Drug Study
GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION: SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE
REACTION
Eperisone hydrochloride, a centrally acting muscle relaxant,
has shown a potential effect in pain management. Its action Significant: Shock and
Eperisone Hydrochloride mechanism involves inhibition of neural activity and pain anaphylactoid reactions (e.g.
sensation by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channels urticaria, pruritus, oedema
(VGSC) in the brain stem.
of the face or other parts,
BRAND NAME: INDICATION: dyspnoea), Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, toxic
This medication is a muscle relaxant, prescribed for muscle
spasms. epidermal necrolysis; weakness,
Myelax dizziness, drowsiness.
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
DRUG ILLUSTRATION:
constipation, stomach
discomfort, abdominal pain.
Genera/ disorders and
administration site conditions:
Fatigue.
Metabolism and nutrition
disorders: Anorexia, increased
thirst.
CLASSIFICATION: CONTRAINDICATION:
Nervous system disorders:
Headache, numbness of the
Myasthenia gravis. Lactation. Contraindications may vary
extremities.
among individual products.
Antispasmodics
Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE: disorders: Rash.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
Nursing Considerations
● Monitor cardiovascular status
with frequent BP
determinations. Note that BP
lowering usually occurs within 2
wk with maximal
antihypertensive effects
achieved within 4 wk.
● Lab tests: Monitor baseline and
periodic serum potassium,
serum sodium, renal function
tests, lipid profile, and LFTs.
Monitor type 2 diabetics for
microalbuminuria.
● Concurrent drugs: Monitor
serum potassium levels more
frequently when patients are
also receiving an ACE inhibitor or
an angiotensin II receptor
antagonist. Monitor frequently
for lithium toxicity with
concurrent use.
● Withhold drug and notify
physician for any of the
following: serum potassium >5.5
mEq/L, serum creatinine >2.0
Page 1 of 11
 Vascular disorders: Hot flushes.
Adult: 50mg/tab TID
GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION: SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTION
● Gastrointestinal: Constipation,
diverticulitis, dysphagia, eructation,
Celecoxib esophagitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis,
gastroesophageal reflux,
hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia, melena,
BRAND NAME: INDICATION: dry mouth, stomatitis, tenesmus,
mg/dL in males or >1.8 mg/dL in
females, creatinine clearance
<50 mL/min, microalbuminuria
in type 2 diabetics.
Patient Teaching
● Do not use potassium
supplements, salt substitutes
containing potassium, or
contraindicated drugs (e.g.,
ketoconazole, itraconazole)
without consulting a physician.
● Do not use OTC nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs without
consulting a physician.
● Do not breast feed without
consulting a physician.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
Nursing Considerations
● Assess range of motion, degree of
swelling, and pain in affected joints
before and periodically throughout
therapy.
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Celebrex Celecoxib is indicated for symptomatic
treatment of adult osteoarthritis (OA) and adult
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Celecoxib is not a
DRUG ILLUSTRATION: substitute for aspirin for cardiovascular event
prophylaxis.
It may also be used to treat acute pain from
various sources, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in
children over 2, ankylosing spondylitis, and
primary dysmenorrhea.
Celecoxib, in combination with tramadol, is
indicated for the management of acute pain in
adults severe enough to require an opioid
analgesic and in whom alternative treatments
are inadequate.
CLASSIFICATION: CONTRAINDICATION:
Cox-2 inhibitors Celecoxib is contraindicated for the treatment of
perioperative pain in the setting of coronary
artery bypass graph (CABG) surgery. Like all
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE: NSAIDs, celecoxib should not be taken after 29
weeks of pregnancy
Acute pain: 400 mg initially, followed by
200 mg if needed on the first day. Then,
200 mg twice daily as needed.
vomiting
● Cardiovascular: Aggravated
hypertension, angina pectoris,
coronary artery disorder, myocardial
infarction
● General: Hypersensitivity, allergic
reaction, chest pain, cyst NOS,
edema generalized, face edema,
fatigue, fever, hot flushes, influenza-
like symptoms, pain, peripheral pain
● Central, peripheral nervous system:
Leg cramps, hypertonia,
hypoesthesia, migraine, paresthesia,
vertigo
● Hearing and vestibular: Deafness,
tinnitus
● Heart rate and rhythm: Palpitation,
tachycardia
● Liver and biliary: Hepatic enzyme
increased (including SGOT
increased, SGPT increased)
● Metabolic and nutritional: blood
urea nitrogen (BUN) increased,
creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
increased, hypercholesterolemia,
hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, NPN
increased, creatinine increased,
alkaline phosphatase increased,
weight increased
● Assess patients for allergy to
sulfonamides, aspirin, or NSAIDs.
Patients with these allergies should
not receive celecoxib.
● Assess patients for skin rash
frequently during therapy.
Discontinue at the first sign of rash;
may be life-threatening. SJS may
develop. Treat symptomatically; may
recur once treatment is stopped.
● Monitor for signs and symptoms of
DRESS (fever, rash,
lymphadenopathy, facial swelling)
periodically during therapy.
Discontinue therapy if symptoms
occur.
Patient Teaching
● Instruct patients to take celecoxib as
directed. Do not take more than
prescribed dose. Increasing doses
does not appear to increase
effectiveness..
● Caution patients to avoid use of more
than one NSAID or aspirin at a time;
increases risk of GI toxicity..
Page 3 of 11
● Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia,
● Advise patients to notify health care
arthrosis, myalgia, synovitis,
tendinitis professionals promptly if signs or
symptoms of GI toxicity (abdominal
● Platelets (bleeding or clotting): pain, black stools), skin rash,
Ecchymosis, epistaxis, unexplained weight gain, or edema
thrombocythemia, occurs.
● Psychiatric: Anorexia, anxiety,
● May cause hypertension. Instruct
appetite increased, depression,
nervousness, somnolence patients on the correct technique for
monitoring BP and to notify health
● Hemic: Anemia care professionals if significant
changes occur.
● Respiratory: Bronchitis,
bronchospasm, bronchospasm
● Inform patients of increased risk of
aggravated, cough, dyspnea,
laryngitis, pneumonia MI and stroke. Use lowest effective
dose for the shortest time. Advise
● Skin and appendages: Alopecia, patients to notify health care
dermatitis, photosensitivity reaction, professionals immediately if signs
pruritus, rash erythematous, rash and symptoms (shortness of breath
maculopapular, skin disorder, skin or trouble breathing, chest pain,
dry, sweating increased, urticaria weakness in one part or side of body,
● Application site disorders: Cellulitis, slurred speech, swelling of the face or
dermatitis contact throat) occur.

