PHARMACOLOGY SUMMARY CONTENT
Page 1 – Introduction & Key Concepts
● Definition: Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their mechanisms, uses, and effects on
the human body.
● Objectives for Nurses: Safe medication administration, understanding drug
interactions, and patient education.
● The Five Rights of Medication Administration: Right patient, drug, dose, route, and
time.
Page 2 – Major Drug Classes (Part 1)
Drug Class Mechanism of Key Side Effects Nursing
Action Indications Considerations
Cardiovascula Lower BP, control Hypertension, Hypotension, Monitor vitals,
r heart rhythm heart failure, bradycardia teach orthostatic
arrhythmias precautions
CNS Drugs Affect Anxiety, Drowsiness, Fall risk, mental
neurotransmitters depression, dependency status checks
insomnia,
seizures
Endocrine Hormone Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Monitor labs,
Drugs replacement or thyroid thyroid educate patients
suppression disorders imbalance on dosing
Page 3 – Major Drug Classes (Part 2)
Drug Class Mechanism Indications Side Effects Nursing Tips
Antibiotics Kill/inhibit Infections Allergic Check cultures,
bacteria reactions, GI complete course,
upset monitor for
superinfections
Page 1 – Introduction & Key Concepts
● Definition: Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their mechanisms, uses, and effects on
the human body.
● Objectives for Nurses: Safe medication administration, understanding drug
interactions, and patient education.
● The Five Rights of Medication Administration: Right patient, drug, dose, route, and
time.
Page 2 – Major Drug Classes (Part 1)
Drug Class Mechanism of Key Side Effects Nursing
Action Indications Considerations
Cardiovascula Lower BP, control Hypertension, Hypotension, Monitor vitals,
r heart rhythm heart failure, bradycardia teach orthostatic
arrhythmias precautions
CNS Drugs Affect Anxiety, Drowsiness, Fall risk, mental
neurotransmitters depression, dependency status checks
insomnia,
seizures
Endocrine Hormone Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Monitor labs,
Drugs replacement or thyroid thyroid educate patients
suppression disorders imbalance on dosing
Page 3 – Major Drug Classes (Part 2)
Drug Class Mechanism Indications Side Effects Nursing Tips
Antibiotics Kill/inhibit Infections Allergic Check cultures,
bacteria reactions, GI complete course,
upset monitor for
superinfections
