ADENOSINE

ANTIARRHYTHMIC AGENT

ACTION: Slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) and sinoatrial (SA) nodes. Can
interrupt the reentry pathways through the AV node.

USES/EFFECT: Restores normal sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular

tachycardia.

S/E: CV: Transient facial flushing, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, atrial fibrillation or flutter. 

COMMON INTERVENTION : Monitor VS

AMINOPHYLLINE

BRONCHODILATOR/XANTHINE

ACTION: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation and increasing vital
capacity, which has been impaired by bronchospasm and air trapping; in higher concentrations, it
also inhibits the release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and histamine.

USE: bronchial asthma, reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema

S/E: Respiratory: Tachypnea, respiratory arrest

COMMON INTERVENTION: Monitor for clinical signs of adverse effects, particularly if serum
theophylline levels are not available.

AMIODARONE HYDROCHLORIDE 

ANTIARRHYTHMIC/ ANTIANGINAL
ACTION: Acts directly on all cardiac tissues by prolonging duration of action potential and
refractory period without significantly affecting resting membrane potential

USE: Prophylaxis and treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and supraventricular

arrhythmias, particularly with atrial fibrillation.

S/E: Hypotension, blindness, dyskinesias, anorexia and hepatotoxicity

COMMON INTERVENTION: Monitor BP carefully during infusion and slow the infusion if
significant hypotension occurs; bradycardia should be treated by slowing the infusion or
discontinuing if necessary.

ASPIRIN
Antiplatelet
ACTION: Inhibition of platelet aggregation is attributable to the inhibition of platelet synthesis
of thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor and inducer of platelet aggregation.
USE: MI prophylaxis and fever
S/E: Respiratory alkalosis, hyperpnea, tachypnea, hemorrhage, excitement, confusion, asterixis,
pulmonary edema, seizures

COMMON INTERVENTION: Give drug with full glass of water to reduce risk of tablet or capsule lodging in
the esophagus

ATROPINE SULFATE

Anticholinergic
ACTION: Competitively blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic cholinergic receptors
that mediate the effects of parasympathetic postganglionic impulses, depressing salivary and
bronchial secretions, dilating the bronchi, inhibiting vagal influences on the heart, relaxing the
GI and GU tracts, inhibiting gastric acid secretion (high doses), relaxing the pupil of the eye
(mydriatic effect), and preventing accommodation for near vision (cycloplegic effect); also
blocks the effects of acetylcholine in the CNS.

USE: Treatment of parkinsonism; relieves tremor and rigidity

S/E: Dry mouth, altered taste perception, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, heartburn, constipation,
bloated feeling, paralytic ileus, gastroesophageal reflux

COMMON INTERVENTION: Ensure adequate hydration; provide environmental control (temperature) to

prevent hyperpyrexia.

Betahistine diHCl

ANTI VERTIGO

ACTION: Meniere's disease. Meniere-like syndrome characterized by attacks

of vertigo, tinnitus and/or progressive hearing loss. Peripheral vertigo.

S/E: Mild gastric complaints have been reported

COMMON INTERVENTION:

BUDOSEINIDE

Corticosteroid
ACTION/EFFECT : Anti-inflammatory effect; local administration into nasal passages
maximizes beneficial effects on these tissues, while decreasing the likelihood of adverse effects
from systemic absorption.

S/E: Mild gastric complaints have been reported

BUMETANIDE
Loop diuretic
ACTION: Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the proximal and distal renal
tubules and the loop of Henle, leading to a naturalist diuresis.
USES: Edema associated with CHF, cirrhosis, renal disease
COMMON INTERVEMTION: single dose early in day so increased urination will not disturb
sleep.
BUDESONIDE
Corticosteroid
Anti-inflammatory effect; local administration into nasal passages maximizes beneficial effects
on these tissues, while decreasing the likelihood of adverse effects from systemic absorption.