Pharm N180 Reversal Agents Notes

These medications listed all have a reversal agent. Name a medication that falls under the
category if applicable and then list the following:

a. Trade
b. Generic
c. Use
d. Side Effects
e. Contraindications
f. Adverse effects ( What are you looking for that would constitute a reversal? )
g. Reversal agent
Some of these are not trade or generic drugs. Describe what they are, where one may be
exposed to it, risks and how to spot adverse effects that constitute a reversal.


1. Acetaminophen
a. Trade: Tylenol
b. Generic: Acetaminophen
c. Use: Pain (Analgesia), Fever
d. Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, rash, hives
e. Contraindications: hepatic impairment, renal impairment, hypovolemia, alcohol
use
f. Adverse effects: hepatotoxicity, insomnia
g. Reversal agent: acetylcysteine
2. Benzodiazepine
a. Trade: Ativan
b. Generic: Lorazepam
c. Use: Anxiolytic, used to reduce anxiety, helps with insomnia (short-term), post-op
sedation, and status epilepticus
d. Side Effects: dry mouth, photophobia, diaphoresis, drowsiness, palpitations
e. Contraindications: sleep apnea syndrome, severe respiratory insufficiency, acute angle-
closure glaucoma
f. Adverse effects: Amnesia, confusion, chest pain, respiratory depression
g. Reversal agent: flumazenil
3.Curare
a. Trade: curare
b. Generic: curare (part of the alkaloid family0
c. Use: for anesthesia. Also used to treat hydrophobia, chorea (jerky involuntary
movements), epilepsy. Some other uses include kidney disease, kidney stones, UTI,
d. Side Effects: transient rash, salivation
e. Contraindications :
f. Adverse effects: muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency
g. Reversal agent: edrophonium
4.Cyanide Poisoning
a. Trade: Zkylon B