Impact of Medication History Interview and Patient Counseling in Unidentified Drug Addict: Loperamide; The Poor Man’s Methadone
Authors: Satyavardhan Rao Nittu, Akhila D
Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 12, Issue 3, pp. 205-208, (2019)
Abstract
Consequences of inappropriate medication use have been the subject of professional, public and congressional discourse from ages. The pharmacy profession has accepted responsibility for providing patient education and counseling in the context of pharmaceutical care to improve patient adherence and reduce medication-related problems. We often come across many cases where people are not aware of their addiction and the impact it creates on their work, relationships and health. As a result, many of them are unable to quit on their own and treatment is required. This barrier can be broken by the pharmacist by conducting a confidential interview in suspect patients and providing effective counseling to combat addiction. Addiction treatment such as counseling is crucial for helping sufferers to recognize their condition and how their emotional needs are affecting their behavior and health. This can stand as an important step to recover from illness and eventually abstinence. Case Report: We describe a case of 25-year-old male who was admitted in General medicine with chief complaints of Constipation since 5 days, abdominal cramps. His addiction was left unidentified and a detailed medication history interview reveals that he is on Loperamide since 2 months which was the reason for his admission for severe constipation.
Keywords: Medication History Interview, Patient Counseling, Loperamide, Medication related problems, Drug abuse.
