For Drug Recitation 1
For Drug Recitation 1
For Drug Recitation 1
Reference: PDR 2014 EDITION NURSE’S DRUG HANDBOOK, Copyright 2013 PDR Network, LLC.
Published by PDR Network, LLC at Monticale, NJ 07645-1725. All rights reserved. None of the content of
this publication may be reproduces. Physicians’ Desk Reference and PDR are registered trademarks
of PDR Network, LLC.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Atorvastatin
Brand Name: Lipitor
Pregnancy Category: X
Dosage: Adults: 10-20 mg PO daily. May increase to 10-80 mg PO daily. Children (10-17): 10 mg PO OD.
Adjustment intervals should be at least 4 weeks. Maximum daily dose is 20 mg.
Classification: Antilipemics, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Indication: To control lipid levels as adjunct to diet in primary (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial)
hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. To reduce debilitating cardiovascular events
such as stroke and MI in patients with multiple risk factors but without known coronary artery
disease
Mode of Action: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. When
inhibited, cholesterol production is decreased
Side Effects: CNS: headache, asthenia, insomnia. CV: peripheral edema. EENT: pharyngitis, rhinitis,
sinusitis, nasopharyngitis. GI: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspnepsia, flatulence,
nausea. GU: UTI. Masculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis, arthritis, arthralgia, myaglia, extremity pain.
RESP: bronchitis. Skin: rash. Other: allergic reactions, flu-like syndrome, infection
Pharmacokinetics: Route: PO Onset: 1-2 hrs Peak: 2 wks Duration: unknown
Nursing Intervention: Before treatment, assess patient for underlying causes for hyoercholesterolemia
and obtain a baseline lipid profile. Obtain periodic LFT results and lipid levels before starting
treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation, or after an increase in dosage and
periodically there after.
Reference: Lilley, L.L., et. al. (2005). Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 4th edition
Reference: Wilson, B. (2010). Pearson Nurse’s Drug Guide.USA. Pearson Education, Inc.
Reference: 2015 Nurse’s Drug Handbook and 2016 Nurse’s Drug Handbook
Generic Name: Celecoxib
Brand Name: Celebrex
Pregnancy Category: C
Dosage: Up to 200 mg BID even without meals
Classification: COX-2 inhibitor NSAID
Indication: To relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. To relieve signs and symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), Ankylosing Spondylitis, and juvenile RA. Acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea
Mode of Action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis via inhibition of COX-2 but not COX-1
Side Effects: CNS: headache, dizziness, insomnia. CV: hypertension, peripheral edema. EENT:
pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis. GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, GI reflux,
nausea. Metabolic: hyperchloremia. Musculoskeletal: Back pain. Respiratory: dyspnea, upper
respiratory tract infections. Skin: erythema, multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Steven-Johnson
syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, rash. Other: accidental injury
Pharmacokinetics: Route: P.O. Onset: Unknown Peak: 3 hrs. Duration: 4-8 hrs. Half-life: 11 hr
Nursing Intervention: Tell patient to report history of allergic reactions to sulfonamides, aspirin, or other
NSAIDs before therapy. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists: May decrease
antihypertensive effects.Monitor BP
Reference: Williams, L., Wilkins (2010). Nursing 2010 Drug Handbook. 30th Anniversary Edition. C&E
Publishing, Inc.
Generic Name: Ferrous fumarate
Brand Name: Ferrous fumarate
Pregnancy Category:
Dosage: Adult: 325 mg daily Child: syrup containing 140 mg/5ml Neonate: 0.6 – 2.4 mg/kg daily
6 yrs: 2.5 – 5 ml BID Oral: 60-, 195, 200, 300-, 324, 329 mg
Classification: Anti-anemics, Iron supplement
Indication: To prevent iron deficiency. To replace iron deficiency states. To provide iron
supplementation during pregnancy
Mode of Action: It is a synthetic molecule used for treating iron-deficiency anemia. It works as a
reducing agent and co-enzyme in various metabolic pathways
Side Effects: CNS: dizziness, headache CV: hypotension, HTN Other: Gastrointestinal
disturbances, constipation, black-tarry stool, discoloration of urine, temporary staining of teeth.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 6hr
Route Onset Peak Duration
P.O. 4 day 7-10 day 2-4 mos
IM/IV 4 day 1-2 wk wk-mos
Nursing Intervention: Not given in patients with anemia not due to iron deficiency, in those receiving
repeated blood transfusion, people with hypersensitivity. Inform client that it causes black-tarry
stool.
