Med Cards

• Class:
• Antiarrythmics (class III), used to prevent sudden cardiac death (VF)

• Prolongs action potential & refractory period,
• Inhibits adrenergic stimulation, Slows sinus rate, increases PR & QT
• intervals & decreases PVR, vasodilates

PO 100-400mg/day for maintenance

• SE: hypotension,
• bradycardia, pulmonary fibrosis, CHF, worsening of arrhythmia, dizziness,
• fatigue, malaise, corneal micro deposits, blue discolartion of skin,
• hypothyroidism, ataxia, involuntary movement, paresthesia, peripheral
• neuropathy, tremor

Teach: Avoid grapefruit juice,

BP HR

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/Beta Blocker; Used in HTN, or HF, irreg heart rhythms

• Blocks Beta1 and 2 adrenergic receptor sites
• improving CO, decreasing BP and HR. Blocks some alpha 1 activity which can
• result in OH

PO: 6.25-25 mg bid

• Dizziness, bradycardia
• fatigue, weakness, , CHF, Pulmonary edema, diarrhea, dont Abrupt w/d masks
• hyper/hypoglycemia, bronchospasm

• Teach:
• Change position slowly to avoid OH, Monitor BG in DM

• BP ___________
• P__________ BG _________if DM

• Class:Antiarrhythmics/inotropes/digitalis
• glycoside; used in HF, & irreg heart rhythms

• Increases force of myocardial contraction. Prolongs
• refractory period of the AV node. Decreases conduction through the SA and AV
• nodes

PO: 0.125-0.25mg/day

• SE & toxicity signs: bradycardia, Fatigue, headache, weakness, blurred vision, yellow or green
• vision, arrhythmias, ECG changes, A-V block, S-A block, anorexia, N&V,
• diarrhea, gynecosmastia, thrombocytopenia, e-lyte imbalances, acute digoxin
• toxicity

• Teach:
• Review s/s of toxicity and advise to report immediately, Do not mix in
• container with other meds

HR

• Class:
• Antihypertensives/ACE inhibitors; used in htn, hf

• Blocks the conversion of angiotenson I to
• angiotenson II causing vasodialation.
• Prevents degradation of bradykinin and other vasodilatory prostoglandins

PO: 2.5-5mg/day

• SE: hypotension,
• Dizziness, fatigue, headache, weakness, vertigo, chronic cough, chest pain,
• abd pain, diarrhea, N&V, proteinuria, impaired renal func, rash,
• hyperkalemia, dyspnea, angioedema

• Teach:
• Do not d/c unless directed by DR, Avoid salt sub containing K+ and foods high
• in K+.

• Change position slowly to avoid OH, Notify Dr
• immediately of swelling of face or tongue

BP HR K

• Class:
• Diuretics/loop diuretics; used to tx edema & CHF

Inhibits reabsorb of Na and Cl- in kidney

• Increases renal excretion of H2O, Na, Cl-, Mg, K+
• and Ca++

PO: 20-80mg/day

• Side effects: Dehydration, hypokalemia,
• hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypov olemia,
• dizziness, vertigo, headache, hypotension, polyuria, hyperglycemia

• Teach:
• Daily wts, notify Dr of cramping, tachycardia, dizziness, increased fall risk,
• rise slowly

• Wt trending BP
• HR K

• Class:
• Anticoagulants/antithrombotics---prevent DVTs

• Potentiates the inhibitory effect of antithrombin
• on factor X and thrombin

SC: 5000 units/tid

• SE: Drug-induced hepatitis, alopecia, bleeding,
• anemia, thrombocytopenia, osteoporosis, fever, hypersensitivity, pain at
• injection site, rash, urticaria

• Teach:
• Report s/s of unusual bleeding/bruising, No asa or NSAIDS, Avoid IM
• injections(IV Route), Use soft toothbrush and electric razor

• PTT (IV route)
• platelets:

