Since so many older people get uti’s I want to post an experience I had with Nitrofurantoin as an example of how some meds work for some people but not others.
After two pills I felt like someone had hit me all over my body with a ball bat and left me in a parking lot. My husband had to read med bottle labels since I knew there were words but they made no sense. Plus other symptoms I don't remember.
I called my regular doc’s fill-in who prescribed cipro which also has an extremely long list of side effects but has worked for me in the past.
My point is that obviously uti’s can be really bad and that meds can certainly help but we have to be aware and ready for side effects that perhaps your loved ones can't tell you about.
I was fortunate ... I can still verbalize.
My daughter at 9m old reacted to a Mycin. Doc was useless. Finally had to go to ER. It was not only causing allergic reaction, but it wasn't treating the ear infection!
For me, the 2 biggies were Heparin and Botox. The Heparin caused my platelet count to rocket, where usually the concern is it drops too much (it is intended to reduce platelets, to reduce chance of clotting.) I was in hospital and lab doc came to see me, explained my count was normal on admittance and now is sky high. Um, this is YOUR bailiwick dude... I'm not allowed to eat, so the only things going in are things y'all are doing! This went on until I finally took one shot in the abdomen as the backs of my arms hurt too much. Hematoma. Shots stopped, count went back to normal! The Botox (I was horrified they even wanted to use this on me, when I looked up what it is!) was an attempt to treat something in the esophagus. One time only and ended up with hives!
The Mycin and Heparin have been around a long long time, but while these (and other meds) might be safe for the majority, there are those of us who can't take them!
So, when dealing with young children, elders and those with dementia, WE have to be very observant AND know what side effects there might be (in my case with the Heparin, this isn't really a known effect!) Whatever is taken should NOT cause odd behavior, hives, or other reactions, it should be treating the condition. As with my daughter, if there is a reaction, this drug isn't going to treat whatever it was intended to treat either!
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