Patient was educated on contraindications for taking Pulmicort as follows:
- Hypokalemia
- Pulmicort inhalations should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of arrhythmias and reduced serum potassium levels.
- Pulmicort inhalations in such individuals can result in drop in serum potassium levels that can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias.
- A close watch for irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, tingling, and muscle cramps must be maintained in individuals using Pulmicort inhalations and must be reported to the physician accordingly.
- Congestive heart failure
- Pulmicort inhalations should be used cautiously in individuals with congestive heart failure, as they can result in retention of sodium and water, which adds extra load to an already failing heart.
- This can result in unresolved edema and worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as, exacerbation of shortness of breath.
- Any such findings should be reported to the physician, to facilitate a change in the plan of care.
