Stimulates Beta-2 Receptors in

Andrenergics Actions
Lungs (causes brochdilation)

Norepinephrine, Dopamine,
Andrenergics Med Names
Epinephrine, Dobutamine

Andrenergics Nursing Monitor B/P, Monitor Peripheral

Considerations Pluses, Check Output

Dysrhythmias, Tremors, Anticholinergic

Andrenergics Side Effects Effects (dry mouth, urinary retention)

Andrenergics Uses COPD, Cardiac Arrest

Antacids Action neutralize gastric acids

Antacids Med Names MOM, Maalox, Amphojel

Antacids Nursing Interferes with absorption of antibiotics, iron

preps, INH, oral contraceptives
Consideration Monitor bowel functions

constipation, diarrhea, acid

Antacids Side Effects
rebound

peptic ulcer, indigestion, reflex

Antacids Uses
esophagitis
 Anti Impotence (Erectile
Viagra, Levitra, Cialis
Dysfunction) Med Names

Anti Impotence
nitrates, alpha blockers
Contraindications

Anti Impotence Nursing can not take with grapefruit juice

Considerations call PCP if erection lasting longer than 4 h

headaches, hypotension,
Anti Impotence Side Effects
priapism

relaxes smooth muscle,

Antianginals Action
decreases venous return

Antianginals Med Names Nitro, Isordil

Check expiration date

Antianginals Nursing Teach when to take medication
May take q 5 min x 3 doses
Considerations Wet with saliva and place under tongue

hypotension, tachycardia,
Antianginals Side Effects
headache, dizziness

angina, peri-operative
Antianginals Uses
hypoertension, HF

affect neurotransmitters (CNS

Antianxiety Actions
depressent)
 Librium, Xanax, Ativan,
Antianxiety Med Names
Vistaril, Equanil

Antianxiety Nursing Potential for addiction/overdose,

Considerations Avoid Alcohol, Monitor LFT

Sedatiosn, confustion, hepatic

Antianxiety Side Effects
dysfunction

anxiety disorders, manic

Antianxiety Uses
episodes, panic attacks

Allergies, Super Infections,

Antibiotics General
Organ Toxicity

Take until gone

Do culture and sensitivity first
Antibiotics Teaching Encourage fluids
Check expiration date

Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides -mycin

Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides inhibits protein synthesis in gram-

Action negative bacteria

Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides Gentamycin, Neomycin,

Med Names Streptomycin, Tobramycin

Checking 8th cranial nerve (hearing)

Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides Check Renal Function (BUN)
Take for 7-10 days
Nursing Considerations Encourage Fluids (3,000ml/day when pushing)
Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides ototoxicity, nephrotoxicty,
Side Effects nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Antibiotics: Aminoglycosides
Pseudomonas, E. coli
Uses

Antibiotics: Cephalosporins Ceph-, Cef, Kef

Antibiotics: Cephalosporins inhibits synthesis of bacterial

Actions cell wall

Antibiotics: Cephalosporins Ceclor, Ancef, Keflex, Rocephin,

Med Names Mefoxin

Take w food
Antibiotics: Cephalosporins Cross allergy with PCN
Avoid alcohol
Nursing Consideration Obtain Culture and Sensitivity before first dose

Antibiotics: Cephalosporins Bone Marrow Depression,

Side Effects Superinfections, Rash

Antibiotics: Cephalosporins tonsillitis, otitis media, peri-operative

Uses prophylaxis, meningitis

Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones interferes with DNA replication

Actions in gram-negative bacteria

Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones
Cipro
Med Names
Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones Culture and Sensity before starting therapy
Encourage Fluids (3000ml.day)
Nursing Consideration Take 1 h before or 2 h after meals

Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones diarrhea, decreased WBC and hematocrit,

elevated liver enzymes (AST ALT), elevated
Side Effects alkaline phosphatase

Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones
E. coli, Pseudomonas, S. aureus
Uses

binds to cell membrane and

Antibiotics: Macrolide Actions
changes protein function

Antibiotics: Macrolide Med erthromycin, Cleocin

Names (clindamycin)

