Digoxin-check pulse, less than 60 hold, check dig levels and potassium levels.
Amphojel: TX of GERD and kidney stones.... watch out for constipation.
Vistaril: TX of anxiety and also itching...watch for dry mouth. Given preop commonly
Versed: given for conscious sedation...watch for respiratory depression and hypotension
PTU and Tapazole- prevention of thyroid storm
Sinemet: TX of Parkinson...sweat, saliva, urine may turn reddish brown occasionally...causes drowsiness
Artane: TX of Parkinson. Sedative effect also
Cogentin: TX of Parkinson and extrapyramidal effects of other drugs
Tigan: TX of postop n/v and for nausea associated with gastroenteritis
Timolol (Timoptic)- TX of glaucoma
Bactrim: antibiotic. Don‟t take if allergic to sulfa drugs...diarrhea common side effect...drink plenty of fluids
Gout Meds: Probenecid (Benemid), Colchicine, Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Apresoline (hydralazine)-tx of HTN or CHF, Report flu-like symptoms, rise slowly from sitting/lying position; take with
meals.
Bentyl: TX of irritable bowel.... assess for anticholinergic side effects.
Calan (verapamil): calcium channel blocker: TX of HTN, angina...assess for constipation
Carafate: TX of duodenal ulcers. Coats the ulcer...so take before meals.
Theophylline: TX of asthma or COPD. Therapeutic drug level: 10-20
Mucomyst is the antidote to Tylenol and is administered orally
Diamox: TX of glaucoma, high altitude sickness...don‟t take if allergic to sulfa drugs
Indocin: (nsaid) TX of arthritis (osteo, rheumatoid, gouty), bursitis, and tendonitis.
Synthroid: TX of hypothyroidism… May take several weeks to take effect...notify doctor of chest pain… Take in the AM
on empty stomach… could cause hyperthyroidism.
Librium: TX of alcohol w/d...don‟t take alcohol with this...very bad nausea and vomiting can occur.
Oncovin (vincristine): TX of leukemia… Given IV ONLY
Kwell: tx of scabies and lice...(scabies) apply lotion once and leave on for 8-12 hours...(lice) use the shampoo and leave
on for 4 minutes with hair uncovered then rinse with warm water and comb with a fine tooth comb
Premarin: tx after menopause estrogen replacement
Dilantin: tx of seizures. Therapeutic drug level: 10-20
Navane: TX of schizophrenia… Assess for EPS
Ritalin: tx of ADHD.. Assess for heart related side effects report immediately...child may need a drug holiday b/c it stunts
growth.
Dopamine (Intropine): TX of hypotension, shock, low cardiac output, poor perfusion to vital organs...monitor EKG for
arrhythmias, monitor BP
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors PRIL
hypertension. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
possible side effects/adverse reactions:
Hypotension
Hacking cough Rashes
Nausea/vomiting Angioedema
nursing considerations:
Monitor vital signs Monitor K and creatinine levels.
Monitor WBCs Monitor electrolyte levels.
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Beta Adrenergic Blockers OLOL
Lower BP, HR, & CO. Treat migraine & vascular headaches. CAN treat glaucoma and prevent myocardial infarctions
Monitor:
BP, HR & rhythm
Edema
lung sounds (rales/ronchi),
lab values (protein, BUN,
creatinine) nephrotic syndrome
Teach:
Rise slowly
Report bradycardia, dizziness,
side effects/adverse reactions:
Nausea/vomiting confusion, depression, or fever
Orthostatic hypotension
Diarrhea Taper off medication
Bradycardia
May mask hypoglycemic symptoms
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Anti-Infectives (Aminoglycosides) CIN/MYCIN
include bactericidals and bacteriostatics. interfere with the protein synthesis of the bacteria, causing bacteria to die.
*Used for super infections (ie. MRSA fever, malaise, redness, pain, swelling, perineal itching, cough, diarrhea, stomatiis)*
side effects/adverse reactions:
Ototoxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Seizures
Blood dyscrasias
Hypotension
Rash
Nursing interventions: Monitor for therapeutic levels.
Obtain a history of allergies. Monitor for signs of nephrotoxicity.
Monitor intake and output. Monitor for signs of ototoxicity.
Monitor vital signs during intravenous infusion. Teach the client report changes in urinary elimination
Maintain a patent IV site. Monitor peak and trough levels.
