C.

Drug Study

Generic Name: betamethasone dipropionate

Brand Name: Diprolene; Diprolene

AF
Route of Administration: topical

Dosage/Available Stock:

Dug Name

Mechanism of
Action

Indication

Contraindicatio
n

Generic Name:

Betamethasone
is a synthetic
(man-made)
corticosteroid
that is used
topically (on the
skin).
Betamethasone
mimics the
action of cortisol
(hydrocortisone),
the naturallyoccurring steroid
produced in the
body by the
adrenal glands.
Corticosteroids
have potent
antiinflammatory
actions and also
suppress the
immune
response.

Hypercalcem
ia associated
with cancer
Short-term
management
of
inflammatory
and allergic
disorders,
such as
rheumatoid
arthritis,
collagen
diseases (eg,
SLE),
dermatologic
diseases (eg,
pemphigus),
status
asthmaticus,
and
autoimmune
disorders
Hematologic

Hypersensitivi
ty; systemic
fungal or
acute
infections.

betamethasone
dipropionate
Drug
Classification:
>Corticosteroid
(long acting)
>Glucocorticoid
>Hormone

Dosage:

Adverse
Effects
>Acne
>cracking and
stinging of the
skin;
>dryness;
>excessive hair
growth;
>inflamed hair
follicles;
>itching; skin
irritation.

Nursing
Interventions
Give daily dose
before 9 AM to
mimic normal
peak corticosteroi
d blood levels.
Increase dosage
when patient is
subject to stress.
Taper doses when
discontinuing
high-dose or longterm therapy.
Do not give live
virus vaccines
with
immunosuppressiv
e doses of
corticosteroids
Do not stop taking
the oral drug
without consulting
your health care
provider.
Avoid exposure to

disorders:
Thrombocyto
penia
purpura,
erythroblasto
penia
Ulcerative
colitis, acute
exacerbation
s of MS, and
palliation in
some
leukemias
and
lymphomas
Trichinosis
with
neurologic or
myocardial
involvement

infections; ability
to fight infections
is reduced.
Wear a medical
alert tag
so emergency
care providers will
know that you are
on this
medication.
You may
experience these
side effects:
Increase in
appetite, weight
gain (counting cal
ories may
help);heartburn,
indigestion (eat
frequent small
meals; take
antacids); poor
wound healing
(consult with your
care provider);
muscle weakness,
fatigue (frequent
rest periods will
help).
Report
unusual weight
gain, swelling of
the extremities,
muscle weakness,
black or tarry
stools, fever,

prolonged sore
throat, colds or
other infections,
worsening of
original disorder.

Generic Name:

Cefixime

Brand Name: Suprax

Route of Administration: PO
Oral suspension

Dosage/Available Stock: Oral suspension 100 mg per 5 mL

200 mg per 5 mL

Dug Name
Generic
Name:
Cefixime
> Suprax
Drug
Classificati
on:
Antibiotic,
Cephalosp

Mechanism of
Action
Cefixime is a
semi-synthetic
(partially manmade), oral
antibiotic in the
cephalosporin
family of
antibiotics. The
cephalosporin
family
includes cephal
exin (Keflex), ce
faclor (Ceclor),c
efuroxime (Zina

Indication
Bronchitis,
Cardiopulmonar
y resuscitation,
Gonorrhoea,
Otitis media,
Pharyngitis,
Pneumonia,
Respiratory

Contraindicati
on

Adverse Effects

contraindic
ated in
patients
with known
allergies to
the
cephalospo
rin or
penicillin
antibiotics

CNS:
Dizziness,
headache,
seizure (less
than 2%).
Dermatologic:
Erythema
multiforme,
facial edema,
pruritus, skin
rash, StevensJohnson
syndrome, toxic

Nursing Interventions
Caution should be
exercised in patients
with history of
diarrhea, stomach or
bowel problems (eg,
inflammation),
bleeding or blood
clotting problems,
kidney or liver
problems, poor
nutrition, any allergy,
who are taking other
medications,
children, during

orin
Dosage:

cef),
cefpodoxime
(Vantin), cefpro
zil (Cefzil), and
many injectable
forms. Like
other
cephalosporins,
cefixime
stops bacteria fr
om multiplying
by preventing
bacteria from
forming the
walls that
surround them.
The walls are
necessary to
protect bacteria
from their
environment
and to keep the
contents of the
bacterial cell
together;
bacteria cannot
survive without
a cell wall.
Cefixime is
active against a
very wide
spectrum of
bacteria such
as Staphylococc
us
aureus, Strepto

tract infections,
Uncomplicated
UTIs,

epidermal
necrolysis,
urticaria (less
than 2%).
GI: Diarrhea
(16%); nausea
(7%); loose or
frequent stools
(6%); flatulence
(4%);
abdominal
pain, dyspepsia
(3%); vomiting
(less than 2%);
pseudomembra
nous colitis.
Genitourinary
: Acute renal
failure,
candidiasis,
genital pruritus,
transient
elevations in
BUN or
creatinine,
vaginitis (less
than 2%).

