A client is being prescribed dextroamphetamine for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). During health education, the nurse should make the client aware of the black box warning relating to what potential risk issue?

Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The drug has a high potential for abuse and dependence, and therefore it carries a black box warning from the FDA. The black box warning is the strongest warning that the FDA requires, and it indicates that a drug has a significant risk of serious or life-threatening adverse effects.

The black box warning for dextroamphetamine relates to its potential for abuse, addiction, and misuse. The drug should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider, and clients should be advised not to share their medication with others or to take more than the prescribed dose. Excessive doses of dextroamphetamine can lead to serious adverse effects, including stroke and heart attack. Clients should also be advised to store their medication securely and to dispose of any unused medication properly.

A: Ibuprofen does not typically interact with calcium citrate to decrease its effects. Instead, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and, with long-term use, may affect kidney function.

B: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood. It does not decrease the effects of calcium citrate; rather, it could potentially cause hypercalcemia if used concurrently with calcium supplements.

C: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina. While it affects calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, it does not typically interact with calcium citrate supplements to decrease their effectiveness.

D: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can decrease calcium absorption and increase calcium excretion, leading to lower bone density. Long-term use of prednisone can lead to osteoporosis, making it counterproductive when taken with calcium citrate for bone health.