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/vasodilator, used in htn & HF

Direct-acting peripheral arteriolar vasodilator

PO: 10-50mg

• SE: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
• tachycardia, angina, arrhythmia, edema, OH, diarrhea, N&V, rashes, Na
• retention, arthritis, peripheral
• neuropathy,

• Teach:
• Take even if feeling well, Take at same time daily, Don’t abruptly stop taking,
• Compliance with Htn interventions, Change position slowly to avoid OH, Report
• generalized tiredness, fever, muscle/joint pain, rash, chest pain

• BP ____________
• P _____________

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/Diuretics: used in htn

• Increases excretion of Na and H2O by inhibiting Na
• reabsorption in distal tubule. Promotes
• excretion of K+, H+, Mg, Ph, Ca++ and Bicarb.
• May produce arteriolar dilation

PO: 12.5-100mg/day

• SE: Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy,
• weakness, hypotension, anorexia, N&V, photosensitivity, dehydration,
• hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia,
• hypophosphatnemia

• Teach:Take
• same time every day, Monitor wt biweekly, Change position slowly to avoid OH

Wt trending BP HR K

• Class:
• Venodialators/antianginals/nitrates: used in CAD

• Vasodilation, Decreases LVED pressure and preload,
• Increases coronary blood flow, reduces myocardial O2 use

• Usual dose
• range 30-60mg/day can not be crushed

• Side effects: Dizziness, headache, hypotension,
• tachycardia, paradoxic bradycardia, syncope, N&V, flushing, tolerance

• Teach:
• Take even if feel better, Take daily doses 7hr apart, Avoid alcohol, Inform Dr
• of dry mouth or blurred vision

Change position slowly to avoid OH

• BP ____________
• P _____________

• Class:
• antihypertensive/ACE Inhibitor; used htn, HF

• Blocks the conversion of angiotenson I to
• angiotenson II causing vasodialation.
• Prevents degradation of bradykinin and other vasodilatory prostoglandins
• ****decreases remodeling

PO 5-10mg/day may be titrated to 40mg/day

• SE: Dizziness, fatigue, headache, weakness,
• chronic cough, hypotension, chest pain, abd pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
• ED, impired renal func, rashes, hyperkalemia, angioedema

• Teach:
• Do not d/c unless directed by DR, Avoid salt sub containing K+ and foods high
• in K+

• Change position slowly to avoid OH, Notify Dr
• immediately of swelling of face or tongue

BP HR K

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/ Angiotension
• receptor blocker (ARB) (lowers BP
• & used in HF)

• Blocks vasoconstriction and aldosterone secreting
• effects of angiotensin ii at various receptor sites; used in htn & heart
• failure

Usual dose range: 25-100 mg/day

• Side effects: Dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia,
• weakness, chest pain, edema, hypotension, diarrhea, angioedema, hyperkalemia,
• impaired renal function

• Teach: Change
• position slowly to avoid OH

• BP ____________
• P _____________ K+
• ___________

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/thiazide like diuretic, used to tx edema & CHF

• Increase excretion of Na by preventing reabsorbtion
• in distal tubule. Promotes excretion of Cl-, K+, Mg and bicarb. May arteriolar dialate.

PO: 2.5-5 mg/day

• SE: Chest pain, hypotension,
• palpitations, anorexia, dehydration, hypochloremia, hypokalemia,
• hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia, muscle cramps

• Teach:
• Take same time everyday, Monitor wt daily, Change position slowly to avoid OH,
• Wear sunscreen(d/t poss photosensitivity)

• Wt trending BP
• HR K

• Class:Antihypertensive/Beta
• Blockers Used in HTN, or HF, irreg heart rhythms

• Blocks stimulation of beta1(myocardial)-adrenergic
• receptors. Does not usually affect beta2(pulmonary, vascular, uterine )
• adrenergic receptor sites.

