Pediatric Primary Care (149 page)

  May cause dry mouth.

  Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release or film-coated tablets.

  Assess serum lithium levels q3-4 days during initial phase of therapy, q1-2 months thereafter and weekly if no improvement.

  Monitor for signs of lithium toxicity vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, incoordination, hand tremor, muscle twitching, mental confusion, ataxia.

LORATADINE–ANTIHISTAMINE

Brand Name

Claritin

Uses

Treat seasonal rhinitis.

Availability

Syrup: 5 mg/5 mL. Tablet: 10 mg.

Indications/Routes/Dosage

Children 2-12 years: 5 mg daily. Children older than12 years, adult: 10 mg daily.

Adverse Reactions

Sedation is more common with larger doses, headache.

Implications

  Use sunscreen (photosensitive).

  Avoid driving if drowsiness occurs.

  Additive CNS effects with alcohol and antidepressants.

MEBENDAZOLE–ANTHELMINTIC

Brand Name

Vermox

Uses

Treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and Ancylostoma duodenale (common hookworm).

Availability

Tablets, chewable: 100 mg.

Indications/Routes/Dosage

Enterobiasis:
Children, adults: 100 mg PO as a single dose.
Other infestations:
Children, adults: 100 mg 2 bid for 3 days.

Adverse Reactions

GI transient abdominal pain. Carbamazepine and phenytoin can increase metabolism of mebendazole.

Implications

  Tablets may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food.

   Do not administer to children younger than 2 years or pregnant and lactating women.

   If patient is not cured in 3 weeks following treatment, retreatment is necessary.

   All family members should be treated at the same time.

   Discuss hygiene, transmission, and reinfection.