DRUG STUDY

NAME OF DRUG GENERAL ACTION SPECIFIC ACTION INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION ADVERSE EFFECTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Acetaminophen Analgesics; Para- Thought to produce  Fever  Hypersensitive to the CNS 1. Give without regard for food.
(Paracetamol) aminophenol analgesia by inhibiting  Mild to moderate drug  Headache 2. Before and during long-term
500mg/tab 1tab for derivatives prostaglandin and pain  Severe hepatic  Insomnia therapy, monitor liver function
temp. >37.8 ̊C other substances that  Mild to moderate impairment or severe  Pyrexia test results, including AST, ALT,
sensitize pain pain with adjunctive active liver disease CV bilirubin, and creatinine levels, as
receptors. Drug may opioid analgesics  Use cautiously in  Hypertension ordered.
relieve fever through  Prevention of patients with any type  Hypotension 3. Monitor renal function in patient
central action in the adverse reactions of liver disease, chronic  Peripheral edema on long-term therapy. Keep in
hypothalamic heat- (including in children malnutrition, severe  Periorbital edema mind that blood or albumin in
regulating center. at high risk for hypovolemia GI urine may indicate nephritis;
seizure) with (dehydration or blood  Nausea decreased urine output may
diphtheria, tetanus loss) or severe renal  Vomiting indicate renal failure; and dark
toxoids, and pertussis impairment  Diarrhea brown urine may indicate presence
vaccination  Use cautiously in GU of the metabolite phenacetin.
patients with long-term  Anemia 4. Expect to reduce dosage for
alcohol use because patients with renal dysfunction.
 Leukopenia
therapeutic doses can 5. Store suppositories under 80° F
 Neutropenia
cause hepatotoxicity in (26.6° C).
 Pancytopenia
these patients 6. Tell patient that tablets may be
Metabolic
crushed or swallowed whole.
 Hypervolemia
7. Instruct patient to read
 Hypoglycemia
manufacturer’s label and follow
 Hypokalemia dosage guidelines precisely.
 Hypomagnesemia Explain that infants’ and children’s
Musculoskeletal acetaminophen liquid aren’t equal
 Muscle spasms in drug concentration and aren’t
Respiratory interchangeable.
 Hypoxia 8. Advise patient to use
 Atelectasis manufacturer’s dropper or dosage
 Pulmonary edema cup for measuring liquid
 Stridor acetaminophen.
9. Advise to contact prescriber before
taking other prescription or OTC
products because they may contain
acetaminophen.