Anti-Depressants Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) Action: · Causes increases concentration of neurotransmitters Used for: · Depression · Chronic pain | Anti-Depressants (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) Medications: · Marplan · Nardil · Parnate | Anti-Depressants (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) Side effects: · Hypertensive Crisis (Sudden headache, diaphoretic, palpitations, stiff neck, intracranial hemorrhage) with food that contain Tyramine Nursing Considerations: · Avoid foods containing Tyramine: Aged cheese, liver, yogurt, herring, beer and wine, sour cream, bologna, pepperoni, salami, bananas, raisins, and pickled products · Monitor output · Takes 4 weeks to work · Don’t combine with sympathomometics vasoconstrictors, and cold medications |
Anti-Depressants Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Action: · Inhibits CNS uptake of serotonin Used for: · Depression · Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder · Bulimia | Anti-Depressants Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Medications: · Paxil · Prozac · Zoloft | Anti-Depressants Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Side effects: · Anxiety · GI upset · Change in appetite and bowel function · Urinary retention Nursing Considerations: · Suicide precautions · Takes 4 weeks for full effect · Take in a.m. · May urine to pinkish-red or Pinkish-brown · Can be taken with meals |
Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics) Action: · Inhibits reuptake of neurotransmitters Used for: · Depression · Sleep apnea | Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics) Medications: · Norpramin · Elavil · Tofranil | Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics) Side Effects: · Sedation/Confusion · Anticholinergics affects · Postural Hypotension · Urinary retention Nursing Considerations: · Suicide precautions/2-6 weeks to work · Take at hs/Don’t abruptly halt · Avoid alcohol/OTC /Photosensitivity |
Insulin (Regular, Humulin R) Type: Fast acting Onset: ½ -1 hr Peak: 2-4 hr Duration: 6-8 hr | Insulin (NPH, Humulin N) Type: Intermediate acting Onset: 2hr Peak: 6-12hr Duration 18-26hr | Insulin (Ultralente, Humulin U) Type: Slow acting Onset: 4hr Peak: 8-20hr Duration: 24-36hr | Insulin (Humulin 70/30) Type: Combination Onset: ½ hr Peak: 2-12hr Duration: 24hr |
Antidiabetic Agents Action: · Stimulates insulin release from beta cells in pancreas Used for: · Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) | Antidiabetic Agents Medications: · Diabinese · Orinase · Dymelor · Micronase | Antidiabetic Agents Side Effects: · Hypoglycemia · Allergic skin reactions · GI upset Nursing Considerations: · Take before breakfast · Monitor glucose levels · Avoid alcohol, sulfonamides, Oral Contraceptives, (MAO), aspirin because they help to make drug work better |
Hypoglycemic Agent Action: · Stimulates liver to change glycogen to glucose Used for: · Hypoglycemia | Hypoglycemic Agent Medication: · Glucagon | Hypoglycemic Agent Side Effects: · Hypotension · Bronchospasm Nursing Considerations: · May repeat in 15min · Give carbohydrates orally to prevent secondary hypoglycemic reactions |
Antidiarrheals Action: · Slows peristalsis · Increases tone of sphincters Used for: · Diarrhea | Antidiarrheals Medications: · Kaopectate · Lomotil · Imodium · Paregoric | Antidiarrheals Side Effects: · Constipation · Anticholinergic effects (urinary retention, dry mouth) Nursing Considerations: · Do not use with abdominal pain · Monitor for urinary retention · Give 2hr before or 3 hr after other meds |
Antiemetics Action: · Increases GI motility · Blocks effect of dopamine in chemoreceptor trigger zone Used for: · Vomiting | Antiemetics Medications: · Tigan · Compazine · Torecan · Reglan · Antivert · Dramamine | Antiemetics Side Effects: · Sedation · Anticholinergic effects Nursing Considerations: · Used before chemotherapy · When used with viral infections may cause Reye’s syndrome (Toxic Encephalopathy) |
Antifungals Action: · Impairs cell membrane Used for: · Candidiasis · Oral thrush · Histoplasmosis | Antifungals Medications: · Amphotericin B · Nystatin | Antifungals Side Effects: · Hepatotoxicity · Thrombocytopenia · Leukopenia · Pruritis Nursing Considerations: · Give with food · Monitor liver function · Good oral hygiene |
