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

clonazepam Klonopin anticonvulsants 1 mg IV bid
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
1-2 hr 20-60 min 6-12 hr

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
Muscle spasms, associated anxiety. solutions

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

(Why med ordered)
Anticonvulsant effects may be due to presynaptic
inhibition. Produces sedative effects in the CNS,
probably by stimulating inhibitory GABA receptors.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
Alcohol, antidepressants , antihistamines ,
otherbenzodiazepines, and opioid analgesics --
concurrent use results in ↑ CNS depression
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines.
Severe liver disease. Use cautiously in: narrow-angle
glaucoma, chronic respiratory disease, history of porphyria,
Do not discontinue abruptly.
Common side effects
Behavioral side effects, drowsiness, ataxia.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Patients on prolonged therapy should have CBC and liver
function test results evaluated periodically. May cause an ↑
in serum bilirubin, AST, and ALT. May cause ↓ thyroidal
uptake of sodium iodide, 123I, and 131I.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed. Take
missed doses within 1 hr or omit; do not double doses.
Abrupt withdrawal of clonazepam may cause status
epilepticus, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal and
muscle cramps. Medication may cause drowsiness or
dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities
requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS
depressants concurrently with this medication. Advise
patient to notify health care professional of medication
regimen prior to treatment or surgery. Instruct patient and
family to notify health care professional of unusual
tiredness, bleeding, sore throat, fever, clay-colored stools,
yellowing of skin, or behavioral changes. Patient on
anticonvulsant therapy should carry identification at all
times describing disease process and medication regimen.
Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to
determine effectiveness of the medication.
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess degree and manifestations of
anxiety and mental status prior to and
periodically during therapy.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Decrease in frequency and
Problematic side effects. severity of panic attacks.
Relief of leg movements
during sleep. Decrease in
pain from neuralgia.