Exam 2 Flashcards
Analgesic Drug Prototypes
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram)
- Morphine sulfate (MSIR, Roxanol)
- Fentanyl (Sublimaze)
- Codeine sulfate
- Oxycodone (OxyIR)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Naloxone (Narcan)
- Naltrexone (ReVia)
pain
- Pain is 6th vital sign
- Pain results from the stimulation of the sensory nerve fibers known as nociceptors
- Transmit pain receptors to from different body part to spine and brain which leads to the sensation of pain (aka nociception)
- Visceral- organs and smooth muscles
- Superficial- originated from skin and mucous membranes
- Deep- pain deep below skin level
- Referred- when visceral nerve fibers synapse at a level of spinal cord close to the fibers that supply specific tissues
- Cholecystitis- referred to back and scapula areas (referred pain example)
nonpharm methods for pain
- Acupressure/acupuncture
- Art therapy
- Music
- Pet therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Yoga
- Repositioning
- Hot or cold packs
opioid drugs
- MOA: Agonists:bind to an opioid pain receptor in the brain and this causes and analgesic response or the reduction of the sensation of pain.
agonists-antagonists:Binds to a pain receptor and causes a weaker pain response than a full agonist does.
or antagonists: Bind to pain receptors, but they don’t reduce pain signals, they compete with and reverse the effects of agonists and agonists-antagonists opioid drugs
Indications: - Alleviate moderate to severe pain; used in combo with anesthetics during surgery; alleviate post-op pain
- Contraindications:
Allergy, severe asthma, respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea, increased ICP, pregnancy, paralytic ileus - Adverse Effects:
CV, CNS, GI, GU, Integumentary, Respiratory, HTN, bradycardia, flushing, sedation, disorientation, euphoria, light headedness, dysphoria, low down GI tract, constipation, N/V, cause urinary retention, skin itching, respiratory depression, aggravate asthma - Interactions:
Alcohol, antihistamines, CNS depressants (Increases depressant effects), MAOI’s (can increase respiratory depression in MAOIs)
Agonists, agonists-antagonists, or antagonists for opioid drugs
agonists- bind to an opioid pain receptor in the brain and this causes an analgesic response or the reduction of the sensation of pain
Agonist- antagonist- partial agonists, binds to a pain receptors and causes a weaker pain response than a full agonist
Antagonist- nonanalgesic drugs, bind to pain receptors but do not reduce pain signals they compete and reverse the effects of agonist- antagonist opioid drugs
opioid toxicity and management of overdose
- Opioid antagonists- reverse effect of opioid drugs
- Naloxone (Narcan)
- Naltrexone (ReVia)
- Regardless of withdrawal symptoms, if client experiences severe respiratory depression, an opioid antagonist should be given.
Codeine sulfate (opioid)
- Similar to morphine sulfate in pharmacokinetic properties
- 10% of codeine is metabolized to morphine in the body
- Has a ceiling effect (increasing dose will not increase response)
- Commonly used as an antitussive drug in cough preparations
- Administered PO in liquid or tablet form
- Commonly causes GI upset
- Less effective than majority of analgesic drugs
Fentanyl (Sublimaze- opioid)
- Treats moderate to severe pain
- Available in several dosage forms:
Transdermal
IV
Lozenges - Strength:
Extremely potent!!! - A dose of 0.1 mg of Fentanyl IV is roughly equivalent to 10 mg of morphine IV
Morphine sulfate (MSIR, Roxanol- opioid)
- Treats severe pain
- High abuse potential
- Oral, IV, and rectal dosage forms
- Extended release forms are also available
- Watch use in patients with renal impairment!