Antibiotics: Macrolide Nursing Take 1 h before or 2-3 h after meals

Monitor LFT
Consderations Take w full glass of water

Antibiotics: Macrolide Side diarrhea, confusion, hepatotoxicity,

Effects superinfections

acute infections, acne, URI, prophylaxis

Antibiotics: Macrolide Uses before dental procedures if allergic to PCN

Antibiotics: Penicillins Actions inhibits synthesis of cell wall

Antibiotics: Penicillins Med amoxicillin, ampicillin,

Names augmentin
Antibiotics: Penicillins Nursing Check for hypersensitivity
Give 1-2 h before or 2-3 h after meals
Considerations Cross allergy to cephalosporins

Antibiotics: Penicillins Side stomatitis, diarrhea, allergic

Effect reactions, renal and hepatic changes

moderate to severe infections, syphilis,

Antibiotics: Penicillins Uses gonococcus infections, Lyme disease

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides anatgonize essential component

Actions of folic acid synthesis

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides Med

Gantrisin, Bactrim, Azulfidine
Names

Take with meals

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides
Encourage fluids
Nursing Considerations Good mouth care

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides Side peripheral neuropathy, crystalluria,

Effects photosensitivity, GI upset, stomatitis

ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, otitis

Antibiotics: Sulfonamides Uses
media, UTIs

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines
inhibits protein syntheis
Actions

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines Med

Vibramycin, Panmycin
Names

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines
Nursing Consideration
Antibiotics: Tetracyclines Side
Effects
Antibiotics: Tetracyclines Uses
Anticholinergics Actions
Anticholinergics Med Names
Anticholinergics Nursing
Considerations
Anticholinergics Side Effects
Anticholinergics Uses
Anticoagulant Coumadin
Action
Anticoagulant Coumadin
Nursing Considerations
Take 1 h before or 2-3 after meals
Do not take antacid, mile, iron
SUNBLOCK - avoid sunlight
Monitor renal function
Note Expiration Date - Toxic after date
discoloration of primary teeth if taken by the
mother during pregnancy, glossitis, rash,
phototoxic reaction
infections, acne, prophylaxis for
ophthalmia neonatorum
dilates pupil, causes bronchodialtion adn
decreased secreations, decreases mobility
and GI secreations
Pro-Banthine, Atropine,
Scopace
Monitor output
Contraindicated with glaucoma
Give 30 min before meals, at bedtime or 2 hours after
meals
blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary
retention, change in heart rate
opthalmic exam, motion
sickness, pre-operative
interferes with synthesis of vitamin 5-
dependent clotting factors
Monitor PT
Normal 9-12 sec
Therapeutic level 1.5 times control
Antagonist- Vit K
Monitor for bleeding
Give PO
Anticoagulant Coumadin Side
Effects
Anticoagulant Coumadin Uses
Anticoagulant Heparin Action
Anticoagulant Heparin Nursing
Considerations
Anticoagulant Heparin Side
Effect
Anticoagulant Heparin Uses
Anticonvulsants Actions
Anticonvulsants Med Names
Anticonvulsants Nursing
Considerations
Anticonvulsants Side Effects
Hemorrhage, alopecia
pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis,
prophylaxis after acute MI
blocks conversion of prothrobin
to thrombin
Monitor clotting time or PTT
Normal 20-45 sec
Therapeutic level 1.5-2.5 times control
Antagonist- protmaine sulfate
Give SC or IV - Do NOT aspirate or Massage!
hematuria, tissue irritation
pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis,
prophylaxis after acute MI
decreases flow of calcium and sodium
across neuronal membranes
Dilantin, Luminal, Depakote,
Tegretol, Klonopin
Don't d/c abruptly
Monitor I&O
Caution with use of meds that lower seizure thresholds (ex. MOAIs,
antipyscotic)
No alcohol
Urine is pink/reddish
Respiratory depression, aplastic
anemia, gingival hypertrophy, ataxia
 Anticonvulsants Uses seizures

Antidepressants: Heterocyclics
Wellbutrin, Desyrel
Med Names

avoid alcohol
Antidepressants: Heterocyclics
CNS depressants
Nursing Considerations wean off slowly

