ATI Capstone Content Review- pharmacology

ATI Capstone Content Review- pharmacology ATI Capstone Content Review: Pharmacology - Tips of the Week Pharmacology can be a tough area to review. There is so much info that it can be difficult to feel confident. While it is not possible to memorize it all, having a strong knowledge base of the classifications goes a long way. The ATI pharm review book is organized by classifications. Medications in the same classification often act in similar ways. So if you don't know much about a medication, but you know what classification the medication belongs to, you will better grasp the action and purpose for the client's needs. Here are some helpful tips to help you remember some of your classifications: Antiemetics An antiemetic is a medication used in the treatment and/or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Generic names are more consistent, because their endings may be the same, whereas brand names come and go. Here are some common classes of antiemetics and their generic names – notice the similarities in the generic names: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (serotonin antagonists) Dolasetron (Anzemet) Granisetron (Kytril, Sancuso) Ondansetron (Zofran) Tropisetron (Navoban) It's ‘Tron’ to the rescue! Dopamine antagonists Promethazine (Phenergan) prochlorperazine (Compazine) Metoclopramide (Reglan). Now this one is different in generic name because it can have some different side effects – watch for extra-pyramidal side effects with metoclopramide. Sometimes the generic names are not as helpful and you have to remember what meds fall under certain classes. Antihistamines and cannabinoids are used as antiemetics as well: Antihistamines (H1 histamine receptor antagonists) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dimenhydrinate (Gravol, Dramamine) Meclizine (Bonine, Antivert) Cannabinoids Cannabis - Medical marijuana, in the U.S., it is a Schedule I drug. Dronabinol (Marinol) - a Schedule III drug in the U.S. *Remember most antiemetics can cause sedation so watch out for additive effect if given with narcotic analgesics and protect your client from injury. Bronchodilators Bronchodilators are used to treat the symptoms of asthma that result from inflammation of the bronchial passages, but they do not treat the inflammation. Therefore, most clients with asthma take an inhaled glucocorticoid concurrently to provide the best outcomes. The two most common classes of bronchodilators are beta2-adrenergic agonists and methylxanthines. Beta2-adrenergic agonists: act upon the beta2-receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle to provide bronchodilation and relieve spasm of the bronchial tubes, inhibit release of histamines, and increase motility of bronchial cilia. These short-acting preparations provide short-term relief during an asthma exacerbation, while the long-acting preparations provide long-term control of asthma symptoms. The generic names for the inhaled form of these drugs end in“terol” = “ T aking E ases R espiratory distress o r L abored breathing” · Albu terol (Proventil, Ventolin) · Formo terol (Foradil Aerolizer) · Salme terol (Serevent) The brand names of some drugs in this class provide a hint as well because they contain the words “vent ” or “ breth ” referring to ventilation or breathing: · Albuterol (Pro vent il, Vent olin) · Salmeterol (Sere vent ) · Terbutaline ( Breth ine) Nursing interventions and client education: · Short-acting inhaled preparations of albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) can cause systemic effects of tachycardia, angina, and tremors. · Monitor client’s pulse rate before, during, and after nebulizer or inhaler treatments · Long-acting inhaled preparations can increase the risk of severe asthma or asthma-related death if used incorrectly — mainly if used without concurrent inhaled glucocorticoid use · Oral preparations can cause angina pectoris or tachydysrhythmias with excessive use · Instruct clients to report chest pain or changes in heart rate/rhythm to primary care provider · Client should be taught proper procedure when using metered dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer · If taking beta2-agonist and inhaled glucocorticoid concurrently, take the beta2-agonist first to promote bronchodilation which will enhance absorption of the glucocorticoid · Advise client not to exceed prescribed doses · Advise client to observe for signs of impending asthma attacks and keep log of frequency and intensity of attacks · ,………………………………………………..CONTINUED………………………………………..