1.

Digoxin (lanoxin) - class: antiarrhythmic.

Uses: treat CHF, a.fib and a.flutter.
Action: slows heart rate by decreasing conduction through SA and AV nodes.
Side effects: nausea, vomiting, anorexia.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor pulse for bradycardia, arrhythmias for 1-2
hrs

2.

Docusate Sodium (Colace) class: stool softener.

Uses: constipation, to avoid straining.
Action: loosens stool. Side effects: cramping, throat irritation, diarrhea.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: encourage fluid intake, check for bowel sounds

3.

Lipitor (atorvastatin) class: hydroxyl-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor.

Antihyperlipidemic.
Uses: used to treat high cholesterol, lower risk for MI or CVA.
Action: stops the enzyme that blocks the production of cholesterol.
Side effects: swelling, weight gain, fever, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor cholesterol, lab values, skin integrity; rash

4.

Lotensin (benazepril) class: Ace inhibitor.

Uses: used to treat HTN.
Action: slows conversion to angiotensin I to angiotensin II, vascoconstrictor.
Side effects: decreased urination, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing indication/responsibility: assist with ambulation, monitor B/P

5.

Ambien (zolpidem) class: sedative.

Uses: treat insomnia.
Action: enhance action of inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA).
Side effects: drowsiness, constipation, nausea.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: encourage patient not to drive or operate
machinery, check B/P

6.

Coumadin (warfarin) class: anticoagulant.

Uses: prevent MI, formation of embolisms.
Side effects: hemorrhage, anorexia, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: prevent/avoid injury; possible hemorrhaging

7.

Synthroid (levothyroxine) class: thyroid hormone (T4).

Uses: treat hypothyroidism.
Action: increase metabolism, stimulates protein synthesis.
Side effects: hair loss, fever, headache, mood changes.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor pulse rate/rhythm, observe for tremors,
anxiety

8.

Vicodin (hydrocodone w/ acetaminophen) class: narcotic analgesic.

Uses: relieve pain.
Action: reduces intensity of pain stimuli incoming from sensory nerve endings.
Side effects: respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: assess pain relief, position slowly, dont operate
heavy machinery

9.

Lasix (furosemide) class: loop diuretic.

Uses: hyptertension, edema associated with CHF, hypercalcemia.
Action: lowers B/P, promotes diuresis.

Side effects: increased urination, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, dehyrdration,

constipation.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor B/P, output/voiding, electrolyte imbalance,
hydration, can lead to digoxin toxicity
10. Reglan (metoclopramide) class: dopamine receptor antagonist; antiemetic, stimulates
peristalsis.
Uses: treat nausea and vomiting, GERD.
Side effects: drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for anxiety, restlessness, emesis, hydration
11. Aldactone (spironolactone) class: potassium-sparing diuretic.
Uses: hypertension, edema.
Action: lowers B/P, promotes diuresis.
Side effects: hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, dehydration.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor B/P, electrolyte imbalance, daily weight,
restlessness
12. Baclofen (lioresal) class: antispasmatic, skeletal muscle relaxant.
Uses: treatment of spastic movement.
Side effects: seizures, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: assess for allergic reaction; itchy, burning,
inflammation, eyes; redness swelling, burning.
13. Aricept (donepezil) class: cholinergic inhibitor.
Uses: treat dementia of Alzheimers disease.
Action: slows progression of alzheimers disease.
Side effects: nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, bradycardia, hypotension.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for cramping, increase salivation, pallor, and
facial warmth
14. Paxil (paroxetine) class: serotonin uptake inhibitor.
Uses: treat depression, anxiety.
Action: relieves depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior and anxiety.
Side effects: hyponatremia, seizures, nausea, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of harming self; suicide
15. Cardizem (diltiazem) class: calcium-channel blocker.
Uses: hypertension, arrhythmias, angina.
Action: decrease heart rate, slows SA and AV conduction, vasodilation.
Side effects: edema, dizziness, bradycardia, weakeness, headache.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: assist w/ ambulation, check peripheral edema, pulse
for bradycardia
16. Lactulose (enulose) class: stool softener.
Uses: constipation.
Action: promotes increased peristalsis, bowel evacuation, expel ammonia in colon.
Side effects: abdominal cramping, flatulence, increased thirst, diarrhea in overdose.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for abdominal discomfort; gas or cramps,
encourage ambulation, monitor bowel sounds and bowel movement
17. Prilosec (omeprazole) class: gastric acid pump inhibitor.
Uses: GERD.
Action: increase gastric pH, reduce gastric acid production.
Side effects: headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain.

Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for GI pain, monitor for BM, abdominal
discomfort
18. Losartan (cozaar) class: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
Uses: hypertension.
Action: vasodilation, decrease B/P.
Side effects: dizziness, diarrhea, cough, upper respiratory tract infections.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: maintain hydration, assist with ambulation
19. Zofran (ondansetron) class: antiemetic.
Uses: treat nausea and vomiting.
Action: prevents nausea and vomiting.
Side effects: drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, headache, fatigue, constipation
Nursing indications/ responsibility: assess bowel sounds, provide comfort and support
measures
20. Lovenox (enoxaparin) class: low-molecular-weight heparin; anticoagulant.
Uses: prevent DVT following general surgical procedures.
Action: anticoagulation, potentiates action of antithrombin III, inactivates coagulation
factor Xa.
Side effects: hematoma, nausea, edema, hemorrhage.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: assess for injury or bleeding; avoid injury, can lead
to hemorrhaging
21. Renagel (sevelamer) class: polymeric phosphate binder; antihyperphosphatemia.
Uses: used to treat end-stage renal disease.
Action: decreases incidence of hypercalcemic episodes.
Side effects: infection, pain, hypotension, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor electrolytes: phosphorus, bicarbonate,
chloride, calcium
22. Valium (Diazepam) class: anti-anxiety, skeletal muscle relaxant, anti-convulsant.
Uses: alcohol withdrawl, anxiety.
Action: produces anxiolytic effect, elevates seizure threshold, produces skeletal muscle
relation.
Side effects: pain, swelling, slurred speech, fatigue.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor respirations, serum level: 0.5 - 2
23. Hydralazine (apresoline) class: vasodilator; antihypertensive.
Uses: hypertension.
Action: direct vasodilating effects on arterioles, decrease B/P.
Side effects: headache, palpitations, tachycardia.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for edema, tachycardia
24. Risperdal (risperidone) class: antipsychotic.
Uses: autistic disorder, schizophrenia.
Action: suppresses psychotic behavior.
Side effects: agitation, anxiety, insomnia, headache, constipation.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor blood glucose, fine tongue movements,
dyskinesia
25. Keppra (levetiracetam) class: anticonvulsant.
Uses: tonic-clonic seizures.
Action: prevents seizure activity.
Side effects: drowsiness, headache, infection, dizziness, depression, anxiety, vertigo

Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for seizure activity, check LOC, renal
functions; voiding
26. Viagra (sildenafil) class: antihypertensive, peripheral vasodilator.
Uses: pulmonary arterial hypertension, erectile dysfunction.
Action: relaxes smooth muscle, increases blood flow, facilitating erection.
Side effects: headache, diarrhea, hearing loss
Nursing indications/ responsibility:
27. Sinemet (carbidopa & levodopa) class: anti-Parkinsons agent.
Uses: Parkinsons disease.
Action: carbidopa prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa, making more levodopa
available for transport to the brain.
Side effects: uncontrolled movements of face, tongue, arms, upper body; nausea and
vomiting, anorexia, depression, anxiety, confusion
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for neurologic effects, lethargy, LOC; mental
confusion
28. Norvasc (amlodipine) class: antihypertensive, antianginal.
Uses: hypertension, chronic stable angina.
Action: dilates coronary arteries, peripheral arteries/arterioles, vasodilator.
Side effects: headache, edema, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, fatigue, weakness.
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor systolic B/P; hold if <90, check for
peripheral edema
29. Dilantin (phenytoin) class: anticonvulsant, antiarrhythmic.
Uses: seizures, arrhythmia.
Action: limits spread of seizure activity.
Side effects: drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for seizure activity, B/P, LOC
30. ECASA (enteric coating acetylsalicylic acid) class: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic,
anticoagulant.
Uses: pain, fever.
Action: reduces inflammatory response, intensity of pain, decrease fever, inhibits
platelet aggregation. Side effects: nausea, GI bleeding, abdominal distention, tinnitius
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for respirations, hearing, abdominal
pain/discomfort
31. Celexa (Citalopram) - Class: Antidepressant, Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor.
Uses: treatment of depression.
Action: blocks uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at CNS presynaptic neuronal
membranes, increasing its availability at postsynaptic receptor sites.
Side effects: nausea, dry mouth, insomnia
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of self injury; suicide, mental status,
LOC
32. Flomax (Tamsulosin) Class: Alpha 1 adrenergic blocker, BPH agent.
Uses: treatment of BPH.
Action: targets receptors around bladder neck, prostate capsule.
Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, headache
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for output/voiding, hydration, electrolytes,
B/P, pulse
33. Klonopin (Clonazepam) - Class: anticonvulsant, antianxiety.
Uses: petit mal, myoclonic seizures.