Antidepressants: Heterocyclics Wellbutrin: agitation

Side Effects Desyrel: sedation

Antidepressants: Heterocyclics depression and smoking

Uses cessation

causes increased concentration

Antidepressants: MAOIs Action
of neurotransmitters

Antidepressants: MAOIs Med

Marplan, Parnate, Nardil
Names

Avoid foods containing tyramine

Antidepressants: MAOIs Monitor Output
Takes 4 wks to work
Nursing Considerations Do not take with cold medications or CNS stimulates

Antidepressants: MAOIs Side hypertensive crisis when taken with

tyramine-containing foods (cheese, liver,
Effects beer, wine), photosensitivity

Antidepressants: MAOIs Uses depression, chronic pain

 inhibits CNS uptake of
Antidepressants: SSRIs Actions
serotonin

Antidepressants: SSRIs Med

Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft
Names

suicide precautions
Antidepressants: SSRIs takes 4 weeks to fully work
take in am
Nursing Considerations turn urine pink

Antidepressants: SSRIs Side Anxiety, gi upset, change in appetite and

Effects bowel function, urinary retention

depression, obsessive
Antidepressants: SSRIs Uses
compulsive disorders, bulimia

Antidepressants: Tricyclics inhibits reuptake of

Actions neurotransmitters

Antidepressants: Tricyclics Med

Elavil, Tofranil, Norpamin
Names
Monitor for suicide

Antidepressants: Tricyclics takes 2-6 weeks to work

take at bedtime
monitor vital signs
position slowly

Nursing Considerations wean off medication

no alcohol
no sun- use sunscreen

Antidepressants: Tricyclics Side sedation, anticholinergic effect, confusion,

Effects postural hypotension, urinary retention

Antidepressants: Tricyclics
depression, sleep apnea
Uses
 Stimulates insulin release from
Antidiabetic Agents: Actions
beta cells in pancreas

Antidiabetic Agents: Med Diabinese, Orinase, Dymelor,

Names Micronase

Antidiabetic Agents: Nursing take before breakfast

Monitor glucose levels
Considerations avoid alcohol

Antidiabetic Agents: Side Hypoglycemia, allergic skin

Effects reactions, GI upset

Antidiabetic Agents: Uses Type 2 diabetes

increases GI motility, blocks effect of

Antidiarrheals: Action dopamine in chemoreceptor trigger zone

slows peristalsis, increases tone

Antidiarrheals: Actions
of sphincters

Kaopectate, Lomotil, Imodium,

Antidiarrheals: Med Names
Paregoric

Antidiarrheals: Nursing do not use with abdominal pain

monitor for urinary retention
Considerations give 2h before or 3h after other medications

Antidiarrheals: Nursing Use before chemo

When used with viral infections may cause
Considerations Rye's syndrome
 constipation, anticholinergic
Antidiarrheals: Side Effects
effects

Antidiarrheals: Side Effects sedation, anticholinergic effects

Antidiarrheals: Uses diarrhea

Antidiarrheals: Uses vomiting

interfere with electrical

Antidysrhythmics Action
exciablility of heart

Atropine, Lidocaine, Pronestyl,

Antidysrhythmics Med Names
Quinidine, Isuprel

Antidysrhythmics Nursing Monitor VS and Cardiac

Consideration Rhythm

Lightheadedness, hypotension,
Antidysrhythmics Side Effects
bradycardia, urnary retention

A-Fib and flutter, tachycardia,

Antidysrhythmics Uses
PVCs

Tigan, Compazine, Reglan,

Antiemetics: Med Names
Antivert, Dramine
 Antifungals: Action impairs cell membrane

