Objective: To describe the effects of performance-enhancing supplements and caffeine on the blood pressure (BP) of an adolescent male. Case Summary: An adolescent male presented to his primary care provider for a preseason athletic physical. On physical exam, his BP was 162/90, exceeding the 99th percentile for his age. It had been elevated during the previous 2 yearly physicals. He was referred to the Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Clinic for follow-up. Illegal substance use and renal trauma were ruled out. During the evaluation, the patient acknowledged using energy drinks and performanceenhancing supplements, the majority of which were caffeine-based. His intention was to continue the use of supplements, so lisinopril was initiated. On follow-up, however, the patient reported supplement discontinuation, intermittent medication adherence, and lower home-based BP readings. He was subsequently lost to follow-up. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse drug event was probable. Discussion: When working with adolescent patients, it is particularly important to conduct an in-depth interview reflecting lifestyle choices. Use of performance-enhancing supplements and caffeine for adolescent athletes has been well reported in the literature. Adolescent use of supplements may be driven by misguided beliefs and lack of knowledge about potentially detrimental health effects, such as altered heart rate and elevated BP. Little evidence-based research is available to provide treatment guidance for clinicians regarding potential effects. Conclusions: A thorough patient history, including specific questions probing for any recent or chronic use of nutritional supplements, including energy drinks, will help identify substances that may contribute to BP variations. Even mild BP elevations in adolescents should lead clinicians to further investigate supplement use and include specific questions on any product use within the past 24 hours, several days, or longer. Adolescents may not consider the potential for adverse health effects when ingesting performance-enhancing supplements or energy drinks.
Objective To describe the effects of a look-alike, sound-alike medication error on the glycemic control and psychiatric well-being of a 23-year-old man. Case Summary A 23-year-old man presented to the university-based Integrated Multidisciplinary Program of Assertive Community Treatment (IMPACT) team with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, most recent episode manic, and hypertension. The patient was prescribed chlorpromazine 100 mg daily to treat symptoms of psychosis and anxiety. The anxiety, however, persisted and escalated over the following 2 weeks. Upon physical examination of the patient's medications, it was discovered that the patient was inadvertently given chlorpropamide in place of the chlorpromazine. Evaluations, clinical presentation, the medication list, and criteria for an adverse drug event indicated a probable relationship (7 of 12) between the use of chlorpropamide and a hypoglycemic episode. The medication error was noted and corrective actions were taken. Within 1 week of the corrective actions, the patient's anxiety improved. Discussion When working with psychiatric patients, it is important to physically review all medications when expected responses are not achieved or when new psychiatric or physiological symptoms present. Approximately one-fourth of medication errors in the United States are drug name confusion errors. These errors must be universally addressed by all parties involved in the medication process. Effective safeguards are available and must be implemented by manufacturers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and all health care professionals to prevent look-alike, sound-alike medication errors.
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