All Flashcards
Physiology of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- stomach secretes acid, enzymes, and hormones that are essential to digestive physiology
What are the natural defenses of the stomach?
- somatostatin
- bicarbonate ion
- mucus
- prostaglandin E2
What do prostaglandin antagonists include?
- NSAIDs/ASA (damages GI mucosa directly)
- corticosteroids
Peptic ulcer risk factors
- infection w/ H. pylori
- close family hx of PUD
- drugs
- blood group O
- smoking tobacco
- excessive caffeine
- psychological stress (thought to be primary cause of PUD)
what drugs increase risk of peptic ulcer disease (PUD?)
- glucorticoids
- NSAIDs
- platelet inhibitors
PUD: NSAID-induced risk factors
- long-term use
- advanced age
- hx of ulcers
- corticosteroids
- anticoagulants
- alcohol + smoking
Goals of PUD pharmacotherapy
- relieve symptoms
- promote healing
- prevent complications
- prevent future recurrence
what do PPIs end in? and what do they do?
“-prazole”
- PPIs block gastric acid secretion
- choice of drug therapy in PUD + gastroesophageal reflex disease
H2 -receptor antagonists - what do they do?
suppress gastric acid secretion & are widely prescribed for treating PUD + gastroesophageal disease
what are the H2-receptor antagonists?
- ranitidine (Zantac)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- famotidine (pepcid)
- nizatidine (axid)
H2 receptor antagonists - Pharmacokinetic properties
- rapid absorption from SI
- 30 minute onset of action
- half-life from 1-4h
- no known effects on fetus
- excreted primarily from kidneys
what are antacids?
= alkaline substancse that neutralize stomach acid to treat symptoms of heartburn
Antacids Pharmacotherapy: AEs
- constipation
- @ high doses, aluminum products bind w/ phosphate in GI tract = LT use can result in phosphate depletion
- high risk in: malnourished, alcoholics, renal disease
Symptoms of bowel obstruction
abdominal distension, n/v, bloating, tender
SNT - soft, non-tender, no distention?
Antacids: Contraindications / precautions
- prolonged use with low serum phosphate
- avoid w/ suspected bowel obstruction
Antacids: Drug Interactions
- don’t take with other meds – will interfere w/ absorption
- anticholinergic drugs incr effects of antacids
- aluminum + calcium antacids may inhbit absorption of dietary iron
- decr absorption of some drugs
Antacids decrease the absorption of which drugs?
- cimetidine
- fluoroquinolones
- digoxin
- isoniazid
- chloroquine
- NSAIDs
- iron salts
- phenytoin
- tetracycline
- thyroxine
Considerations w/ Antacids
- PMH
- watch kidney labratory values
- monitor for bowel changes & worsening symptoms
- **hold drug + notify prescriber **if pt has symptoms of appendicitis, undiagnosed GI bleeding, or suspected obstruction
What helps with simple nausea, such as motion sickness?
Pharmacotherapy of N/V
- anticholinergic agents (scopolamine)
- antihistamines (dimenhydrinate/diphenhydramine)
What helps with chemotherapy-induced N/V?
Pharmacotherapy of N/V
- serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists (Zofran)
what is the primary indication for the use of antiemetic medication?
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
what is used for antineoplastic therapy?
Pharmacotherapy of N/V
- phenothiazine (methotrimeprazine / Nozinan)
- hydroxyzine (Atarax)
- dopamine antagonists –> Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Ondansetron - Therapeutic + Pharmacological classification?
therapeutic: antiemetic
pharmacologic: serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist
Therapeutic use of ondansetron/ Zofran?
- treatment of serious N/V
- used at least 30 min prior to chemotherapy + continued for several days after
- off-label use for cholestatic or opioid-induced pruritus
Ondansetron mechanism of action?
- blocks serotonin receptors in chemoreceptor trigger zone
What does Saline Cathartic do?
Pharmacotherapy w/ Laxatives
pulls water into stool (sennosides)
- implies accelerated, stronger, and more complete bowel empyting through osmosis
What do laxatives do (bulk forming)?
Pharmacotherapy w/ Laxatives
- promotes defecation
- prevents and treats constipation
- Metamucil + surfactnat type (docusate sodium)
What to monitor with laxatives?
monitor for retrosternal pain (bulking from behind) + possible bowel perforation
Treatment with laxatives?
Pharmacotherapy w/ Laxatives
- simple, chroni constipation
- accelerate removal of ingested toxic substances
- accelerate removal of dead parasites
- cleanse bowel prior to diagnostic or surgical procedures
Metamucil considerations
Pharmacotherapy w/ Laxatives
- know PMHx
- assess BMs + GI functioning
- mix power + granules w/ at least 8 ounces of pleasant-tasting liquid immediately before use, drinks lots of h2o
- immediately report complaints of retrosternal pain after taking drug to prescriber
- smaller, more frequent doses spaced throughout day to relieve discomfort
- monitor warfarin + digoxin levels closely
Most common opioids for diarrhea + why?
Pharmacotherapy of Diarrhea
- opioids = most effective for controlling severe diarrhea
- common opioids: codeine + diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil)
Diphenoxylate w/ Atropine (Lomotil): therapeutic + pharmacologic classification
Pharmacotherapy of Diarrhea
- antidiarrheal
- P = opioid
diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil): therapeutic effects + uses
- moderate to severe diarrhea
- not recommended for infants
- low-maintenance dose can by continued for up to 10 days
- approved for children 2yr+
diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil): mechanism of action
acts on smooth muscle cells of intestine to slow peristalsis
diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil): Adverse effects
- dizziness
- lethargy, drowsiness,
- anticholinergic effects of atropine
diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil): Considerations
- know PMHx + Sx
- complete assessment of BM + GI function (freq + consistency of stools)
- report abdo distension + s/s decr peristalsis
- want to find SNTnoD –> softness, non-tender, no distension
- monitor s/s dehyration, esp young children
- maintain safe env’t bc can cause drowsiness/dizziness
what is used to treat IBD?
Pharmacotherapy of IBD
- 5-ASA agents
- immunosuppressants
- biologic therapies
- anti-inflammatory drugs
Goals of IBD pharmacotherapy?
- reduce symptoms
- keep in remission (immunosuppressive agents)
- alter progression of disease
What is used for induction therapy with Crohn’s Disease?
- 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents
- sulfasalazine, olsalazine, balsalazide, mesalamine
severe: corticosteroids
maintenance: immunosuppresive agents
Sulfasalazine + Sulfonamides
Sulfonamide is basis of what groups of drugs?
IBD Pharmacotherapy
- sulfonylureas
- sulfonamide antibiotics
- loop + thiazide diuretics
Contraindications / Precautions with Suflasalazine
- sulfonamide / salicylate hypersensitivity
- urinary obstruction
- can worsen blood dyscrasias
- hepatic impairment
- dehydration
- diabetes/ hypoglycemia
Actions of Antibiotic (Abx) Drugs
- affect target organism’s structure, metabolism, or life cycle
- goal = eliminate pathogen
- may be used for prophylactic treatment of people with suppressed or compromised immune systems
Abx: bactericidal vs bacteriostatic?
Bactericidal = kill bacteria
bacteriostatic = slow growth of bacteria
Abx: Nursing Considerations
- make sure pt finishes all abx
- don’t share
- keep away from children (safety lid + lock)
- educate about abx decreasing effects of oral contraceptives and use back up BC – will decr efficacy of hormone-based BC
- teach pts to wear medic-alert bracelets if allergic
how long to observe pt for possible allergic reactions after parenteral admin?
observe for 30 mins, esp after first dose
- monitor for hypersensitivity
- make sure pt knows s/s of allergic rxn
Abx nursing considerations: food
- teach when to take w/ food & when to avoid certain foods (i.e., Ca/iron - tetras)
- take probiotics (1-2x/day) to counter antibiotic
- replacement of normal colon flora w/ probiotic supplements or cultured dairy products
- most best taken on empty stomach
What SEs of Abx to look for?
- skin, teeth, tendons, ears, kidneys
- assess renal + hepatic function (esp in elderly) = 2.2lb or 1kg/day
How to choose abx + how long?
look @ location + shape
- bony locations = harder for abx to get to, e.g., sinus infection = 10-14 days; ear infections ~5 days
Role of Penicilins - Nurse’s job
- assess previous drug rxn to penicilin (animal products exposed to abx)
- avoid cephalosporins if pt has severe penicilin allergy
- monitor for hyperkalemia + hypernatremia (incr risk in pt w/ DM/ on dialysis)
- monitor cardiac status, including ECG changes
Cephalosporin Therapy: Role of Nurse
- assess presence/hx of bleeding disorders
- assess renal + hepatic function (esp in elderly)
- assess for persistent diarrhea in children
- avoid alcohol
Why assess for presence/hx of bleeding disorders when taking cephalosporin abx?
- can reduce prothrombin levels through interference w/ vitamin K metabolism
why avoid alcohol when taking cephalosporins?
some cephalosporins cause disulfiram (Antabuse)-like reaction with alcohol – will start to severely vomit
Tetracyline Therapy: Nursing Considerations
- **decr **effectiveness of OCP - should use alt BC
- incr potential for yeast infection while taking OCP + tetracyclines
- caution w/ impaired liver/kidney function
- take on empty stomach to incr absorption
- may result in photosensitivity
- watch for supra infection, e.g., pseudomembranous colitis
- don’t take w/ milk products, iron supplements, magnesium-containing laxatives, or antacids (fluoros)
Macrolide Therapy: Nurse’s Role
- watch liver (EES) erythromycin estolate
- multiple drug-drug interactions w/ macrolides (CYP)
- examine pt for hx of cardiac disorders - may exacerbate existing heart disease
- cause metallic taste in mouth
toxicity? SEs? last name?
Aminoglycosides
- more toxic than most abxs
- have potential for serious AEs
- last names don’t work with this family and macrolides
Adverse effects of aminoglycosides
- ototoxicity, worse if given with lasix
- nephrotoxicity, worse if given with Zovirax (acyclovir)
- neuromuscular blockage, including resp paralysis
what are they for? how do they work?
Fluoroquinolines
- initially for UTIs
- bacteriocidal, affect DNA synthesis by inhibting 2 bacterial enzymes
- activity against gram-neg pathogens, newer drugs have activity against gram-positive microbes
- for infections of GI, GU, resp, skin + soft tissues
- “-oxain’s”
Fluoroquinolines - route, food + others
- decr 90% if taken with multivitamins or minerals such as Ca, Mag, Fe, Zinc ions (Tetras 50%)
- IV = PO, easy transition to home
- can cause C. Diff, dysrhythmias + liver failure (QT prolongation + arrythmias)
- CNS disturbances affect 1-8% of pts
Who can’t you give fluoroquinolones?
- Cipro, teenagers or atheletes, will cause tendon rupture
- children + lactacting or pregnant women
- crosses into breast milk
Which fluoroquinolone can cause photophobia?
norfloxacin – sensitivity to lights
Sulfonamides - what are they + why are they used?
- bacteriostatic, inhibit folic acid
- broad spectrum, but widespread use has led to incr resistance
- used in combination to treat UTIs
- anti-inflammatory properties can help w/ RA + UC
- teratogenic - cause birth defects
- don’t take when breastfeeding or pregnant
Sulfonamides - Abx allergy?
Rxn to sulfonamide abx could mean allergy to other sulfonamide meds
- DM sulfonylyreas (glyburide + glimepiride), NSAIDs (celecoxib), certain “h2o pills” (furosemide, chlorothiazide), IBD (sulfasalazine)
- allergy to those meds may cause sensitivity to abx, caution w/ 1st dose
Sulfonamides: Prototype drug
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole = tmp/smz
- bactrim, septra, cotrimoxazole
- potential for allergic rxn
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: mechanism of action
Sulfonamides
to kill bacteria by inhibiting metabolism of folic acid
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Adverse Effects
- skin rashes
- N/V
- agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia (caution w/ pernicious anemia)
- photosensitivity
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: primary uses
Sulfonamides
- broad spectrum (TMP/SMX) for UTIs
- pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
- shigella of small bowel
- acute episodes of chronic bronchitis
Sulfonamide Therapy: Role of Nurse
- assess for anemia/ other hematological disorders (HgB & platelets) - can incr risk for hemolytic anemia + bld dyscrasias
- assess renal function; sulfonamides may incr risk for crystalluria
- use alt BC if on OCP
- contraindicated w/ hx of hypersensitivity to sulfonamides (SJS)
- teach how to decr effects of photosensitivity
mech of action, primary use, AEs
vancomycin (Vancocin)
mechanism of action: bactericidal, inhbits cell wall synthesis
primary use: reserved for severe/resistant gram-positive infection; effective for MRSA infections, used to treat for C. Diff
AES: ototoxicity (balance + dizziness), nephrotoxicity, red man syndrome, confusion/hallucinations, anaphylaxis
Superinfections - Acquired Resistance, how does it happen?
- abx destroy sensitive bac, only insensitive (mutated) bac remain
- free from competition from bac that were sensitive to drug, mutated bacteria thrives
- client now develops infection that is resistant to conventional therapy
- resistant bacteria can be transmitted to others
- aka SUPERBUGS
Superbugs: Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (ABO)s
- methicillin-resistant staphylococcus-aureus (MRSA) –> won’t respond to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosdies, tetrocyclines
- VRE
- CBO/CBE
- ESBL - PCNs & Cephalosporins rendered useless
- VRSA or VISA
What is multidrug-resistance?
when organism is resistant to more than 1 drug
Nursing Considerations for Acquired Resistance
- pts take full course of abx
- don’t save abx or share with others
- abx don’t treat viral infections
- overprescribing has led to ARO d/t loss of effectiveness
- C&S prior to treatment preferable
What does using a single, specific abx do?
reduces antagonism +** reduces resistance **
Superinfection: S/S
- diarrhea (c. diff or pseudomembranous colitis)
- bladder pain + painful urination (e. coli / UTI)
- abnormal vaginal discharge (yeast - candida)
- red rash w/ satellite lesion (yeast - candida)
what are super infections?
- secondary infections that occur when too many host flora are killed by abx
- host flora stop pathogenic organisms
- host flora killed by abx, microorganisms multiply
- super opportunistic
Characteristics of Fungal Infections
- not easily transmitted thru casual contact
- serious fungal infections uncommon w/ healthy immune defense
- more common in immunocompromised pts
- treatment may req weeks to months of therapy due to resistance
what environments do fungal bac love?
dark, moist environments with lots of sugar
Fungal infections & immunocompromised
- DM, HIV, Cancer
- systemic fungal infection may be rapidly fatal
- may experience freq fungal infections and require aggressive pharmacotherapy
nystatin (Mycostain, Nystop): interactions
Superficial Fungal Infections
unknown drug interactions + symptomatic overdose treatment
nystatin (Mycostain, Nystop): considerations
- Hx + assessment
- observe for improvement & report persistent infections
- avoid occlusive dressings / ointment on moist, dark areas of body
- teach pt to avoid sharing shoes, towels, or personal objects (esp w/ candida)
drugs similar to nystatin: Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)
- orally only (ineffective topically)
- used to treat skin infections, e.g., jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm; fungal infections of scalp, fingernails, toenails
- reserved for cases w/ nail, hair, or large body surface involvement
Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG): SEs
drug similar to nystatin
- phototoxicity
- SJS
- urticaria
- dizziness
- really decr effectiveness of OCP
- alcohol = disulfiram-like reaction
If in doubt, what do you do?
Check blood glucose
- if pt isn’t feeling well
- went for exam, didn’t get breakfast
- sweating, confused
Why should you watch for hypoglycemia with beta blockers?
it masks s/s of hypoglycemia
Short-acting insulin - types, onset, peak, duration
regular insulin: Humulin R or Novolin R
onset: 0.5-1h (30 min before meal)
peak: 2-3 h
duration: 8h
Rapid Acting insulin - onset, peak, duration
Lispro (Humalog), Aspart (Novorapid), Glulisine (Apidra)
onset: 0-15 min before meal
peak: 0.5-1hr (best to be eating)
duration: 3-4h
which insulin is given in pregnancy & in IV form?
regular insulin
- for gestation diabetes
human regular insulin - Humulin R, Novolin R: AEs + SAEs
AEs:
- irritation at injection site
- lipodystrophy
- weight gain
SAEs:
- hypoglycemia
- rebound hyperglycemia
- hypokalemia - always watch K+ levels, goes up in DKA
Insulin Therapy: Considerations
- adminster only regular insulin via IV
- assess alc intake & BG – will make them go up and down
- medicine hx - herbs + dietary supplements, note meds that can alter effects of insulin
- ensure pt has consumed or is capable of consuming adequate food to prevent hypoglycemmia rxn
- assess K of insulin therapy, diet, and exercise, and how these affect serum glucose levels
Insulin Therapy - Injections, what to know
- don’t admin if BG < 4 mmol, or if exhibting signs of hypoglycemia
- rotate injection sites weekly to prevent lipodystrophy
- check periodic hemoglobin A1C levels
- assess s/s LT DM complications: eyes, heart, kidneys, feet
R
Role of Nurse in Insulin Therapy?
- be familiar w/ onset, peak, duration of action of prescribed insulin
- be aware of important aspects of each specific insulin
- not all insulin types compatible
- know s/s hypoglycemia + hyperglycemia
Compatibility of Insulins?
- some may not be mixed tgt in single syringe, e.g., Lantus
- clear insulin always drawn into syringe first
Considerations for all oral antidiabetic agents (T2D)
- monitor BG (hypo- & hyperglycemia)
- check s/s illness or infection
- watch liver function
- assess for adherence to therapy + ability for self-care
- sulfonylureas contraindicated in women who are pregnant/breast-feeding, or persons w/ renal/liver disease
- 2nd gen sulfonylureas have fewer drug-drug interactions
Sulfonylureas - what do they do?
- stimulates insulin release from pancreas
- incr sensitivity to insulin receptors
- decr chance of prolonged hypoglycemia
- 10% experience decr effectiveness after prolonged use
- most SEs = minor + GI related
examples of sulfonylureas
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
Sulfonylureas: Contraindications/Precautions
- sensitivity to sulfa drugs or thiazide diuretics
- renal or hepatic disease
- if used during pregnancy, discontinue at least 1 month b4 delivery
Sulfonylureas: Drug Interactions
- alcohol
- oral anticoagulants, MAOIs, probenecid, sulfonamides
- chloramphenicol, salicylates, clofibrate
- rifampin
- thiazides / sulfonamide-based drugs
- ginseng, garlic, black cohosh, juniper berries, fenugreek, coriander, dandelion root
How long do biguanades need to be taken to reach therapeutic effect?
T2D
6-12 weeks
What does Biguanades (metformin) do?
- decr glucose production by liver
- incr insulin sensitivity at tissues
- improve glucose transport into cells
- don’t promote weight gain
- usually first line of treatment
T2D
how long do biguanades (metformin) need to be held when contrast dye is needed?
T2D
48h before and 48h after to prevent lactic acid buildup
Biguanades/metformin: Contraindications / precautions
- impaired renal function
- HF, liver failure, hx of lactic acidosis
- concurrent serious infection, e.g., septicemia
- any condition that predisposes pt to hypoxemia
- anemia, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, gastroparesis, GI obstruction
- hyperthyroidism, pituitary insufficiency, trauma
- pregnancy + lactation
Adrenergic Agonists: Catecholamines
- short duration of action
- destroyed rapidly by monoamine oxidase (MAO)
- COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines, such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine
- no PO - must be parenteral or inhalation d/t COMT in intestinal tract
- doesn’t cross BBB
why can’t catecholamines be taken PO?
“eats” cates b4 enter bldstream & to target tissue
- broken down before it is absorbed
Adrenergic agonists: noncatecholamines
- may be taken PO
- not destroyed as rapidly
- better able to enter brain + affect CNS
Epinephrine: Considerations
Nonselective adrenergic agonists - activate alpha, beta receptors, for bronchospasm, cardiac arrest + hypotension
- assess underlying problem + preexisting conditions
- hx / px (VS)
- closely monitor resp status
- use cardiac monitor/resuscitation equipment
- monitor BP closely
- inform prescriber of changes in I&O
- monitor for hyperglycemia - insulin gtt
- examine ocular + nasal mucosa
- protect from light (brown bag/IV)
Alpha 1 Agonists - Phenylephrine: Contraindications / precautions
to relieve nasal decongestion + elevate BP
- severe HTN
- pre-existing bradycardia
- advanced CAD
- nitroglycerin
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- hyperthyroidism
- diabetes
Alpha 1 Agonists - Phenylephrine: treatment of overdose
- phentolamine
- anti-dysrhythmic drugs
Alpha 1 Agonists - Phenylephrine: Considerations
- examine IV site frequently
- advise pt to remove contact lenses
- dark eye protection after ophthalmic admin (dry out eyes + nasal airways)
- avoid caffeine (w/ all adrenergic agonists)
- contact HCP if palpitations or jittery/nervousness
Muscarinic Antagonists - what is used?
belladonna - natural source of alkaloids w/ anticholinergic activity
Muscarinic Antagonists - Uses
- GI disorders such as IBS
- opthalmic procedures
- cardiac rhythm disorders
- chemotherapy induced diarrhea
- adjuncts to anesthesia (decr secretions)
- asthma + COPD (bronchodilation effects)
- antidotes for poisoning or overdose
- urge incontinence (overactive bladder), helps w/ spasms - watch BPH
- Parkinson disease
Muscarinic Antagonists - AEs
relatively high incidence of AEs - why it is rarely the drug of choice
- urinary retention
- xerostomia (dry mouth)
- tachycardia
- CNS stimulation
- dry eyes
- photophobia
- urinary retention in BPH
Anticholinergic syndrome: what is it & what’s the antidote?
= overdose of muscarinic antagonists
- dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
- visual changes, blurred vision, photophobia
- agitation + hallucinations
antidote = physostigmine
- generally only admin to pts showing severe symptoms
Nicotinic antagonists: Neuromuscular blockers - what do they work on?
work on muscle, NOT CNS or motor/sensory perceptions
Nicotinic antagonists: Neuromuscular blockers - how do they work?
motor end plate of muscle: causes relase of Ach to travel to receptors on skeletal muscle = muscle contraction
continuous depolarized state in which Ca doesn’t return to its storage depots =
- sustained muscle contraction + paralyzed condition necessary for certain surgical procedures
Nicotinic antagonists: Neuromuscular blockers - Depolarizing
Succinylcholine
- given to produce muscle paralysis duringn short medical-surgical procedures
- watch for contraction to signal access - preceded by contraction
- initial contraction and then muscle is relaxed –> paralyzed
- restlessness = no success
Nicotinic antagonists: Neuromuscular blockers - Nondepolarizing
Tubocararine
- given to produce muscle paralysis during longer surgical procedures
- occupies Ach receptors and causes muscle paralysis w/o depolarization (no contraction
- = flaccid paralysis
Succinylcholine: AEs
- complete paralysis of diaphragm/intercostal muscles - watch for resp paralysis
- tachycardia
- hypotension
- urinary retention
Succinylcholine: Serious AEs
- malignant hyperthemia - muscles rigid, skin hot
- resp depression
- apnea
- dysrhythmias
Succinylcholine: Black Box Warning
- children w/ congenital musculoskeletal diseases at greater risk for cardiac arrest
- no way to predict which pts at risk
Succinylcholine: therapeutic effects + uses
- surgical anesthesia
- pseudochlinesterase
- relaxes abdo muscles, or for relaxation prior to intubation
- induces relaxation in less than 1 minute
- muscle strength returns quickly after discontinuation of drug
- pt can still feel pain, is aware of surroundings (use benzos + opioids)
Tubocurarine - what is it for?
- nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers (NDNBs)
- tubocurarine = prototype, 9 others in class
- used to relax skeletal muscles during surgical procedures
- don’t cause sedation, analgesia, or loss of consciousness –> must use benzos, propofol & opioids in conjunction
what is first-dose phenomenon?
- when the SNS is blocked, PNS dominates
- hypotension / orthohypotension d/t decr blood flow to brain; syncope
- reflex tachycardia and nasal congestion also occur
How to prevent first-dose phenomenon?
prevention by initial therapy begun with low doses and usually given at bedtime
what do they do?
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists: Selective Alpha1 Blockers
- block peripheral catecholamines
- used concurrently w/ drugs like diuretics
- relax smooth muscle bladder (detrusor) and prostate
- incr urine flow
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists: Selective Alpha1 Blocker - what do they do to** arterioles**?
Block vasoconstriction on vascular smooth muscle (afterload) which decr BP directly
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists: Selective Alpha1 Blockers - what do they do to veins?
Block vasoconstriction which decr venous return (preload) to heart and lowers BP indirectly
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists: Selective Alpha1 Blockers - Therapeutic uses
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Pheochromocytoma
- HTN
What selective agents are used?
Selective Alpha1 Blockers: BPH therapeutic use
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists
2 selective agents used in BPH
1. Alfuzosin (uroxatral)
2. tamsulosin (Flomax)
don’t cure condition, need surgery
what is it?
Selective Alpha1 Blockers: Pheochromocytoma
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists
small tumour of adrenal medulla, causes irregular secretion of Epi & NE
- excessive secretion of catecholamine in this condition causes severe HTN
Selective Alpha1 Blockers: HTN
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists
used to treat severe HTN
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists: Selective
- block only beta1 receptors
- cardioselective
- fewer noncardiac SEs
- little effect on bronchial smooth muscle
- can be safely given to pts w/ asthma and COPD
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists: Nonselective
- block beta1 and beta2 receptors
- produce more SEs than selective beta1 antagonists
- serious SE = bronchoconstriction (caution in pts w/ COPD + asthma)
what to not do with beta-adrenergic antagonists?
- don’t stop suddenly, will go into rebound tachycardia / rebound HTN –> can lead to stroke
- stay away from grapefruit juice + statins (ARBs)
When should you not give beta-adrenergic antagonists?
- hypotension
- bradycardia
- in 2nd-3rd degree heart block
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
most therapeutic actions relate to CV system
- slow conduction velocity thru AV node
- decr HR (chronotropic)
- decr force of contractions (inotropic)
- during stress/exercise - prevents sympathetic stimulation to heart
- caution when admin CCBs concurrently bc may potentiate HF
How does it take for body to adapt to Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists?
in about 6 weeks, pts will feel like shit
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists: AEs
- prevents hyperglycemia effect of catecholamines –> dangerous in pts w/ DM b/c can cause hypoglycemia + masks s/s hypoglycemia
- decr amount of free fatty acids available during metabolic stress - bronchoconstriction - cannot be used in pts w/ COPD, asthma
- rebound cardiac excitation may occur if beta blockers withdrawn abruptly - never stop w/o talking to HCP first
Propranolol: Considerations
Non-selective Beta1 Blockers
- monitor VS q15min to q1hr
- Hx + Px - assess for asthma + COPD
- review lab tests for kidney, liver, hematologic + cardiac functions
- watch for ADRs in older adults + in pts w/ impaired renal function
- monitor I/O & daily weights (esp in HF)
- pt edu: decr salt intake, don’t stop drug suddenly
- examine for impaired circulation: irregular rhythm, SOB, bilateral lower extremities edema
- watch for widening QRS - immediate nursing attention
Propranolol: names of nonselective beta blockers
“-olol”
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)
- sotalol (Betapace, Sorine): watch for widening QRS complex
Calcium Channel Blockers: Vascular smooth muscle effects
- prevents contraction of peripheral arterioles (vasodilation + decr BP)
- afterload reduced - decr peripheral resistence + preload = lower myocardial oxygen demand + less workload for heart
- dilation of coronary arteries = more bld flow to heart
What do CCBs do?
stop the influx of Ca into vascular smooth muscle
CCBs: Myocardium effects
reduces force of myocardial contraction (negative inotropic effect)
- reduces inward movement of calcium during plateau phase of action potential
CCBs: Cardiac conduction effects
negative chronotropic effect
- SA node generates fewer action potentials
- slows automaticity
- decr hR
Nifedipine: Drug Interactions
Dihydropyridine CCBs: selective for vascular smooth muscle & used to treat HTN + angina pectoris
- may interact w/ drugs that induce or inhibit CYP 3A4
- additive effect w/ other antiHTN drugs
- incr risk of CHF w/ BB
- incr serum levels of digoxin - bradycardia
- syncope/drop in BP w/ alcohol
```
Nifedipine: Treatment of Overdose
Dihydropyridine CCBs
- rapid-acting vasopressors such as dopamine, dobutamine
- calcium infusions
Verapamil: Drug Interactions
nondihydropyridines: act on both vascular smooth muscle + myocardia
- incr digoxin levels = incr risk bradycardia
- additive hypotension / bradycardia with other antiHTN drugs
- 3x plasma concentration of buspirone
- risk of myopathy incr significantly w/ statins
- verapamil incr carbamazepine (Tegretol) levels = neurotoxicity (ataxia/seizures)
- grapefruit juice may incr levels
Drugs similar to verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Taztia XR, Tiazac)
- treatment of atrial dysrhythmias + HTN, stable, and vasospastic angina
- same profile as verapamil
- migraine prophylaxis off-label
What are ACE inhibitors?
what are they used for? what do they do?
- = first-line agents in treatment of HTN and HF
- block conversion of angiotenin I to angiotensin II (occurs in lungs)
- results in decr in BP + HR
- decrease in aldosterone secretion reduces blood volume
- breaks down bradykinin (similar to histamine)
Drugs affecting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
How to decide which drug to use for HTN?
primary vs secondary htn treatment
primary: due to genetics, treatment = hydrochlorothiazide
secondary - drug of choice = ACE for kidney protection / heart if CVS problems
Indications for ACE inhbitoris?
Drugs affecting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
- slows progression of HF
- lower mortality of recent acute MI
- prophylaxis for adverse cardiac events
- prevent or delay progression of renal disease and retinopathy of diabetics
ACE inhibitors - serious AEs & contraindications?
Drugs affecting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
- contraindicated in hyperkalemia
- caution when using ACEI with K+ sparing diuretics (don’t give with spironolactone)
- watch K+ levels
- angioedema most serious –> rapid swelling of throat, face, larynx, tongue that can lead to airway obstruction
- all have black box warning regarding risk for major congenital defects, esp 2nd & 3rd trimester
Lisinopril: therapeutic effects + uses
ACE inhibitor/ antiHTN
- HF
- HTN
- acute MI
What is the prototype drug for ACEI?
therapeutic classification & pharmacological classification?
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
therapeutic classification: antihypertensive
pharmacologic classification: ACEI
Lisinopril: mechanism of action?
ACEI/ antiHTN
- binds to and inhibits action of ACE
- decr in serum angiotensin II reduces aldosterone, which results in less sodium and water retetion
Lisinopril - what are the AEs?
ACEI/ antiHTN
- cough
- headache
- dizziness
- orthostatic hypotension
Lisinopril: what are the serious AEs?
ACEI/antiHTN
- angioedema
- agranulocytosis (abnormal bld levels)
- hepatotoxicity
Lisinopril - contraindications?
ACEI/antiHTN
- pregnancy - category D
- angioedema
- hyperkalemia
- serious renal impairment
lisinopril - any nursing considerations?
KNOW THIS!!!
ACEI/anti-HTN
- check renal labs and K+ levels for hyperkalemia
- monitor BP before administration and 30min to 1 hour after
lisinopril - drug interactions?
- decreased antiHTN activity and worsened renal disease (NSAIDs –> GI + GFR = kidneys)
- synergistic hypotensive action (diuretics + other hypotensives)
- hyperkalemia (K+ supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics)
- pregnancy category C (1st trimester), category D (2nd & 3rd)
lisinopril - treatment of overdose?
- normal saline or vasopressor
- hemodialysis
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) - what are they used for? how do they work?
- act by inhibiting AT1 receptor and are used for HTN + HF
- block angiotensin II form activating their target receptors in smooth muscle
- cause vasodilation, reduce PR, decr BP
- prevent aldosterone secretion
- promote excretion of Na+ & h2o by kidneys
what are the indications for ARBs? contraindications?
- same as ACEI
- HTN, HF
- some approved to treat MI and prophylaxis of CVA
- unlike ARBs, don’t cause cough
- angioedema less common than ARBs
What is the prototype drug for ARBs?
therapeutic & pharmacologic classification?
prototype = losartan (Cozaar)
therapeutic classification: antiHTN
pharmacologic: angiotensin II receptor blocker
losartan - what are the therapeutic effects/uses?
ARBs
- HTN
- CVA prophylaxis
- prevention of diabetic neuropathy
- off-label use for HF
losartan - what is the mechanism of action?
- selectively blocks angiotensin AT1 receptors, resulting in decreased BP
- blockade prevents cardiac remodelling and deterioration of renal function in pts with diabetes (protects heart & kidneys)
losartan - any drug interactions?
- decr antiHTN activity w/ NSAIDs
- additive hypotensive action w/ diuretics & other hypotensives
- hyperkalemia –> K+ supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics
- additive hypotensive effect (alcohol)
heart
- hypertrophy, MI, HF (watch for rapid weight gain, 5lbs/2-3 days), SOB, BLE edema
eyes:
- blindness –> have frequent eye checks
brain:
- stroke - assess for speech changes, drooping face, one-sided weakness
kidneys:
- kidney failure - watch for protein in urine (micro/macro-albuminuria)
What is the first line treatment option for HTN? and which drug is 1st choice?
diurectics = often first choice of drug for treating mild to moderate HTN
- thiazide diuretic = first line treatment option for HTN
- multi-drug therapy often required
What do diuretics do? are there any AEs?
decr blood volume and decr BP
AEs:
- dehydration
- hyponatremia
- hypokalemia (less w/ K+ sparing diuretics)
- nocturia (if taken too late in day)
- orthostatic hypotension
What diuretics are used for HTN?
- thiazide + thiazide-like diuretics (most common for HTN): hydrochlorothiazide
- potassium-sparing diuretics: triamterene, spironolactone
- loop (high-ceiling) diuretics: not usually used for HTN; furosemide, bumetanide (can cause K+ depletion)
ACEI - what are the adverse effects?
blocking renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system leads to decr in BP
- persistent cough
- postural hypotension
- hyperkalemia
- angioedema
Adrenergic antagonists - beta blockers AEs?
nonspecific causes bronchoconstriction - use w/ caution for pts w/ asthma / HF
- low doses: AEs uncommon
higher doses:
- fatigue, activity intolerance
- erectile dysfunction
- masks symptoms of hypoglycemia
- clinical depression
ARBS - what does it do and AEs?
- inhibits effects of angiotensin II
- similar effects to ACEI
- drug = losartan
fewer AEs than ACEI
- hypotension
- angioedema (more rare)
- more expensive
- no cough
Vasodilators - how do they lower BP?
- relax arterial smooth muscle directly = decr resistance (pressure coming back up) and decr afterload
- affects veins and arteries
- some drugs also affect veins, such as isosorbide dinitrate (long-acting nitrate) = decr preload
relax arteriolar smooth muscle –> decr resistance, and therefore decr afterload
Vasodilators - AEs?
- reflex tachycardia and hypotension
- compensatory incr in HR due to suden drop in BP
- fluid retention
- can be minimized with beta blockers and diuretics
Vasodilators - what agents are used?
- hydralazine
- diazoxide
- nitroprusside
Prototype drug for direct-acting vasodilators?
Therapeutic + pharmacologic classification
therapeutic: antiHTN
pharmacologic: direct vasodilator
prototype drug = hydralazine (Apresoline)
hydralazine (Apresoline) - what is the therapeutic effects and uses?
vasodilator
- moderate to severe HTN
- hypertensive emergencies
- acute HF
hydralazine (Apresoline) - what is the mechanism of action?
- causes peripheral vasodilation
- decr peripheral vascular resistance, HR & CO
- decr afterload
- selective for arterioles (selective for afterload)
hydralazine (Apresoline) - what are the nursing considerations?
- Hx & Px (esp BP)
- monitor lab tests for antinuclear antibody titer before and during therapy
- monitor I&O - potential with fluid retention/edema
- watch for adverse effects (i.e., palpitations/CP) - heart!!!
- assess for rapid drop in BP and subsequent tachycardia (can put into shock)
Statins - what are they used for?
- for reducing blood lipid levels / for dyslipidemias
- first-line therapy
- can reduce LDL levels by 20-40%
- raise HDL levels
- primary prevention (no hx of cvs disease)
- secondary prevention (slow progression and reduce mortality)
Prototype drug for statins?
atorvastatin (Lipitor)
therapeutic: antihyperlipidemic
pharmacologic: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
atorvastatin - what are the uses and what is the mechanism of action?
therapeutic uses:
- hypercholesterolemia
- family hypercholesterolemia
mechanism of action:
- inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (primary regulatory enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis)
- liver makes less cholesterol and responds by making more LDL receptors to remove cholesterol from blood
atorvastatin - what are the s/s of hepatotoxicity?
- RUQ tenderness
- changes in stool
- jaundice
- bleeding/ bruising
- abdominal distention
Bile acid sequestrants - what are they used for?
- often combined w/ statins to reduce LDL cholesterol levels
- GI SEs
bile breaks down fat –> bile acid sequestrants binds with bile acids so fat doesn’t get broken down/reabsorbed
atorvastatin (Lipitor) - what are the nursing considerations?
- obtain baseline lipid values
- monitor LDL cholesterol values
- assess lipid lab tests within 2-4 weeks of initiation of therapy/ change in dose
- assess for signs of rhabdomyolysis or myopathies (generalized muscle pain/aches all over)
- observe for digoxin toxicity
- watch for hepatotoxicity
- pregnancy - category X
- no grapefruit juice
- no alcohol (liver)
What is the prototype drug for bile acid sequestrants?
cholestyramine (Questran)
therapeutic: antihyperlipidemic
pharmacologic: bile acid sequestrant
cholestyramine (Questran): what are the therapeutic uses & what’s the mechanism of action?
therapeutic use:
- hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL)
mechanism of action:
- binds to bile acids
- forms insoluble compounds containing cholesterol that is excreted in feces
- lowers LDL levels by increasing LDL receptors on hepatocytes
cholestyramine - what are some nursing considerations?
- completely dissolve powder before administration
- increase fluid intake
- assess for early signs of hypoprothrombinemia (watch bld)
- monitor lab tests for therapeutic effectiveness
- consult prescriber to see if supplemental vit A & D, and folic acid are required in LT care
- A & D = fat-soluble vitamins, so can decr absorption, and cholestyramine binds to folic acid –> can lead to deficiencies
What is fibric acid used for?
- to lower triglyceride levels
- have little effect on LDL cholesterol
- most often used for elevated triglycerides and other “L”s are within good range
what is the prototype drug for fibric acid?
gemfibrozil (Lopid)
therapeutic: antihyperlipidemic
pharmacologic: fibric acid agent (fibrate)
gemfibrozil: what is the therapeutic use & mechanism of action?
therapeutic effect/use:
- hypertriglyceridemia and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein)
- second-line therapy after statins
mechanism of action:
- exact mechanism unknown
- inhibits breakdown of stored fat
gemfibrozil (Lopid) - what are the adverse effects?
- GI: abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion)
- headache
- dizziness
- peripheral neuropathy
- diminished libido
fibric acid
gemfibrozil (Lopid) - what are the serious adverse effects?
- cholelithiasis (gallstones)
- anemia
- eosinophilia (high #)
- bleeding
gemfibrozil (Lopid) - what are the contraindications/ precautions with this medication?
- gallbladder disease
- serious liver impairment
- renal impairment
gemfibrozil (Lopid) - any drug interactions?
- increased risk of myositis (inflammation) and rhabdomyolysis w/ some statins
- incr risk of bleeding with anticoagulants: easily bruised, tarry/dark stool, vomit coffee grounds, check hematocrit/labs, hematuria, pain, stroke s/s
- enhanced hypoglycemia effects w/ antidiabetic agents
gemfibrozil - What are some considerations?
- monitor lab tests
- consult prescriber if inadequate response after 3 months
- educate pt that drug will cause bloating and gas
- watch for bleeding
Pathophysiology of HF: what are the locations and types of HF?
location:
- left-sided: pulmonary edema
- right-sided: peripheral edema
types of failure:
- systolic failure: decr contractility, decr EF
- diastolic: decr ventricular filling, normal EF
What are cardiac glycosides used for?
- used in treating HF before ACEIs (ACEIs now first-line treatment)
- incr force of myocardial contraction –> incr contractility
- improves symptoms but doesn’t improve mortality
- stabilizes cardiac conduction abnormalities (watch with other antiarrhythmics)
- digitalization - incr dose gradually until tissues become saturated with medication and s/s of HF diminish
what are the considerations with HF?
- ensure pt monitors for dependent BLE edema
- worsening SOB or new onset of SOB
- evaluate # of pillows needed to sleep at night or if they are sleeping in recliner
- weigh themselves everyday - same time, scale, clothes
**- call HCP if 2lb weight gain in 1 day, or 5lbs in 2-3 days **
what are ARNIs?
**= ARB + neprolysing agents **
- decrease mortality by 40% –> will see massive improvement
what is the prototype drug for cardiac glycosides?
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
therapeutic: drug for HF
pharmacologic: cardiac glycoside, inotropic agent
digoxin - indications and mechanism of action?
indications: HF
mechanism of action: inhibits sodium-potassium-ATPase
- as sodium accumulates in myocytes, calcium ions are released from storage areas to activate contractile elements
what are the adverse effects of digoxin?
- general malaise
- dizziness, headaches
- N/V, anorexia
- visual disturbances (blurred or yellow vision)
what are the serious adverse effects of digoxin?
- ventricular dysrhythmias
- AV block (chambers stop talking to other chambers –> heart block)
- atrial dysrhythmias
- sinus bradycardia
What are organic nitrates used for?
short-acting, long-acting?
- to termine or prevent angina episodes
- short-acting: to stop angina attacks
- long-acting: to prevent angina attacks
organic nitrates: what is the mechanism of action?
- nitric oxide = cell-signaling molecule and potent vasodilator
- relaxes venous muscles –> redue preload = less work for heart
- ## relaxes arterial muscle –> incr blood flow to myocardium, heart doesn’t have to blow so hard = afterload reduced
organic nitrates: adverse effects?
- hypotension
- headache
- tolerance
prototype drug for organic nitrates?
indications too
nitroglycerin (Nitrstat, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, others)
therapeutic: antianginal
pharmacologic: organic nitrate, vasodilator
indications:
- acute angina/MI
- acute CHF/pulmonary edema
- severe HTN
- hypertensive emergency
nitroglycerin - what is the mechanism of action?
- forms nitric oxide @ vascular smooth muscle –> triggers cascade resulting in release of calcium ions
- relaxes both arterial and venous smooth muscles = less cardiac return (less preload & afterload)
-** dilates coronary arteries = incr O2 to myocardium (cardiac muscles)**
MI pharmacologic management
Beta-Adrenergic Blockers - what does it do?
- reduce myocardial demand
- decr HR (- chronotropic), decr contractility (- inotropic), decr BP
- counters effects of sympathetic stimulation
- reduce contraction + strength of contractility (prevents dysrhythmias)
- therapy usually continued for life
MI pharmacologic management
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - what does it do?
when to use, what to watch for
- given within 24h of onset of MI
- prevents cardiac remodelling
- suppress dysrhythmias
- therapy usually continued for life
- watch K+ levels and for angioedema
- check labs for K+ & renal function
MI pharmacologic management
Aspirin - what is for?
dosage?
- 160-325 mg initially, and then 81mg daily
- lower dose causes less GI bleeding
- heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins (enoxaparin) used for acute treatment
MI pharmacologic management
Thrombolitics: what are they used for?
timing? risks?
- to dissolve active clots
- only for use in early MI (best within 30 mins, no benefit after 24h)
- severe risk of bleeding
- alteplase (Activase)
MI pharmacologic management
what is used to preevnt and treat MI + thrombotic stroke? any others?
- clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid) used to prevent + treat MI & thrombotic stroke
- GP IIb/IIa inhibitors used for MI + pts undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs)
- protease-activated receptor-I-antagonists, such as vorapaxar (Zontivity) = newly approved antiplatelet drugs used to reduce incidence of thrombotic events in pts with MI hx or clotting disorders
Coagulation Modifiers: Thrombolytics - what do they do?
aka fibrinolytics - alteplase (tPa), tenecteplase (TNK-tPa)
- dissolves bonds that hold existing thrombi together
Coagulation modifiers: Antifibrinolytics - what do they do?
aminocaproic acid & tranexamic acid
- inhibit activation of plasminogen to plasmin, prevent break-up of fibrin & maintain clot stability
- used to prevent excessive bleeding
- used to stabilize post surgical bleeds
Anticoagulants - what are the parental and oral drugs?
parental:
- heparin
- low-molecular-weight heparins (only subcu)
- fondaprinuxn (chemically r/t LMWH)
- direct thrombin inhibitors
oral (preferred route):
- warfarin
- dabigatran
What are some considerations for anticoagulants?
- baseline blood tests
- monitor aPTT every 6 hours when adjusting dose (follow PPOs in IHA)
- monitor for signs of bleeding
- apply firm pressure x5 min venous & x10 mins for arterial needle sticks
- reduce risk of trauma
-** keep heparin antidote readily available (protamine sulfate)**
What are the 5 contraindications for all blood thinners?
- hemorrhagic stroke
- GI bleed
- trauma
- surgery - heparin stopped 24h before surgery, start again 24h after
- blood disorders, e.g., hemophilia
What are the INR levels for warfarin?
- below 1 if not going for surgery/is normal
- between 2-3 if at risk for clotting
Anticoagulants - patient education?
- no razors, wax instead or use electric razor
- soft bristled toothbrush
- no high impact activities (will bruise more easily)
- if bleeding, e.g., nosebleed or fingercut, > 30 min, go to hospital
- if GI bleed (coffee ground emesis or melena), go to hospital
oral anticoagulants- what is the prototype drug?
warfarin (Coumadin)
therapeutic: anticoagulant
pharmacologic: vitamin K antagonist
warfarin - therapeutic effects/uses & mechanism of action
therapeutic effects/uses:
- prophylaxis arterial thromboembolism (prevention of CVA/MI)
- DVT/PE
- long-term indwelling catheters
- prevent thromboembolic events in high-risk patients
mechanism of action:
- inhibits 2 enzymes involved in formation of activated vit K
- inhibits synthesis of new clotting factors
What are some considerations for warfarin?
- assess for risk of thromboemboli
- monitor PT/INR
- monitor urine, stool, liver function, blood
- monitor risk groups for nonadherence
- teach pts to avoid, or eat sparingly, foods rich in vit K, such as broccoli, leafy greens, etc
Warfarin - pt education?
- monitor for signs of bleeding
- apply firm pressure x 5 min venous & x10 mins for arterial needle sticks
- reduce risk of trauma
Heparin - classifications, therapeutic uses/effects & mechanism of action?
therapeutic class: anticoagulant
pharmacologic: indirect thrombin inhibitor
effects/uses:
- acute thromboembolic disorders
- DVT/PE
- unstable angina/evolving MI
- prophylaxis
mechanism of action:
- activates anti-thrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and to a lesser extent, factor Xa (prevents formation of clots)
Heparin - any considerations?
- baseline blood tests
- monitor aPTT q6h when adjusting dose (follow PPOs in IHA)
- monitor for signs of bleeding
- apply firm pressure x 5min venous & x10 mins for arterial needle sticks
- reduce risk of trauma
- keep heparin antidote readily available (protamine sulfate)
What are ADP receptor blockers?
what do they do?
- aka P2Y12 inhibitors
- antiplatelet agents prescribed for prevention & treatment of arterial thrombosis
- inhibits aggregation (decr ability to clot, doesn’t come to spot of bleeding)
- makes blood less “sticky”
ADP Receptor Blockers/P2Y12 Inhibitors - what are the agents?
reversible:
- Ticlopidine (Ticlid) BID - stroke prophylaxis
- cangrelor
irreversible - MI & stroke
- clopidogrel (Plavix)
- prasugrel
Adverse effects of ADP receptor blockers?
- bleeding
- neutropenia/agranulocytosis
- thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
ADP receptor blockers: prototype drug?
clopidogrel (Plavix)
therapeutic: antiplatelet agent
pharmacologic: ADP receptor blocker
3 new P2Y12 receptor inhibitors: prasugrel, cangrelor, ticagrelor
clopidogrel: therapeutic uses/effects?
- reduce risk of CVA/MI (doesn’t break down clot directly) - more preventative
- reducing thrombolytic events post-CVA/MI
- prevent DVT
- prevent thrombi formation unstable angina / coronary stents
clopidogrel - mechanism of action?
- inhibits ADP receptors on platelets and prolongs bleeding time by irreversibly inhibiting platelet aggregation
- CYP450 interaction
What are the drawbacks of clopidogrel?
- delayed onset of action
- large inter-individual variability in platelet response
- genetic polymorphism of metabolizing enzyme
- drug-drug interactions (DDIs)
- 2-step activation process catalyzed by series of ctyochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes
–> prodrug, requires hepatic conversion to an active metabolite resulting in delayed onset of action and inter-individual variability
Thrombolytics - what are they called?
“-plase” or “-nase”
What are some thrombolytics?
streptokinase (SK)/ Urokinase (UK)
- older, slower, more side effects, cheap, allergenic
- for PE, MI, DVT
newer drugs have fewer side effects
- tenecteplase (TNK-tPA)
- alteplase (tPA)
What risks do thrombolytics have?
risk of bleeding may outweight benefits - watch for s/s hemorrhagic stroke (LOC)
Antifibrinolytics: therapeutic uses / effects?
- aplastic anemia
- hepatic cirrhosis
- postop cardiac surgery (@ risk for excessive bleeding
- certain carcinomas
- hemophilia A
- excessive post surgical bleeds
Antifibrinolytics - what are they for?
- aka hemostatics/tranexamic acid, to promote formation of clots
- more commonly prescribed in surgical pts
- occupies binding sites on plasminogen and plasmin
- prevents digestion of fibrin clot by plasmin
- stabilizes clot
Ferrous Sulfate - Adverse effects?
- N/V
- brown stains on teeth from liquid
- darkened stools
- constipation
Ferrous sulfate - contraindications/precautions?
- hemochromatosis
- PUD
- regional enteritis
- ulcerative colitis
Considerations for Ferrous Sulfate?
- assess VS for cellular hypoxia
- give on empty stomach, if possible
- if difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, recommend a liquid formulation or less corrosive form, such as ferrous gluconate
- prevent staining of teeth (rinse with h2o)
- mix Feosol elixir w/ h2o
- continue iron therapy for 2-3 months after normal Hgb
- baseline levels for RBCs, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin
- monitor BMs
Ferrous sulfate - patient and family education
- don’t take tablets or capsules within 1 hour of bedtime
- don’t crush tablets or empty contents of capsule
- take ferrous sulfate with full glass of water
- rinse mouth with clear h2o immediately after ingestion
- consume citrus fruit or tomato juice with iron preparations (except elixir form)
- dark green or black stools = harmless SE
- report constipation or diarrhea
what foods to not take with ferrous sulfate?
avoid taking with:
- milk
- eggs
- antacids
- caffeine beverages
cyanocobalamin - what is it for?
T: agent for anemia
P: vitamin supplement
- for vit b12 deficiency anemia
cyanocobalamin - adverse effects?
- rashes
- itching
- other signs of allergy
cyanocobalamin - serious adverse effects?
- sodium retention with possible worsening HF
- anaphylaxis
- hypokalemia & potential dysrhythmias
Cyanocobalamin - contraindications / precautions?
- suspected sensitivity to cobalt
- severe pulmonary disease
- heart disease
pregnancy category A, category C when used parenterally
cyanocobalamin - any drug interactions?
can decrease absorption
- ethanol/ alcohol
- aminosalicylic acid
- omeprazole
- neomycin
- chloramphenicol
cyanocobalamin - any considerations?
- monitor lab tests; repeat test 5-7 days after start of therapy, and @ regular intervals during
- monitor serum K+ levels during first 48h
- pts w/ cardiac disease and those on parental cyanocobalamin @ risk for dysrhythmias, palpitations & CP - watch VS
- be alert to s/s pulmonary edema
- monitor effectiveness of pharmacotherapy
- complete diet + drug hx
- inquire into alcohol drinking patterns
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- apprehension
- worry, fear
- palpitations
- SOB
- heartburn
- dry mouth
- excess sweating
What can high levels of anxiety/ “panic attack” can be misconstrued as?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
often can be miscontrued as heart attack
- always rule out MI first (diagnostic tests & ECG)
- obtain hx of recent events that might trigger anxiety or that might indicate drug abuse
Anxiety disorders - how do you ensure an accurate diagnosis?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
nurse needs to take complete hx:
- medications that may worsen/cause anxiety symptoms
- medical conditions that may be associated with anxiety
- consider nonpharmacological interventions that reduce environmental, physical, and emotional stressors prior to pharmacological intervention
Benzodiazepines - what are they ?
- drugs of choice for generalized anxiety disorder and short-term therapy of insomnia
- off-label use: seizures, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus
- metabolized in liver, excreted in kidneys
- tolerance develops
- potential for dependence
- OD with alcohol may be fatal
- “-azepam”
Benzodiazepines - what are the cautions with them?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- change dose gradually - DONT stop abruptly
- watch for suicidal ideation
- may cause mania or psychosis
- watch in use with dysfunctional kidneys, liver, CV, or pulmonary system
- use cautiously with the elderly
what are the 5 “Bs” to be aware of with benzodiazepines?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- brain: sleepy, make person relaxed, put into dreamy state
- blood - cause blood dyscrasias
- drops BP
- bile (think liver)
- bonkers - more likely for elderly (e.g., gets agitated instead of relaxed)
benzodiazepines - prototype drug?
lorazepam (Ativan)
therapeutic: antianxiety agent, sedative - hypnotic, antiseizure agent
pharmacologic: benzodiazepine, GABA receptor agonist
lorazepam - uses & mechanism of action?
effects & uses:
- routine management of GAD
- reduce anxiety prior to surgery/medical procedure
- reduce anxiety in mechanically ventilataed patients
- off-label use for insomnia, seizures, ethanol withdrawal, status epilepticus
mechanism of action:
- potentiates GABA
- can cause diff levels of CNS depression: relaxation, sleep (higher doses), coma (higher doses)
What are some nursing considerations for lorazepam?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- aspirate prior to injection (IM) & give slowly
- assess for paradoxical CNS excitement
- advise pt to stop smoking
- watch CBC, liver function & renal function
- teach nonpharmacological methods first, before anti-anxiety drugs
- assess for S/S overdose or abuse
- teach nonpharmacological methods of sleep & relaxation
- assess for suicidal ideation
What are the adverse effects of phenobarbital?
- oversedation
- “hangover” effect, lethary
- hallucinations
- blood dyscrasias
- hypocalcemia
- hepatic disease
- N/V/D/C
- paradoxical excitation in children or older adults
Barbituates - what are they and what are they for?
therapeutic: sedative-hypnotics & anti-epileptic drug
pharmacologic: barbituate, GABA receptor agonist
prototype drug: phenobarbital (Luminal)
- for status epilepticus (IV route) and ST management of insomnia
- dependence high, overdose / withdrawal severe
what are the serious AEs of phenobarbital?
KNOW THIS!!!!
- coma
- SJS
- angioedema
- periorbital edema
- ** thrombophlebitis**
Phenobarbital - any nursing considerations?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- monitor for resp depression
- assess pt given IV barbituates q15 min
- monitor for s/s blood dyscrasias
- aspirate prior to injection
- monitor therapeutic serum concentrations of drug (like dig, dilantin, lithium)
- teach nonpharmacologic methods of relaxation/sleep
- assess baseline hepatic + renal function and monitor during therapy
- if pt develops fever, angioedema, and body rash - hold med & call MD
What are the causes of depression? does it coexist with other conditions?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
causes:
- environmental
- situational
- hereditary
- no longer thought to be related to parenting or unresolved childhood
often does coexist with other conditoins
- anxiety disorders
- substance abuse
- HTN or arthritis
Depression - what is it?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
a mood disorder
- persistant disturbance in emotion that impairs ability to effectively deal with ADLs
- 2 primary types of mood disorders = depression & bipolar disorder
Assessment of Depression - how long does it take for mood to improve?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- 3 or more weeks of antidepressant therapy may be required before pt’s mood begins to improve
- 6-8 weeks to reach maximal benefit
- risk of attempted suicide highest in month before pharmacotherapy
- majority of persons who commit suicide have been diagnosed with major depression
Assessment of Depression - what is the nurse’s role?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- careful monitoring of talk of suicide
- weekly or daily patient contact
- careful monitoring of medications
tricyclic antidepressants - what are they used for? and how?
- once mainstay treatment of depression, but have many AEs
- block reuptake transport of norepinephrine and serotonin @ synapses
Tricyclic antidepressants - what are the disadvantages?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
many side effects
- anticholinergenic effects/ sympathomimetic effects
- orthostatic hypotension
- sedation (worsened w/ concurrent use of other CNS depressants)
- relatively high incidence of sexual dysfunction (often cause of cessation)
- withdrawal symptoms if not tapered - don’t stop suddenly
- may take 3 weeks to see effects & 6 weeks to see optimum benefits
tricyclic antidepressants - prototype drug?
imipramine (Tofranil)
- therapeutic = tricyclic antidepressant
- pharmacologic = norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
- for major depressive disorder
off-label uses:
- adjuvant tx of ca / neuropathic pain
- overactive bladder; ADHD; bulimia nervosa
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
imipramine - any contraindications?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- MI, heart block, dysrhythmias
- asthma, GI disorders, alcoholism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
- avoid use w/ alcohol
- seizure disorders
imipramine - any precautions?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
d/t sympathomimetic effect
- suicidal tendencies
- urinary retention
- prostatic hyperplasia
- cardiac/hepatic disease
- increased intraocular pressure
- hyperthyroidism
- parkinson disease
what are selective serontin reuptake inhibitors?
- drugs of choice for treating depression d/t low incidence of serious AEs
- fewer sympathomimetic & anticholinergic effects
- for variety of MH disorders: social anxiety, PTSD, GAD, panic disorder, OCD
imipramine - any considerations?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- monitor for suicidal ideation
- be sure pt swallows each dose
- encourage compliance
- monitor for urinary retention / constipation
- treat for dry mouth
SSRIs - prototype drug? what is it used for?
fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
therapeutic: anti-depressant, anti-anxiety
pharmacologic: SSRI
uses:
- depression
- bulimia
- pediatric depression
- panic attacks
mechanism of action:
- blocks uptake of serotonin @ neuronal presynaptic membrane
- enhances action of serotonin
what is serotonin syndrome?
SSRIs
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- when pt takes multiple medications (or overdose) that cause serotonin to accumulate in neurons in CNS
- confusion, restlessness, tremors, lack of muscle control
- conservative treatment to discontinue all serotonergic drugs
Fluoxetine - AEs?
- pediatric patients - personality disorder or hyperkinesia**
- N/V/D/C
- anorexia
- cramping/flatulence
- fluctuations in weight
- sexual dysfunction
- seizures
- poor concentration
- nightmares
- hot flashes
- palpitations
- nervousness
- serotonin syndrome
fluoxetine - contraindications / precautions
- bipolar disorder
- cardiac dysfunction
- diabetes
- seizure disorders
- carefully observe peds pts for hyperkinesia and personality changes/disorders
- late pregnancy
Monoaime Oxidase Inhibitors - what are they for?
- effective antidepressants but rarely used d/t potentially serious AEs
- off-label use for OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, migraine prophylaxis
- potentiates effects of insulin, diabetic drugs
NEED TO KNOW!!!
MAOIs - what to avoid?
to avoid incidence of AEs
- avoid foods containing tyramine (MAO in food) - foods that have been aged or fermented
- cheese, alcohol, condiments, certain aged meats, wine (think charcuterie board)
- avoid L-tyrosine (a.a) - tyramine a component of tyrosine (found in some aged foods - fermented foods, e.g., sausages)
- avoid caffeine
Fluoxetine - drug interactions
- increased extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) with certain antipsychotics
- incr risk of toxicity with phenytoin, digoxin, carbamazepine
- excessive sedation with other CNS depressants
- incr risk of bleeding with warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs
what are the AEs of MAOIs?
- dizziness/orthostatic hypotension
- drowsiness/headache
- sexual dysfunction
- anorexia/ diarrhea
what are the serious AEs of MAOIs?
- hypertensive crisis (foods with tyramine)
- dysrhythmias
- SIADH- like symptoms (h2o retention)
NEED TO KNOW!!!
what is the difficulty with MAOIs?
high incidence of AEs & high level of NON-compliance
What considerations are there for MAOIs?
- assess for suicidal ideation
- encourage compliance
- **avoid foods containing tyramine (MAO in food) - aged / fermented
- avoid L-tyrosine (a.a.) - tyramine a component of tyrosine**
- avoid caffeine
NEED TO KNOW!!!
what precautions are there for MAOIs?
- epilepsy
- severe, frequent headaches
- HTN
- dysrhythmias
- suicidal tendencies
What is the choice of antiepileptic drug therapy (AED) dependent on?
- dependent on seizure type and characteristics
- medical hx
- results of EEG & other diagnostic tests
- cormorbid conditions
- never stop taking without guidance of HCP - can cause withdrawal seizures
NEED TO KNOW!!!
Benzodiazepines - how & what are they used for?
how do they work for seizures?
- most important drugs in treatment of status epilepticus
- control seizures by acting in limbic, thalamic, hypothalamic regions of CNS
- limited applications (use for seizures when other drugs ineffective)
- have resuscitation equipment available if administering by IV - monitor for CV collapse & resp depression
NEED TO KNOW!!!
What are some considerations for benzodiazepines?
- educate on s/s resp depression + cv collapse
- assess for decr in seizure activity
- maintain pt safety pre & post seizures (watch for triggers)
- assess for hx of smoking (may req larger doses)
- assess for urinary retention
- don’t mix with other drugs parenterally
NEED TO KNOW!!!
Hydantoins - what are they used for?
- most effective in management of most types of seizures, including general seizure, but have many AEs
- desensitize sodium channels
hydantoin - prototype drug?
phenytoin (dilantin, phenytek)
- therapeutic: antiepileptic
- pharmacologic: hydantoin, neuronal sodium channel modulator
use = prophylactic therapy of all seizures except absence
mechanisms of action: delays influx of sodium ions in neurons, doesn’t elevate seizure threshold
dibenzazepines - what are they for?
- drug of choice for many tonic-clonic and partial seizures
- acute mania
- off-label: symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain, hiccups, severe symptoms of dementia
Phenytoin - any considerations?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- shake suspension well prior to administration
- watch for extravasation with IV route
- check bld levels regularly (like lithium, dig, tegretol)
- monitor CBC (clotting)
- watch for neurological changes & SE
- monitor bld glucose in diabetics
- assess folic acid deficiency
dibenzazepines - prototype drug?
carbamazepine (carbatrol, tegretol, others)
- t = antiepiletic drug
- p = iminostilbene, neuronal sodium channel modulator
- inhibits sodium channels, blocks repetitive, sustained firing of neurons
carbamazepine - any contraindications/precautions?
dibenzazepines
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- hypersensitivity
- increased ocular pressure
- lupus
- cardiac/hepatic disease
- HTN
- older adults (watch narrow safety margin)
- pregnancy - category D
Valproic acid - what is it?
valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote)
- anti-epileptic drug, anti-manic agent; GABA agonist
- for absence seizures/complex partial seizures; mania; migraine
- incr conc of GABA in brain
valproic acid - what are the drug interactions?
- additive sedation w/ CNS depressants & alcohol
- more rapid metabolish w/ enzyme-indcuing AEDs
- incr serum levels of TCAs
- incr serum levels w/ aspirin, isoniazid, cimetidine (watch for bleeding)
- decr absorption w/ cholestyramine
- binds with some fat-soluble vitamins
what are some considerations w/ valproic acid?
NEED TO KNOW!!!
- monitor seizure activity & check serum levels
- obtain baseline platelet counts & check PT/PTT/INR regularly during therapy
- monitor for s/s hyperammonemia & bleeding
- watch liver lab work
- naloxone & hemodialysis for overdose treatment
What is bipolar disorder?
- alternates between extreme feelings of sadness and extreme mania
- significantly impacts social and occupational functioning
- nonadherence = serious problems (d/t highs –> believes they don’t need meds anymore
need to know!
what are some nonpharmacological interventions for bipolar disorder?
need to know!
- identifying triggers: lack of sleep, excessive stress, poor nutrition
- support groups
- ECT
What are some pharmacological interventions for bipolar disorder?
need to know!
- medications
- highly individualized based on severity and predominant symptoms
Lithium - how are they used in BD?
- conventional therapy for tx of BD
- mood stablizers
- traditional treatment = lithium carbonate
lithium - any drug interactions?
- diuretics = incr risk of lithium toxicity (e.g., lasix)
- NSAIDs, thiazide diuretics - can incr lithium levels
- anti-thyroid drugs, drugs containing iodine can incr hypothyroid effect
- halperidol causes incr neurotoxicity
- SSRIs, MAOIs, dextromethorphan may result in SES
- some herbal, food interactions
Lithium - any considerations?
need to know!
- monitor serum levels Q1-3 days initially & 2-3 months after
- assess s/s bipolar disorder before and during treatment
- obtain baseline thyroid, kidney, cardiac function, lyte levels - monitor for s/s lithium toxicity
- assess daily weight changes, edema, changes in skin turgor
- lithium = salt –> dehydration incr lithium & overhydration decr lithium levels (n/v/d, or exercising)
- monitor sodium intake - take table salt to maintain osmotic hydration, but don’t overdo it
what are s/s lithium toxicity?
need to know!
- n/v
- persistent diarrhea
- coarse trembling of hands or legs
- frequent muscle twitching, e.g., pronounced jerking of arms or legs
- blurred vision
- marked dizziness
- difficulty walking
- slurred speech
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling of feet or lower legs
what is the etiology of schizophrenia?
- precise etiology = unknown
- genetic component: 5-10x greater risk if 1st-degree relative has disorder
- neurotransmitter imbalance: overactive dopaminergic pathways in basal nuclei & association w/ dopamine type 2 (D2) receptors (antipsychotic drugs block receptors)
need to know!
what has become the drugs of choice for schizophrenia treatment?
need to know!
2nd generation (atypical) antipsychotics
How to manage pyschoses with medications?
initial treatment
- first doses of antipyschotics may be higher than normal
—> produces sedation if pti is agitated, aggressive, or posing dangers to others - most drugs provided orally
- benzodiazepenes (lorazepam [Ativan]) –> provided IM to relax pt and may allow initial dose of antipsychotic to be reduced
- benzos given oral after under control
- acute symptoms usually resovle in 3-7 days
what is it?
Antipsychotic drugs AEs - Extrapyramidal SEs (EPS)
- refers to locations in CNS associated with postural and automatic movements
includes: - acute dystonia
- akathisia
- parkinsonism
- tardive dyskinesia (TD) common with typical anti-psychotics
What is tardive dyskinesia?
- syndrome of symptoms characterized by bizarre facial and tongue movements, stiff neck, and difficulty swallowing
- result of dopamine blockage
- common with typical antipsychotics
- treatment = discontinue antipsychotics
- include ambulatory tardive dyskinesias & oral tardive dyskinesias
Extrapyramidal SEs (EPS) - what is it? cause?
- variety of responses that originate outside the pyramidal tracts and in the basal ganglion of the brain
- s/s: tremors, chorea, dystonia, akinesia, akasthisia
- result of dopamine blockage
- common w/ typical antipsychotics
- treatment with anticholinergic drugs, e.g., benzotropine (Cogentin)
what is it? s/s? treatment?
Antispychotics AEs: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- potentially fatal adverse reaction
- symptoms: high fever, diaphoresis, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, BP fluctuations
- condition can deteriorate to stupor or coma without quick, aggressive treatment
- treatment: antipyretics, electrolytes, muscle relaxants
Antipsychotics AEs: adverse effects on reproductive system
- major cause of nonadherence
- sexual, menstrual, breast dysfunction
Nonphenothiazines - what are they? use?
- 1st-gen antipsychotics, same therapeutic applications and similar SEs as phenothiazines
- similar SEs to phenothiazines (less sedation, fewer anticholinergic SEs)
- greater or equal incidence of EPS
nonphenothiazines - prototype drug
haloperidol (Haldol)
- therapeutic: antipsychotic (1st-gen)
- pharmacologic: nonphenothiazine, dopamine antagonist
therapeutic use: high potency antipsychotic, treats acute + chronic psychotic disorders
mechanism of action: anticholinergic effects, alpha1-adrenergic blocking effects, blocks neurotransmission at dopamine D2 receptors
haloperidol - adverse effects
need to know!
- anticholinergic symptoms (blurred vision, dry eyes, glaucoma)
- weight gain
- headache
- anemia
- phototoxicity
- * most likely to produce EPS (> than phenothiazines)
haloperidol - serious adverse effects?
- tachycardia
- cardiac arrest
- laryngospasm
- respiratory depression
- seizures
- agranulocytosis / leukopenia/ leukocytosis
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
what is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
- = life-threatening neurological disorder most often caused by adverse reaction to neuroleptic / antipsychotic drugs
- typically consists of muscle rigidity, fever, sweating, autonomic instability, and cognitive changes
- cognitive changes: delirium, associated with elevated plasma creatine phosphokinase
2nd-gen (atypical) antipsychotics - prototype drug?
- drugs of choice for schizophrenia
prototype drug = risperidone (Risperdal)
- pharmacologic: benzisoxazole & dopamine antagonist
therapeutic effects:
- 1993+: schizophrenia & related psychoses
- 2003: acute mania associated w/ bipolar disorder
mechanism: unknown; blocking binding of dopamine to its receptors? highest affinity for type D2, less on D1
Risperidone: considerations?
- if medications cause drowsiness - take @ bedtime
- watch pt for orthostatic hypotension (rise slowly)
- assess for EPS/ TD / akathesias/ NMS
- educate pt for s/s of SEs + what to watch for, when to contact HCP
- encourage sips of h2o / hard candies for dry mouth & anticholinergic-like symptoms
- avoid alcohol & caffeine
- incr fluids + fibre
- watch liver lab results & educate pt on s/s liver involvement (jaundice/stool)
- tell pt to report significant weight gain (5lb/week)
- ensure pt knows that definite improvement may not be seen for 6-8 weeks
which drugs are similar to risperidone (Risperdal)?
2nd-gen (atypical) antipsychotics
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- clozapine (Clozari, FazaClo)
need to know!
dopamine system stabilizers (DSS) - what are they?
prototype drug: aripiprazole (Abilify)
- newer class of atypical antipsychotics
- exhibit both antagonist & partial agonist activity on dopamine receptors = decr ADEs
- minimal risk of EPS
- for schizophrenia control & decr s/s
aripiprazole (Abilify) - any considerations?
- monitor for EPS symptoms/ anticholinergic effects
- ensure adequate nutrition, fluid
- monitor for s/s NMS
- watch labs (liver - hepatic pathway, CYP)
aripiprazole (Abilify) - what does patient include?
need to know!
- monitor for weight gain/ changes in sexual characteristics (lactation in men)
- can result in non-compliance; tell pt not stop suddenly
- teach + document what you shared with pt & what they need to protect their health
- no alcohol use or illegal drug use
- no caffeine use
- no smoking
What to consider for all pysch meds?
need to know!
know s/s of and which drugs cause:
- TD (Tardive dyskinesia)
- EPS
- NMS
- SES/SS (Serotonin syndrome)
Signs & Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome?
- confusion
- agitatoin or restlessness
- dilated pupils (NMS)
- headache
- changes in BP and/or temp
- N/V/D
- rapid HR
- tremor
- loss of muscle coordination / twitching of muscles
- shivering & goosebumps
- heavy sweating
serious:
- high fever (super concerning)
- seizures
- irregular heartbeat
- unconsciousness