Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

polycarbophil FiberCon Antidiarrheals, laxatives
Peak Onset Duration
Unknown 12-24 hrs unknown
Why is your patient getting this medication
Promotion of bowel regularity
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
Acts as a bulk laxative by keeping water within the bowel
lumen. Acts as an antidiarrheal by taking on water within the
bowel lumen to create a formed stool.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
None for this patient
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
distention, and pain. Notify health care
professional if present. Auscultatebowel sounds.
Inquire about patient's usual diet, fluid intake,
activity level, and bowel function. Monitor for
color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
625mg PO daily
Normal dosage range
1 g 1-4 times daily or as needed (not to exceed 6 g/24 hr); for severe
diarrhea, may repeat q 30 min.
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
N/A
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, abdominal pain, N/V, serious intra-abdominal
adhesions, dysphagia.
Common side effects
No common or life-threatening side effects for this drug
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
None significant
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Encourage patients with constipation to use other forms of bowel
regulation, such as increasing bulk in diet, fluid intake, and mobility.
Normal bowel habits are individualized and may vary from 3
times/dayto 3 times/wk. Instruct patients with sudden onset of
constipation to notify health care professional; medical evaluation may
be necessary. Instruct patients with diarrhea to notify health care
professional if fever or bloody stools occur or if diarrhea persists or
worsens. Discuss need for fluids and diet modifications during
episodes of diarrhea.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
Intolerable, unexpected adverse effects. Soft, formed bowel movement.
May require 3 days for
therapeutic effect to occur.