Intestinal transplant program

Your child's medication

Your child will be on many different medications after transplant. It is important for you to learn the correct doses, how to administer each medication, and understand possible side effects or special considerations. You will receive this information prior to discharge.

The following medication categories include those most commonly used by transplant patients:

• Anti-rejection medications: used to prevent rejection of the newly transplanted intestine. Medications commonly used include tacrolimus (Prograf®), sirolimus (Rapamune®), and prednisone (Deltasone®).
• Antibiotics: used to prevent bacterial infections. Examples of these medications include sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim®), metronidazole (Flagyl®), and rifaximin (Xifaxan®).
• Antiviral agents: used to protect your child from certain viruses. Some of the medications used include cytomegalovirus immune globulin intravenous human (Cytogam®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), and acyclovir (Zovirax®).
• Antifungals: used to prevent fungal infections. Examples of these medications include nystatin (Mycostatin^®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), and voriconazole (Vfend®).
• Blood pressure medication: used to help your child maintain a healthy blood pressure since some of the medications used after transplantation can cause increased blood pressure. The medication commonly prescribed for this purpose is amlodipine (Norvasc®).
• Anti-clotting medications: blood thinning medications are provided to prevent blood clots. Medications commonly used include aspirin and heparin.
• Antacid therapy: used to decrease acidity since some medications used after transplantation can cause increased stomach acid production and may lead to stomach ulcers. The most common include ranitidine (Zantac®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), and lansoprazole (Prevacid®).
• Additional supplements: increased ostomy output and decreased absorption can lead to essential fluid and electrolyte losses after transplantation, so many children require vitamin or mineral supplementation to maintain appropriate levels. Commonly used supplements include sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia®), sodium citrate and citric acid (Bicitra®), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and ferrous sulfate (iron).

Tips for taking medications

1. Give all medications on a regular daily schedule.
2. Never give your child over-the-counter medications, such as those for colds, fever, etc., without first consulting the transplant team.
3. Store medications away from heat, light and children.
4. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose.
5. When anyone else prescribes a new medication (for example, your pediatrician), contact the transplant team prior to administration.
6. Become familiar with all your child's medications and possible side effects.
7. Always keep medications with you whenever you travel. Do not check your child's medications with your baggage.
8. Always take enough of each of your child's medications with you when traveling.

Content last reviewed: July 2009