Patient was educated on contraindications for using Lorcet as follows:
- Lorcet affects the respiratory center in the brain and induces slowing down of respirations. The breathing pattern can become irregular with reduced gas exchange and lead to elevated carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Overdose of Lorcet can also cause respiratory arrest. Lorcet should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of respiratory abnormalities, such as, asthma and COPD.
- Lorcet should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of head injury, coma, and brain surgery. These individuals are at increased risk for depression of the respiratory center and coma with Lorcet.
- Avoid using Lorcet along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with Lorcet and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression.
- Lorcet has the potential to increase the intracranial pressure. Individuals with history of head injury, curvature of the spine, and intracranial lesions are at increased risk for elevated intracranial pressures, secondary to Lorcet use, with consequent headache, vomiting, double vision, and confusion.
- Lorcet should be avoided in individuals with history of drug and alcohol addiction. Alcohol with Lorcet can lead to severe depression of the respiratory center in the brain, respiratory arrest, and coma. Acetaminophen in Lorcet with alcohol can cause severe damage to the liver.
