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1212C MEDICATIONS – MODULE 4
MEDICATION CLASSIFICATION ADVERSE/SIDE EFFECTS NRSG.
NAME INDICATIONS for IMPLICATIONS
USE PATIENT
TEACHING
Ondansetron Antiemetic Side effects include headache, QT prolongation,
(Zofran) Tx: nausea and vomiting constipation, diarrhea, and monitor ECG in those
malaise/fatigue. with hypokalemia,
hypomagnesemia,
cardiac disease.
Serotonin syndrome
occurs when given with
products that increase
CNS or peripheral
serotonin levels. Assess
for agitation, confusion,
dizziness, diaphoresis,
flushing, tremor,
seizures, n/v, and
diarrhea.
Metoclopramide Antiemetic Side effects include restlessness, drowsiness, Tardive dyskinesia,
(Reglan) TX: nausea and vomiting diarrhea, weakness, insomnia, depression, and suicidal ideation,
tardive dyskinesia. seizures, neutropenia,
leukopenia,
agranulocytosis.
Promethazine Antiemetic Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, [BLACK B0X
(Phenergan) Tx: nausea and vomiting excitation, fatigue insomnia, photosensitivity WARNING]
reactions, N/V, and constipation. Black Warnings
includes severe tissue
injury when infiltrated
via IV infusion.
, 2
Lorazepam (Ativan) Anxiolytic Can cause over sedation Doses need to be
Benzodiazepines Decreased BP-orthostatic slowly titrated and not
Tx: Acute anxiety Serious effects with those with liver/renal abruptly stopped to
ETOH withdrawal disease avoid rebound
Muscle spasms disinhibition
Status Epilepticus (Increased sedation
(continuous seizure activity) alternates with increased
Seizures activity)
Pre-operative Avoid ETOH
Dolasetron Mesylate Antiemetic Headache, dizziness, fatigue drowsiness, Increases QT
(Anzemet) Tx; Prevents nausea, hypo/hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia. prolongation-
vomiting by blocking Diarrhea, constipation, increased AST/ALT, thiazide/loop diuretics
serotonin peripherally, abdominal pain, anorexia, urinary retention, Serotonin syndrome
centrally and in the small oliguria with used with SSRI,
intestine. SNRI’s, MAOI’s
Usually used with prevention
of chemotherapy-induced
and postoperative n/v.
Dronabinol Cannabinoid Dizziness drowsiness, confusion, and light- Lead to addiction,
Tx: N/V caused by chemo- headedness.
(Marinol) severe drowsiness, fast
therapy and treat loss of
appetite and weight loss in heartbeat, mental/ mood
patients. changes, and seizures.
Trouble breathing.
1212C MEDICATIONS – MODULE 4
MEDICATION CLASSIFICATION ADVERSE/SIDE EFFECTS NRSG.
NAME INDICATIONS for IMPLICATIONS
USE PATIENT
TEACHING
Ondansetron Antiemetic Side effects include headache, QT prolongation,
(Zofran) Tx: nausea and vomiting constipation, diarrhea, and monitor ECG in those
malaise/fatigue. with hypokalemia,
hypomagnesemia,
cardiac disease.
Serotonin syndrome
occurs when given with
products that increase
CNS or peripheral
serotonin levels. Assess
for agitation, confusion,
dizziness, diaphoresis,
flushing, tremor,
seizures, n/v, and
diarrhea.
Metoclopramide Antiemetic Side effects include restlessness, drowsiness, Tardive dyskinesia,
(Reglan) TX: nausea and vomiting diarrhea, weakness, insomnia, depression, and suicidal ideation,
tardive dyskinesia. seizures, neutropenia,
leukopenia,
agranulocytosis.
Promethazine Antiemetic Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, [BLACK B0X
(Phenergan) Tx: nausea and vomiting excitation, fatigue insomnia, photosensitivity WARNING]
reactions, N/V, and constipation. Black Warnings
includes severe tissue
injury when infiltrated
via IV infusion.
, 2
Lorazepam (Ativan) Anxiolytic Can cause over sedation Doses need to be
Benzodiazepines Decreased BP-orthostatic slowly titrated and not
Tx: Acute anxiety Serious effects with those with liver/renal abruptly stopped to
ETOH withdrawal disease avoid rebound
Muscle spasms disinhibition
Status Epilepticus (Increased sedation
(continuous seizure activity) alternates with increased
Seizures activity)
Pre-operative Avoid ETOH
Dolasetron Mesylate Antiemetic Headache, dizziness, fatigue drowsiness, Increases QT
(Anzemet) Tx; Prevents nausea, hypo/hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia. prolongation-
vomiting by blocking Diarrhea, constipation, increased AST/ALT, thiazide/loop diuretics
serotonin peripherally, abdominal pain, anorexia, urinary retention, Serotonin syndrome
centrally and in the small oliguria with used with SSRI,
intestine. SNRI’s, MAOI’s
Usually used with prevention
of chemotherapy-induced
and postoperative n/v.
Dronabinol Cannabinoid Dizziness drowsiness, confusion, and light- Lead to addiction,
Tx: N/V caused by chemo- headedness.
(Marinol) severe drowsiness, fast
therapy and treat loss of
appetite and weight loss in heartbeat, mental/ mood
patients. changes, and seizures.
Trouble breathing.
