include: constipation, dizziness, feeling sleepy, headache, or upset stomach/throwing up.

Avoid other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause problems.

Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing stairs.

Call your doctor right away if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing.

Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone (Vicodin or Norco)

Indication: pain mangement 

Take with full glass of water, or food to lessen upset stomach.

Possible side effects include: constipation, dizziness, feeling sleepy, headache, or upset stomach/throwing up.

Avoid other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause problems.

Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing stairs.

Call your doctor right away if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing.

Oxycodone

Indication: pain mangement, can be more immediate pain control or extended relief.

Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes you upset stomach.

Side effectsmay include: upset stomach or throwing up, constipation, dizziness, feeling sleepy, tired/weak, headache, not able to sleep, itching, dry mouth, belly pain, diarrhea, or not being hungry. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have: shallow breathing, slow heart rate, cold/clammy skin, seizures, severe drowsiness, or confusion. 

Ketorolac (Toradol)

Indication: pain management

Side effects may include: upset stomach, belly pain or heartburn, or headaches.These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Call doctor immediately if you experience: chest pain, signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain, or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

This medication can be given by mouth (take with food if you get upset stomach), or in the muscle or vein while in the hospital.

This drug is only to be used for short-term pain (up to 5 days total). It may cause unsafe side effects if taken more than 5 days.

Codeine/Acetaminophen (Tylenol #3)

Indication: pain management

Take with full glass of water, or food to lessen upset stomach.

Possible side effects include: constipation, dizziness, feeling sleepy, headache, or upset stomach/throwing up.

Avoid other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause problems. (Signs include: dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes).

Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing stairs.

Call your doctor right away if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Indication: chest pain, pressure, or high blood pressure

Side effects may include: dizzing, feeling sleepy, tired or weak, flushing, upset stomach, or belly pain. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Call MD/seek medical attention if you have: very bad dizziness or passing out, chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, shortness of breath, a big weight gain, swelling in the arms or legs, or stiff muscles, shakiness, or muscle movements that are not normal.

Take this medication as prescribed, at the same time each day. Take this even if you are feeling well.

Talk with your MD before you drink alcohol as it may lower your blood pressure more. 

Metoprolol/Lopressor

Indication: high blood pressure, chest pain, prevent heart attack

Side effects may include: dizziness. feeling tired or weak, loose stools (diarrhea), and throwing up. This are not all the side effects that may occur. If you have questions please call your doctor. 

Call your doctor at once if you have: slow heart beat, shortness of breath, memory loss, changes in eye sight, depression, a big weight gain, or swelling feeling in your arms or legs.

Take this medication with food, or right after a meal. Take it as you have been told, even if you feel well. 

Furosemide (Lasix)

Indication: diuretic used to treat high blood pressure

and get rid of extra fluid (fluid retention) 

This medication may cause you to urinate more. To keep from sleep problems, take before 6PM. Take with or without food. 

Side effects may include: diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, upset stomach or throwing up, and headache. This medication can lower your blood potassium levels, know what signs to look for at home. 

Call your MD or seek medical care if you: very bad back pain, numbness or tingling, not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed, any bruising/bleeding, fever/chills, and hearing problems or ringing in your ears. 

Things to know: if you are diabetic monitor you blood sugar more closely; if you are on a salt-free diet discuss this with your MD; talk with your doctor if you need extra potassium; avoid sun and wear sunscreen when outisde; be careful climbing stairs if you feel dizzy.

Clonidine (Catapres)

Indication: used to treat high blood pressure,

and attention deficit problems

Do not stop using clonidine suddenly, as you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using clonidine.

Side effects may include: dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, feeling sleepy, headache, upset stomach, or feeling tired or week. 

Call doctor right away if you have: very bad dizziness or pass out, fast or slow heartbeat, heartbeat that doesn't feel normal, or change in how contact lenses feel in the eyes. 

Things to know: if you have a clonidine patch on, please remove prior to an MRI; see a dentist often and maintain good mouth care; drink lots of fluid when in hot weather; avoid driving or doing tasks that require you to be alert until you know how this medication affects you. 

Carvedilol (Coreg)

Indication: used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure,

and prevent future heart attacks

Carvedilol may work best if you take it with food, and take at the same time each day. 

Side effects may include: dizziness, feeling tired or weak, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, joint pain, or dry eyes (which may worsen if you wear contact lenses). 

Call doctor or seek medical care if: you feel like you may pass out, slow heart beat, changes in eye sight, not able to pass urine/change in how much urine is passed, chest pain, or swelling/weight gain.   

If you are scheduled for surgery, tell your doctor that you are on this medication.

Do NOT stop this medication suddenly and you may have increased risk of chest pain or heart attack. 

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Indication: used to treat high blood pressure,

chest pain or pressure, and abnormal heartbeats

Side effects might include: flushing, headache, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling tired or weak, runny nose, or sore throat. 

Call doctor or seek medical care if: you notice signs of liver problems (dark urine, tired, not hungry, stomach pain, light color stool, throwing up, or yellow skin/eyes), slow heartbeat, passing out, shortness of breath, swelling, or a skin reaction with red, swollen blister or peeing skin.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking diltiazem suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Labetalol (Normodyne)

Indication: used to treat high blood pressure

Side effects may include: dizziness, feeling tired or weak, upset stomach, tingly feeling in your scalp, or stuffy nose. 

Call your doctor or seek medical care if you have very bad dizziness or passing out, changes in sex ability, slow heartbeat, a burning, numbness or tinging feeling, or liver problems (dark urine, tired, not hungry, stomach pain, light color stool, vomiting, or yellow skin/eyes. 