Patient Counseling: Don’t take it with milk for it decreases absoption
Reference: http://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/eperisone.htm
https://www.scribd.com/doc/18266337/EPERISONE-Eperisone-Full-Name-Eperisone-
Hydrochloride-is-an-Antispasmodic-Drug
Generic Name: Ibuprofen
Brand Name: Advil, Caldor, Mortin
Pregnancy Category: C (before 30wks gestation); D (starting at 30wks gestation)
Dosage: 200 mg
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: NSAID. Clinical: Anirheumatic, Analgesic, Antipyretic, Antipyretic,
Antidysmenorrheal, Vascular headache suppressant. Others: Propionic acid derivative,
Indications: To relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. To relieve mild to moderate pain.To
relieve acute migraine pain. To relieve pain in primary dysmenorrheal. To relieve pain in juvenile
arthritis. To relieve minor aches, pain, and dysmenorrhea and to reduce fever. To relieve
moderate to severe pain as an adjunct to opioid analgesics. To reduce fever.
Mode of Action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Therapeutic Effect: Produces analgesic, anto-
inflammatory effects; decreases fever.
Side Effects: Occasional: Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, dizziness, rash. Rare: Diarrhea or constipation,
flatulence, abdominal cramps or pain, pruritus, increases BP
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 2-4 hrs
Route Onset Peak Duration
P.O. (analgesic) 0.5 hr N/A 4-6 hrs
P.O. (anti-rheumatic) 2 days 1-2wks N/A
Nursing Interventions: Monitor for evidence of nausea, dyspepsia. Monitor CBC, renal function, LFT.
Assess skin for rash, Observe bleeding, bruising, occult blood loss. Evaluate for therapeutic
response: relief of pain, stiffness, swelling; increased joint mobility; reduced joint tenderness;
improved grip strength. Monitor for fever.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Jones & Bartlett. (2015), 2015 Nurse's Drug Handbook, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 14th Edition
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Alprazolam
Brand Name: Alprazolam Intensol, Nirvam, Xanax
Pregnancy Category: D
Dosage: Oral Solution: 1mg/ml Tablets: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg
Classification: Benzodiazepine / Anxiolytic
Indications: Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For Panic disorders. Management of
anxiety associated with depression. Unlabeled use: Management of symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Insomia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other somatic symptoms
associated with anxiety. Used as an adjunt with acute mania, acute psychosis
Mode of Action: Acts at many levels in the CNS to produce anxiolytic effect. May produce CNS
dpression. Effects may be mediated by GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Side Effects: CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, hangover, headache, mental depression,
paeadoxical excitation. EENT: blurred vision. GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting,
weight gain. DERM: Rashes. Other: physical dependence, psychological dependence,
tolerance
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 12-15 hr Onset: 1-2 hr Peak: 1-2 hr Duration: Up to 24 hrs
Nursing Interventions: Assess degree and manifestations of anxiety and mental status. Lab test
considerations: Monitor CBC, liver and renal function periodically during long-term therapy.
May cause decrease hematocrite and neutropenia. Toxicity and overdose: Flumazenil is the
antidote for alprazolam toxicity or overdose. PO: May be administered with food if GI upset
occurs. Administer greatest dose at bedtime to avoid daytime sedation.
Reference: Judith Hopfer Deglin. April Hazard Vallenard. Cynthia A. Sanoski (2011) Davis's Drug Guide
for Nurses 12th Edition. F.A Davis Company No. 8 Soi Krungthep Kreetha 8 Yaek 8
Huamark,Bangkapi,Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Reference: Vallerand, A., Sanoski, C. & Deglin, J. (2015). Davis's drug guide for nurses. Philadelphia: F.A.
Davis Company
Generic Name: Digioxin
Brand Name: Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin, Lanoxin injection, Novo-digoxin
Pregnancy Category: C
Dosage: Adult: 250 mcg 1-2 times daily, 0.5-1 mg by IV infusion
Child: <1.5 kg: 25 mcg/kg/day in divided doses
2-5 YR: 35 mcg/kg/day in 3 divided doses
10-18 YR: 0.75-1.5 mg/day in 3 divided doses
Classification: Chemical: Digitalis glycoside
Therapeutic: Antiarrythmic, Cardiotonic
Indications: To treat heart failure, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with
rapid digitalization.
