A patient takes an antispasmodic and an occasional antidiarrheal medication to treat IBS.The patient comes to the clinic and reports having dry mouth,difficulty urinating,and more frequent constipation.The primary care NP notes a heart rate of 92 beats per minute.The NP should:

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Patients taking antispasmodic medications should be monitored for anticholinergic side effects,such as increased heart rate,dry mouth,difficulty urinating,and constipation.The NP should lower the dose if needed.TCAs are used to treat pain long-term.Because the antidiarrheal medication is used as needed,there is no reason to discontinue it.Increasing water intake may improve symptoms associated with side effects but would not treat the underlying cause of these symptoms.

A Patient Takes an Antispasmodic and an Occasional Antidiarrheal Medication