Home Drug Guide Fish Oil Triglycerides

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Fish Oil Triglycerides

Brand Names Omegaven

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement, Lipid therapy

Pharmacological: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Parenteral nutrition in infants with fish oil deficiency or fatty acid deficiency

Mechanism of Action

Provides eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which incorporate into cell membranes, exert anti-inflammatory effects, and modulate lipid metabolism.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: As per clinician prescription; typically administered intravenously in hospital settings.

Pediatric: Dosing varies based on patient weight and clinical condition; administered via infusion under medical supervision.

Geriatric: Similar to adult dosing; consider renal and hepatic function adjustments.

Renal Impairment: Adjustments may be necessary based on clinical response and tolerance.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function and lipid levels.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Administered intravenously, bypassing absorption barriers.

Distribution: Widely distributed in plasma and tissues; incorporates into cell membranes.

Metabolism: Metabolized in tissues; potential beta-oxidation in the liver.

Excretion: Metabolites excreted via urine and feces.

Half Life: Dependent on the formulation and individual metabolism.

Contraindications

  • Allergy to fish or shellfish.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants; monitor for bleeding.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Rare)
  • Headache (Rare)
  • Altered taste (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Bleeding complications (Uncommon)
  • Anaphylaxis in hypersensitive individuals (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin) - increased bleeding risk.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None specific

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Caution with herbal supplements affecting bleeding risk (e.g., ginkgo, garlic).

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor lipid levels, bleeding signs, and liver function.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding
  • Altered nutrition: less than body requirements

Implementation: Administer via infusion per protocol; monitor for adverse reactions; ensure proper infusion technique.

Evaluation: Assess for efficacy in lipid status and watch for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Inform about potential bleeding risk and signs of bleeding.
  • Advise on reporting adverse reactions such as bleeding or allergic responses.
  • Ensure understanding of administration method if applicable.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specific for Omegaven.

Genetic Factors: None established.

Lab Test Interference: May alter lipid panels; interpret results accordingly.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Signs of bleeding or allergic reaction.

Treatment: Discontinue infusion; provide supportive care; treat symptoms as necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F); protect from light.

Stability: Stable until the expiration date on the package when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.