Mode of Action: HF: Inhibits sodium/potassium ATPasc pump in myocardial cells. Promotes calcium
influx. Suppresses AV mode conduction. Increases effective refractory period/decreases
conduction velocity, decreases heart rate.
Side Effects: Anorexia, vomiting, dizziness, gynaecomastia, restlessness, Xanthochromia
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 36-48 hrs
Route Onset Peak Duration
PO 0.5-2 hrs 2-8 hrs 3-4 days
IV 5-30 min 1-4 hrs 3-4 days
Nursing Interventions: Monitor pulse for bradicardia,EKG for arrhythmias for 1-2 hrs after
administration. Assess for GI disturbances, neurologic abnormalities, q2-4h during loading dose.
Monitor serum potassium, magnesium, calcium, renal function. Assess for digoxin toxicity as
manifested by bradycardia, w/r, halovision or flickering lights, blood digoxin, level of more
than 2mg/ml.
Reference: Kizior, R. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. Retrived from http://evolve.elsevier.com/Sauders NDH/
Reference: Karch, A. (2010). 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide. Wolters Kluwer Health:Lippincott
William and Wilkins
Generic Name: Cefuroxime
Brand Name: Ceftin, Zinacef
Pregnancy Category: B
Dosage: Tablets: 250 mg, 500mg; Oral Suspension: 125 mg/ml, 250mg/5ml;
Powder for injection: 750 mg, 7.5; Premixed containers: 750mg/50 ml , 1.5g/50ml
Classification: Therapeutic: Anti-infectives ; Pharmacologic: 2nd Generation Cephalosporins
Indications: Meningitis, Perioperative prophylaxis, Gynecologic infections, Septicemia, Lyme Disease,
Otitis Media
Mode of Action: Binds to bacterial cell wall membrane causing cell death
Side Effects: CNS: Seizures. GI: Pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, cramps, n/v. DERM: rashes,
urticaria. HEMAT: agranulocytosis, bleeding, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia,
thrombocytopenia. LOCAL: pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site
Pharmacokinetics: Half Life: 60-120 mins
Route Onset Peak Duration
PO unknown 2-3 hr 8-12 hr
IM rapid 15-60 mins 6-12 hr
IV rapid end of infusion 6-12 hr
Nursing Interventions: Assess for infection at the beginning and during the therapy. Observe or s/s of
anaphylaxis. Discontinue the drug if s/s occurs. Keep epinephrine, an anti-histamine, and
resuscitation equipment close by in the event of anaphylactic reaction.
Reference: Judith Hopfer Deglin. April Hazard Vallenard. Cynthia A. Sanoski (2011) Davis's Drug Guide
for Nurses 12th Edition. F.A Davis Company No. 8 Soi Krungthep Kreetha 8 Yaek 8
Huamark,Bangkapi,Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Nursing Interventions: Monitor BP, pulse, RR prior to and periodically throughout therapy and frequently
during IV therapy. Assess IV site frequently during administration. Conduct regular assessment of
continued need for treatment.
Reference: J.H. Deglin, A.H. Vallerand, C.A. Sanoski (2011) Davis's Drug guide for nurses 12th edition
Generic Name: Midazolam Hydrochloride
Brand Name: Versed
Pregnancy Category: D
Dosage: PO/IV/IM: 2-20 mg 0.5-0.35 mg/kg/IV
Classification: Sedative – hypnotic; Benzodrazepine
Indications: To induce preoperative sedation or amnesia, to control preoperative anxiety. To relieve
agitation and anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients
Mode of Action: Enhances action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the major inhibitory
neurotransmitters in the brain. Therapeutic Effect: Produces anxiolytic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant,
muscle relaxant, amnestic effects.
Side Effects: Frequent: Decreased respiratory rate, tenderness at IM or IV injection site, pain during
injection, oxygen desaturation, hiccups. Occasional: Hypotension, paradoxical CNS reaction.
Rare: Nausea, vomiting, headache, coughing.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 1-5 hr
Route Onset Peak Duration
P.O. 10-20min N/A N/A
I.V. 1-5 min 5-7 min 20-30 min
I.M. 5-15 min 30-60 min 2-6 hrs
Nursing Interventions: Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation continuously during parenteral
administration for under ventilation, apnea. Monitor vital signs, level of sedation every 3-5 min
during recovery period.
