Expectations (Stephen) Length: A minimum of 180 words, not including references

Expectations (Stephen)
Length: A minimum of 180 words, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years
Relate peer’s discussion to another study
Eric Johnson is dealing with a range of issues, including pneumonia, chlamydia and seasonal allergies. Here’s an overview of recommended treatment options and some non-pharmacological suggestions to consider.
Q1. Recommended Medications1. Pneumonia; Primary option; Take Azithromycin (Zithromax). 500 mg, on day 1, followed by 250 mg for 4 days. Alternative option; Consider Levofloxacin (Levaquin). Take 750 mg once daily for 5 days. (Butler et al.,2016)2. Chlamydia;Primary option; Take single dose of 1mg Azithromycin (Zithromax) orally. . (Butler et al.,2016) Alternative option; Consider Doxycycline (Vibramycin). Take 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. (Workowski,2007)3. Allergies; Take Cetirizine (Zyrtec). 10mg / a day orally. (Ansotegui, et al.2020) Alternative option; Loratadine (a second generation antihistamine) in form. Take 10 mg orally per day to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Q2. Mechanism of ActionHere’s how each medication works;1. Azithromycin: This antibiotic works by binding to the 50S subunit of bacte­ria, disrupting their ability to synthesize prote­ins. Without protein assembly, bacterial survival and growth are­ significantly hampered. . (Butler et al.,2016)2. Levofloxacin: acts differently from Azithromycin. It specifically targe­ts DNA replication in bacteria by inhibiting two enzyme­s: topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase. This inte­rference disrupts important DNA proce­sses, ultimately causing the de­ath of bacterial cells. . (Butler et al.,2016)3. Doxycycline: Anothe­r option to consider is doxycycline, which functions similarly to azithromycin but with a differe­nt target. Specifically, it binds to the 30S subunit of bacte­ria, effectively hinde­ring their protein synthesis. This disruption in ce­llular processes helps impe­de.4. Cetirizine: is an antihistamine medication that relie­ves symptoms such as itching and sneezing cause­d by allergies. It works by blocking histamine H1 re­ceptors. This medication offers an alte­rnative to antibiotics for addressing these­ allergy-related symptoms. (Ansotegui, et al.2020)5. Loratadine: is anothe­r antihistamine, similar to Cetirizine. It works by blocking histamine­ H1 receptors but has an additional bene­fit of not crossing the blood-brain barrier. (Ansotegui, et al.2020)
Q3. Side Effect Profile1. Azithromycin; This antibiotic is often prescribed for infections. It can cause issues, like diarrhea and nausea which’re more common side effects. However it’s important not to overlook the significant complications such as QT prolongation (an alteration in the hearts electrical cycle) and potential hearing loss. These rarer adverse effects highlight the importance of monitoring.2. Levofloxacin: is commonly used to treat tract infections. It can have side effects like nausea and diarrhea. However there are also more concerning risks, including tendon rupture and peripheral neuropathy. It’s crucial to exercise caution when prescribing this medication among individuals or those on corticosteroid therapy due to the potential for tendon damage.3. Doxycycline: is mainly used for infections and certain types of malaria. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Interestingly it has an incidence but higher reporting rate of photosensitivity and esophagitis compared to antibiotics in the same class. Patients taking this medication should be aware of the potential for skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.4. Cetirizine: This antihistamine is commonly used for allergy treatment. It often leads to side effects, like drowsiness and dry mouth. Some individuals may also experience headaches and dizziness although these are generally less common. Considering the possibility of feeling drowsy it is recommended to use caution when operating machinery or driving.5. Loratadine: another type of antihistamine is commonly used to treat symptoms. It may cause side effects such, as drowsiness, fatigue, headaches and dry mouth. However it is worth noting that Loratadine is less likely to make you feel sleepy compared to antihistamines. This makes it a preferred choice, for individuals who need to maintain their functions without much impairment.
Q4. Drug InteractionsWhile Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, Doxycycline, Cetirizine and Loratadine are generally considered to have chances of interacting when used together it’s still important to be cautious. It’s necessary to be aware of the possibility of side effects, like QT prolongation with Levofloxacin and Azithromycin. Patients with existing heart conditions or those taking medications that affect the hearts cycle should undergo a thorough risk assessment before combining these antibiotics. Therefore without known drug interactions it remains crucial to exercise caution in selecting medications especially considering each drugs side effect profile.
Q5. Non-pharmacological Interventions1.Hydration and Dietary Measures; Maintaining hydration and a balanced diet is essential for health and well being. Adequate fluid intake can also help alleviate medication side effects like disturbances.2. Rest; Sufficient rest and sleep play a role, in supporting functions aiding in faster recovery and bolstering the bodys defense mechanisms. This can be particularly beneficial when taking medications that induce fatigue or drowsiness. (Nakimera, 2023)3. Saltwater Gargling and Humidifier; For respiratory or throat related issues gargling with salt water and using a humidifier can provide relief. Using a saline solution can help clear the throat while having a humidifier adds moisture to dry air indoors.4. Applying either heat or cold packs can help alleviate congestion making you feel more comfortable and potentially reducing the need, for decongestant medications.5. It’s important to avoid allergens and practice habits as preventive measures, against allergies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Pharmacological treatments are one part of the treatment plan. Taking an approach that includes pharmacological strategies can often lead to better outcomes, for patients while minimizing risks associated with medication.
References
Ansotegui, I. J., Melioli, G., Canonica, G. W., Caraballo, L., Villa, E., Ebisawa, M., Passalacqua, G., Savi, E., Ebo, D. G., Gómez, R. M., Luengo, O., Oppenheimer, J., Jensen-Jarolim, E., Fischer, D. A., Haahtela, T., Antila, M., Bousquet, J., Cardona, V., Chiang, W. C., . . . Zuberbier, T. (2020a). IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy, a World Allergy Organization position paper. World Allergy Organization Journal, 13(2), 100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100080M. S., Blaskovich, M. a. T., & Cooper, M. A. (2016a). Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline at the end of 2015. The Journal of Antibiotics, 70(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1038/ja.2016.72Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS) National Meeting 2023. (2023a). BMC Proceedings, 17(S9). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-023-00269-8 Serunjogi, D. (2023a). ADHERENCE TO THE ROUTINE NON-PHARMACOLOGIC INTERVENTIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES AT A RURAL HEALTH FACILITY SETTING OF UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i9.611Workowski, K. A., & Berman, S. M. (2007a). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 44(Supplement 3), S73–S76. https://doi.org/10.1086/511430