Top Drugs

Opioid agonist

Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS—decreases moderate pain. Suppresses cough reflex

confusion, sedation,hypotension, constipation HEPATOTOXICITY

Monitor respiratory status. Should not exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen in 24 hrs.Typical opioid precautions.

Opioid agonist

Controlled release for moderate to severe pain Not for PRN

confusion, sedation, constipation RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION

Administer q12 hours for Chronic pain.Typical opioid precautions. Do not crush or chew

Potassium supplement

Transmit nerve impulses; contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; tissue synthesis; and CHO metabolism.

• ARRHYTHMIAS, ECG changes
• oral—abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea & vomiting

(IV rate should generally not exceed 20 mEq/hr, unless closely monitored.) s/s hypokalemia/hyperkalemia

NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitor

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, & antipyretic

GI BLEEDING, dermal rash

Assess pain, ROM and swelling. Do not give if allergic to sulfonamides, aspirin or NSAIDs. Watch for tarry stools.

Antiulcer agents; proton pump inhibitors

Decrease acid accumulation in the gastric lumen which decreases GI reflex Healing of duodenal ulcers

Headache, constipation, dry mouth,

Give 1hr before meals Do not crush or chew pellets Assess for epigastric/abdominal pain, blood in stool, emesis, or gastric aspirate Give slow IVP over 5-6 minutes, diluted with 0.9% NS

Histamine (H2) Antagonist Antiulcer

inhibits the action of histamine at H2-receptor site (gastric parietal cells), decreases gastric acid

ARRHYTHMIAS, APLASTIC ANEMIA, AGRANULOCYTOSIS, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, black tongue, diarrhea

Monitor CBC, Dilute IV, rapid administration may cause hypotension.

Lipid-Lowering agent

LDL/VLDL/Triglyceride. HDL (slightly)

RHABDOMYOLYSIS = muscle cell lysis, toxins into circulation, rashes, constipation, flatus

Avoid grapefruit & grapefruit juice.With unexplained muscle pain/tenderness-monitor CPK --if it increases, d/c med = life threatening. LFTs

Lipid-Lowering agent Eze = inhibits intestinal absorption of CHOLS im = inhibits CHOL synthesis

Lowers Total and LDL CHOL and triglycerides with slight increase in HDL

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, epigastric pain, HA, dizziness, anemia, alopecia

Administer once daily in the evening, without regard to food.Wear sunscreen to prevent rare photosensitivity reaction. LFTs

Antidepressant Smoking deterrent

Diminished depression Decreased craving for cigarettes

SEIZURES, agitation, HA, drymouth, nausea, vomiting, tremor

Monitor mood changes. Assess for suicidal tendencies. Monitor hepatic and renal function in pts with liver or kidney impairments to prevent increased serum levels.

Antidepressant SSRI

Decreases panic attacks, OCD, intense fear and helplessness

Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, HA, insomnia, dry mouth, tremor, sweating, Avoid use with any MAO Inhibitors

Monitor weight, mood changes, and suicide risk. No alcohol or other CNS depressants Do not D/C abruptly Wear sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity reaction.

Thyroid preparation

Restoration of hormonal balance, suppression of cancer

Insomnia, arrhythmias, tachycardia, wt. loss Avoid use in thyrotoxicity

Assess apical pulse and BP prior to admin & during therapy, & for chest pain, tachyarrhythmias Monitor T3 and TSH Important drug interactions

Antiinfective, 3rd generation cephalosporin

Bactericidal for bone & joint and lower resp. tract infections; skin infections, some STDs and UTIs

PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS, SEIZURES, phlebitis at IV site, pain at IM site

Monitor for super infections Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before starting. Instruct patient to notify MD if fever and diarrhea develop, especially if stool contains blood, pus, or mucus.

Antiinfective, Aminoglycoside

Treatment for enterococcal infections

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Do peak and trough levels, report to MD for dose adjusting Assess hearing periodically throughout TX Monitor for superinfections

Antiinfective Fluoroquinolone

Broad spectrum against gram positive and gram negative

Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches,

Watch for anaphylactic rxn Do not administer <4 hr before or 2 hr after giving an Al/Mg/ Fe or Zn preparation Monitor for superinfections

Antiinfective, antiulcer, Antiprotozoal

Treatment of anaerobic and parasitic infections

SEIZURES, dizziness, HA, anorexia, nausea

Monitor WBC, neurological status, and I/Os.

Antihypertensive ACE inhibitor

Lowers BP, decreases afterload in CHF & LV remodeling & mortality

Cough, proteinuria, taste impairment, clinically significant hyperkalemia, ANGIOEDEMA

Monitor BP, pulse, fluid retention, dry persistent cough, rash, mouth sores, swelling of face, dizziness

Antianginal

Relief or prevention of anginal attacks; increase cardiac output; decrease blood pressure

dizziness, headache, restlessness, syncope, hypotension, contact dermatitis, blurred vision

-Wear gloves during removal/application- Remove patches before cardioversion or defibrillation- D/C if low BP Rotate sites of application to prevent skin irritation

Antianginal Nitrate

Increases coronary bloodflow to decrease angina attacks. Decrease BP. Increase cardiac output.

Dizziness. HA. Blurred Vision. Hypotension. Tachycardia. Flushing.

Tablets should be kept in original container & cotton should be removed. Do not open bottle frequently or handle tablets. Replace q 6 months after opening

Beta blocker

Antihypertensive Antianginal, Prev & decr mortality in recent MI pts

BRADYCARDIA, PULMONARY EDEMA, CHF. fatigue, weakness, impotence

Hold HR <60. Monitor I & O, daily weight. Assess for HF, bronchospasm

2nd generation (nonsedating) Antihistamine

Relief of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis

Dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth

Administer once daily without regard to food

Bronchodilator Beta 2 agonist

Bronchodilation for asthma, COPD, acute bronchospasm

Nervousness, restlessness, tremor, chest pain, palpitations.

Observe for paradoxical bronchospasm (wheezing). Consider aerochamber. Monitor K+ and glucose.