Medical Assisting - Pharmacology Unit 1

Vitamin D

Generic Name: Cholecalciferol

Trade Name: D3, Delta-D, etc.

Classification of Medication: Vitamin

Dosage/how supplied: Usually, it is supplied in units (IU) or micrograms (mcg). The recommended daily amount for adults is 600-800 IU.

Mechanism of action/indication: It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and is essential for bone health.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: High doses might cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Steroids, weight loss drugs like orlistat, cholesterol-lowering drugs can interfere with Vitamin D absorption.

Special Considerations: It is fat-soluble and can be stored in the body, so too much can be harmful.

Vitamin K

Generic Name: Phytonadione

Trade Name: Mephyton

Classification of Medication: Vitamin

Dosage/how supplied: Oral tablets are typically supplied in 5 mg. The usual dosage for adults is 5 to 25 mg.

Mechanism of action/indication: Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors in the body, thus it is used to prevent and treat bleeding caused by vitamin K deficiency.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Uncommon, but can include flushing, changes in taste, dizziness, rapid or slow heartbeat.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Anticoagulants like warfarin, antibiotics, and bile acid sequestrants can interfere with Vitamin K absorption or function.

Special Considerations: High doses of Vitamin E or Vitamin A can interfere with Vitamin K.

Vitamin B12

Generic Name: Cyanocobalamin

Trade Name: Cobal, Vibal, Eligen B12, etc.

Classification of Medication: Vitamin

Dosage/how supplied: It is typically supplied as 500 mcg or 1000 mcg oral tablets, or as a nasal gel. The daily recommended amount for adults is 2.4 mcg.

Mechanism of action/indication: It is essential for nerve function, the production of red blood cells, and DNA synthesis. Therefore, it's used to treat or prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Side effects are rare but can include headache, swelling, itching, or nervousness.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain medications like metformin, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers can reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12.

Special Considerations: It's typically safe, but people with certain conditions like Leber's disease should avoid it.

Folic Acid (B9)

Generic Name: Folic Acid

Trade Name: Folvite, Folacin, etc.

Classification of Medication: Vitamin

Dosage/how supplied: It is typically available in tablets of 400 mcg, 800 mcg, and 1 mg. The daily recommended amount for adults is 400 mcg.

Mechanism of action/indication: Folic acid plays a role in DNA synthesis and cell division. It's used to prevent or treat folic acid deficiency, and it's very important in pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects in the baby.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: High doses may lead to stomach problems, sleep problems, skin reactions, and seizures.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain drugs like methotrexate, phenytoin, and sulfasalazine can interfere with folic acid function or absorption.

Special Considerations: Women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant should take a higher amount, ideally starting before conception.

Vitamin C

Generic Name: Ascorbic Acid

Trade Name: Cecon, Cevi-Bid, etc.

Classification of Medication: Vitamin

Dosage/how supplied: It is typically supplied in tablets of various strengths, from 25 mg to 1000 mg. The daily recommended amount for adults is 65 to 90 mg.

Mechanism of action/indication: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in tissue repair and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It's used to prevent and treat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: High doses of vitamin C might cause headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, or insomnia.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain drugs like statins and niacin can interact with Vitamin C.

Special Considerations: It's water-soluble, so it's not stored in the body and needs to be taken regularly.

Calcium

Generic Name: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Citrate

Trade Name: Caltrate, Tums (Calcium Carbonate), Citracal (Calcium Citrate), etc.

Classification of Medication: Mineral supplement

Dosage/how supplied: It is typically supplied in tablets of various strengths, most commonly 500 mg to 600 mg. The daily recommended amount for adults is 1000 to 1300 mg.

Mechanism of action/indication: Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially bone formation and maintenance. It's used to treat or prevent calcium deficiencies.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: High doses can lead to constipation, kidney stones, and impaired absorption of other minerals.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain medications like steroids, diuretics, and antacids can interfere with calcium absorption.

Special Considerations: It's best absorbed when taken with food.

Iron (Fe)

Generic Name: Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Gluconate, Ferrous Fumarate

Trade Name: Feosol, Fergon, etc.

Classification of Medication: Mineral supplement

Dosage/how supplied: Iron supplements are typically supplied in tablets of various strengths, most commonly 65 mg (equivalent to 325 mg ferrous sulfate). The daily recommended amount for adults is 8 mg for men and post-menopausal women, and 18 mg for pre-menopausal women.

Mechanism of action/indication: Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells. It's used to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Side Effects/ Adverse Effects: High doses can lead to constipation, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain medications like antacids, tetracyclines, and levodopa can interfere with iron absorption.

Special Considerations: It's best absorbed on an empty stomach, but it can be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

Zinc (Zn

Generic Name: Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Acetate, Zinc Gluconate

Trade Name: Orazinc, Galzin, etc.

Classification of Medication: Mineral supplement

Dosage/how supplied: Zinc supplements are typically supplied in tablets or capsules of various strengths, most commonly 50 mg to 220 mg. The daily recommended amount for adults is 8-11 mg.

Mechanism of action/indication: Zinc is required for the catalytic activity of many enzymes, immune function, protein and DNA synthesis, and wound healing. It's used to prevent and treat zinc deficiency.

Side Effects/ Adverse Effects: High doses can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.

Drug interaction/Contraindication: Certain medications like antibiotics and diuretics can interfere with zinc absorption.

Special Considerations: It's usually taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, but it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.