Pharmacology HESI RN
Methadone>>> pain management, heroine patients that need to be transitioned into sobriety
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)>>> Muscle relaxant/antispasmodic, Physical dependence - do not d/c
abruptly
Methocarbamol (Robaxin), Baclofen (Lioresal)>>> Muscle Relaxant
Benzodiazepines withdrawal symptoms>>> tremors, sweating, agitation, nervousness
Methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine/dexaphetamine (Adderall)>>> used to help symptoms of
ADD/ADHA, side effects include racing heartrate, thirst, and reduced hunger
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Fioricet>>> used to treat migraines
Valporic Acid>>> Anticonvulsant - don't give to children, the side and adverse effects include sedation,
dizziness, ataxia, and confusion. When the client is taking this medication as a single daily dose,
administering it at bedtime negates the risk of injury from sedation and enhances client safety.
Otherwise, it may be given after meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Phenobarbital (Luminal)>>> Anticonvulsant/Hypnotic; tonic-clonic and partial seizures; the longest
acting of common barbiturates; combined with other drugs; adverse reactions: drowsiness, nystagmus,
ataxia, paradoxical excitement; therapeutic levels: 15-60mcg/ml; avoid rapid infusion, monitor BP
Keppra (levetiracetam)>>> Anticonvulsant, kid friendly
Phenytoin (Dilantin)>>> Anticonvulsant. SEs: Nysagmus, diplopia, EOM palsies, ataxia, gingival
hyperplasia.
Gabapentin (Neurontin)>>> An anticonvulsant used to treat neuropathic pain, with super high doses
good for anxiety, the patient will be drowsy, given with other anticonvulsant drugs
Pregabalin (Lyrica)>>> used to treat neuropathic pain
Loratidine (Claritin), Cetrizine (Zyrtec)>>> antihistamines, tx for allergies
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), Codeine, dextromethorphan>>> antitussives helps to reduce cough
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)>>> Category: Expectorant, Use: Productive and nonproductive cough,
Precautions: Increase fluids if possible
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)>>> decongestant (alpha-1 adrenergic agonist)
, Oxymetazoline (Afrin)>>> nasal decongestant; may cause rebound congestion if used for more than 3-5
days
Warfarin (Coumadin)>>> Anticoagulant that thins the blood, need to check INR/PT blood values,
antidote is vitamin k, if showing signs of bleeding check your INR, limit leafy green vegetables
Metronidazole (Flagyl)>>> Antiprotozoal. Use: trichomoniasis and giardiasis. Clostridium difficile,
amebic dysentery, PID, vaginosis. Precautions: take with food, do not consume alcohol during therapy or
48 hr after completion of regimen. Violent vomiting from patient means they drank while taking.
Finasteride (Proscar) and Tamsulosin (Flomax)>>> Prostate Anti-inflammatory, treats BPH
calcium carbonate (Tums) and famotidine (Pepcid)>>> antacid, treatment is effective if heartburn is
relieved, if taken with heart medications or Synthroid it will reduce the effectiveness of the drugs,
decreases absorption of the medication
Amiodarone (Cordarone)>>> Antidysrhythmic agent. Prolongs repolarization, relaxes smooth muscles,
decreases vascular resistance. For ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia.
Incompatible with heparin, may be given in PO maintenance dose, monitor for respiratory
complications.
Norepinephrine (Levophed)>>> *class*: vasopressor
*Indication*: treatment of severe hypotension and shock
*Action*: increase blood pressure and cardiac output by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the
blood vessels, demonstrates minor beta activity
*Nursing Considerations*:
- monitor BP continuously if possible or every couple of minutes
- double check all concentrations with additional nurse
- may result in rebound hypotension due to tissue ischemia when discontinued
- monitor EKG and CVP if possible
- if patient is awake instruct them to report headaches, dizziness, or chest pain
Glargine (Lantus)>>> Long-acting insulin Onset 1 hour Peak (minimal) Duration up to 24 hours, check
blood sugar before giving any insulin, do not mix Lantas with any other insulin
Humalog (insulin lispro)>>> Classification: Anti-diabetic pancreatic hormone Onset < 15 min, Peak 1-2
hours, duration 3-6 hours, do not give sooner than 15 minutes before a meal, Adverse Reactions:
hypoglycemia
Methadone>>> pain management, heroine patients that need to be transitioned into sobriety
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)>>> Muscle relaxant/antispasmodic, Physical dependence - do not d/c
abruptly
Methocarbamol (Robaxin), Baclofen (Lioresal)>>> Muscle Relaxant
Benzodiazepines withdrawal symptoms>>> tremors, sweating, agitation, nervousness
Methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine/dexaphetamine (Adderall)>>> used to help symptoms of
ADD/ADHA, side effects include racing heartrate, thirst, and reduced hunger
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Fioricet>>> used to treat migraines
Valporic Acid>>> Anticonvulsant - don't give to children, the side and adverse effects include sedation,
dizziness, ataxia, and confusion. When the client is taking this medication as a single daily dose,
administering it at bedtime negates the risk of injury from sedation and enhances client safety.