Antigout Agents Action: · Decreases production and resorption of uric acid Used for: · Gout | Antigout Agents Medications: · Colchicine · Probenecid · Zyloprim | Antigout Agents Side Effects: · Agranulocytosis · GI upset · Renal calculi Nursing Considerations: · Monitor for renal calculi · Give with food, milk, antacids |
Antihistamines Action: · Block effects of histamine Used for: · Allergic rhinitis · Allergic reactions to blood | Antihistamines Medications: · Chlor-Trimeton · Benadryl · Phenergan | Antihistamines Side Effects: · Drowsiness · Dry mouth · Photosensitivity Nursing Considerations: · Give with food · Use sunscreen · Avoid alcohol |
Antihyperlipidemic Agents Action: · Inhibits cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis Used For: · Elevated cholesterol · Reduce incidence of cardiovascular disease | Antihyperlipidemic Agents Medications: · Questran · Lipid | Antihyperlipidemic Agents Side Effects: · Constipation · Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency Nursing Considerations: · Take at hs or 30 min ac · Administer 1hr before or 4-6 hr after other meds |
Antihypertensives Types: ACE Inhibitors Action: · Blocks ACE in lungs Used for: · Hypertension · CHF | Antihypertensives (ACE Inhibitors) Medications: · Capoten · Vasotec | Antihypertensives (ACE Inhibitors) Side Effects: · GI upset · Orthostatic hypotension · Dizziness Nursing Considerations: · Give 1hr ac or 3hr pc · Change position slowly |
Antihypertensives Type: Beta-Adrenergic Blockers Action: · Blocks Beta-Adrenergic Receptors · Decrease excitability/workload of heart, oxygen consumption · Decrease Used for: · Hypertension · Angina · SVT | Antihypertensives Type: Beta-Adrenergic Medications; · Nadolol · Propranolol · Tenormin · Timoptic | Antihypertensives Type: Beta-Adrenergic Side Effects: · Changes in heart rate · Hypotension · Bronchospasm Nursing Considerations: · Masks signs of shock and hypoglycemia · Take with meals · Do not discontinue abruptly |
Antihypertensives Type: Calcium Channel Blockers Action: · Inhibits movement of calcium across cell membranes · Slow impulse conduction and depresses myocardial contractility · Causes dilation of coronary arteries and decreases cardiac workload and energy consumption Used for: · Angina · Hypertension · Interstitial cystitis | Antihypertensives Type: Calcium Channel Blockers Medications: · Procardia · Calan · Cardizem | Antihypertensives Type: Calcium Channel Blockers Side Effects: · Hypotension · Dizziness · GI distress Nursing Consideration: · Monitor vital signs · Do not chew or divide sustained-release tablets |
| Antihypertensives Type: Centrally acting alpha-adrenergics Action: · Stimulates alpha receptors in medulla which causes a reduction in sympathetic in the heart Used for: · Hypertension | Antihypertensives Type: Centrally acting alpha-adrenergics Medications: · Aldomet · Catapres | Antihypertensives Type: Centrally acting alpha-adrenergics Side Effects: · Sedation · Orthostatic Hypotension Nursing Considerations: · Don’t discontinue abruptly · Monitor for fluid retention · Change position slowly |
Antihypertensives Type: Direct-acting vasodilators Action: · Relaxes smooth muscle Used for: · Hypertension | Antihypertensives Medications · Hydralazine · Minoxidil | Antihypertensives Side Effects: · Tachycardia · Increase in body hair Nursing Considerations: · Teach patient to check pulse | |
Antihypertensives Type: Peripheral-acting alpha-adrenergic blockers Action: · Depletes stores of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerve endings Used for: · Hypertension | Antihypertensives Medications: · Reserpine | Antihypertensives Side Effects: · Depression · Orthostatic Hypotension · Brachycardia Nursing Considerations: · Give with meals or milk · Change position slowly |
Bipolar Disorder Action: · Reduces catecholamine release Used for: · Manic episodes | Bipolar Disorder Medications: · Lithium (1-1.5meq/L) · Tegretol · Depakote | Bipolar Disorder Side Effects: · GI upset · Tremors · Polydipsia · Polyuria Nursing Considerations: · Monitor serum levels · Give with meals · Increase fluid intake |