Reference: Jones & Bartlett. (2015), 2015 Nurse's Drug Handbook, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 14th Edition
References: Nursing Drug Handbook 2013, 33rd edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
Nitrogylcerin.Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/cdi/nitroglycerin.html
Generic Name: Salbutamol + Ipratropium
Brand Name: Combivent
Pregnancy Category: B
Dosage: neb 200mcg/ml prn for DOB; neb q 4 hours
Classification: Bronchodilator + Anticholinergic
Indications: Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is also used to prevent
wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing in people with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis (swelling of the air passages that lead to
the lungs) and emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs).
Mode of Action: Reduces bronchospasm through both anticholinergic and sympathetic mechanisms.
Simultaneous administration of both drugs produces a greater bronchodilator effect. This also
maximizes the response to treatment in patients with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) by
reducing bronchospasm through two distinctly different mechanisms Para sympatholytic and
sympathomimeti.
Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, shaking (tremors), nervousness, or cold symptoms
such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or sore throat.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 2-4 hours (nasal)
Route Onset Peak Duration
Inhalation 1-3 min 1-2 hr Up to 4 hrs
Nasal 5 min 1-4 hr 4-8 hrs
Nursing Interventions: Assess Vital Signs Before drug administration. Observe for paradoxical
bronchospasm (Wheezing). If Condition occurs, withhold Medication and notify physician or
other healthcare professional immediately. Instruct patient to contact health care professional
immediately if shortness of breath is not relieved by medication or is accompanied by
diaphoresis, dizziness, palpitations, or chest pain. Advise the patient to rinse mouth with water
after using the nebulizer to minimize dry mouth.
Reference: Hodgson B. and Kizior R. (2012). Sauder’s Drug Hand Book 2012
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Penicillin V Potassium
Brand Name: Beepen-VK, Betapen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen Vee K, Veetids
Pregnancy Category: B
Dosage: Tablets: 250mg, 500mg. Oral Sol’n: 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml
Classification: Chemical: Penicillin Therapeutic: Antibiotic
Indications: Treatment of infections of respiratory tract, skin/skin structure, otitis media, necrotizing
ulcerative gingivitis; pro-phylaxis for rheumatic fever, dental procedures. Off-label: Prosthetic
joint infection. To treat systemic infections caused by gram-positive organisms. To treat
moderately severe to severe streptococcal infections. To treat congenital syphilis. To treat
bacterial meningitis.
Mode of Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to bacterial cell membranes.
Therapeutic Effect: Bactericidal
Side Effects: Frequent: Mild hypersensitivity reaction (chills, fever, rash), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Rare: Bleeding, allergic reaction
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 30min Onset: unknown Peak: 30-60min Duration: unknown
Nursing Interventions: Hold medication, promptly report rash, diarrhea. Be alert for superinfection.
Review Hgb levels; check for bleeding. Monitor I&O, urinalysis, renal function tests for
nephrotoxicity.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Metronidazole
Brand Name: Flagyl 375, Flagyl ER, MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroGel-Vaginal, Noritate, Vandazole
Pregnancy Category:
Dosage: Capsule: 375mg. Tabelt: 250mg, 500mg. Topical Cream & Gel, and Vaginal Gel : 0.75%
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: Nitroimidazole derivative. Clinical: Antibacterial, Antiprotozoal
Indications: To treat systemic anaerobic infections. To treat amebiasis. To treat trichomoniasis
(Trichomonas vaginalis). To prevent perioperative bowel infection. To treat acne in patients with
rosacea. To treat bacterial vaginosis.
Mode of Action: Disrupts DNA, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis. Therapeutic Effect: Produces
bactericidal, antiprotozoal, amebicidal, trichomonacidal effects. Produces anti-inflammatory,
immunosuppressive effects when applied topically.
Side Effects: Frequent: Anorexia, nausea, dry mouth, metallic taste. Symptomatic cericitis/vaginitis,
abdominal cramps, uterine pain. Occasional: Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dizziness,
erythematous rash, urticaria, reddish-brown urine. Transient erythema, mild dryness, burning,
irritation, stinging, tearing. Viginal, perineal, vulvar itching; vulvar swelling. Rare: Mild, transient
leucopenia; thrombophlebitis
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 6-8 hrs
Route Onset Peak Duration
P.O. unknown 2hr unknown
I.V. immediate 1hr unknown
Nursing Interventions: Monitor daily pattern of bowel activity, stool consistency. Monitor I&O, assess for
urinary problems. Be alert to neurologic symptoms (dizziness, paresthesia of extremities). Assess
for rash, urticaria. Monitor for onset of superinfection.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Generic Name: Doxycycline
Brand Name: Adoxa, Doryx, Monodox, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin
Pregnancy Category: D
Dosage: Capsule: 40mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg. Tablet: 20mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: Tetracycline. Clinical: Antibiotic
Indications: To treat susceptible infections. To treat inflammatory lesions in adults with rosacea. Off-
label: Sclerosing agent for pleural effusion; vancomycin-resistant eterococci (VRE); alternative
for MRSA, treatment of refractory periodontitis, juvenile periodontitis.
