Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Lioresal as follows:
- Lioresal carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of Lioresal can result in low heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with inherent history of low heart rates and hypotension, secondary to Lioresal intake, can be at serious risk of dangerously low blood pressure and cardiac arrest. Lioresal must either be avoided or used with extra caution in individuals with such history, to prevent serious debility and death.
- Lioresal is poorly metabolized in the liver and most of the unchanged drug along with some inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine. . Individuals with history of renal disease cannot excrete Lioresal and metabolites normally. The unchanged medication and metabolites can stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, for individuals with compromised renal function, Lioresal must be either be avoided or used with caution, with close monitoring for symptoms of toxicity with Lioresal.
- Lioresal can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on Lioresal, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Lioresal. Also, if you have been taking Lioresal for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Lioresal intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
