Assignment 12: Geriatrics OTC Medication Use
Review the American Geriatrics Society article and interactive media piece in this week’s Learning Resources.
Select one of the following over-the-counter drugs commonly used by geriatric patients:
Antacids or acid suppressants
Antidiarrheal
Antihistamines
Antimicrobial ointments
Antispasmodics for the bladder
Cough suppressants
Laxatives
Neutraceuticals (choose one; e.g., ginseng, St. John’s wart, etc.)
Pain medications (choose one; e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, rub-on pain ointments/patches, etc.)
Supplements (choose one; e.g., calcium, iron, etc.)
Vaginal creams
Research the over-the-counter drug you selected. Visit a local pharmacy and explore the types/varieties of the drug that are available. Reflect on the ingredients in each type/variety, including additional active ingredients.
Consult with the pharmacist about the ingredients in each type/variety, including how to make safe and effective clinical decisions in relation to this drug. Discuss potential interactions in frail elders and precautions related to the drug based on Beers Criteria. Talk to the pharmacist about the ingredients in each type or variety, as well as how to make clinical decisions that are safe and effective when it comes to this drug. Talk about possible drug interactions in frail older people and safety precautions based on Beers Criteria. If one is available, you may consult with a pharmacist at your practicum site as an alternative to visiting a pharmacy.
Consider ways to educate elders about the OTC drug you selected.
By Day 5
Post a PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:
Describe the over-the-counter drug that you selected.
Identify the types/varieties of the drug that are available. Describe the ingredients in each type/variety including additional active ingredients.
Explain the key information that you need to know about this OTC drug to make safe and effective clinical decisions. Include potential interactions in frail elders and describe any precautions related to the drug based on Beers Criteria.
Explain how you would educate elders about the OTC drug you selected.
