140 Must know meds for nursing pharmacology
Alteplase
Generic Name alteplase Trade Name
t-PA
lOMoARcPSD|8783322
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Indication
MI, acute ischemic stroke, occluded central lines Action converts plasminogen to plasmin which degrades the fibrin found in clots Therapeutic Class thrombolytics Pharmacologic Class plasminogen activators
Nursing Considerations
• contraindicated in active bleeding
• monitor closely for signs of bleeding (petechiae) o q 15 min X1hr o q 15-30 min X 8 hr
• use caution with patient who have had recent surgery
• may cause intracranial hemorrhage
• monitor for anaphylaxis
• use caution with uncontrolled hypertension
• assess neuro status during therapy
Atorvastatin Generic Name
atorvastatin
Trade Name
Lipitor Indication management of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease Action
Nursing School Shouldn't be so DAMN Hard!
lOMoARcPSD|8783322
lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation Therapeutic Class lipid-lowering agent
Pharmacologic Class
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor Similar Medications simvistatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Nursing Considerations
• contraindicated in active liver disease
• may cause rhabdomyolysis
• monitor renal function
• monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and frequently during drug
therapy
• monitor liver function tests
• instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
Acetaminophen Generic Name
acetaminophen
Trade Name
Tylenol
Indication pain,
fever Action
inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins which play a role in transmission of pain signals and fever response Therapeutic Class antipyretic, non-opioid analgesic
Nursing Considerations
• do not exceed 4g of acetaminophen per day to limit risk for liver, renal, and cardiac damage
• overdose will lead to hepatotoxicity
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• Acetadote is the antidote for overdose
• may increase risk for bleed with warfarin therapy measurements
Acyclovir
Generic Name
acyclovir
Trade Name
Zovirax Indication genital herpes, herpes zoster, chicken pox Action interferes with viral DNA synthesis Therapeutic Class antiviral
Pharmacologic Class purine
analogues
Nursing Considerations
may alter blood glucose
• may cause seizures, renal failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura syndrome, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea
• monitor renal panel during administration
• assess lesions
• instruct patient to use proper protection during sexual intercourse
Albuterol Generic
Name
albuterol
Trade Name
Proventil Indication bronchodilator used to prevent airway obstruction in asthma and COPD Action
Nursing School Shouldn't be so DAMN Hard!
lOMoARcPSD|8783322
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binds to Beta2 adrenergic receptors in the airway leading to relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways
Therapeutic Class bronchodilator Pharmacologic Class adrenergic
Nursing Considerations
• may decrease the effectiveness of Beta Blockers
• use caution with o heart disease o diabetes o glaucoma o seizure disorder
• overuse of inhalers can lead to bronchospasm
• monitor for chest pain and palpitations can decrease digoxin levels Alendronate Generic
Name alendronate Trade Name
Fosamax Indication osteoporosis (aging, menopause, corticosteroid
induced) Action inhibits osteoclast activity leading to inhibition of resorption of bone Therapeutic Class bone resorption inhibitor Pharmacologic Class biphosphnates
Nursing Considerations
• take first thing in the morning with full glass of water 30 min prior to eating
• assess serum calcium and vitamin D
• may lead to muscle pain
Alprazolam
Generic Name
Alprazolam
Trade Name
Xanax Indication anxiety, panic disorder, manage symptoms of PMS, insomnia, mania, psychosis Action works in CNS to produce anxiolytic effect causing CNS
Nursing School Shouldn't be so DAMN Hard!
lOMoARcPSD|8783322
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depression. Therapeutic Class antianxiety agent Pharmacologic Class benzodiazepine
Nursing Considerations
• use caution with existing CNS depression, sleep apnea, renal dysfunction, hepatic dysfunction.
• may cause CNS depression, drowsiness, lethargy
• may lead to physical dependence, may experience tolerance effect
• assess anxiety and mental status
• Flumazenil is the antidote for overdose
• Grapefruit juice may increase blood levels Amiodarone
Generic Name
Amiodarone
Trade Name
Cordarone Indication ventricular arrhythmias, SVT, ACLS
protocol for v-fib and vTACH Action
prolongs action potential, inhibits adrenergic stimulation, slows rate, decreases peripheral vascular resistance causing vasodilation
Therapeutic Class
Antiarrhythmic class III, Potassium channel blocker Pharmacologic Class none
Nursing Considerations
• may lead to ARDS, pulmonary toxicity, CHF, bradycardia, hypotension
• increases risk for QT prolongation
• increases digoxin levels
• increases activity of warfarin
• monitor EKG continuously while on therapy
• assess for signs and symptoms of ARDS
• monitor liver function test
• check dosage with another RN [Show Less]