PO: 25-450mg/day

• Side effects: bradycardia, Fatigue,
• weakness, CHF, pulmonary edema, ED, hypo/hyperglycemia, bronchospasm, wheezing,
• hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction, constipation, diarrhea, joint pain,
• nightmares

• Teach:
• Do not abruptly withdrawl, Change
• position slowly to avoid OH, Notify Dr of slow HR, wheezing & dyspnea

• BP ___________
• P__________ BG _________ if DM

• Class:
• K+ sparing diuretics

• Causes loss of Na Bicarb and Ca++ while saving K+
• and H+ ions by antagonizing aldosterone; used to tx edema & CHF

PO: 25-400 mg/day /CHF use 12.5-25 mg/day

• SE: Dizziness,
• hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, gynecomastia, ED, dysuria, arrythmias, headache, GI
• irritation, muscle cramps

• Teach:
• Avoid salt substitutes and high levels of K+ unless prescribed

Wt trending BP HR K

• Class:
• Antihypertensives/Calcium channel blockers

• Inhibits transfer of ca++ into myocardial &
• vascular smooth muscle cells resulting in inhibition of excitation contraction
• coupling & subsequent contraction.
• Systemic vasodilation resulting in i
• BP.

• PO Adults: 5-10mg once daily;
• antihypertensive in fragile or smaller patients or patients already receiving
• other antihypertensives – initiate at 2.5mg/day - h as required/tolerated (up to 10mg/day).

• PO Geriatric: Initiate at 2.5mg/day - h as reqd/tolerated (up to 10mg/day). Anti-anginal – initiate at
• 5mg/day - h as reqd/tolerated (up to 10mg/day).

• SE:
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue; peripheral edema, angina,
• bradycardia, hypotension, palpitations;
• gingival hyperplasia, nausea, flushing.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; take missed dose ASAP but DO NOT double dose. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice (6-8
• glasses/day) during therapy.

BP________P_________

• Class:
• Antianginals, antihypertensives/beta blockers

• i BP. Blocks
• stimulation of beta1 (myocardial)-
• and beta2 (pulmonary, vascular, and
• uterine)-adrenergic receptor sites. Also
• has alpha1-adrenergic blocking
• activity, which may result in more orthostatic hypotension.

• PO: 100 mg bid initially, may be h by 100 mg bid q 2-3 days as needed (usual range 400-800 mg/day in
• 2-3 divided doses; doses up to 1.2-2.4g/day have been used.)

• SE:
• Fatigue, weakness, anxiety, depression dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia;
• OH, arrhythmias, bradycardia, CHF, pulmonary edema; constipation, diarrhea,
• nausea.

• Teach:
• Take as directed at the same time each day, even if feeling well; take
• missed dose ASAP up to 8 hr. before next dose – DO NOT double dose. Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate life
• threatening arrhythmias, hypertension, or myocardial ischemia. May cause
• dizziness – do not drive/operate heavy machinery until response to medicine is
• known. Change positions slowly to avoid
• OH. Notify healthcare professional if
• slow pulse, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cold hands and feet, dizziness,
• light-headedness, confusion, depression, rash, fever, sore throat, unusual
• bleeding or bruising occurs.

• HR ______ BP
• _____

• Class:
• Antianemics, vitamins/water soluble vitamins

• Required for protein synthesis and red blood cell
• function. Stimulates the production of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Necessary for
• normal fetus development. Restoration
• and maintenance of normal hematopoiesis

• PO, IM, IV, SubQ: 1 mg/day initial dose,
• then 0.5 mg/day maintenance dose.

• SE:
• Rash, irritability, difficulty sleeping, malaise, confusion, fever.

• Teach:
• folic acid in early pregnancy is necessary to prevent neural tube defects; high
• folic acid foods include vegetables, fruits, and organ meats; heat destroys
• folic acid in foods; instruct patient to notify health care profession if rash
• occurs, which may indicate hypersensitivity.

