NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Name Namenda antialzheimer 10 mg PO BID everyday
Memantine
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
3-7 Unknown 12 hours N/A
hours
(Why med ordered) Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Contraindicated in severe renal impairment. Use cautiously in
disease. moderate renal impairment (consider decreasing the dose); concurrent
use of other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, rimantadine, ketamine,
Mechanism of action and dextromethorphan); concurrent use of drugs or diets that cause
indications alkaline urine; conditions that increase urine pH including severe
urinary tract infections or renal tubular acidosis.
Binds to CNS N-methyl-D-
aspartate receptor sites, preventing Common side effects
binding of glutamate, an excitatory There are no common side effects, but others include: dizziness,
neurotransmitter. fatigue, headache, sedation, hypertension, rash, weight gain, urinary
frequency and anemia.
Interactions with other patient Lab value alterations caused by medicine
drugs, OTC or herbal medicines N/A
(ask patient specifically)
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Patient does not take any drugs Teach caregivers on how and when to administer this drug and how
that interact with this medication. to titrate the dose. Caution patient and caregiver that this drug may
cause dizziness. Teach patient and caregiver that improvement in
cognitive function may take several months, that the degenerative
process is not reversed.

Nursing Process- Assessment Evaluation

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
(Pre-administration med?
assessment) Renal failure and known hypersensitivity. Cognitive function should be
evaluated periodically throughout
None noted in book….. treatment.