Generic: Escitalopram Brand name: Cipralex Generic: Echinacea (Purpurea) Brand Name: Black Sampson

Classification: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Classification: Immune stimulants

Therapeutic use: Bacterial and viral infections; prevention & treatment of colds, cough,
Therapeutic use: Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
flu, and bronchitis; fever; wounds & burns; inflammation of mouth & pharynx; UTIs; &
Action: Selectively inhibit reuptake of serotonin in CNS vaginal candidiasis.
Safe dosage: 10 mg once daily—may be ↑ to 20 mg once daily after 1 week. Action: Promote wound healing, which may be d/t ↑ WBC, spleen cells, and ↑ activity of
Onset Peak Duration
granulocytes, as well as an ↑ in helper T cells & cytokines.
Within 1 to 4 weeks Unknown Unknown
Patient teaching: Watch for suicidal ideations, new or worsening depression/anxiety, Safe dosage: Tablets: 6.78 mg—take 2 TID

agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, new or worsening irritability, Capsules: 500—1000 mg TID for 5—7 days.

aggressiveness, acting or dangerous impulses, mania, or other mood related changes. Fluid extract: 1—2 mL TID
Adverse reactions: Insomnia, diarrhea, nausea; & sweating. Liquid: 20 drops q2h for the first day of symptoms, then TID for up to 10 days.
Onset Peak Duration
Contraindications: Concurrent MAOI use. Unknown Unknown Unknown
Patient teaching: Take at first sign of symptoms (more effective for treatment than
Precautions: History of mania and seizures. Patient at risk for suicide. Hepatic impairment.
prevention). Usual course is 10—14 days (max 8 weeks). Keep bottle stored away from
Severe renal impairment. sunlight and in an air tight container.
Adverse reactions: Dizziness, fatigue, headache, tingling on tongue, sore throat, heartburn,
Interactions: MAOI. Centrally acting drugs. TCA’s, SNRI’s, fentanyl, buspirone, tramadol,
& constipation.
& triptans. Metoprolol, aspirin, NSAID, warfarin, & clopidogrel Contraindications: MS, leukosis, collagenases, AIDS, TB, autoimmune disorders,
Nursing Assessments: Monitor for mood changes & level of anxiety. See patient teaching. hypersensitivity, & pregnancy or lactation.
Precautions: DM
S/S of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, coma, tachycardia, hyperthermia,
Interactions: Immunosuppressants, anabolic steroids, methotrexate, ketoconazole,
hyperreflexia, incoordination, and/or GI symptoms), especially those taking other SSRIs, midazolam, & kava
SNRIs, or triptans. Vitals Nursing Assessments: Wound (size, drainage, appearance), if applicable. Frequency of
common mild illnesses, such as colds, in response to use. Vitals & labs. Diet history.
Lab: None applicable.
Lab: None

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 508 ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 1326
 Generic: Enalapril Brand Name: Epaned & Vasotec Generic: Ezetimibe Brand Name: Ezetrol & Zetia
Classification: Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
Classification: ACEI & antihypertensive
Therapeutic use: Alone or with others in management of HTN, management of HF, & Therapeutic use: Dyslipidemia
reduction of risk for death or developing HF following MI Action: Inhibit absorption of cholesterol in small intestine
Action: Block conversion of angiotensin I to vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. ↑ plasma renin
Safe dosage: 10 mg/day
levels and ↓ aldosterone levels. Systemic vasodilation, ↓ BP in hypertensive patients,
Onset Peak Duration
improved symptoms in patients with HF
Unknown Unknown Unknown
Safe dosage: PO: HTN—2.5 to 5 mg 1x/day; ↑ as needed to 40 mg/day
Patient teaching: Follow diet restrictions, exercise, & cessation of smoking
HF—2.5 mg 1-2x/day; titrate up to 10 mg BID Adverse reactions: Nausea, ↑ liver enzymes, & angioedema
Asymptomatic LV dysfunction—2.5 BID; titrate up to 10 mg BID
IV: HTN—0.625 to 1.25 mg q6h; can ↑ up to 5 mg q6h Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, acute liver disease, moderate to severe hepatic
impairment, & concurrent use of fibrates
Onset Peak Duration Precautions: Children
PO: 1 hour PO: 4 to 8 hours PO: 12 to 24 hours Interactions: Cholestyramine, bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, cyclosporine, & HMG-CoA
IV: 15 minutes IV: 1 to 4 hours IV: 4 to 6 hours
Patient teaching: Avoid salt substitutes or foods ↑ in salt. OH risk. Alternative HTN inhibitors
interventions (weight loss, low Na diet, D/C smoking, moderate alcohol, regular exercise, & Nursing Assessments: Diet history (especially in regard to fat consumption)
stress management).
Lab: Serum cholesterol, TG, & liver function
Adverse reactions: Cough, hypotension, & taste disturbances.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity & moderate to severe renal impairment.
Precautions: Renal & hepatic impairment. Hypovolemia. Hyponatremia. Diuretic use. Black
Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
patients with hypertension. Geriatric (↓ dose). ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 536
Interactions: Diuretics, other antihypertensives, potassium supplement & related
medications, ARBs, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, lithium, & food with administration.
Nursing Assessments: Monitor vitals. S/S of angioedema (swelling & welts of skin;
abdominal cramping; swollen throat, hoarseness, difficulty breathing). S/S of fluid overload
(edema, rales/crackles, dyspnea, weight gain, & JVD). Cardiopulmonary assessment. Labs.
Fluid status assessment
Lab: BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, CBC (Hgb), & liver function tests

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 161
 Generic: Enoxaparin Brand Name: Lovenox
Classification: Low molecular weight heparin (anticoagulant & antithrombotic)
Therapeutic use: Prevention of thrombus formation (VTE, DVT, PE in surgical/medical or
cancer patients). Prevent ischemic complications (unstable angina and non-ST-segment-
elevation MI). Treatment of DVT with or without PE. Treatment of acute ST-segment-
elevation MI (with thrombolytics or percutaneous coronary intervention)
Action: Potentiate inhibitory effect of antithrombin on factor Xa and thrombin.
Safe dosage: VTE prophylaxis: 30 to 40 mg q12h or daily (2h before—abdominal surgery),
depending on surgery
Treatment of DVT/PE, unstable angina, & non-ST-segment-elevation MI: 1 mg/kg q12h;
Outpatient: 1 mg/kg q12h OR 1.5 mg/kg 1x/day

Onset Peak Duration

Unknown 3 to 5 hours 12 hours
Patient teaching: Correct self-injection, care, and disposal of equipment. REPORT S/S of
unusual bleeding, bruising, dizziness, itch, rash, fever, swelling, or SOB. Do NOT take aspirin
or NSAID’s. Bleeding precautions.
Adverse reactions: Anemia & bleeding
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to heparin or pork, active major bleeding, & hx of HIT.
Precautions: Severe hepatic or renal disease, women under 45 kg or men under 57 kg,
retinopathy (HTN or diabetic), & untreated HTN.
Interactions:
Nursing Assessments: S/S of bleeding/hemorrhage. Evidence of additional or ↑ thrombosis
(heat, pain, discoloration). Vitals & labs. Bleeding precautions.
Labs: CBC, platelets, & stools for occult blood [periodical monitoring for all patients]. Anti-
Xa [patients who are obese or have renal dysfunction]. AST & ALT (may ↑)

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 635