Question

The physician has ordered Neoral (cyclosporine) for a client following renal transplantation. To increase palatability, the medication is best given in: A. Water B. Orange juice C. Milk D. Grapefruit juice

Short answer

A. Water B. Orange juice C. Milk D. Grapefruit juice Answer: B. Orange juice

Step-by-step solution

Understand Neoral (cyclosporine)

Neoral (cyclosporine) is an immunosuppressive medication often prescribed to patients after organ transplantation. It helps to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ.

Analyze the given options

Consider the given options and determine which one is the best compatible with Neoral (cyclosporine) in terms of increasing palatability: A. Water B. Orange juice C. Milk D. Grapefruit juice

Eliminate incompatible options

Grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, including cyclosporine. This interaction can lead to an increase in blood levels of cyclosporine and potentially cause side effects. So, option D is not suitable.

Choose the best option

Among the remaining options (A, B, and C), orange juice increases the palatability of Neoral (cyclosporine) to the patient. This is because Neoral (cyclosporine) has an oily texture, and orange juice helps to mask it better than water or milk, making it easier for the patient to take.

Final Answer

The best option for increasing the palatability of Neoral (cyclosporine) for a client following renal transplantation: B. Orange juice.

Key concepts

Immunosuppressive Medication Administration

When managing organ transplant patients, healthcare providers face unique challenges, including the use of immunosuppressive medication like cyclosporine. This medicine is vital as it reduces the likelihood of organ rejection by weakening the immune system's response.

An important aspect of administering cyclosporine, and other immunosuppressants, involves ensuring optimal blood levels to prevent both rejection and toxicity. Healthcare providers guide patients to take the medication consistently, often at the same time each day to maintain a therapeutic drug level. It's usually recommended to be ingested on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours after a meal to enhance absorption.

Education about potential interactions with other drugs and food is crucial for patient safety. Patients are often advised to avoid grapefruit juice due to its potent effect on drug-metabolizing enzymes, which can lead to increased blood levels of cyclosporine and potential toxicity.

Organ Transplantation Medication

The medications used in organ transplantation go beyond just preventing rejection. Alongside immunosuppressants, transplant patients may take additional medications to address side effects, manage infections, and treat complications that can arise from the weakened immune system.

Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals are common to prevent or treat infections. Medications to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol might also be prescribed since immunosuppressive drugs can increase the risks for these conditions.

The tailored medication regimen for organ transplant recipients requires careful monitoring, including regular blood tests to ensure the efficacy of the immunosuppressants and to adjust doses as necessary. The healthcare team also educates patients on signs of rejection and infection to ensure prompt treatment.

Medication Palatability Enhancement

Improving the palatability of medication is essential, especially in long-term treatments like those required by organ transplant recipients. Palatability enhancement increases the likelihood of adherence to the treatment plan and thereby contributes to the success of the transplant.

For drugs like cyclosporine, which can have an unpleasant taste due to their oily texture, taking the medication with certain fluids can help. While water does not enhance flavor, and milk can interact with the absorption of the medication, fruit juices like orange juice can mask the taste without affecting the medication's efficacy.

However, healthcare providers should always consider individual patient needs, potential allergies, and interactions with other medications before recommending a liquid to improve the medicine's taste.