Otherwise, it may be given after meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Phenobarbital (Luminal)>>> Anticonvulsant/Hypnotic; tonic-clonic and partial seizures; the longest
acting of common barbiturates; combined with other drugs; adverse reactions: drowsiness, nystagmus,
ataxia, paradoxical excitement; therapeutic levels: 15-60mcg/ml; avoid rapid infusion, monitor BP
Keppra (levetiracetam)>>> Anticonvulsant, kid friendly
Phenytoin (Dilantin)>>> Anticonvulsant. SEs: Nysagmus, diplopia, EOM palsies, ataxia, gingival
hyperplasia.
Gabapentin (Neurontin)>>> An anticonvulsant used to treat neuropathic pain, with super high doses
good for anxiety, the patient will be drowsy, given with other anticonvulsant drugs
Pregabalin (Lyrica)>>> used to treat neuropathic pain
Loratidine (Claritin), Cetrizine (Zyrtec)>>> antihistamines, tx for allergies
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), Codeine, dextromethorphan>>> antitussives helps to reduce cough
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)>>> Category: Expectorant, Use: Productive and nonproductive cough,
Precautions: Increase fluids if possible
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)>>> decongestant (alpha-1 adrenergic agonist)
, Oxymetazoline (Afrin)>>> nasal decongestant; may cause rebound congestion if used for more than 3-5
days
Warfarin (Coumadin)>>> Anticoagulant that thins the blood, need to check INR/PT blood values,
antidote is vitamin k, if showing signs of bleeding check your INR, limit leafy green vegetables
Metronidazole (Flagyl)>>> Antiprotozoal. Use: trichomoniasis and giardiasis. Clostridium difficile,
amebic dysentery, PID, vaginosis. Precautions: take with food, do not consume alcohol during therapy or
48 hr after completion of regimen. Violent vomiting from patient means they drank while taking.
Finasteride (Proscar) and Tamsulosin (Flomax)>>> Prostate Anti-inflammatory, treats BPH
calcium carbonate (Tums) and famotidine (Pepcid)>>> antacid, treatment is effective if heartburn is
relieved, if taken with heart medications or Synthroid it will reduce the effectiveness of the drugs,
decreases absorption of the medication
Amiodarone (Cordarone)>>> Antidysrhythmic agent. Prolongs repolarization, relaxes smooth muscles,
decreases vascular resistance. For ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia.
Incompatible with heparin, may be given in PO maintenance dose, monitor for respiratory
complications.
Norepinephrine (Levophed)>>> *class*: vasopressor
*Indication*: treatment of severe hypotension and shock
*Action*: increase blood pressure and cardiac output by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the
blood vessels, demonstrates minor beta activity
*Nursing Considerations*:
- monitor BP continuously if possible or every couple of minutes
- double check all concentrations with additional nurse
- may result in rebound hypotension due to tissue ischemia when discontinued
- monitor EKG and CVP if possible
- if patient is awake instruct them to report headaches, dizziness, or chest pain
Glargine (Lantus)>>> Long-acting insulin Onset 1 hour Peak (minimal) Duration up to 24 hours, check
blood sugar before giving any insulin, do not mix Lantas with any other insulin
Humalog (insulin lispro)>>> Classification: Anti-diabetic pancreatic hormone Onset < 15 min, Peak 1-2
hours, duration 3-6 hours, do not give sooner than 15 minutes before a meal, Adverse Reactions:
hypoglycemia