Antifungals: Med Names Amphotericin B, Nystatin

Give w food
Antifungals: Nursing
monitor liver function
Considerations good oral hygiene

hepatotoxicity, throbocytopenia,
Antifungals: Side Effects leukopenia, hemorrhage, pruritus

candidiasis, oral thrush,

Antifungals: Uses
histoplasmosis

decreases production and resorption of

Antigout Agents: Actions uric acid

Colchicine, Probenecid,
Antigout Agents: Med Names
Allopurinol

Antigout Agents: Nursing monitor kidney stones

Consideration Give w milk, food, antacids

agranulocytosis, GI upset, renal

Antigout Agents: Side Effects
calculi

Antigout Agents: Uses Gout

 Antihistamines: Action block effects of histamine

Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl,
Antihistamines: Med Names
Phenergan

give w food
Antihistamines: Nursing use sunscreen
avoid alcohol
Considerations assess respirations

drowsiness, dry mouth,

Antihistamines: Side Effects
photosensitivity, bronchospasm

allergic rhinitis, allergic

Antihistamines: Uses
reactions to blood

inhibits cholesterol and

Antihyperlipidemic: Actions
triglyceride synthesis

Antihyperlipidemic: Med
Questran, Lipitor
Names

Antihyperlipidemic: Nursing Take at bedtime or 30 mins after meals

Administer 1 h before or 4-6h after other
Considerations meds

Antihyperlipidemic: Side constipation, fat-soluble, vitamin

Effects deficiency

elevated cholesterol, reduce incidence

Antihyperlipidemic: Uses of cardiovascular disease
 Antihypertensives: Ace
blocks ACE in lungs
Inhibitors Actions

Antihypertensives: Ace
-pril (think arteries)
Inhibitors Med Names

give 1 hour before meals, or 3 hrs after

Antihypertensives: Ace Inhibitors
Change positioning slowly
Nursing Considerations Monitor VS

Antihypertensives: Ace GI upset, orthostatic

Inhibitors Side Effects hypotension, dizziness

Antihypertensives: Ace
hypertension, CHF
Inhibitors Uses

Antihypertensives: Alpha 1 Selective blockade of alpha-1

Adrenergic Blockers Actions reception in peripheral blood vessels

Antihypertensives: Alpha 1
Adrenergic Blockers Med Names
-osin

administer first dose bedtime to avoid fainting

Antihypertensives: Alpha 1 Adrenergic
Monitor BUN, weight and edema
Blockers Nursing Considerations Change position slowly

Antihypertensives: Alpha 1 reflex tachycardia, orthostac hypotension, nasal

Adrenergic Blockers Side Effects congestion

Antihypertensives: Alpha 1 hypertension, benign prostatic

Adrenergic Blockers Uses hypertrophy, reflex tachycardia
Antihypertensives: Angiotensin blocks vasoconstriction and
II Receptor Blockers Action aldosterone effects of aniotensin II

Antihypertensives: Angiotensin II
Receptor Blockers Med Names
-sartan

monitor vs
Antihypertensives: Angiotensin II Receptor
do not chew or divide sustained release
Blockers Nursing Considerations
tablets

Antihypertensives: Angiotensin II Hypotension, dizziness, GI

Receptor Blockers Side Effects distress

Antihypertensives: Angiotensin II Hypertension, heart failure, MI, diabetic

Receptor Blockers Uses neuropathy, stroke prevention

Antihypertensives: Beta blocks beta-adrenergic

Blockers Actions receptors

Antihypertensives: Beta
-lol (beats)
Blockers Med Names

Masks signs of shock and hypoglycemia

Antihypertensives: Beta Blockers
Take with meals
Nursing Considerations Do not dc abruptly

Antihypertensives: Beta changes in HR, hypotension,

Blockers Side Effects bronchospasms

Antihypertensives: Beta
hypertension, angina, SVT
Blockers Uses
 Antihypertensives: Calcium inhibits movement of calcium
Channel Blockers Actions across cell membrane

Antihypertensives: Calcium
-pine, Cardizem
Channel Blockers Med Names

monitor vs
Antihypertensives: Calcium Channel
caution position change
Blockers Nursing Considerations monitor edema (face swelling, SOB)

Antihypertensives: Calcium Channel hypotension, renal failure,

Blockers Side Effects angioedema

Antihypertensives: Calcium angina, hypertension,

Channel Blockers Uses interstitial cystitis

Antineoplastic: Alkylating interferes with rapidly

Agents Action reproducing DNA

Antineoplastic: Alkylating
Cisplatin, Myleran, Cytoxan
Agents Med Names

Checking hematopoietic function

Antineoplastic: Alkylating Agents
Force fluids
Nurisng Considerations Good mouth care

