Reference no: EM133924257

Question

As patients age, it is important for them to have a comprehensive medicinal and herbal regimen on paper so that the list can be provided to healthcare providers who are a part of their care. Many people do not know that there are several interactions that can happen as it relates to the bioactivity of the medicines and the herbs. One example of a drug and herbal interaction commonly taken by older adults is that of aspirin and garlic. Aspirin is used for cardiovascular health through anticoagulation in patients by blocking an enzyme that causes platelets to stick together (Davidson et al., 2022). Garlic has anticoagulation properties that are similar to that of aspirin and blocks platelet aggregation on a much smaller scale in comparison (Ansary et al., 2020). When the medicine and the supplement are used together, there is a marginal risk of an increase in bleeding that could cause harm to older patients (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022). I would begin by getting a full picture of the patient's medications including supplements. If there were to be an incident where they were taking a garlic supplement and aspirin, I would educate them on the anticoagulating properties of aspirin. Garlic is not as effective as aspirin when it comes to anticoagulation, so it would not be a wise decision to swap over to a garlic regimen for aspirin replacement. Another example of a drug and herbal interaction is that of angelica and amlodipine. They both work by blocking calcium channels in the cells of muscles so that they contract with greater force. Studies have shown that there is no cardiovascular benefit to taking angelica alongside amlodipine, so it is important to educate older adults about their medication regimens. (Yang et al., 2023). In instances where the older adult does not have extra money and could possibly be substituting angelica for amlodipine, it would be pertinent to educate them that amlodipine is more effective and regulated by the FDA (Miller, 2023). It is important to involve family members in care for those with decreased mental capacity to ensure that medicines are being taken as they should. They also should be involved in the education of herbs and medications so that there is consistency in care.