Antineoplastic Agents Type: Alkylating Agents Action: · Interferes with rapidly reproducing DNA Used for: · Leukemia · Multiple myeloma | Antineoplastic Agents Medications: · Cisplatin · Myleran · Cytoxan | Antineoplastic Agents Side Effects: · Hepatotoxicity · Ecchymosis · Alopecia · Epitaxis · Infertility · Bone Marrow Suppression · Stomatitis · GI disturbances: Anorexic, N/V, diarrhea Nursing Considerations: · Check hematopoietic (reproduction of RBC’s by bone marrow) function · Force fluids · Good mouth care |
Antineoplastic Agents Type: Antimetabolites Action: · Inhibits DNA polymerase Used for: · Acute lymphatic leukemia · Cancer of colon, breast, pancreas | Antineoplastic Agents Antimetabolites Medications: · 5-FU · Methotrexate · Hydrea | Antineoplastic Agents Antimetabolites Side Effects: · Nausea · Vomiting · Oral ulceration · Bone marrow suppression · Alopecia Nursing Considerations: · Monitor hematopoietic function · Good mouth care · Discuss body image changes |
Antineoplastic Agents Type: Antitumor Antibiotics Action: · Interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis Used for: · Cancer | Antineoplastic Agents Antitumor Antibiotics Medications: · Adriamycin · Actinomycin D · Bleomycin | Antineoplastic Agents Antitumor Antibiotics Side Effects: · Bone marrow suppression · Alopecia · Stomatitis Nursing Considerations: · Monitor vital signs · Give antiemetic medications before therapy |
Antineoplastic Agents Type: Hormonal Agents Action: · Changes hormone input into sensitive cells Used for: · Cancer | Antineoplastic Agents Type: Hormonal Agents Medications: · Diethylstilbestrol · Tamoxifen · Testosterone | Antineoplastic Agents Type: Hormonal Agents Side Effects: · Leukpenia · Bone pain · Hypercalcemia Nursing Considerations: · Check CBC · Monitor serum calcium |
Antineoplastic Agents Type: Vinca Alkaloids Action: · Interferes with cell division Used for: · Cancer | Antineoplastic Agents Type: Vinca Alkaloids Medications: · Oncovin · Velban | Antineoplastic Agents Type: Vinca Alkaloids Side Effects: · Stomatitis · Alopecia · Loss of reflexes · Bone marrow suppression Nursing Considerations: · Give antiemetic before administration · Check reflexes · Given with Zyloprim to decrease uric acid |
Antiparkinson Agents Action: · Converted to Dopamine · Stimulates postsynaptic Dopamine receptors Used for: · Parkinson’s disease | Antiparkinson Agents Medications: · Artane · Cogentin · L-Dopa · Parlodel · Sinemet · Symmetrel | Antiparkinson Agents Side Effects: · Dizziness · Ataxia · Atropine-like effects: dry mouth, urinary retention Nursing Considerations: · Monitor for urinary retention · Large doses of vitamin B6 reverse effects · Avoid use of CNS depressants |
Antiplatelet Agents Action: · Interferes with platelet aggregation Used for: · Venous thrombosis · Pulmonary embolism | Antiplatelet Agents Medications: · Aspirin · Persantine | Antiplatelet Agents Side Effects: · Hemorrhage · Thrombocytopenia Nursing Considerations: · Check for signs of bleeding · Give with food or milk |
Antipsychotic Agents Action: · Blocks dopamine receptors in basal ganglia Used for: · Acute and Chronic psychoses | Antipsychotic Agents Medications: · Haldol · Thorazine · Mellaril · Stelazine | Antipsychotic Agents Side Effects: · Akathisia (inability to sit still) · Dyskinesia · Dystonias · Parkinson’s syndrome · Tardive dyskinesias · Leukopenia Nursing Considerations: · Check CBC · Monitor vital signs · Avoid alcohol and caffeine |
Atypical Antipsychotic Agents Action: · Interferes with binding of dopamine in the brain Used for: · Acute and Chronic psychoses | Atypical Antipsychotic Medications: · Clozaril · Risperdal | Atypical Antipsychotic Side Effects: · Extrapyramidal effects · Anticholinergic · Sedative · Orthostatic hypotension Nursing Considerations: · Monitor blood · Change positions slowly · Use sunscreen |
Antipyretic Agents Action: · Antiprostaglandin activity in hypothalamus Used for: · Fever | Antipyretic Agents Medications: · Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | Antipyretic Agents Side Effects: · GI irritation Nursing Considerations: · Monitor liver function · Aspirin contraindicated for younger than 21 years old due to risk of Reye’s syndrome |
