1.1
The RPS Handling Medicines in Social Care Guidelines
Health and Safety at Work Act
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
The Misuse of Drugs Act
The Medicines Act
Essential Standards
The Health and Social Care Act
2.1
Paracetamol - Helps with mild pain, e.g. headaches or toothaches and can control fevers. Side effects include rashes or swelling, liver and kidney damage- from an overdose and low blood pressure when given in hospital by infusion.
Senokot – used to treat constipation. Works by irritating bowel issues, helping bowel movement. Its side effects include cramping, diarrhea, nausea, kidney inflammation, rectal bleeding, hives, tightness of the chest or poor bowel function.
Aspirin – used to relieve pain including colds, fever, toothaches and to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. Side effects of aspirin could be nausea or vomiting, a ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a runny nose, an itchy rash on the skin and inflammation of the stomach.
2.2
Insulin - blood has to be taken from a pinprick so that glucose can be measured before the insulin is given.
Digoxin – this is used to slow and steady the heart. The pulse should be checked before it is given and if the pulse dips below 60 beats per minute advice should be given.
Warfarin- for thinning the blood, and blood levels must be checked regularly.
2.3
Common reactions to medication may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rashes and difficulty breathing.
2.4