Antineoplastic: Alkylating hepatotoxicity, bone marrow

Agents Side Effects suppression

Antineoplastic: Alkylating
leukemia, multiple myeloma
Agents Uses
Antineoplastic: Antimetabolites
inhibits DNA polymerase
Actions

Antineoplastic: Antimetabolites
5-FU, Methotrexate
Med Names

Antineoplastic: Antimetabolites Monitor hematopoietic function

Good mouth care
Nursing Consideration Discuss body image changes

Antineoplastic: Antimetabolites nausea, vomiting, oral ulcerations, bone

Side Effects marrow suppression, alopecia

Antineoplastic: Antimetabolites acute lymphatic leukemia, cancer of colon, breast,

pancreas
Uses

Antineoplastic: Antitumor interferes with DNA and RNA

Action sythesis

Antineoplastic: Antitumor Med Adriamycin, Bleomycin,

Names Actinomycin D

Antineoplastic: Antitumor Monitor VS

Nursing Considerations Give antiemetic before administration

Antineoplastic: Antitumor Side bone marrow suppression, alopecia,

Effects stomatitis

Antineoplastic: Antitumor Uses cancer

 Antineoplastic: Hormonal changes hormone input into
Agents Actions sensitive cells

Antineoplastic: Hormonal
Nolvadex, Testosterone
Agents Med Names

Antineoplastic: Hormonal Check CBC

Agents Nursing Considerations Monitor serum calcium

Antineoplastic: Hormonal leukopenia, bone pain,

Agents Side Effects hypercalcemia

Antineoplastic: Hormonal
Cancer
Agents Uses

Antineoplastic: Vinca Alkaloids

interferes with cell division
Action

Antineoplastic: Vinca Alkaloids Velban (vinblastine), Oncovin

Med Names (vincristine)

Antineoplastic: Vinca Alkaloids Give antiemetic before administration

Check reflexes
Nursing Considerations Given with Zyloprim to decrease uric acid

Antineoplastic: Vinca Alkaloids stomatitis, alopecia, loss of deep tendon

Side Effects reflexes, bone marrow suppression

Antineoplastic: Vinca Alkaloids

cancer
Uses
 converted to dopamine, stimulates
Antiparkinson Agents Actions postoynaptic dopamine receptors

Antiparkinson Agents Med (-dopa) Artane, Cogentin, L-

Names Dopa, Parlodel, Sinemet

Antiparkinson Agents Nursing Monitor for urinary retention

Large doeses of Vit B6 reverse effects
Consideration Avoid use of CNS depressants

Antiparkinson Agents Side dizziness, ataxia, atropine like

Effects effects

Antiparkinson Agents Uses Parkinson's Disease

interferes with platelet

Antiplatelet Agents Actions
aggregation

Antiplatelet Agents Med Names Aspirin, Persantine, Plavix

Antiplatelet Agents Nursing Check for signs of bleeding

Considerations Give with food or milk

Antiplatelet Agents Side Effects hemorrhage, throbocytopenia

Antiplatelet Agents Uses venous thrombosis, PE

 blocks dopamine receptors in
Antipsychotic Agents Actions
basal ganglia

Antipsychotic Agents Med Thorazine-low, Trilafon-

Names medium, Haldol-high

Check CBC
Antipsychotic Agents Nruisng
Monitor VS
Considerations Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Antipsychotic Agents Side akathisia, dyskinesia, dystonia, parkinson's

Effects syndrome, tardive dyskinesias, leukpenia

Antipsychotic Agents Uses acute and chronic psychoses

antiprostaglandin activity in
Antipyretic Action
hypothalamus

Antipyretic Med Name Tylenol

Antipyretic Nursing Monitor LFT & ALT

Aspirin contraindicated under 21 yo due to
Considerations risk of Reye's syndrome