Antithyroid Agents Action: · Reduce vascularity of thyroid · Inhibits release of thyroid into circulation Used for: · Hyperthyroidism | Antithyroid Agents Medications: · Tapazole · SSKI | Antithyroid Agents Side Effects: · Leukopenia · Rash · Thrombocytopenia Nursing Considerations: · Bitter taste · May cause burning in mouth · Give with meals · Check CBC |
Thyroid Replacement Agents Action: · Increases metabolic rate Used for: · Hypothyroidism | Thyroid Replacement Medications · Synthroid · Cytomel | Thyroid Replacement Side Effects: · Nervousness · Tachycardia · Weight loss Nursing Considerations: · Monitor pulse and BP · Monitor weight · Take in a.m. · Enhance action of anticoagulants, antidepressants, decrease action of insulin and digitalis |
Antitubercular Agents Action: · Inhibits cell and protein synthesis Used for: · Tuberculosis · To prevent disease in person exposed to organism | Antitubercular Agents Medications: · INH · Ethambutol · Streptomycin · PAS · PYZ | Antitubercular Agents Side Effects: · Hepatitis · Peripheral Neuritis Nursing Considerations: · Check liver function tests · Vitamin B6 given for peripheral neuritis (Pyridoxine) · Used in combination |
Antivirals Action: · Inhibits DNA and RNA replication Used for: · Recurrent HSV · HIV infection | Antivirals Medications: · Zovirax · AZT · Videx · Famvir · Cytovene | Antivirals Side Effects: · Headache · Dizziness · GI symptoms Nursing Considerations: · Encourage fluids · Not a cure, but relieves symptoms |
Attention Disorder Agents Action: · Increases level of catecholamines Used for: · ADDH · Narcolepsy | Attention Disorder Agents Medications: · Ritalin · Cylert · Dexedrine | Attention Disorder Agents Side Effects: · Restlessness · Insomnia · Tachycardia · Palpitations Nursing Considerations: · Monitor growth rate · Monitor liver enzymes · Give in A.M. |
Bronchodilators Action: · Decreases activity of phosphodiesterase Used for: · COPD · Preterm labor (Terbutaline) | Bronchodilators Medications: · Aminophylline · Atrovent · Brethine · Proventil · Primatene | Bronchodilators Side Effects: · Tachcyardia · Dysrhythmias · Palpitations · Anticholinergic effects Nursing Considerations: · Monitor BP and HR · When used with steroid inhaler, use bronchodilator first · May aggravate diabetes |
Cardiac Glycosides Action: · Increases force of myocardial contraction, slows rate Used for: · Left-sided CHF | Cardiac Glycosides Medication: · Lanoxin (Digoxin) | Cardiac Glycosides Side Effects: · Bradycardia · Nausea · Vomiting · Visual disturbances Nursing Considerations: · Take apical pulse · Notify physician if adult <60,> · Monitor potassium level · Dose: 0.5-1 milligram IV or · Average: 0.25 mg |
Cholinergics Action: · Inhibits destruction of acetylcholine · Stimulate parasympathetic nervous system (increase bowel tone, increase bladder tone, constrict pupil) Used for: · Myasthenia gravis · Post-operative · Postpartum urinary retention | Cholinergics Medications: · Tensilon · Prostigmin | Cholinergics Side Effects: · Bronchoconstriction · Respiratory paralysis · Hypotension Nursing Considerations: · Give with food or milk · Monitor vital signs, especially respirations · Antidote: Atropine Sulfate · Toxicity: excessive salivation, excessive sweating, abdominal cramps, flushing |
Diuretics Action: · Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and water · Blocks effects of aldosterone Used for: · CHF · Renal disease | Diuretics Medications: · HydroDIURIL · Diamox · Aldactone · Lasix · Hygroton | Diuretics Side Effects: · Dizziness · Orthostatic Hypotension · Leukopenia Nursing Considerations: · Take with food or milk · Take in a.m. · Monitor fluid and electrolytes |
Iron: Imferon/Feosol, use straw if liquid form, no milk/antacids, take on empty stomach, tachycardi
Glucocorticoids Action: · Stimulates formation of glucose · Alters immune response Used for: · Addison’s disease · Crohn’s disease · COPD · Leukemias | Glucocorticoids Medications: · Solu-Cortef · Decadron · Deltasone | Glucocorticoids Side Effects: · Psychoses · Depression · Hypokalemia · Stunted growth · Nursing Considerations: · Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance · Don’t discontinue abruptly · Monitor for signs of infection |