Hbg Hct

• Class:
• Anti-infectives, antiprotozoals, antiulcer agents.

• Disrupts DNA and protein synthesis in susceptible
• organisms. Most notable for activity
• against anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides,
• Clostridium. In addition is active
• against Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba
• hystolytica, Giardia lamblia, H. pylori, Clostridium difficile.

• PO: Anaerobic infections 7.5 mg/kg q 6 hr
• (not to exceed 4g/day) initial dose, then 0.5 mg/day maintenance dose.

• SE:
• Seizures, dizziness, headache, aseptic meningitis (IV), encephalopathy
• (IV), abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome,
• rash, urticaria.

• Teach:
• Take medication as directed with evenly spaced time between doses, even if
• feeling better. Do not skip doses or
• double up. May cause dizziness or
• lightheadedness. May cause unpleasant metallic taste.

• Class:
• Antihypertensives/vasodilators

• Directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle, probably
• by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodi-esterase. Results in vasodilation, which is
• more pronounced in arterioles than veins. i
• BP.

• Used in severe symptomatic hypertension or hypertension
• with end-organ damage that has failed to respond to combinations of more
• conventional therapy.

• PO: 5 mg once daily or in 2 divided
• doses; may double at 3-day intervalsl usual range 10-40 mg/day (for rapid
• control with careful montoring, doses may be adjusted q 6 hrl up to 100 mg/day
• have been used).

• SE:
• HA; pulmonary edema; CHF, ECG changes, tachycardia, angina, pericardial
• effusion; nausea; hypertrichosis, rashes; sodium and water retention;
• intermittent claudication.

• Teach:
• Continue this medication even if feeling well; take missed doses as soon
• as re-membered if within a few hours; otherwise omit dose, DO NOT double dose;
• do not D/C without physician approval; encourage proper diet and regular
• exercise; change positions slowly to avoid OH; NSAISs may i
• the AH effectiveness. BP P

• Inhibits
• influx of calcium through the cell membranes, resulting in a depression of
• automaticity and conduction velocity in cardiac muscle. Decreases SA and AV
• conduction and prolongs AV node effective and functional refractory periods.

PO 120 mg or 180 mg

• S/E AV block, bradycardia, edema, dizziness/lightheadedness, HA,
• pain, dyspnea, rhinitis, infection.

• Teach:
• Take at same time each day, Rise slowly from a lying to a sitting and standing
• position; may cause decreased BP.

BP P

• Class: Blood viscosity reducing agent;
• used in management of symptomatic PVD (intermittent claudication)

• Increases the flexibility of RBC’s by increasing
• levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Decreases blood viscosity by inhibiting
• platelet aggregation and decreasing fibrinogen.

• PO: (Adults)
• 400 mg tid. If GI or CNS S/E occur, i dose to 400 mg bid.

• SE:
• Agitation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, blurred
• vision, dyspnea, angina, arrhythmias, edema, flushing, hypotension, abdominal
• discomfort, belching, bloating, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatus, nausea, vomiting,
• tremors.

• Teach: Instruct pt. to
• take medication as directed, consult healthcare provider before d/c or if
• nausea, vomiting, GI upset, drowsiness, or headache persists; to avoid driving
• as dizziness & blurred vision may occur; avoid smoking, as nicotine
• constricts blood vessels.

BP

• Class: Antianginals, used
• for chronic angina to decrease frequency

PO: 500mg BID, may be á to 1000mg BID, do not break, crush, or chew

• SE: dizziness, headache, tinnitus, palpitations, abdominal pain,
• constipation, dry mouth, N&V

• Teach: If miss a dose, take next
• dose at usual time, do not double doses, Avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit
• products, Avoid driving and activities until side effects are known, Consult
• provider before taking other Rx, OTC, or herbal products

• Assess: location, duration,
• intensity, and precipitating factors of angina pain

• BP__________
• HR _________

• Class:
• Antianginals/nitrates

• Vasodilation; i
• LVED pressure and preload; h coronary blood flow;
• reduces myocardial O2 use.

