5 Medication cards

Medication (Generic) Name: methotrexate

Can this drug be used during pregnancy?

No. contraindicated for pregnancy since it is abortifacient and having teratoregic effects associated with craniofacial abnormalities such as limb defects and the CNS defects like the anencephaly

Can this drug be used if breastfeeding?

No. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding since it is excreted in breast milk in lower concentration and can accumulate in neonatal tissues.

Therapeutic Uses:

*Specifically reference Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum and /or newborn uses.

Use for the treatment of the maternal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systematic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis or the molar pregnancy.

Adverse Side-Effects:

Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, reddened eyes, hair loss, and reduced appetite

Contraindications:

Contraindicated for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients with history of serious hypersensitivity, embryo fetal toxicity, and the fetal death.

Medication/Food/Herbal Interactions:

Cola increases the side effects of methotrexate. The patient must report to the doctor the side effects such as stomach pain, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, urination issues. This is not taken with other medications like acitretin, trimethoprim, vaccines, clozapine, carbamazepine, and cyclosporine.

Nursing Interventions:

Be creative; DO NOT copy the book.

The nurse advises the patient not take soda during the medication to help in preventing the side effects. Nurse advises the patient to take folic acid supplement to prevent folate deficiency.

Client Education:

Be creative; DO NOT copy the book. Write SHORT narrative: Describe what you would say when educating this client. Remember, specifically reference Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum and/or newborn clients.

The patient is educated to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight. The patient is advised to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and the sunscreen. The patient is also advised not to use sunlamps during the treatment with this medication.

Medication Administration:

IV, IM, SQ, SL, topical, PR, PO etc.

It can be given orally, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly routes.

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness:

How will the RN know the medication is working? Please use critical thinking skills.

The benefits of the medicine might take up to 12 weeks before the benefits are felt after the increase of the dose. Therefore, the patient is advised to keep taking it to help in reducing the symptoms of the condition that it is targeted for.