THE 25 MOST IMPORTANT MUST-KNOW DRUGS FOR NCLEX

The best way to study for medications for NCLEX is to study it by classifications or body
system use methods. Do not study medications at random and do not study it like a
Pharmacy student would.

ANALGESICS:
(1) Aspirin:Do not give together with other anticoagulants. Stop taking Aspirin
some days before surgery. Do not give to children with viral infection(Reye
syndrome)
(2) NSAID’s e.g. Ibuprofen—Take with food; contraindicated for people with GI
ulcers
(3) Morphine: A respiratory depressant. It should be withheld if the respirations
are below 10

ANTI-CONVULSANTS:
(4) Dilantin: Causes gum hyperplasia. Advice client to visit dentist frequently

ANTIINFLAMMATORY
(5) Predisone: Causes Cushing like symptoms. Common side effects are
immunosupression(monitor client for infection), hyperglycemia

ANTI-COAGULANTS
(6) Heparin: Monitor pt’s lab work-PTT. Antidote is protamine sulfate
(7) Coumadin: Monitor pt’s lab work—PT. Antidote is Vitamin K

ANTI-PARKINSONIAN
(8 )Cogentin: Used to treat EPS
(9)Sinemet: Drug is effective when tremors are not observed

RESPIRATORY
(10)Theophylline/Aminophylline: Side effects--Tachycardia

CARDIOVASCULAR
(11)Digoxin (Lanoxin): Signs of toxicity: Pt will complaint of visual change in colors.
They would also complain of loss of appetite.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE (PRE-ECLAMPSIA)
(12)Magnesium Sulfate: Monitor for deep tendon reflex and respiratory depression

DIURETICS
(13)Hydrochlothiazide: Monitor potassium levels
(14)Lasix: Monitor potassium levels
(15)Aldactone: Potassium sparing
PSYCHOTROPICS
(16) Lithium Carbonate: Know therapeutic range (0.8 to 1.2mEq). Also know
symptoms of toxicity. Adequate fluid and salt intake is important.
(17) MAOI inhibitors: Have dangerous food-drug interactions. Food with Tyramine
should be avoided. For example: aged cheese, wine etc.
(18) Disulfiram (Antabuse): Used for alcohol aversion therapy. Clients started on
Disulfiram must avoid any form of alcohol or they would develop a severe reaction.
Teach pt to avoid some over-the-counter cough preparations, mouthwash etc.

MATERNITY
(18) Oxytocin: Assess uterus frequently for tetanic contraction.

ANTIDOTES
(19) Narcan: Reverses the effects of narcotics
(20)Calcium Gluconate: Antidote for magnesium sulfate
(21)Vitamin K: Antidote for Coumadin

Questions have been asked on NCLEX recently about the following drugs:
(22Tegretol: side effects.
(23)Atropine: What checks do you do before giving this drug (BP.)
(24)Epogen: Used in treating anemia because it increases RBC production.
(25) Acyclovir: anti-viral medication used in treating shingles.

EXTRA NOTES:
(A) When a client is on antibiotics, teach the client to continue taking the
medication even though they feel better
(B) Monitor client taking antibiotics such as Vancomycin for ototoxicity. Pt will
complain of tinnitus, room spinning (vertigo) and nausea.
(C) Clients taking vasodilators e.g. Verapramil would complain of headache