Studying for the NCLEX can feel like juggling IV pumps, dosage calculations, and
pathophysiology charts all at once. One minute you’re mastering pharmacokinetics, the next
you’re asked about a side-effect you saw only once in lecture. That’s where this “101 Must-
Know NCLEX Medications” Cheat Sheet steps in as your pocket-sized lifesaver.
Inside, every drug is neatly sorted by category—cardiac to psych, antibiotics to
anticoagulants—so you can spot patterns fast. For each med you’ll find the generic and a
familiar brand name, its drug class, how it works in plain English, the nursing “pearls” exam
writers love to test, and bolded high-alert warnings you can’t afford to miss. Think of it as a
quick-reference map that turns endless pharmacology terrain into a road trip with clear
signposts. If you have enjoyed this, check out our other nursing cheat sheets here!
Antihypertensive Medications
1. Lisinopril
Generic & Brand
Lisinopril (Prinivil)
Name
Drug Class ACE inhibitor (antihypertensive)
Mechanism of Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, blocking Ang I → Ang II; results in
Action vasodilation and decreased aldosterone secretion.
, Assess blood pressure, renal function, and potassium for early signs of
complications. Lisinopril lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II
production.
Key Nursing
Persistent cough warrants assessment. A dry, nagging cough may occur and
Considerations
often leads to discontinuation—inform patients to report this side effect.
Angioedema requires immediate action. Monitor for facial or airway swelling;
this is a medical emergency, and the drug should be stopped right away.
Black Box: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lisinopril poses a significant risk of
Critical Alerts
fetal injury or death; discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.
2. Losartan
Generic & Brand
Losartan (Cozaar)
Name
Drug Class ARB (antihypertensive)
Mechanism of Blocks angiotensin II receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone
Action effects.
Blood pressure control without the cough. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor
blocker that lowers blood pressure while avoiding the dry cough often
associated with ACE inhibitors.
Key Nursing Monitor serum potassium and renal function. Potassium and kidneys require
Considerations close watch due to the risk of hyperkalemia and potential kidney effects.
Instruct patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Postural changes
demand patient caution to reduce the risk of dizziness and
orthostatic hypotension.
Black Box: Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. Losartan is
Critical Alerts contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity and
developmental harm.
,3. Metoprolol
Generic & Brand
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Name
Drug Class Beta-1 blocker (selective)
Mechanism of Blocks β1-adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, contractility,
Action and O2 demand.
Hold for Low Apical Pulse. Check apical heart rate before administration;
withhold if below 60 bpm.
May Mask Hypoglycemia Symptoms. Can conceal tachycardia in diabetic
patients; monitor closely.
Key Nursing
Considerations
Use Cautiously in Asthma. Though β1-selective, high doses may affect β2
receptors and worsen bronchospasm.
Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation. Sudden withdrawal may cause
rebound hypertension or angina.
High Alert: Use with caution in heart failure. Though indicated in some cases,
Critical Alerts monitor for signs of worsening heart failure such as dyspnea, weight gain, or
peripheral edema.
4. Amlodipine
Generic & Brand
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Name
Drug Class Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)
Mechanism of Inhibits Ca2+ influx into vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation
Action and decreased BP.
, Edema is a common effect, not a fluid overload. Monitor for peripheral
edema, particularly in the lower extremities, and differentiate from signs
of heart failure.
Slow transitions reduce risk. Educate patients to rise slowly from bed or
chairs to prevent dizziness from orthostatic hypotension.
Key Nursing
Considerations
Heart rate remains essentially unchanged. Unlike non-dihydropyridine
agents, amlodipine typically does not significantly affect pulse rate, but
monitor for hypotension.
Advise regular dental care and good oral hygiene. Gingival hyperplasia may
occur with long-term use.
Caution: Use with caution in patients with severe aortic
Critical Alerts stenosis. Amlodipine may worsen symptoms due to reduced preload
tolerance in fixed-output cardiac conditions.
5. Diltiazem
Generic & Brand
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Name
Drug Class Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine)
Mechanism of Blocks Ca2+ channels in myocardium and nodal tissue, slowing AV node
Action conduction and decreasing cardiac workload.
Monitor for bradycardia and conduction blocks. Regularly assess heart rate
and rhythm; hold the dose and notify the physician if significant bradycardia or
AV block is present.
Key Nursing Balance blood pressure and heart function. Monitor for hypotension and
Considerations signs of worsening heart failure, especially in patients with reduced ejection
fraction.