Labetalol can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Call your surgeon ahead of time to discuss using this medication.

Taking labetalol can make it harder for you to tell when your blood sugar is low. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly; drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects.

Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium)

Indication: used to treat bacterial infections

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Side effects may include: diarrhea.  Call your doctor or get medical help if any more serious side effects: bruising or bleeding, redness or white patches in yout mouth or throat, signs of liver problems, or any signs of frequent, very loose, watery stools or bloody stool. 

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea, call your MD. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can make birth control pills less effective so discuss this with your MD if this affects you; if you take a blood thinner you may need your labs checked more frequently; if you have diabetes, you may not be able to use Clinitest to check your sugar.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Indication: used to treat bacterial infections

Take levofloxacin at the same time each day with a full glass of water. This may be taken with or without food, but be consistent. 

Common side effects may include: constipation, mild diarrhea, mild dizziness, or mild headache. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects occur: muscle weakness or trouble breathing, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, seizures, easy bruising or bleeding, severe headache or ringing in your ears.  

Avoid taking the following medicines within 2 hours before or after you take levofloxacin, as it may make it much less effective when taken at the same time: antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids), ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain aluminum, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Stop taking levofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.You may not be able to use levofloxacin if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Indication: used to treat bacterial infections

Ciprofloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day. Take it with a full glass of water. Avoid taking antacids and supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc while on Cipro, avoid caffeine as it may make the effects stronger.  

Common side effects may include: stomach discomfort, vomiting, mild diarrhea, vaginal itching or discharge, mild dizziness, or mild headache. If you are having consistent diarrhea or if it is bloody, call MD immediately as it may be a sign of another infection. 

Stop taking ciprofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. It may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel.

You should not use this medication if you are also taking tizanidine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Ciprofloxacin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Indication: used to thin the blood so that clots will not form, to treat blood clots, lower the number of heart attacks in patients who have unstable angina or mild heart attacks.

You should not use this medicine if you have active bleeding, or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a certain antibody while using enoxaparin. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles. You should be sitting or lying down during the injection. Do not inject enoxaparin into a muscle. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, fever, swelling in your hands or feet; or, mild pain, irritation, redness, or swelling where the medicine was injected.

Heparin

Indication: used to thin blood to prevent blood clots, treat blood clots, or clear blood clots out of catheters.

Common side effects: bleeding, low platelets, local injection site reaction, itching, fever, rigors, elevated liver tests, and osteoporosis (long-term use). 

Discuss with your MD if you are on other medications that may thin your blood (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen, clopidogrel, etc.) 

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Indication: used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

Some less serious side effects may include: sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes, acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration, slow wound healing, increased sweating, headache, dizziness, spinning sensation, nausea, stomach pain, bloating, muscle weakness, changes in the shape or location of body fat,  menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Call MD immediately if you experience: problems with your vision, severe depression or unusal thoughts, bloody/tar like stool, pancreatitis, low potassium, or dangerously high blood pressure.

Do not stop using dexamethasone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Esomeprozole (Nexium)

Indication: used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, and prevent or treatgastric ulcers caused by infection, use of swallowing tube, and syndromes or medications that increase stomach acidity. 

Not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Take this medication an hour prior to a meal.

Stop using esomeprazole and call your doctor at once if you have: dizziness, confusion, fast or uneven heart rate, jerking muscle movements, jittery feeling, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling, cough or choking feeling, or seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects may include: headache, drowsiness, mild diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation, or dry mouth.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Indication: used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body, and used to lower the risk of or prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications. 

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Pravastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with pravastatin. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Possible side effects may include: headache, mild muscle pain, diarrhea, mild skin rash, or dizziness; stuffy nose, throat irritation, cough. 

Simvastatin (Zocor)

Indication: used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body, and used to lower the risk of or prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications. 

Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take simvastatin more than once daily, take it with meals.

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Pravastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with pravastatin. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Call your doctor if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: headache, joint pain, mild muscle pain, constipation, stomach pain or indigestion, mild nausea, mild skin rash, sleep problems (insomnia), or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

Pancrelipase (Creon)

Indications: used to help break down food when the pancreas is not working the right way.

Pancrelipase should be taken with a meal or snack. Take this medicine with a full glass of water or juice.

Common side effects may include: nausea or vomiting, mild stomach pain or upset, diarrhea or constipation, bloating or gas, greasy stools, rectal irritation, headache, neck pain, dizziness, cough, sore throat, or weight loss.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe or unusual stomach pain. This could be a symptom of a rare but serious bowel disorder.

Insulin Aspart (NovoLOG)

Indication: used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes)

Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person, it can allow Hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.

Insulin aspart is a fast-acting medicine that begins to work very quickly. After using insulin aspart, you should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes.

Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. 

Common side effects may include low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery), or irritation at injection site. 

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as: swelling in your hands or feet; or, low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency. 

Metformin (Glucophage)

Indication: to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes)

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin.

Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Avoid drinking alchol as it can lower blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.

Some side effects include: headache or muscle pain, weakness, or mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

An overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Tamsulosin (Flomax)

Indication: in men, it is used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate, and improve ease of urination by relaxing the muscles.

Tamsulosin is usually taken once a day, approximately 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. 

Side effects may include: mild dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, blurred vision, dental problems, sleep problems (insomnia), abnormal ejaculation, decreased sex drive, or runny nose, sore throat, cough.

Tamsulosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.