• SL: 0.3-0.6 mg - may repeat q5 min 2
• additional doses for acute attack

PO: 2.5-9 mg q8-12 hours

• SE: Dizziness, headache, hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, blurred
• vision, weakness, apprehension, restlessness.

• Teach:
• Do not abruptly d/c; Change position slowly to avoid OH; Call 911 or go to ER
• if 3SL/15 min not effective (home use instruction); Avoid alcohol consumption.

BP HR P ECG

• Class:
• Anticoagulant/coumarin

• Interferes with hepatic synthesis of vitamin
• K-dependent clotting factors.

• PO, IV: 2.5-10 mg/day – Adjusted based on
• PT INR

SE: Cramps, N & V, dermal necrosis, bleeding, fever.

• Teach:
• Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, ASA. Review foods
• high in vitamin K and keep amount consistent.
• Avoid IM injection. Frequent lab
• monitoring. Bleeding precautions.

PT INR

• Plt Hgb Hct Stool
• OB

• Class:
• Hormones/thyroid preparations

• Replaces or supplements endogenous thyroid
• hormones. h
• metabolic rate of body tissues.

PO: 75-125 mcg/day (1.5mcg/kg/day)

IM, IV: 50-100mcg/day as single

• SE:
• Insomnia, irritability, headache, arrhythmias, tachycardia, angina
• pectoris, abd. cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperhydrosis, hyperthyroidism,
• menstrual irregularities, wt. loss, heat intolerance.

• Teach:
• Take same time each day; Explain therapy is not cure, lifelong; Notify Dr. of
• unusual s/s; Do not take within 4 hrs. of iron or ca++ consumption; Periodic
• labs.

TSH HR

• Class:
• Vitamins/water soluble vitamins

Required for carbohydrate metabolism.

PO: 5-10 mg/tid / IM, IV: 5-100 mg tid.

• SE:
• Restlessness, weakness, tightness of throat, pulmonary edema,
• respiratory distress, vascular collapse, hypotension, vasodilation, GI
• bleeding, angioedema, nausea, cyanosis.

• Teach:
• Encourage dietary compliance; Teach about foods high in thiamine; Caution about
• OTC vitamin supplements and teach RDA.

• Class:
• Mineral and electrolyte replacement/supplement

Prevention of K depletion;

• Usual dose
• range 20-40 mEq/day in 1 – 2 divided doses. Single dose not to exceed 20 mEq

• Side effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea,
• vomiting, confusion, restlessness, weakness, arrhythmias, ECK changes.

• Teach:
• Take missed doses as soon as remembered within 2 hours; Do not double dose;
• Report dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness, unusual fatigue, or tingling of
• extremities; Notify Dr. of persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach
• discomfort.

K _____________

• Class:
• Urinary tract antispasmodic/anticholinergic

• PO: 2 mg as
• tablets bid may be lowered depending on response or 2-4 mg once daily as
• extended release capsules.

• Side effects: Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, dry
• eyes, dry mouth, constipation, dyspepsia.

• Teach:
• Instruct to take as directed; May cause dizziness and blurred vision – avoid
• driving and other activities requiring alertness until effect is known.

Monitor liver function. (in long term therapy

DO NOT CONFUSE WITH CELEBREX

• Class:
• Antidepressant/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s)

Used for depression.

• PO: 20 mg
• daily initially. May be h by 20 mg at weekly intervals, up to 60
• mg/day (usual dose is 40 mg/day).

• Side effects: Apathy, confusion, drowsiness, insomnia,
• weakness, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, h saliva, nausea, sweating, tremors; neuroleptic malignant
• syndrome, suicidal thoughts.