Antipyretic Side Effects GI irritation, Liver dysfuction

Antipyretic Uses fever

 reduce vasularity of thyroid, inbibits release of
Antithyroid Agents Action thyroid into circulation

Antithyroid Agents Med Names Tapazole, SSKI

Bitter Taste
Antithyroid Agents Nursing May cause burning in mouth
Give with meals
Considerations Check CBC

leukopenia, rash,
Antithyroid Agents Side Effects
thrombocytopenia

Antithyroid Agents Uses Hyperthroidism, myxedema

inhibits cell and protein

Antitubercular Agents Action
synthesis

Antitubercular Agents Med First Line -INH, Rifampin, Ethambutol, Streptomycin

Second Line - PAS, PZA
Names

Check LFT
Antitubercular Agents Nursing
Vit B6 given for peripheral neuritis
Considerations Used in combination

Antitubercular Agents Side

hepatitis, peripheral neuritis
Effects

TB, to prevent disease in person exposed to

Antitubercular Agents Uses organism
 suppress cough reflex by inhibiting cough
Antitussive Agents Actions reflex in medulla, decrease viscosity of
secretions

Antitussive Agents Med Names Benylin DM, Robitussin

Antitussive Agents Nursing Monitor Cough

Considerations Avoid alcohol

bradycardia, respiratory depression,

Antitussive Agents Side Effects drowsiness, dizziness, anticholinergic effects

Antitussive Agents Uses coughs due to URI, COPD

inhibits DNA and RNA

Antivirals Action
relpications

Zovirax, AZT, Videx, Famvir,

Antivirals Med Names
Cytovene

Antivirals Nursing Encourage fluids

Considerations Not a cure, but relieves symptoms

headache, dizziness, GI
Antivirals Side Effects
symptoms

Antivirals Uses recurrent HSV, HIV infections

 Attention Disorder Agents increases level of
Action catecholamines

Attention Disorder Agents Med

Ritalin, Dexedrine
Names

Monitor growth rate

Attention Disorder Agents
Monitor liver enzymes
Nursing Consideration Give in am

Attention Disorder Agents Side restlessness, insomnia, tachycardia,

Effects palitations

Attention Disorder Agents Uses ADD, narcolepsy

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents interferes with binding of dopamine in the

Actions brain

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents

Clozaril, Risperdal
Med Names

Monitor Blood Work

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents Chang position slowly
Use sunscreen
Nursing Considerations Monitor VS - Airway

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents extrapyramidal, anticholinergic,

Side Effects sedatives, ortho hypotension

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents

Acute and chronic psychoses
Uses
 Benzodiazepines -pams

-lol
Beta Blockers can cause bronchspasms
airway is a consideration

Bipolar Disorder: Action reduces catecholamine release

Lithium (salt), Tegretol (mood

Bipolar Disorder: Med Names stablizer), Depakote (mood stablizer)

Bipolar Disorder: Nursing monitor serum levels

give with meals
Considerations increase fluid intake

GI upset, tremors, polydipsia,

Bipolar Disorder: Side Effects
polyuria

Bipolar Disorder: Uses Manic episodes

Bone-Reabsorption Inhibitors:
inhibits resorption of bone
Biophosphonates Action

Bone-Reabsorption Inhibitors: Alendronate (fosamax), Risedronate

Biophosphonates Med Names (actonel), Ibandronate (boniva)

Bone-Reabsorption Inhibitors:
esophagitis, arthralgia
Biophosphonates Side Effects
Bone-Reabsorption Inhibitors:
osteoprosis, paget's disease
Biophosphonates Uses

decreases activity of
Bronchodilators Action
phosphodiesterase

Aminophylline, Brethine, Atrovent,

Bronchodilators Med Names Proventil, Primatene mist

Monitor BP and HR
Bronchodilators Nursing When used with steroid inhaler, use bronchodilater
first
Considerations May aggravate diabetes

tachycardia, dysrhythmias,
Bronchodilators Side Effects palpitations, anticholinergic effects

Bronchodilators Uses COPD, preterm labor

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors decreases production of aqueous humor in

Action ciliary body

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Diamox
Med Names

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Monitor for systemic effects
Nursing Considerations

