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Commonly prescribed medications -- labelling and advice from the pharmacist [wall chart]

(Aust Prescr 1994;17:73)

Occasionally, a doctor may have to dispense a medication before the patient is able to obtain it from a pharmacy. This chart is a reminder of the basic instructions which accompany the 50 most commonly prescribed medications. It is based on the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The approved product information should be consulted for more detailed information on dosage and administration.

Group	Drugs	Advice		Other comments
ANTI-INFECTIVE	Amoxycillin capsules		D	Allergy?
	Amoxycillin suspension	6.7 (14 days)	D	"
	Amoxycillin with potassium clavulanate tablets		D	"
	Amoxycillin with potassium clavulanate suspension	6,7 (7 days)	D	"
	Cefaclor		D
	Cefaclor suspension	6,7 (14 days)	D
	Cephalexin		D
	Cephalexin suspension	6,7 (14 days)	D
	Chloramphenicol eye drops	7 (30 days)
	Clotrimazole cream		DE
	Erythromycin	3	AD	"	Instructions may vary with formulation
	Flucloxacillin	3	D	"	? Liver function during prolonged therapy
	Flucloxacillin suspension	3,6,7 (14 days)	D	"	" " " " " " "
	Influenza vaccine	6
	Metronidazole	2	BD	"	" " " " " " "
	Phenoxymethylpenicillin	3	D	"	" " " " " " "
	Tetracyclines	3,4	D	"	Not suitable for children. Doxycyline absorption is not significantly affected by milk
	Trimethoprim tablets		D		Avoid in pregnancy
	Trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole	8	BD	"	" " " " " " "
CARDIOVASCULAR	ACE inhibitors -
	Captopril tablets	11	C	First dose hypotension may occur
	Captopril solution	7 (28 days), 11	C	" " " " " " "
	Enalapril	11		" " " " " " "
	Beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs - atenolol, metoprolol, timolol	9, 12		Contraindicated in patients at risk of brochospasm eg asthmatics. May precipitate heart failure
	Calcium channel blockers -
	Diltiazem	9	A
	Felodipine		A
	Nifedipine	13	A
	Verapamil sustained release tablets		AB
	Frusemide	15		? Renal function
	Glyceryl trinitrate	7 (90 days), 15
	Prazosin	15
	Simvastatin			Continue lipid lowering diet
RESPIRATORY	Antihistamines	1, 13
	Inhaled steroids - budesonide, beclomethasone	14
	Ipratropium			? Risk of glaucoma, urinary retention
	Salbutamol (inhaled)			Is preventative therapy indicated?
PSYCHIATRY	Benzodiazepines - diazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, temazepam	1		Not for prolonged use
	Chlorpromazine	1,8,15
	Tricyclic antidepressants - amitriptyline, doxepin, dothiepin	1,13,15		? Risk of glaucoma, urinary retention
ANALGESICS	Aspirin	13	AB	Contraindicated in bleeding disorders, peptic ulcer
	Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - diclofenac, ketoprofen, naproxen, piroxicam	10,12	AB	Interaction with anticoagulants
	Paracetamol tablets	13
	Paracetamol with codeine	1,13
GASTROINTESTINAL	Cimetidine			Interaction with lignocaine, phenytoin, nifedipine and wafarin
	Magnesium with aluminium hydroxide antacids			? Renal insufficiency
	Prochlorperazine	1,15
METABOLIC	Allopurinol	12	B	? Fluid intake
OPHTHALMIC	Chloramphenicol			See anti-infective section
	Timolol	7 (30 days)		See beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs

Key:

1. May cause drowsiness and increase the effects of alcohol and other depressants of the central nervous system. Patients should be advised about the risks of driving and operating machinery.
2. Not to be taken with alcohol.
3. Take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food, and at bedtime.
4. Do not take milk, antacids, iron or calcium supplements within two hours of taking this medicine.
5. Certain drugs and foods should not be taken during treatment.
6. Refrigerate do not freeze.
7. This product may have a limited shelf-life and should be discarded after a certain period of time.
8. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during treatment.
9. Do not stop taking this treatment suddenly. If adverse effects occur, the patient should seek advice on whether or not to continue the treatment.
10. Do not take with aspirin.
11. Do not take with potassium supplements.
12. May affect mental alertness and/or co-ordination. Patients should be advised about the risks of driving and operating machinery.
13. Keep in the original packaging.
14. Rinse mouth out with water after use.
15. May cause dizziness (postural hypotension).

1. Should be taken whole and not divided.
2. Take with or after food.
3. On an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before food.
4. Until all used, unless adverse effects develop.
5. Continue for at least 7 days after the rash disappears.
6. Immediately before food.
7. Drink plenty of water.