● Urinary: Albuminuria, cystitis,

dysuria, hematuria, micturition
frequency, renal calculus

Page 4 of 11
GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION: SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTION NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
Sucralfate It dissociates in the acid environment of the stomach to Get emergency medical help if you Nursing Considerations
its anionic form, which binds to the ulcer base. This have signs of an allergic reaction: hives;
creates a protective barrier to pepsin and bile and difficult breathing; swelling of your ● Give drugs on an empty
inhibits the diffusion of gastric acid. face, lips, tongue, or throat. stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hr
Common side effects of sucralfate may after meals and at bedtime.
include:
BRAND NAME: INDICATION:
Page 5 of 11
Carafate
DRUG ILLUSTRATION:
CLASSIFICATION:
Aluminum Hydroxide, Sucrose
Octasulfate
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE:
Adult: 1g/tab TID
The sucralfate suspension Label and tablet are used for ● Constipation, Diarrhea;
● Monitor pain; use antacids to
the treatment of active duodenal ulcer for up to 8
● Nausea, Vomiting, Gas, relieve pain.
weeks. The tablet form may be used at a lower dose for
Indigestion;
healed duodenal ulcers, for the purpose of maintaining
● Administer antacids between
healing and preventing recurrence. ● Itching, Rash;
doses of sucralfate, not within
Sucralfate is also used in the prevention and/or ● Dizziness, Drowsiness; 30 min before or after sucralfate
treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), doses.
gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, stress ulcer, in addition to ● Sleep Problems (Insomnia);
dyspepsia ● Headache; Or ● Measure and record regular
● Back Pain. weight to monitor mobilization
of edema fluid.
● Avoid giving food rich in
potassium.
● Arrange for regular evaluation of
serum electrolytes, BUN.
CONTRAINDICATION:
Patient Teaching
Hypersensitivity
● Take the drug on an empty
stomach, 1 hour before or 2
hours after meals and at
bedtime.
● If you are also taking antacids for
pain relief, do not take antacids
30 minutes before or after taking
sucralfate.
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 ● You may experience these side
effects: Dizziness, vertigo (avoid
driving or operating dangerous
machinery); indigestion, nausea
(eat frequent small meals); dry
mouth (use frequent mouth
care, suck on sugarless
lozenges); constipation (request
aid).

● Report severe gastric pain.

GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION: SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTION NURSING RESPONSIBILITY

Pantoprazole Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that
suppresses the final step in gastric acid production by
forming a covalent bond to two sites of the (H+,K+)-
ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the
gastric parietal cell.
BRAND NAME: INDICATION:
Get emergency medical help if you
have signs of an allergic reaction to
pantoprazole: hives; difficulty
breathing; swelling of your face, lips,
tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
● Severe stomach pain, diarrhea
that is watery or bloody;
Nursing Considerations
● Administer pantoprazole as
prescribed.
● If a patient is receiving
pantoprazole IV, convert to PO
dosing as soon as possible.