Mineralocorticoids Action: · Increases sodium reabsorption · Potassium and hydrogen ion secretion in kidney Used for: · Adrenal insufficiency | Mineralocorticoids Medications: · Florinef | Mineralocorticoids Side Effects: · Hypertension · Edema · Hypokalemia Nursing Considerations: · Monitor BP, I&O, Weight, and Electrolytes · Give with food · Low-sodium, High-protein, High-potassium diet |
Heavy Metal Antagonists Action: · Forms stable complexes with metals Used for: · Gold and arsenic poisoning · Acute lead encephalopathy | Heavy Metal Antagonists Medications: · Desferal mesylate · BAL in Oil · EDTA | Heavy Metal Antagonists Side Effects: · Tachycardia · Pain and induration at injection site (conjunct with Procaine in syringe) Nursing Considerations: · Monitor I&O and kidney function · Administered with local anesthetic · Seizure precautions |
H2 Receptor Blockers Action: · Inhibits action of histamine and gastric acid secretion Used for: · Ulcers · Gastroesophageal reflux | H2 Receptor Blockers Medications: · Tagamet · Zantac | H2 Receptor Blockers Side Effects: · Dizziness · Confusion · Hypotension · Impotence Nursing Considerations: · Take with meals and hs · Smoking decreases effectiveness · Monitor liver function and CBC |
Immunosuppressants Action: · Prevents production of T cells and their response to interleukin-2 Used for: · Prevents rejection for transplanted organs | Immunosuppressants Medications: · Sandimmune | Immunosuppressants Side Effects: · Hepatotoxicity · Nephrotoxicity · LeuKopenia · Thrombocytopenia Nursing Considerations: · Take once daily in a.m. · Used with adrenal corticosteroids · Monitor renal and liver function tests |
Miotics (Constricts Pupil) Action: · Causes constriction of sphincter muscles of iris Used for: · Ocular surgery · Open-angle glaucoma | Miotics Medications: · Isopto-Carpine · Eserine · Carbacel | Miotics Side Effects: · Headache · Photophobia · Hypotension · Bronchoconstriction Nursing Considerations: · Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1min · Avoid sunlight · May experience transient brow pain and myopia |
Mydriatics (Dilates Pupil) Action: · Anticholinergic actions leaves pupil under unopposed adrenergic influence Used for: · Diagnostic procedures · Acute iritis · Uveitis | Mydriatics Medications: · Atropine sulfate · Cyclogyl | Mydriatics Side Effects: · Tachycardia · Blurred vision · Photophobia · Dry mouth Nursing Considerations: · Contraindicated with glaucoma · Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1min. · Wear dark glasses |
Narcotics Action: · Acts on CNS receptor cells Used for: · Moderate to severe pain · Preoperative · Postoperative | Narcotics Medications: · Morphine Sulfate · Codeine · Demerol · Dilaudid · Percodan | Narcotics Side Effects: · Dizziness · Sedation · Respiratory depression · Hypotension · Constipation Nursing Considerations: · Safety precautions · Avoid alcohol · Monitor vital signs · Use narcotic antagonist if necessary (Narcan) |
Antianginals Action: · Relaxes smooth muscle · Decreases venous return Used for: · Angina · Peri-operative hypertension · CHF | Antianginals Medications: · Nitroglycerine · Isosorbide | Antianginals Side Effects: · Hypotension · Tachycardia · Headache · Dizziness Nursing Considerations: · Check expiration date · Teach when to take medication · May take Q5min x3 doses · Wet with saliva and place under tongue |
NSAIDS Action: · Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis Used for: · Arthritis · Mild to moderate pain · Fever | NSAIDS Medications: · Motrin · Indocin · Naprosyn | NSAIDS Side Effects: · GI upset · Dizziness · Headache · Bleeding · Fluid retention Nursing Considerations: · Take with food or after meals · Monitor liver and renal function · Use cautiously with aspirin allergy · Check for bleeding |
Thrombolytics Action: · Dissolves or lyses blood clots Used for: · Acute Pulmonary Emboli · Thrombosis · MI · Contraindicated in: hemophilia, CVA, Trauma, not used in patients over 75 years old, not used in patients taking anticoagulants | Thrombolytics Medications: · Streptokinase · Urokinase · Tissue Plasminogen Activator | Thrombolytics Side Effects: · Bleeding · Bradycardia · Dysrhythmias Nursing Considerations: · Monitor for bleeding · Have Amino Caproic Acid Available · Check pulse, color, sensation of extremities · Monitor EKG |