Titrate dosage based on cardiac response. IV administration requires
continuous ECG monitoring; oral dosing may require gradual adjustment to
pathophysiology charts all at once. One minute you’re mastering pharmacokinetics, the next
you’re asked about a side-effect you saw only once in lecture. That’s where this “101 Must-
Know NCLEX Medications” Cheat Sheet steps in as your pocket-sized lifesaver.
Inside, every drug is neatly sorted by category—cardiac to psych, antibiotics to
anticoagulants—so you can spot patterns fast. For each med you’ll find the generic and a
familiar brand name, its drug class, how it works in plain English, the nursing “pearls” exam
writers love to test, and bolded high-alert warnings you can’t afford to miss. Think of it as a
quick-reference map that turns endless pharmacology terrain into a road trip with clear
signposts. If you have enjoyed this, check out our other nursing cheat sheets here!
Antihypertensive Medications
1. Lisinopril
Generic & Brand
Lisinopril (Prinivil)
Name
Drug Class ACE inhibitor (antihypertensive)
Mechanism of Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, blocking Ang I → Ang II; results in
Action vasodilation and decreased aldosterone secretion.
, Assess blood pressure, renal function, and potassium for early signs of
complications. Lisinopril lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II
production.
Key Nursing
Persistent cough warrants assessment. A dry, nagging cough may occur and
Considerations
often leads to discontinuation—inform patients to report this side effect.
Angioedema requires immediate action. Monitor for facial or airway swelling;
this is a medical emergency, and the drug should be stopped right away.
Black Box: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lisinopril poses a significant risk of
Critical Alerts
fetal injury or death; discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.
2. Losartan
Generic & Brand
Losartan (Cozaar)
Name
Drug Class ARB (antihypertensive)
Mechanism of Blocks angiotensin II receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone
Action effects.
Blood pressure control without the cough. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor
blocker that lowers blood pressure while avoiding the dry cough often
associated with ACE inhibitors.
Key Nursing Monitor serum potassium and renal function. Potassium and kidneys require
Considerations close watch due to the risk of hyperkalemia and potential kidney effects.
Instruct patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Postural changes
demand patient caution to reduce the risk of dizziness and
orthostatic hypotension.
Black Box: Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. Losartan is
Critical Alerts contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity and
developmental harm.
,3. Metoprolol
Generic & Brand
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Name
Drug Class Beta-1 blocker (selective)
Mechanism of Blocks β1-adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, contractility,
Action and O2 demand.
Hold for Low Apical Pulse. Check apical heart rate before administration;
withhold if below 60 bpm.
May Mask Hypoglycemia Symptoms. Can conceal tachycardia in diabetic
patients; monitor closely.
Key Nursing
Considerations
Use Cautiously in Asthma. Though β1-selective, high doses may affect β2
receptors and worsen bronchospasm.
Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation. Sudden withdrawal may cause
rebound hypertension or angina.
High Alert: Use with caution in heart failure. Though indicated in some cases,
Critical Alerts monitor for signs of worsening heart failure such as dyspnea, weight gain, or
peripheral edema.
4. Amlodipine
Generic & Brand
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Name
Drug Class Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)
Mechanism of Inhibits Ca2+ influx into vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation
Action and decreased BP.
, Edema is a common effect, not a fluid overload. Monitor for peripheral
edema, particularly in the lower extremities, and differentiate from signs
of heart failure.
Slow transitions reduce risk. Educate patients to rise slowly from bed or
chairs to prevent dizziness from orthostatic hypotension.
Key Nursing
Considerations
Heart rate remains essentially unchanged. Unlike non-dihydropyridine
agents, amlodipine typically does not significantly affect pulse rate, but
monitor for hypotension.
Advise regular dental care and good oral hygiene. Gingival hyperplasia may
occur with long-term use.
Caution: Use with caution in patients with severe aortic
Critical Alerts stenosis. Amlodipine may worsen symptoms due to reduced preload
tolerance in fixed-output cardiac conditions.
5. Diltiazem
Generic & Brand
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Name
Drug Class Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine)
Mechanism of Blocks Ca2+ channels in myocardium and nodal tissue, slowing AV node
Action conduction and decreasing cardiac workload.
Monitor for bradycardia and conduction blocks. Regularly assess heart rate
and rhythm; hold the dose and notify the physician if significant bradycardia or
AV block is present.
Key Nursing Balance blood pressure and heart function. Monitor for hypotension and
Considerations signs of worsening heart failure, especially in patients with reduced ejection
fraction.
Titrate dosage based on cardiac response. IV administration requires
continuous ECG monitoring; oral dosing may require gradual adjustment to