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Protonix Pantoprazole for injection is indicated for short-term ● Sudden pain or trouble moving
● Monitor bowel function.
treatment (7-10 days) of patients having your hip, wrist, or back;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a history
● Bruising or swelling where ● Administer pantoprazole PO
DRUG ILLUSTRATION: of erosive esophagitis, as an alternative to oral
intravenous pantoprazole was with or without food.
medication in patients who are unable to continue
injected;
taking pantoprazole delayed-release tablets. Safety and
efficacy of pantoprazole injection as the initial ● Kidney problems - fever, rash, ● Do not break, crush, or chew
treatment of patients having GERD with a history of nausea, loss of appetite, joint tablets.
erosive esophagitis have not been demonstrated at this pain, urinating less than usual,
time. blood in your urine, weight ● Evaluate the patient’s nutritional
gain; status.
● Low magnesium - dizziness,
● Provide patient education.
fast or irregular heart rate,
tremors (shaking) or jerking
muscle movements, feeling ● Encourage compliance with the
jittery, muscle cramps, muscle treatment plan.
CLASSIFICATION: CONTRAINDICATION: spasms in your hands and feet,
Patient Teaching
cough or choking feeling; or
Pantoprazole is contraindicated in patients with a
history of hypersensitivity to the drug itself, ● New or worsening symptoms ● Advise patients to take
Proton pump inhibitors components of the formulation, and/or other of lupus - joint pain, and a skin pantoprazole exactly as
benzimidazole PPIs, including omeprazole, rash on your cheeks or arms prescribed..
lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, or that worsens in sunlight.
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE: dexlansoprazole. ● Advise patients to follow the
dosage instructions.

40 mg orally once a day ● Advise patients not to crush,

chew, or break the tablet.

● Instruct patients to notify

healthcare providers about any
allergies.

Page 8 of 11
 ● Inform patients that
pantoprazole may increase the
risk of bone fractures.

● Inform patients that

pantoprazole may affect
magnesium levels.

● Inform patients that

pantoprazole may increase the
risk of infections.

● Advise patients not to use

pantoprazole for immediate
relief of heartburn or acid reflux.

● Instruct the patient to notify the

physician of any side effects.

● Advise female patients to notify

healthcare professionals if
pregnancy is planned or
suspected or if breastfeeding.

GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION: SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTION NURSING RESPONSIBILITY

Aluminum-Magnesium Hydroxide The suspension of magnesium hydroxide is ingested Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; Nursing Considerations
and enters the stomach. According to the amount hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered,
ingested, the magnesium hydroxide will either act as an

Page 9 of 11
 antacid or a laxative. or peeling skin with or without fever;
● Adequate drug absorption
wheezing; tightness in the chest or
Through the ingestion of 0.5-1.5 grams (in adults) the
throat; trouble breathing, swallowing,
magnesium hydroxide will act by simple acid ● Ensure therapeutic levels
or talking; unusual hoarseness; or
neutralization in the stomach. The hydroxide ions from
swelling of the mouth, face, lips,
the magnesium hydroxide suspension will combine with ● Perform diagnostic testing
tongue, or throat.
the acidic H+ ions of the hydrochloric acid made by the
stomach's parietal cells. This neutralization reaction will
● Prevent imbalances.
result in the formation of magnesium chloride and
water.
● Institute a bowel program.

BRAND NAME: INDICATION: ● Ensure adequate nutritional

status.
Magnesium hydroxide can be used as an antacid or a
laxative depending on the administered dose.
Maalox ● Provide patient support.
As an antacid, it is used for the temporary relief of
heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach or acid ● Educate the patient.
indigestion.
DRUG ILLUSTRATION:
As a laxative, it is used for the relief of occasional
constipation by promoting bowel movements for 30
minutes and up to 6 hours.

Patient Teaching

● Take Maalox (aluminum

hydroxide and magnesium
hydroxide suspension) after
meals and at bedtime or as you
have been told by your doctor.

CLASSIFICATION: CONTRAINDICATION: ● Shake well before use.

Page 10 of 11

Antacid, Antiflatulent
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE:
Adult: Chew 2–4 tabs as needed; max 12
tabs/day
Chewable tab: Severe renal failure.
● Measure liquid doses carefully.
Hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to any of Use the measuring device that
the excipients. comes with Maalox (aluminum
hydroxide and magnesium
Oral susp: Use in severely debilitated patients or in
hydroxide suspension). If there is
those suffering from kidney failure.
none, ask the pharmacist for a
device to measure Maalox
(aluminum hydroxide and
magnesium hydroxide
suspension).
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