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors blurred vision, lethargy,

Side Effects depression
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
open-angle glaucoma
Uses

increases force of myocardial contraction,

Cardiac Glycosides Action slows rate

Cardiac Glycosides Med Names Lanoxin (digoxin)

Cardiac Glycosides Nursing Take apical pulse

Notify physician if adult <60, child <90-110
Consideration Monitor potassium level (3.5-5)

bradycardia, nausea, vomiting,

Cardiac Glycosides Side Effects
visual disturbances

Cardiac Glycosides Uses left-sided HF

Cytoprotective Agents Action forms a barrier on ulcer surface

Cytoprotective Agents Med

Carafate
Names

Cytoprotective Agents Nursing Take 1h before food

Considerations Give 2h becofe or after other meds

Cytoprotective Agents Side

constipation, vertigo
Effects
Cytoprotective Agents Uses duodenal ulcer

Depakote - Anticonvulsant No carbonated beverages

Digoxin Antidote Digibind

Digoxin Therapeutic Levels 0.5-2

Don't give too fast - cardiac arrest

Dilantin - Anticonvulsant NEVER mix with another med
Urine Pink

inhibits reabsorption of sodium and water,

Diuretics Actions blocks effects of aldosterone

HydroDIURIL, Aldactone,
Diuretics Med Names
Lasix, Mannitol

Take with food or milk

Diuretics Nursing
Take in am
Considerations Monitor fluid and electrolytes

dizziness, orth hypotension,

Diuretics Side Effects
leukopenia

Diuretics Uses CHF, renal disease

 Electrolytes Actions replaces needed electrolytes

Os-Cal, Slow Mag, K-Dur,

Electrolytes Med Names
Sodium Chloride

Electrolytes Nursing Monitor fluid and electrolyte

Considerations levels

Electrolytes Side Effects electrolyte imbalances

fluid and electrolyte

Electrolytes Uses
imbalances, osteoporosis

Anti-infective
Furadantin (nitrofurantoin) Give w food or milk
Monitor pulmonary status
Nursing Considerations Take w/ cranberry juice

Furadantin (nitrofurantoin)
asthma attacks, diarrhea
Side Effects

Furadantin (nitrofurantoin)
UTIs
Uses

stimulates formation of glucose,

Glucocorticoids Action
alters immune response

Solu-Cortef (hydrocortisone)
Glucocorticoids Med Names
Decadron, Prednisone
 Glucocorticoids Nursing Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
Don't dc abruptly
Considerations Monitor for signs of infection

susceptible to infection and masks infection,

Glucocorticoids Side Effects insomnia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia,
psychoses, depression, stunted growth

Addison's disease, Crohn's

Glucocorticoids Uses
disease, COPD, leukemias

inhibits action of histamine and

H2-Receptor Blockers Action
gastric acid secretions

H2-Receptor Blockers Med

Tagamet, Zantac
Names

H2-Receptor Blockers Nursing Take w meals and hs

Smoking decreases effectiveness
Considerations Monitor LFT and CBC

H2-Receptor Blockers Side dizziness, confustion, hypotension,

Effects impotence

H2-Receptor Blockers Uses ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux

Severe Headache
Palpitations
Hypertensive Crisis Diaphoretic
Stiff Neck

stimulates liver to change

Hypoglycemic Agent: Action
glycogen to glucose
 Hypoglycemic Agent: Med
GlacGen (glucagon)
Name

Hypoglycemic Agent: Nursing May repeat in 15 min

Give carbs orally to prevent secondary
Considerations hypoglycemic reactions

Hypoglycemic Agent: Side

hypotension, bronchospasms
Effects

Hypoglycemic Agent: Uses Hypoglycemia

prevents production of T cells and their

Immunosuppressants Action response to interleukin-2

Immunosuppressants Med
Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
Names
Take once daily in am

Immunosuppressants Nursing Used with adrenal corticosteroids

Monitor renal and liver function tests
Take w milk or juice
Considerations Stay away from sick ppl
Good Handwashing