Mode of Action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes. Therapeutic Effect:
Bacteriostatic
Side Effects: Frequent: Anorezia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysphagia, photosensitivity. Occasional:
Rash, urticaria.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 1.6-1.8 hr Onset: 1.6hr Peak: 1.6-1.9hr Duration: 1-2hrs
Nursing Interventions: Monitor daily pattern of bowel activity, stool consistency. Assess skin for rash.
Monitor LOC due to potential for increased intracranial pressure. Be alert for superinfection.
Monitor CBC, renal/hepatic function tests.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Cefepime
Brand Name: Maxipime
Pregnancy Category:
Dosage: 500mg, 1g, 2g vials
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: 4th generation cephalosporin. Clinical: Antibiotic
Indications: Susceptible infections due to aerobic gram-negative organisms. Treatment of emipiric
febrile neutropenia, intra-abdominal infections, skin/skin structure infections, UTIs, pneumonia.
Off-label: Brain abscess, malignant otitis externa, sptic lateral/cavernous sinus thrombus.
Mode of Action: Binds to bacterial cell wall membranes, inhibits cell wall synthesis. Therapeutic Effect:
Bacteriacidal
Side Effects: Frequent: Discomfort with IM administration, oral candidiasis, mild diarrhea, mild
abdominal cramping, vaginal candidiasis. Occasional: Nausea, serum sickness-like reaction.
Rare: Allergic reaction, thrombophlebitis.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 2-2.5hr (adults); 1.5-2hr (children) Onset: unknown
Peak: 1-2hr Duration: unknown
Nursing Interventions: Evaluate IM site for induration and tenderness. Assess oral cavity for thrush.
Monitor daily pattern of bowel activity, stool consistency. Monitor I&O, CBC, renal function test
for nephrotoxicity. Be alert for superinfection.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Co-amoxiclav (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate)
Brand Name: Amocla, Apo-Amoxi-Clav, Clavulin
Pregnancy Category: B
Dosage: Powder for Oral Suspension: 125mg-31.25mg/5ml, 200mg-28.5mg/5ml, 250mg-62.5mg/5ml,
400mg-57mg/5ml, 600mg-42.9mg/5ml. Tablets: 250mg-125mg, 500mg-125mg, 875mg-125mg.
Chewable Tab: 200mg-28.5mg, 400mg-57mg
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: Penicillin. Clinical: Antibiotic
Indications: Treatment of susceptible infections including lower respiratory skin/skin structure, UTIs, otitis
media, sinusitis.
Mode of Action: Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Clavulanate inhibits bacterial bate-
lactamase. Therapeutic Effect: Amoxicillin is bactericidal in susceptible microbes. Clavulanate
protects amoxicillin from enzymatic degenaration
Side Effects: Occasional: Diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, skin rashes, urticaria. Rare: Vomiting, vaginitis,
abdominal discomfort, flatulence, headache.
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 1-1.3hr. Onset: rapid (within 2hr). Peak: unknown. Duraiton: up to 8hrs
Nursing Interventions: Question for history of allergies especially penicillin, cephalosporins. Hold
medication and promptly report rash, diarrhea, blood in stool and other side effects. Continue
for full-length treatment. Take with meals if GI upset occurs. Monitor reanal, hepatic tests with
prolonged therapy.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Generic Name: Amikacin
Brand Name: Amikin
Pregnancy Category: D
Dosage: 250mg/ml
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: Aminoglycoside Clinical: Antibiotic
Indications: Treatment of susceptible infections due to gram-negative bacilli including biliary tract,
bone and joint, CNS, intra-abdominal, skin and soft tissue, urinary tract. Treatment of bacterial
pneumonia, septicemia. Off-label: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)
Mode of Action: Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by binding to 30S ribosomal unit.
Therapeutic Effect: Interferes with protein synthesis of susceptible microbes.