pregnancy and
breast feeding.
It may cause
dizziness, do not
drive a car or operate
machinery while
taking this
medication.
Avoid alcohol
consumption
Avoid changing dose
forms (eg, tablets,
suspension) without
your doctors advice.
Take full course of
treatment
Review dosing
schedule and
prescribed length of
therapy with patient.
Instruct patient or
caregiver to shake
well before
measuring dose, and
to measure and
administer
prescribed dose
using dosing spoon,
dosing syringe, or
medicine cup.
Advise patient to
take without regard
to meals but to take
with food if GI upset
occurs.

coccus
pneumoniae, St
reptococcus
pyogenes (the
cause of strep
throat), Hemop
hilus influenzae,
Moraxella
catarrhalis, E.
coli, Klebsiella,
Proteus
mirabilis, Salmo
nella, Shigella,
andNeisseria
gonorrhoeae.

Advise patient to
discontinue therapy
and contact health
care provider
immediately if skin
rash, hives, itching,
or shortness of
breath occur.
Advise patient to
report the following
signs of
superinfection to
health care provider:
black furry tongue,
foul-smelling stools,
vaginal itching or
discharge, white
patches in mouth

Generic Name: Ferrous Sulfate

Brand Name: Feosol, Fer Iron, Fer-Gen-Sol, Fer-in-

Sol, Fer-Iron
Dosage:400-600 mg/day in divided doses

Dug Name
Generic
Name:
Ferrous
Sulfate

Mechanism of
Action

Indication

Elevates the
serum iron
concentration
which then helps
to form High or
trapped in the

Prevention
and
treatment
of iron
deficiency
anemias

Route of Administration: PO

Contraindic
ation

Adverse Effects
>Dizziness

Hypersens
itivity

>N & V

Severe
hypotensi

> Nasal
Congestion

Nursing Interventions
Expect stools to
darken in color.
If gastrointestinal
discomfort occurs,
take after meals or

>Feosol, Fer
Iron, Fer-GenSol, Fer-inSol, Fer-Iron
Drug
Classificatio
n:

reticuloendotheli
al cells for
storage and
eventual
conversion to a
usable form of
iron.

on.

Dietary
suppleme
nt for iron.

with food
> Dyspnea

> CHF

Do not take within 2

hours of antacids
because it rpevents
absorption

> MI

> Hypotension

> Muscle cramps

Iron
Preparation
Dosage:

> Flushing

Decreased iron
absorption with
antacids, colestyra
mine, trientine,
proton pump
inhibitors.

Decreased
absorption of both
iron
and tetracycline wh
en admin together.
Delayed response to
iron in patients on
systemicchloramphe
nicol
Reduced efficacy of
levothyroxine with
iron.
Decreased
absorption
of cefdinir,
bisphosphonates,
entacapone,
flouroquinolones,
levodopa, methyldo
pa

and penicillamine

Generic Name: Lactulose

Route of Administration: PO

Dug Name
Generic Name:

Mechanism of
Action

Brand Name: Enulose, Generlac, Kristalose

Dosage/Available Stock: PO 15 to 30 mL (10 to 20 g lactulose)
daily may increase to 60mL/day.

Indication

Lactulose is a
Treatment of
type of sugar. It is
constipation;

Contraindicatio
n

Adverse Effects

Use in
patients who

>Gaseous
distention with

Nursing
Interventions
Evaluate
therapeutic

Lactulose

Drug
Classification:
Hyperosmotic
agent
Dosage:

broken down in
the large
intestine into
mild acids that
draw water into
the colon, which
helps soften the
stools.

prevention
and treatment
of portalsystemic
encephalopat
hy, including
stages of
hepatic
precoma and
coma.

require lowgalactose
diet.

flatulence or
belching,
>abdominal
discomfort
>cramping;
>diarrhea;
>nausea;
>vomiting

response:
decreased
constipation
or blood
ammonia
level.
Assess
amount,
colour and
consistency of
stool
Take as
directed,
alone, or
diluted with
water, juice or
milk, or take
with food.
Laxative
results may
not occur for
24-48 hours;
do not take
more often
than
recommended
or for a longer
time than
recommended
.
Do not use
any other
laxatives
while taking
lactulose.
Increased

Generic Name:
Mupirocin
Route of Administration: topical

Dug Name
Generic Name:

Mechanism of
Action
It kills sensitive

Indication
Treating

fiber, fluids,
and exercise
may help
reduce
constipation.
Do not use if
experiencing
abdominal
pain, nausea,
or vomiting.
Diarrhea may
indicate
overdose.
May cause
flatulence,
belching, or
abdominal
cramping
Report
persistent or
severe
diarrhea or
abdominal
cramping

Brand Name: Bactroban

Dosage/Available Stock: three times daily.