• Teach:
• Instruct to take as directed; avoid alcohol; change positions slowly to
• minimize dizziness; Instruct patient not to take within 14 days of MAO
• inhibitors

• Class:
• Antiulcer agent/proton-pump inhibitors

• Prevention of stress ulcers. Diminished accumulation of acid in the
• gastric lumen, with lessened acid reflux.

• PO: GERD - 40 mg once daily; Gastric
• hypersecretory conditions – 40 mg bid up to 120 mg bid.

• SE:
• Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, eructation, flatulence,
• hyperglycemia.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; Take full course of therapy even if feeling better; avoid
• alcohol; products containing NSAIDs & ASA; Report dark, tarry stools;
• diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

Bilirubin AST ALT Alkaline phosphatase (in long term use only)

• Class:
• Lipid lowering agent/Hgb CoA reductase inhibitors

• 2° prevention of cardiovascular events (i
• risk of MI, coronary revascu-larization, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality)
• in patients with clinically evident CHD or those at risk for CHD (Hx of
• diabetes, PAD, or stroke).

PO: 5 - 80 mg once daily in the evening.

• SE:
• Dizziness, headache, insomnia, weakness, chest pain, peripheral edema,
• rhinitis, lovastatin, blurred vision, bronchitis, abdominal cramps,
• constipation diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, nausea, rashes, hypersensitivity
• reactions.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; Advise patient that this medicine should be taken in
• conjunction with diet restriction.
• Notify Dr. of unexplained muscle tenderness, pain, weakness, fever, or
• malaise.

• Serum cholesterol Triglyceride Liver
• function-AST

• Class:
• Antipyretics, Non-opioid analgesics/Salicylates

• i platelet aggregation. i
• inflammation & fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.

PO: 80-325mg once daily.

• SE:
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears), GI BLEEDING, dyspepsia (indigestion),
• epi-gastric distress, nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, hepatotoxicity,
• vomiting, anemia, hemolysis, rash,
• urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis &
• laryngeal edema.

• Teach:
• Take w/full glass of water and remain upright for 30 min after administration. Report tinnitus, unusual bleeding of gums,
• bruising, black tarry stool, or fever
• > 3 days. AVOID USING ALCOHOL,
• ACETA-MINOPHEN, OR NSAIDs W/ THIS MED.
• Reduce sodium intake.

• Class:
• Antiplatelet agents/platelet aggregation inhibitors

• Inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly
• inhibiting the binding of ATP to platelet receptors. i
• occurrence of atherosclerotic events in patients at risk

PO: 75mg once daily.

• SE:
• GI BLEEDING, NEUTROPENIA, THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PUPURA, depression,
• dizzy, fatigue, HA, epistaxis, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, edema, HTN,
• abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, hypercholesterolemia, back pain, fever,
• hypersensitivity reactions.

• Teach:
• Take exactly as directed. Take missed
• dose ASAP unless almost time for next dose; DO NOT double dose. Notify physician if fever, chills, sore
• throat, unusual bleeding or bruising occurs.
• Contact physician before taking Rx, OTC or Herbal products especially
• those containing ASA, NSAIDs, or proton pump inhibitors.

• Monitor renal function & Neuro. CBC
• Platelet

• Class:
• Antihypertensive/adrenergic; used in HTN, cancer pain
• unresponsive to opioids alone

• Stimulates alpha-adrenergic
• receptors in CNS resulting in decreased sympa-thetic outflow (HTN); this also
• prevents pain signal transmission to CNS.

• PO: 0.1mg bid to start, increasing to maintenance dose of 0.2-0.6
• mg/day

• S/E: drowsiness,
• depression, dizziness, nervousness, nightmares, bradycardia, hypotension,
• palpitations, dry mouth,
• constipation,

• N & V, ED, rash,
• sweating, Na+ retention, wt gain, withdrawal
• phenomenon

• Teach:
• Take at same time each day, change position slowly to avoid OH, freq mouth
• rinses, good oral hygiene and sugar-free gum can help with dry mouth

BP________ P_________

• Class:
• Peripherally acting antiadrenergic

• i
• symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia (urinary urgency, hesitancy, nocturia).