Side Effects: Frequent: Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis. Occasional: Rash, fever, urticaria, pruritus.
Rare: Neuromuscular blockade (difficulty breathing, drowsiness, weakness)
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 2-4hr Onset: rapid Peak: unknown Duration: unknown
Nursing Interventions: Monitor I&O, urinalysis. Monitor results of serum peak/through levels. Be alert of
ototoxic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic symptoms. Check IM injection site for pain, induration.
Evaluate IV site for phlebitis. Assess for skin rash, diarrhea, superinfection, changes of oral
mucosa.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Generic Name: Propylthiouracil
Brand Name: PTU-Propyl-Thyracil
Pregnancy Category: D
Dosage: Tablet: 50mg, 100mg
Classification: Therapeutic: Antihyperthyroid. Pharmacologic: Thyroid hormone antagonist
Indications: Hyperthyroidism
Mode of Action: Inhibits oxidation of iodine in thyroid gland, blocking ability to combine with tyrosine to
form T4 and may prevent coupling of monoiodotyrosine and diodotyrosine to form T3 to T4
Side Effects: CNS: Headache, drowsiness, vertigo, parathesia, neutritis, neuropathies, CNS stimulation,
depression, fever. CV: Vasculitis. EENT: Visual disturbances, loss of taste. GI: Diarrhea, N/V,
epigastric distress, salivary gland enlargement. GU: Nephritis. HEMA: Agranulocytosis,
leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia. HEPA: Jaundice, hepatoxicity. META: Dose-
related hypothyroidism. MS: Rash, urticaria, skin discoloration, pruritus, erythema nodosum,
exfoliative dermatitis. OTHER: Lymphadenopathy
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 1-2hr Onset: unknown Peak: 60-90min Duration: unknown
Nursing Interventions: Watch out for hypothyroidism. Monitor CBC periodically, hepatic function. Report
fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and skin eruptions, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Generic Name: Rifampin
Brand Name: Rifadin, Rimactane
Pregnancy Category: C
Dosage: Capsule: 150-300mg. Powder for Injections: 600mg
Classification: Therapeutic: Antituberculotic. Pharmacologic: Semisynthetic rifamycin
Indications: Treatment of Pulmonary TB in conjunction with at least one other effective antituberculotic.
Neisseria meningitiedis carriers, for asymptomatic carriers to eliminate meningococci from
nasopharynx; not for treatment of meningitis.
Mode of Action: Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which impairs RNA synthesis. Therapeutic
Effect: Bacteriacidal
Side Effects: CNS: Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, inability to concentrate, mental confusion,
generalized numbness, muscle weakness, visual disturbances. SKIN: Rash, pruritus, urticaria,
flushing. GI: Heartburn, distress, anorexia, vomiting gas, cramps, diarrhea, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
OTHER: Pain in extremities, osteomalacia, myopathy, fever, fluke-like symptoms
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 1.25-5hrs
Route Onset Peak Duration
PO unknown 2-4hrs unknown
IV unknown unknown unknown
Nursing Interventions: Administer on an empty stomach, 1hr before or 2hrs after meals. Administer a
single dose daily. Consult pharmacist for rifampin suspension for patients who are unable to
swallow capsules. Prepare parient for the reddish-orange coloring of body fluids.
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Reference: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (2013). Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook. Philadelphia, PA
Generic Name: Trimethoprim
Brand Name: Primasol
Pregnancy Category: C
Dosage: Tablet: 100mg. Oral Sol’n: 50mg/5ml
Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: Sulfonamide and Folate antagonist. Clinical: Antibacterial
Indications: Treatment of UTI. Off-label:Treatment of pneumonia
Mode of Action: Inhibits folic acid reduction to tetrahydrofolate, inhibiting microbial growth.
Therapeutic Effect: Bacteriostatic
Side Effects: Occasional: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal cramps,
headache. Rare: Hypersensitivity reaction, methemoglobinemia, fever, pale skin, sore throat,
asthenia, photosensitivity
Pharmacokinetics: Half-life: 8-11hr (Trimethoprim); 10-13hr (Sulfamethoxazole)
Route Onset Peak Duration
PO unknown 1-4hr unknown
IV immediate 1-1.5hr unknown
Nursing Interventions: Assess skin for rash. Evaluate food tolerance. Monitor serum hematology reports,
renal function, LFT. Check for developing signs of hematologic toxicity.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.
Reference: Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, K.J. (2016). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook. ELSEVIER, USA.