Contraindicatio
n

Adverse Effects

allergic to any

>Burning

Nursing
Interventions
Mupirocin

Mupirocin
>Bactroban
Drug
Classification:
Antibacterial
Dosage:

bacteria by
stopping the
production of
essential proteins
needed by the
bacteria to
survive.

impetigo, a type
of skin infection.
It may also be
used for other
conditions as
determined by
your doctor.

ingredient in
Mupirocin
Ointment

>pain
>stinging
>Severe allergic
reactions (rash;
hives; itching;

>difficulty
breathing;
>ightness in the
chest;
>swelling of the
mouth, face, lips,
or tongue);
severe irritation;

>severe itching

Ointment is
for external
use only. Do
not get it in
your eyes or
mouth.
Use Mupirocin
Ointment with
caution on
skin with open
wounds.
Be sure to use
Mupirocin
Ointment for
the full course
of treatment.
Long-term or
repeated use
of Mupirocin
Ointment may
cause a
second
infection.
Apply a small
amount of
Mupirocin
Ointment 3
times a day.
Wash and
completely
dry the
affected area.
Gently rub the
medicine in
until it is
evenly

distributed.
The affected
area may be
covered with
gauze or a
bandage.
To clear up
your infection
completely,
use Mupirocin
Ointment for
the full course
of treatment.
Keep using it
even if you
feel better in a
few days.
Wash your
hands
immediately
after using
Mupirocin
Ointment.

Generic Name:
Nystatin
Brand Name: Mycostatin, Nilstat
Route of Administration: Oral, oral suspensions,vaginal,topical
Dosage/Available Stock: Tablets500,000 units; oral suspension100,000 units/mL; troche200,000 units; vaginal
tablets100,000 units; topical cream, ointment, powder100,000 units/g
Dug
Name
Generic

Mechanism
of Action
Fungicidal

Indication
Oral:

Contraindica
tion
Contraindic

Adverse Effects

Nursing Interventions
Culture fungus before

Name:
Nystatin
>Mycostati
n,
>Nilstat
Drug
Classifica
tion:
Antifungal
Dosage:

and fungistati
c: Binds to
sterols in the
cell
membrane of
the fungus
with a
resultant
change in
membrane
permeability,
allowing
leakage of
intracellular
components
and causing
cell death.

Treatment of
oropharynge
al
candidiasis
Oral
suspension,
troche:
Treatment of
oral
candidiasis
Vaginal:
Local
treatment of
vaginal
candidiasis
(moniliasis)
Topical
applications:
Treatment of
cutaneous or
mucocutane
ous mycotic
infections
caused
by Candida
albicans and
other Candid
a species

ated with
allergy
to nystatin
or
component
s used in
preparation
.
Use
cautiously
with
pregnancy,
lactation.

>GI: Diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting, GI
distress
Vaginal
>Local: Irritation, v
ulvovaginal burning
>Local: Local
irritation (topical)

therapy.
Have patient retain
oral suspension in
mouth as long as
possible before
swallowing. Paint
suspension on each
side of the mouth.
Continue local
treatment for at least
48 hr after clinical
improvement is noted.
Prepare nystatin in
the form of frozen
flavored popsicles to
improve oral retention
of the drug for local
application.
Administer
nystatin troche orally
for the treatment of
oral candidiasis; have
patient dissolve 12
tablets in mouth.
Insert vaginal
suppositories high into
the vagina. Have
patient remain
recumbent for 1015
min after insertion.
Provide sanitary
napkin to protect
clothing from stains.
Cleanse affected area
before topical
application unless

otherwise indicated.
Monitor response to
drug therapy. If no
response is noted,
arrange for further
cultures to determine
causative organism.
Ensure that patient
receives the full
course of therapy to
eradicate the fungus
and to prevent
recurrence.
Discontinue topical or
vaginal administration
if rash or sensitivity
occurs.
Take the full course of
drug therapy even if
symptoms improve.
Continue during
menstrual period if
vaginal route is being
used. Long-term use
of the drug may be
needed; beneficial
effects may not be
seen for several
weeks.
Use appropriate
hygiene measures to
prevent reinfection or
spread of infection.
This drug is for the
fungus being treated;
do not self-medicate

other problems.
Refrain from sexual
intercourse or advise
partner to use a
condom to
avoid reinfection; use
a sanitary napkin to
prevent staining of
clothing with vaginal
use.
You may experience
these side effects:
Nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea (oral use);
irritation, burning,
stinging (local use).
Report worsening of
condition; local
irritation, burning
(topical application);
rash, irritation, pelvic
pain (vaginal use);
nausea, GI distress
(oral administration