****Tests on peak and trough levels done to maintain levels and determine dosages. Done 30-60 mins after 3 rd or 4th IV
dose OR 60 mins after 3rd or 4th IM dose. Trough levels obtained 5 mins before next dose.**
Benzodiazepines (Antianxiety/Convulsant) PAM/PATE/LAM
side effects and adverse reactions:
Drowsiness Constipation
Lethargy Diplopia/Nystagmus
Ataxia N&V
Depression Incontinence
Restlessness Urinary retention
Slurred speech Respiratory depression
Bradycardia Rash
nursing interventions: Hypotension Urticaria
Protect the medication from light.
Do not mix the liquid forms of Prolixin (Fluphenazine Monitor liver enzymes.
HCL) with any beverage containing caffeine, tannates, or Monitor renal function.
pectin due to physical incompatibility. Protect the client from overexposure to the sun.
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Phenothiazines (antipsychotic/emetic) ZINE
antiemetics or neuroleptics. treat psychosis in clients with schizophrenia. ***** Irritating to skin z track method.
Allergy 1 = allergy all. Allergy Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) or congentin (benztropine mesylate) ****
nursing interventions:
Monitor respirations.
antiemetic Monitor liver function.
Monitor kidney function.
antiemetic Monitor bone marrow function.
Monitor for signs of chemical abuse
side effects and adverse reactions:
Orthostatic hypotension Photosensitivity
Extrapyramidal effects Dry mouth Sedation
Drowsiness Agranulocytosis Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
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Glucocorticoids SONE/CORT
suppression of the immune system or to decrease inflammatory response. COPD, and immune disorders. anti-
inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-stress effects. replacement therapy Addison’s disease; cerebral edema associated
with head trauma, neurosurgery, and brain tumors.
possible side effects and adverse reactions:
Acne
Poor wound healing
Leukocytosis
Ecchymosis
Bruising
Petechiae
Depression
Flushing
Sweating
Mood changes (depression), insomnia,
hypomania
Hypertension
Osteoporosis
Diarrhea
nursing interventions:
Monitor blood pressure. Hemorrhage
Monitor glucose levels.
Monitor for signs of infection. Cushing’s syndrome
Weigh the client daily.
Antivirals VIR
inhibit viral growth by inhibiting an enzyme within the virus. AIDS treated alone or combo of. These drugs are also
used to treat herpetic lesions (HSV-1, HSV-2), varicella infections (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), herpes simplex
(fever blisters), encephalitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
nursing interventions:
report rash (allergy) side effects and adverse effects:
Watch for signs of N&V Central nervous (less common):.
infection. Diarrhea . Tremors
Monitor creatinine Oliguria . Confusion
Monitor liver profile. Proteinuria . Seizures
Monitor bowel pattern Vaginitis . Severe, sudden anemia
before and during
treatment.
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Cholesterol-Lowering Agents VASTATIN
client lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to decrease the potential for CAD. NOT to be confused with the statin
drugs used for their antifungal effects [nystatin (Mycostatin or Nilstat)]
side effects and adverse reactions:
nursing interventions: Rash
diet low in cholesterol and fat Alopecia
Taken at night Dyspepsia
No grapefruit juice Liver dysfunction
Monitor cholesterol levels. Muscle weakness (myalgia)
Monitor liver profile. Headache
Monitor renal function. RHABDOMYOLYSIS
Monitor for muscle pain and weakness.
Report cola coloured urine/muscle soreness &
weakness
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Angiotensin Receptor Blockers SARTAN
block vasoconstrictor- and aldosterone-secreting angiotensin II. Hypertension
side effects and adverse effects:
Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting nursing interventions:
Insomnia Monitor blood pressure.
Impotence
Depression Monitor BUN.
Muscle cramps
Diarrhea Monitor creatinine.
Neutropenia
Cough Monitor electrolytes.
Tell the client to check edema in feet and legs daily.
Monitor hydration status.
Histamine 2 Antagonists TIDINE
GERD, acid reflux, and gastric ulcers. inhibit (H2) release in the gastric parietal cells, therefore inhibiting gastric acids.
side effects and adverse effects:
Confusion
Bradycardia/tachycardia
Diarrhea
Psychosis
Seizures
Agranulocytosis
Rash
Alopecia
nursing interventions : Gynecomastia
Monitor the blood urea nitrogen levels. Galactorrhea
Administer the medication with meals.
If the client is taking the medication with antacids, make sure he takes antacids one hour before or after taking these drugs.
Cimetidine can be prescribed in one large dose at bedtime.