Action: depresses all levels of CNS: depresses nerve impulse transmission in motor
cortex.
Side effects: behavioral disturbances, ataxia, drowsiness
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for seizure activity, LOC, B/P and pulse
34. Zoloft (Sertraline) - Class: Antidepressant, Serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Uses: treatment of major depressive disorders, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, PMDD.
Action: blocks reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at CNS neuronal presynaptic
membranes, increasing availability at postsynaptic receptor sites.
Side effects: dry mouth, rash, nausea
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of self injury; suicide, mental status,
LOC
35. Pepcid (Famotidine) - Class: Antiulcer, gastric acid secretion inhibitor.
Uses: short term treatment of GERD, short term treatment of duodenal ulcer.
Action: inhibits gastric acid secretion.
Side effects: headache, constipation, diarrhea
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for abdominal discomfort/pain, distention,
BM, BM sounds

36. Neurontin (Gabapentin) - Class: Anticonvulsant, Antineuralgic.

Uses: treatment of partial seizures.
Action: increase synthesis or accumulation of gamma amniobutyric acid (GABA).
Side effects: weight loss, nausea, vomiting
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of self injury; suicide, mental status,
LOC
37. Seroquel (Quetiapine) - Class: Antipsychotic
Uses: treatment of schizophrenia.
Action: Antagonizes dopamine, serotonin, histamine alpha 1 adrenergic receptors.
Side Effects: headache, drowsiness, dizziness
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of injury, mental status, LOC
38. Lisinopril (Prinivil) - Class: ACE inhibitor.
Uses: treatment of hypertension.
Action: suppresses renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Side Effects: postural hypotension, headache, dizziness
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor B/P, pulse, assist with ambulation, position
slowly
39. Clonidine (Catapres) Class: Antihypertensive, Antiadrenergic.
Uses: antihypertensive.
Action: prevents pain signal transmission to brain and produces analgesia at pre- and
post-alpha-adrenergic receptors in spinal cord.
Side Effects: dry mouth, sedation, constipation
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor B/P, pulse, assist with ambulation, position
slowly
40. Cymbalta (Duloxetine) - Class: Antidepressant.
Uses: treatment of major depression.
Action: Appears to inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake at CNS neuronal
presynaptic membranes.
Side Effects: insomnia, dry mouth, constipation

Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor for risk of self injury; suicide, mental status,
LOC
41. Rapid-Acting:
Insulin Lispro (Humalog) onset: <15min, peak: 1-2 hrs, duration 3-4 hrs
Insulin Aspart (Novolog) onset: <15min, peak 1-2 hrs, duration 3-4 hrs
Nursing indications/ responsibility: use 15 min before or after, dont drink alcohol, keep
med out of heat
42. Short-Acting:
Regular insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R) onset, 30min 1 hr, peak 2-3 hrs, duration 3-6
hrs
Nursing indications/ responsibility: dont change med w/o consulting doctor, dont drink
alcohol
43. Intermediate-Acting:
NPH insulin (Humilin N, Novolin N) onset 2-4 hrs, peak 4-10 hrs, duration 10-16 hrs
Nursing indications/ responsibility: keep med cool, mix/shake bottle, dont change meds
w/o consultation
44. Long-Acting:
Insulin Glargine (Lantus) onset 1-2 hrs, peak: does not peak, duration: 20-24 hrs
Nursing indications/ responsibility: keep room temp, avoid alcohol, dont change med
w/o consulting doctor
45. Protonix (Pantoprazole) - Class: Proton pump inhibitor.
Uses: treatment of GERD.
Action: inhibits hydrogen potassium adenosine triphosphate; enzyme on surface of
gastric parietal cells
Side Effects: diarrhea, headache, rash
Nursing indications/ responsibility: monitor abdominal discomfort/pain, distention, BM,
bowel sounds