The Medicine Cabinet

By Pamela Myers, RDH

Most patients cannot accurately tell you what medications or dosages they are taking, especially geriatric patients. One patient that I recently treated in the private sector, where I occasionally practice, was an 85-year-old World War II veteran. He is very alert and very agile for his age. But when I inquired about his medications, he simply said, "Well, I take something for my thyroid and a couple of diabetes pills, and something for my heart."

I asked him the names and dosages, and he laughingly said, "Well, they are hard to remember ... It would be easier if they just were called Diabetes pill 1 and Diabetes pill 2."

Sound familiar? In my full-time practice, I am blessed in that I provide care with electronic medical records that provide me with my patient's current medications and dosages in real time. However, access to the patient's current medications may not be enough information. Most patients over the age of 50 are taking at least three prescribed maintenance medications. If your patient population is over the age of 65, it could be on average at least four maintenance prescriptions, plus an assortment of other over-the-counter (OTC) supplements.

Maintenance drugs do not include antibiotics, antivirals, or anti-inflammatory/pain medication prescribed for short-term dosages. What I hope to do with this article is to give practicing hygienists a basic overview of oral side effects of the most commonly prescribed medications, as well as some medications that have adverse oral effects that they and their patients should be aware of.

Gingival hyperplasia, overgrowth of the gum tissue, is common in patients taking anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant drugs, and calcium channel blockers taken by cardiac patients.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is prevalent with antihistamines, anticholinergics, antidepressants/antipsychotics, antihypertensives, diuretics, antiulceratives, central nervous system stimulants (CNS), bronchodilators, and some cancer chemotherapeutic agents (see Table 2).

Increased gingival bleeding may occur in patients taking anticoagulants such as aspirin therapy, Plavix (clopidogrel), or Coumadin (warfarin).

The most commonly prescribed medication classes include contraceptives/hormones, analgesics, antilipemics, antihypertensives, antiulceratives, and antipsychotics/antidepressants (see Table 1).

Amlodipine Benazepril for Hypertension

Benazepril falls underneath the angiotensin-covering enzyme (ACE) inhibitor form of medicines. This implies that it regulates a chemical in our bodies that tightens blood vessels, lettingblood flow far more smoothly and more easily. Past this, it could even aid weak hearts pump blood more efficiently. These features are what make Benazepril a potent prescription drug for high blood strain. Its most popular brand name is Lotensin. 

It is really important to note that Benazepril is extremely dangerous for fetuses. It could cause critical injuries, malformation, and also death to unborn babies. Women who are beyond their third month of pregnancy need to by no means get Benazepril. A lady who turns into pregnant even though taking the drug need to right away inform her medical professional. 

benazepril side effects – for the Buyer

All medicines might cause unwanted effects, but several individuals have no, or small, unwanted effects. Check with your physician if any of these most frequent unwanted side effects persist or become bothersome when utilizing Benazepril:

Cough; dizziness, specially when standing; headache; nausea; sleepiness; tiredness.

Find medical focus straight away if any of these Extreme side effects happen when employing Benazepril:

Serious allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; inflammation of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; chills; fainting; fever; hoarseness; irregular or slow heartbeat; lightheadedness; sore throat; unusual belly soreness; yellowing with the skin or eyes.

This is not a total record of all unwanted side effects that may possibly happen. In case you have questions about unwanted effects, contact your wellness treatment provider. Get in touch with your medical professional for health-related suggestions about unwanted effects. To report side effects for the ideal agency, please read the Guideline to Reporting Troubles to FDA.

Benazepril/Hydrochlorothiazide

All medicines might trigger negative effects, but many individuals have no, or minor, unwanted effects. Check with your medical professional if any of those most common side effects persist or grow to be bothersome when employing Benazepril/Hydrochlorothiazide:

Cough; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; fatigue; headache; nausea; vomiting.

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