Sucralfate decreases the effects of histamine 2 receptor blockers.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors PRAZOLE
suppress gastric secretion by inhibiting the H/K ATPase enzyme system. gastric ulcers, indigestion, and GERD.
some side effects and adverse effects:
Headache
Insomnia
Diarrhea
Flatulence
Rash
Hyperglycemia
nursing interventions:
Do not crush pantoprazole (Protonix). before meals for best absorption.
Use a filter when administering IV pantoprazole. Monitor liver function.
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Anticoagulants PARIN
thrombolytic disease. pulmonary emboli, MI, DVT; after CABG. heparin derivatives. PTT check to evaluate the bleeding time
***antidote = protamine sulfate***
side effects/adverse effects:
Fever
Diarrhea
Stomatitis
Bleeding
Hematuria
Dermatitis
Alopecia
Pruritus
Nursing interventions:
Blood studies (hematocrit and occult blood in stool) should be checked every three months.
Monitor PTT often for heparin (therapeutic levels are 1.5–2.0 times the control).
no bleeding time done for enoxaparin (Lovenox); however platelet levels checked for thrombocytopenia.
Monitor platelet count // signs of bleeding // signs of infection.
Drug Identification Helpers
Caine = anesthetics (Lidocaine) Stigmine = cholinergics (Phyostigmine)
Mab = monoclonal antibodies (Palivazumab) Phylline = bronchodilators (Aminophylline)
Ceph or cef = cephalosporins (Cefatazime) Cal = calciums (Calcimar)
Cillin = penicillins (Ampicillin) Done = opioids (Methodone)
Cycline = tetracycline (Tetracycline)
**Don’t give tetracycline to pregos and kids. Stains kids teeth dark & stunts growth**
Herbals
Feverfew: This is used to prevent and treat migraines, arthritis, and fever. This herbal should not be taken with Coumadin, aspirin,
NSAIDs, thrombolytics, or antiplatelet medications because it will prolong the bleeding time.
Ginseng: This is used as an anti-inflammatory. It has estrogen effects, enhances the immune system, and improves mental and
physical abilities. This herbal decreases the effects of anticoagulants and NSAIDs. It also should not be taken by clients taking
corticosteroids because the combination of these two can result in extremely high levels of corticosteroids. High doses cause liver
problems. A client with hypertension and bipolar disorder should be cautioned regarding the use of ginseng because this herbal can
interfere with medications used to treat these disorders.
Ginkgo: This improves memory and can be used to treat depression. It also improves peripheral circulation. Ginkgo should not be
taken with MAO inhibitors, anticoagulants, or antiplatelets. It increases the bleeding time in clients taking NSAIDs, cephalosporins,
and valproic acid. Clients with seizure disorders should not take ginkgo because it can exacerbate seizure activity.
Echinacea: This is used to treat colds, fevers, and urinary tract infections. This herbal can interfere with immunosuppressive agents,
methotrexate, and ketoconi- zole.
Kava-kava: This herb is used to treat insomnia and mild muscle aches and pains. It increases the effects of central nervous system
(CNS) suppressants and decreases the effects of levodopa. It can also increase the effect of MAOIs and cause liver damage.
St. John’s Wort: This is used to treat mild to moderate depression. This herbal increases adverse CNS effects when used with
alcohol or antidepressant medica- tions.
Ma Huang: This is used to treat asthma and hay fever, for weight loss, and to increase energy levels. It increases the effect of
MAOIs, sympathomimetics, theophylline, and cardiac glycosides.
Drug Schedules Pregnancy Categories for Drugs
Schedule I: Research use only (for example, LSD). These
drugs are not medically safe to take and have a high potential Category A: No risk to fetus.
for abuse.
Category B: Insufficient data to use in
Schedule II: Requires a written prescription for each refill. No pregnancy.
telephone renewals are allowed (for example, narcotics,
stimulants, and barbiturates).
Category C: Benefits of medication could
outweigh the risks.
Schedule III: Requires a new prescription after six months or
five refills; it can be a telephone order (for example, codeine,
steroids, and antidepressants). Category D: Risk to fetus exist, but the
benefits of the medication could outweigh the
Schedule IV: Requires a new prescription after six months (for probable risks.
example, benzodiazepines).
Category X: Avoid use in pregnancy or in
Schedule V: Dispensed as any other prescription or without those who may become pregnant. Potential
prescription if state law allows (for example, antidiarrheals and risks to the fetus outweigh the potential
antitussives).
benefits.