Immunosuppressants Side hepatotxicity, nephrotoxicity, leukonpenia,

Effects thrombovytopenia

prevents rejection for

Immunosuppressants Uses
transplanted organs

Insulin: Combination Duration 24h

Insulin: Combination Names Humulin 70/30

Insulin: Combination Onset .5h

Insulin: Combination Peak 2-12h

Insulin: Fast Acting Duration 6-8h

Regular - can be given IV or Pump

Insulin: Fast Acting Names
Humulin R

Insulin: Fast Acting Onset .5-1h

Insulin: Fast Acting Peak 2-4h

Insulin: Intermediate Acting

18-26h
Duration

Insulin: Intermediate Acting NPH

Names Humulin N

Insulin: Intermediate Acting

2h
Onset
Insulin: Intermediate Acting
6-12h
Peak

Insulin: Slow Acting Duration 24-36h

Ultralente
Insulin: Slow Acting Names
Humulin U

Insulin: Slow Acting Onset 4h

Insulin: Slow Acting Peak 8-20h

increase availability of iron for

Iron Preparations Actions
hemoglobin

Feosol (ferrous sulfate)

Iron Preparations Med Names
Imferon

Take on empty stomach

Iron Preparations Nursing
Vit C increases absorption
Considerations Monitor Hct and Hgb

constipation, dark stools,

Iron Preparations Side Effects
tachycardia

Iron Preparations Uses iron-deficiency anemia

 Laxatives/Stool Softeners absorb water increasing bulk, lubricate
Action surface of stool, stimulate peristalsis

Laxatives/Stool Softeners Med Cascara, Dulcolax, Colace,

Names MOM

Contraindicated w symptoms of acute abd

Laxatives/Stool Softeners Monitor fluid and electrolytes
Chronic uses may cause hypokalemia
Nursing Considerations Encourage fluid

Laxatives/Stool Softeners Side diarrhea, dependence, abdominal

Effects cramps, hypermagnesemia

constipation, preparation for sx and

Laxatives/Stool Softeners Uses procedures

Common given in OB
Mag Sulfate - Anticonvulsant Deep Tendon Reflexes be evaluated
SE: Resp Arrest

Narcotics Action acts on CNS receptor cells

Morphione, Codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, Precodan

Narcotics Med Names (oxycodone)

Safety precautions
Narcotics Nursing Avoid alcohol
Monitor VS
Considerations Narcan

dizziness, sedation, respiratory

Narcotics Side Effects depression, hypotension, constipation
 moderate to severe pain, preoperative,
Narcotics Uses postoperative

NSAIDS Action inhibits prostaglandin synthesis

NSAIDS Med Names Motrin, Indocin, Naprosyn

Take w food or after meals

NSAIDS Nursing Monitor liver and renal functions
Use cautiously with aspirin allergy
Considerations Check for bleeding

GI upset, dizziness, headaches,

NSAIDS Side Effects
bleeding, fluid retention

arthritis, mild to moderate

NSAIDS Uses
pain, fever

Pyridium Nursing Taken with meals

Considerations Urinary tract analgesic

Headache, Vertigo, Changes

Pyridium Side Effects
urine orange

Pyridium Uses UTIs

Thrombolytics Action dissolves or lyses blood clots

 Strepokinase, Urokinase, Tissue Plasminogen
Thrombolytics Med Names Activator (TPA)

Monitor for bleeding

Thrombolytics Nursing Have amino caproic acid available - Antidote
Check pulse, color, sensation of extremities
Considerations Monitor EKG

Bleeding, bradycardia,
Thrombolytics Side Effects
dysrhythmias

acute pulmonary emboli,

Thrombolytics Uses
thrombosis, MI

Thyroid Replacement Agents

increases metabolic rate
Action

Thyroid Replacement Agents

Synthroid, Cytomel
Med Names
Monitor weight
Thyroid Replacement Agents Take in am
Monitor pulse and BP
Nursing Consideration Enhances antideppresants and anticouglant stronger
Decreases insulin and digoxin

Thyroid Replacement Agents nervousness, tachycardia,

Side Effects weight loss

Thyroid Replacement Agents hypothyroidism, Graves'

Uses disease