• i contractions of smooth muscle of prostatic capsule
• by preferentially binding to alpha, -adrenergic receptors.

• PO: 0.4 mg/daily after a meal; may be h after 2-4 weeks to 0.8mg/day.
• DO NOT open, crush, or chew.

• SE:
• Headache, dizziness; rhinitis; OH.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; Take full course of therapy even if feeling better; take at
• same time each day. May cause dizziness
• – do not drive/operate heavy machinery until response to medicine is
• known. Change positions slowly to avoid
• OH.

I/O BP

• Class:
• Opioid analgesic/opioid agonists; non-opioid analgesic combinations

• Binds to receptors in the CNS. Alters perception of, and response to,
• painful stimuli while producing generalized CNS depression.

• i
• in severity of moderate pain, suppression of cough reflex

• PO: 2.5-10mg q3-6h as
• needed. Acetaminophen dosage should not
• exceed 4g/day. (Ibuprofen products
• should not exceed 5 tablets/day.)

• S/E: Confusion, dizziness,
• sedation; hypotension; constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, urinary
• retention, sweating.

• Teach:
• Take as directed, do not take more than recommended amount. Teach patient to turn, cough, and deep breath
• q2hr to prevent atelectasis.

• May cause h
• plasma amylase and lipase concentrations in long term use

• Class:
• Anti-ulcer agent/Histamine H2 antagonist.

• Inhibits the action of histamine at the H2 receptor
• site located primarily in gastric parietal cells, resulting in inhibition of
• gastric acid secretion. Healing and
• prevention of ulcers.

• PO: 40 mg/day HS or 20mg bid for up to 8
• weeks.

• SE:
• Confusion, dizziness; drowsiness, hallucination, headache; arrhythmias;
• constipation diarrhea, nausea; agranulocytosis; aplastic anemia.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; Take full course of therapy even if feeling better; take
• missed dose ASAP but DO NOT double dose.
• Report to physician onset of black, tarry stools, fever, sore throat,
• diarrhea, dizziness, rash, confusion, or hallucinations.

CBC w/differential in long term use

• Class:
• Laxatives/Stool softeners

• Promotes incorporation of water into stool,
• resulting in softer stool mass.

PO: 50-400mg in 1-4 divided doses.

• Rectum: 50-100mg or 1 unit containing
• 283mg docusate sodium, soft soap, and glycerin.

• SE:
• Throat irritation; mild cramps, rashes.

• Teach:
• Laxatives should be used only for short term therapy. Encourage patient to use other forms of
• therapy such as h bulk in diet, h
• fluid intake (6-8 glasses of water daily), h
• mobility. Instruct patients with cardiac
• disease to avoid straining during a BM (Valsalva maneuver). Do not take within 2 hours of other
• laxatives.

Please hold if not needed

• Class:
• Antihypertensives/Calcium channel blockers

• Inhibits transfer of ca++ into myocardial &
• vascular smooth muscle cells resulting in inhibition of excitation contraction
• coupling & subsequent contraction.
• Systemic vasodilation resulting in i
• BP.

• PO Adults: 5-10mg once daily;
• antihypertensive in fragile or smaller patients or patients already receiving
• other antihypertensives – initiate at 2.5mg/day - h as required/tolerated (up to 10mg/day).

• PO Geriatric: Initiate at 2.5mg/day - h as reqd/tolerated (up to 10mg/day). Anti-anginal – initiate at
• 5mg/day - h as reqd/tolerated (up to 10mg/day).

• SE:
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue; peripheral edema, angina,
• bradycardia, hypotension, palpitations;
• gingival hyperplasia, nausea, flushing.

• Teach:
• Take as directed; take missed dose ASAP but DO NOT double dose. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice (6-8
• glasses/day) during therapy.

• BP________P_________
• ECG_________