NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Simvastatin Zocor Lipid lowering agent 40 mg PO QHS
HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitor
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
2-4 weeks Several Days unknown 5-80 mg q day

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Hyperlipidemia N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Inhibit an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for
catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol. Indicated
as adjunct therapy in the management of primary
hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipedemias.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Contraindicated in pt’s with hypersensitivity, sepsis, acute
hypptention, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic disturbances,
endocrine or electrolyte disorders, uncontrolled seizures, active
liver disease. Use cautiously in pt’s with liver disease or
significant alcohol abuse
Common side effects
Abdominal cramps, constipation. Diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, and
rashes

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines Lab value alterations caused by medicine
(ask patient specifically) Liver function test, if AST levels increase 3x above normal,
St. Johns wart may decrease effectiveness, grapefruit juice can therapy should be discontinued. May also cause increased alkaline
increase blood levels phosphatase and bilirubin levels. May cause thyroid function test
abnormalities.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Take medication as directed, do not consume copious amounts of
grapefruit juice, medication should be used in conjunction with
diet restrictions. Contact provider if unexplained muscle pain
occurs. Emphasize the importance of follow up exams
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
Obtain dietary history. Evaluate serum cholesterol Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occurs Decreased serum LDL, VLDL,
and triglyceride levels before initiating and especially if accompanied by fever or malise. triglycerides, and total
periodically. cholesterol levels. Increase in
HDL levels