Generic Name: Omeprazole

Route of Administration: Oral

Dug Name
Generic Name:
Omeprazole
>Prilosec
>Zegerid

Drug
Classification:
Proton Pump
inhibitors
Gastric acid
pump inhibitor
antiulcer agen
Dosage:

Brand Name: Prilosec, Zegerid

Dosage/Available Stock: Capsules: 10, 20 and 40 mg. Tablets:
20 mg (Prilosec OTC). Powder for oral suspension: 20 and 40 mg

Mechanism of
Action

Indication

Contraindicatio
n

Blocks the
enzyme in the
wall of the
stomach that
produces acid. By
blocking the
enzyme, the
production of
acid is
decreased, and
this allows the
stomach and
esophagus to
heal.

Treatment of
duodenal
ulcers
Prevention of
relapse of
duodenal
ulcers
Treatment of
gastric ulcers
Prevention of
relapse of
gastric ulcers

Known
hypersensitiv
ity to
omeprazole

Adverse Effects
>headache
>abdominal pain
>nausea
>diarrhea
>rash
>dizziness
>severe skin
rash

Nursing
Interventions
Give
omeprazole
before meals,
preferably
in the morning
for once-daily
dosing. If
needed, also
give an
antacid, as
prescribed.
If needed,
open capsule
and sprinkle
enteric-coated
granules on
applesauce or
yogurt or mix
with water or
acidic fruit
juice, such as
apple or
cranberry
juice.
Give
immediately.
To give drug

via NG tube,
mix granules
in
acidic juice
because
enteric
coating
dissolves
in alkaline pH.
Because drug
can interfere
with
absorption
of vitamin
B12, monitor
patient for
macrocytic
anemia.
Be aware that
long-term use
of omeprazole
may increase
the risk of
gastric
carcinoma
Encourage
patient to
avoid alcohol,
aspirin
products,
ibuprofen, and
foods that
may
increase
gastric
secretions

during
therapy
Advise patient
to notify
prescriber
immediately
about
abdominal
pain or
diarrhea

Generic Name:
Petrolatum topical
Route of Administration: topical
Dug Name
Generic Name:
Petrolatum
topical
>petroleum jelly
Drug
Classification:
Topical
emollients

Brand Name: Petroleum Jelly

Dosage/Available Stock:

Mechanism of
Action

Indication

Contraindicatio
n

For temporary
relief from dry
itching skin and
pain due to minor
burns, abrasions
and other
irritated skin
conditions

Softening
and
moisturizing
dry, cracked,
or irritated
skin.
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophili
c Petrolatum
Ointment is
an emollient.
It works by
softening and
moisturizing
the skin.

Allergy to
any
ingredient in
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophili
c Petrolatum
Ointment

Adverse Effects
>Mild itching,
>burning
>drying,
>or stinging.

Nursing
Interventions
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment is
for external
use only.
PREGNANCY
and BREASTFEEDING: If
you become
pregnant
while taking
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment,

Dosage:

discuss with
your doctor
the benefits
and risks of
using Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment
during
pregnancy. It
is unknown if
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment is
excreted in
breast milk. If
you are or will
be breastfeeding while
you are using
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment,
check with
your doctor or
pharmacist to
discuss the
risks to your
baby
Wash your
hands before
using Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum

Ointment.
Wash and dry
the affected
area, unless
otherwise
directed by
your doctor.
Apply a thin
layer of
medicine to
the affected
area, then
gently spread
the medicine
until it is
evenly
distributed.
Wash your
hands
immediately
after using
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment,
unless your
hands are part
of the treated
area.
Check with
your doctor or
pharmacist
before
applying a
bandage to
the affected

area.
If you miss a
dose of
Mineral
Oil/Hydrophilic
Petrolatum
Ointment and
are using it
regularly, use
it as soon as
possible. If it
is almost time
for your next
dose, skip the
missed dose
and go back
to your
regular dosing
schedule.

Dug Name

Mechanism of
Action

Indication

Contraindicatio
n

Adverse Effects

Nursing
Interventions

Generic Name:

Drug
Classification:

Dosage: