2026/2027
The Complete Nursing Pharmacology Master VERIFIED
ACCREDITED
Reference
100 High-Yield Clinical Medications: Mechanisms, Black Box Warnings, Hold Benchmarks & Antidotes
Academic Standard Alignment: Lilley 10th Ed. & Lehne's Pharmacology • Universal Core: NR 293 / NURS 6521 / Med-Surg II • Next-Gen NCLEX-
RN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) Validated
Systemic Table of Contents Institutional Disclaimer & Scope
Foundational Recall: Affix Matrix & ISMP Safety (Page 2) Formal Academic Disclaimer: "Original study material, not affiliated
Section A: Cardiovascular & Hematology (Page 3) with any publisher, NCSBN, or exam provider. Verify clinical
Section B: Endocrine & Metabolic Agents (Page 4) information against current institutional protocols." Designed
Section C: Pulmonary & Respiratory Regimens (Page 4) strictly as an advanced clinical synthesis reference for
Section D: CNS, Psychotropics & Analgesics (Page 5) baccalaureate and advanced practice registered nurse candidates.
Section E: Anti-Infectives & Gastrointestinal (Page 5)
Clinical Appendix: Universal Antidotes & Labs (Page 6)
The 4-Step Clinical Action Model (CJMM Bedside Translation)
Use this standardized clinical algorithm when evaluating pharmacological vignettes, order verification, or bedside administration:
1. Assess Vital Cutoffs 2. Audit Serum Biomarkers 3. Screen BBW & Alerts 4. Prepare Antidote
Scan immediate baseline Cross-reference critical Identify primary [BBW] Always verify immediate unit
hemodynamics. Confirm SBP chemistry: Serum K+ (3.5-5.0 toxicities: bronchospasm, availability of the specific
≥ 90-100 mmHg, Apical HR ≥ mEq/L), Creatinine, eGFR, tendon rupture, profound reversal agent (e.g., Naloxone,
60 bpm, and RR ≥ 12 Blood Glucose, and hypotension, dysrhythmias, or Flumazenil, Vitamin K,
breaths/min before handling therapeutic drug trough levels suicidal ideation. Establish Protamine, Digibind) prior to
vasoactive or sedative agents. prior to syringe preparation. emergency readiness. administration.
Next-Gen NCLEX (NGN) Clinical Core Rule: Never administer a high-alert drug based on scheduled timing alone. If the
bedside assessment reveals parameters below the designated clinical hold threshold, the registered nurse must: (1) Hold the
scheduled dose, (2) Re-assess vital signs/labs within 15 minutes, (3) Document findings, and (4) Promptly notify the prescribing
provider with SBAR communication.
The Complete Nursing Pharmacology Master Reference • Master Monograph Page 1
, Master Pharmacological Affix Matrix (Rapid-Recall Suffixes & Prefixes)
Affix Pharmacological Class Representative Drug Golden Rule & High-Yield Clinical Pearl
-olol Beta-Adrenergic Blocker Metoprolol, Atenolol Hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP < 100 mmHg; masks hypoglycemic
signs (except diaphoresis).
-pril ACE Inhibitor Lisinopril, Enalapril Dry intractable cough (bradykinin accumulation); watch for
angioedema and hyperkalemia.
-sartan Angiotensin II Receptor Losartan, Valsartan Renoprotective in T2DM; does not cause cough; strictly fetotoxic
Blocker ([BBW] Pregnancy).
-dipine Dihydropyridine CCB Amlodipine, Nifedipine Potent peripheral vasodilation; causes peripheral edema, gingival
hyperplasia, and headache.
-statin HMG-CoA Reductase Atorvastatin, Dose at bedtime; baseline LFTs required; report unexplained
Inhibitor Rosuvastatin muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis).
-parin Low-Molecular-Weight Enoxaparin, Dalteparin SubQ in love handles (anterolateral abdomen); monitor Platelets
Heparin for HIT; do not expel bubble.
-xaban Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Apixaban, Rivaroxaban No routine PT/INR monitoring; [BBW] Epidural/spinal hematoma
risk with neuraxial puncture.
-terol Beta-2 Adrenergic Albuterol, Salmeterol Rescue bronchodilator; causes tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia;
Agonist use before inhaled steroids.
-tropium Anticholinergic / Ipratropium, Dries secretions; caution in closed-angle glaucoma and benign
Muscarinic Antag. Tiotropium prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
-lukast Leukotriene Receptor Montelukast, Not for acute rescue; take in evening; [BBW] Neuropsychiatric
Antagonist Zafirlukast events & suicidal ideation.
-sone / -lone Systemic Corticosteroid Prednisone, Hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, osteoporosis, delayed wound
Dexamethasone healing; never taper abruptly.
-prazole Proton Pump Inhibitor Omeprazole, Take 30-60 min before meals; long-term risk: osteoporosis, C. diff,
(PPI) Pantoprazole hypomagnesemia.
-tidine H2 Receptor Antagonist Famotidine, Reduces gastric acid; cimetidine has heavy CYP450 interactions;
Cimetidine famotidine preferred.
-glipitin DPP-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin, Linagliptin Incretin enhancer; minimal hypoglycemia risk; monitor for severe,
persistent pancreatitis.
-gliflozin SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin, Promotes glucosuria; lowers CV mortality; watch for euglycemic
Dapagliflozin DKA and genital mycotic infections.
-cillin Penicillin Antibiotic Amoxicillin, High cross-sensitivity with cephalosporins; monitor for severe
Piperacillin anaphylaxis and diarrhea.
cef- / ceph- Cephalosporin Antibiotic Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol; check penicillin allergy
history before starting.
-floxacin Fluoroquinolone Ciprofloxacin, [BBW] Tendon rupture/tendinitis, QT prolongation; avoid with
Antibiotic Levofloxacin dairy/antacids (chelation).
-mycin / -micin Aminoglycoside / Gentamicin, Gentamicin: Ototoxicity & Nephrotoxicity (peak/trough).
Macrolide Azithromycin Azithromycin: QT prolongation.
-cyclin Tetracycline Antibiotic Doxycycline, Teeth staining in pediatric patients < 8 yrs; photosensitivity; avoid
Minocycline antacids/milk.
-azole Antifungal / Fluconazole, Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors; Metronidazole has extreme disulfiram
Antiprotozoal Metronidazole reaction with ethanol.
-pram / -ine SSRI Antidepressant Sertraline, Citalopram Takes 2-4 wks to work; [BBW] Suicidal ideation in young adults;
Serotonin Syndrome risk.
ISMP High-Alert Protocol & Universal Clinical Red-Line Checklist
Independent Double-Check Required (PINCH): Potassium IV (NEVER IV Push — max 10 mEq/hr peripheral), Insulin (all SubQ/IV forms),
Narcotics/Opioids, Chemotherapeutic agents, Heparin/Anticoagulants.
Absolute Vital Red-Lines: Systolic BP < 90-100 mmHg →
Hold Vasodilators/Antihypertensives • Apical Pulse < 60 bpm →
Hold Beta Blockers
& Digoxin • Respiratory Rate < 12 breaths/min →Hold Opioids & Sedatives • Platelets < 100,000/mm³ →
Hold Anticoagulants.
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