Authors

  1. Belavic, Jennifer PharmD

Article Content

Do you know what they contain? Match the names in Section I with the ingredients in Section II.

 

SECTION I

_____ 1. Simcor (Abbott)

 

_____ 2. Avandaryl (GlaxoSmithKline)

 

_____ 3. Azor (Daiichi Sankyo)

 

_____ 4. Epzicom (GlaxoSmithKline)

 

_____ 5. BiDil (NitroMed)

 

SECTION II

a.amlodipine 5 mg, 10 mg; olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg, 40 mg

 

Combining a calcium channel blocker and an angiotensin receptor blocker, this drug reduces BP more effectively than either drug given alone. Teach patients to change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension.

 

b.niacin extended-release 500 mg, 750 mg, 1,000 mg; simvastatin 20 mg

 

This fixed-dose combination antidyslipidemic contains an HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor (statin) and niacin. It's approved for use in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Inform your patient that this product may cause flushing, headache, and back pain. Taking aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen 30 minutes beforehand may decrease flushing.

 

c.isosorbide dinitrate 20 mg; hydralazine 37.5 mg

 

This is the first combination product of its kind approved as adjunctive treatment for heart failure in African-American patients. Isosorbide dinitrate is a vasodilator with both arterial and venous effects and hydralazine is primarily an arterial vasodilator. Teach your patient about possible adverse reactions, such as hypotension, headache, and dizziness.

 

d.rosiglitazone 4 mg, 8 mg; glimepiride 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg

 

A combination of two hypoglycemic drugs, this treatment for type 2 diabetes improves glycemic control. Advise your patient that the drug's full effect may not occur for 2 to 3 months.

 

e.abacavir 600 mg; lamivudine 300 mg

 

Comprised of two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, this once-daily product is approved to treat HIV. Teach your patient to report a skin rash, unusual fatigue, or jaundice.