NURSING PHARMACOLOGY (DRUGS)
Albuterol - ANSWERS-(SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for
bronchospasm, acute symptoms of asthma
Acetaminophen - ANSWERS-centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and
antipyretic properties; no antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
Acyclovir - ANSWERS-Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus &
Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections;
Moas: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis
of viral DNA, resistance.
Amiodarone - ANSWERS-Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
Amoxicillin - ANSWERS-Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. Influenzae, E.
Coli, and N. Gonorrhoeae. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for
Staphylococcus.
Atropine - ANSWERS-muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used
for mydriases (eye exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to
muscarinic poisoning (rx, shrooms)
Amphotericin B - ANSWERS-broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of
choice for systemic mycoses, despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to
treating progressive and potentially fatal infections. Adverse effects include
infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
Aspirin - ANSWERS-A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to
prevent arterial thrombosis, stroke, or MI. Major ses include risk of major GI
, bleeding. This drug is an NSAID that works by inhibiting platelet COX, COX-1, and
COX-2.
Beclomethasone - ANSWERS-inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway
inflammation in asthma
Bethanechol - ANSWERS-muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
Buproprion - ANSWERS-(DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache,
serotonin syndrome (see laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome
Captopril - ANSWERS-ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating
a patient with heart failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles
and veins, and decreases release of aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects
of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or persistant cough, CARDIAC REMODELING
Carbenicillin - ANSWERS-"Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins),
which has the same spectrum of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus
treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Cefotaxime - ANSWERS-"Third generation cephalosporin with activity against
meningitis and nosocomial infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has
greater activity against Gram negative bacteria, increased resistance to beta-
lactamases, and better ability to reach CSF.
Cephalexin - ANSWERS-"First generation cephalosporin poor activity against Gram
negative bacteria, sensitive to to most beta-lactamases, unable to reach CSF.
Used for Staphylococcus if mild penicillin allergy.
Celecoxib - ANSWERS-2nd Generation Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (COX-
2 Selective NSAID); AE: risk of CV events, warfarin may be more effective with
celecoxib
Albuterol - ANSWERS-(SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for
bronchospasm, acute symptoms of asthma
Acetaminophen - ANSWERS-centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and
antipyretic properties; no antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
Acyclovir - ANSWERS-Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus &
Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections;
Moas: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis
of viral DNA, resistance.
Amiodarone - ANSWERS-Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
Amoxicillin - ANSWERS-Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. Influenzae, E.
Coli, and N. Gonorrhoeae. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for
Staphylococcus.
Atropine - ANSWERS-muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used
for mydriases (eye exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to
muscarinic poisoning (rx, shrooms)
Amphotericin B - ANSWERS-broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of
choice for systemic mycoses, despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to
treating progressive and potentially fatal infections. Adverse effects include
infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
Aspirin - ANSWERS-A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to
prevent arterial thrombosis, stroke, or MI. Major ses include risk of major GI
, bleeding. This drug is an NSAID that works by inhibiting platelet COX, COX-1, and
COX-2.
Beclomethasone - ANSWERS-inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway
inflammation in asthma
Bethanechol - ANSWERS-muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
Buproprion - ANSWERS-(DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache,
serotonin syndrome (see laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome
Captopril - ANSWERS-ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating
a patient with heart failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles
and veins, and decreases release of aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects
of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or persistant cough, CARDIAC REMODELING
Carbenicillin - ANSWERS-"Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins),
which has the same spectrum of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus
treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Cefotaxime - ANSWERS-"Third generation cephalosporin with activity against
meningitis and nosocomial infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has
greater activity against Gram negative bacteria, increased resistance to beta-
lactamases, and better ability to reach CSF.
Cephalexin - ANSWERS-"First generation cephalosporin poor activity against Gram
negative bacteria, sensitive to to most beta-lactamases, unable to reach CSF.
Used for Staphylococcus if mild penicillin allergy.
Celecoxib - ANSWERS-2nd Generation Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (COX-
2 Selective NSAID); AE: risk of CV events, warfarin may be more effective with
celecoxib