- easy to get
- Renal impairment- has a toxic metabolite that can accumulate and cause severe respiratory depression
Oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyIR- opioid)
- Structurally similar to morphine
Commonly used in tablets with acetaminophen and aspirin
Has immediate release and sustained release forms
Hydrocodone (Vicodin- Opioid)
- Weaker opioid but more commonly used
- Used in combination tablets with acetaminophen
- Long-acting products available
Naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) & Naltrexone (ReVia):
Narcan
- Pure opioid antagonist
- Works like a blocking drug for opioids
- Drug of choice for complete or partial reversal of opioid induced respiratory depression
- Causes opioid withdrawal syndrome after administration
- Available in IV forms
Revia
- Only available orally
- Used for alcohol and opioid addiction
Nonopioid and Miscellaneous Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol
- MOA: Block pain impulses by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
- Indications: Mild to moderate pain and fever
- Contraindications:
Drug allergy, severe liver disease, G6PD deficiency - AE’s: N/V, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity
- Interactions: Alcohol (most dangerous); phenytoin, warfarin, rifampin, beta blockers
- Maximum daily dose for healthy adults:
3000 mg/day, 2000 mg/day for older adults & those with liver disease - Inadvertent excessive doses may occur when different combination drug products are taken together
Nonopioid and Miscellaneous Analgesics: Tramadol (Ultram)
- MOA: Centrally acting analgesic
- Indications: Treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain
- Contraindications: Drug allergy
- AE’s: Similar to opioids: dizziness, drowsiness, HA, constipation, respiratory depression
- Interactions: TCA’s (increases risk for seizures), SSRI’s (increases risk of serotonin syndrome), MAOI’s
Analgesics: Nursing Implications
- Before beginning therapy, perform a thorough history including allergies, use of other medications, alcohol.
- Obtain baseline VS and I&O.
- Assess for potential contraindications & drug interactions.
- Perform thorough pain assessment:
- pain intensity and character
- onset, location, description
- precipitating and relieving factors
- type
- remedies and other pain treatments
- Medicate before the pain becomes severe. This is to be able to provide adequate analgesia and pain control.
- Pain management includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches.
(Include other interventions as indicated)
Analgesics: Assessment
- Allergies
- Medications, herbal remedies
- Alcohol intake
- Nature, type, precipitating & relieving factors of pain
- VS
- Most recent dose, time, & effectiveness (0-10 pain scale)
- Consider potential drug interactions
- Contraindications: allergies, bronchial asthma, opioid addiction, head injuries, IICP (for acetaminophen: yellow dye no. 5, & alcohol)
- Caution: liver or kidney disease
- oral- reassess in an hour
- IV, IM- assess within 15-30 minutes
General and Local Anesthetics Prototype Drugs
- Propofol
- Sodium thiopental
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Fentanyl (Sublimaze): see Chapter 10
- Morphine sulfate: see Chapter 10
- Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
- Succinylcholine (Anectine)
anesthetics
Drugs that reduce or eliminate pain by depressing nerve function in the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS), results in inability to feel pain
General anesthesia
- drug induced state in which CNS nerve impulses are altered to reduce pain and alter sensations throughout entire body, complete loss of consciousness, depression of respiratory drive, Skeletal muscle relaxation, Reflex reduction
Local anesthesia
- drug induced state in which peripheral or spinal nerve impulses are altered to reduce or eliminate pain
Balanced anesthesia
- using different combos of drugs classes to produce anesthetic effect
Inhalation anesthetics
volatile liquids or gases that are vaporized in oxygen and inhaled
parenteral anesthetics
administered IV
General anesthetics
- MOA: Progressive reduction of sensory and motor CNS function
- Indications: Surgical procedure and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Contraindications: Allergy, pregnancy, narrow-angle glaucoma, malignant hyperthermia
- AE’s: Hypotension, N/V, malignant hyperthermia
- Interactions: Antihypertensives, beta blockers (increase risk of hypotension)
General Anesthetics: Malignant Hyperthermia
- Uncommon but potentially life-threatening metabolic reaction to general anesthesia
- Genetic link
- Signs include: rapid rise in body temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscular rigidity
- Treated with cardiorespiratory support measures and the skeletal muscle relaxant dantrolene
General Anesthetics: Prototype Drug: Propofol (Diprivan)
- Uses: Induction & maintenance general anesthesia
- Sedative-hypnotic (moderate sedation) GI procedures,
Unfortunately used for Michael Jackson, Sedation for ventilation - Typically well tolerated with few undesirable effects
General Anesthetics: Prototype Drug: Sodium Thiopental (Pentothal)
- Route: IV injection or infusion
- AE’s: Hypotension and tachycardia, Respiratory depression
- Uses: Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
General Anesthetics: Prototype Drug: midazolam (Versed)
- Used in general anesthesia and as a hypnotic
- Causes marked sedation: used for conscious sedation at times
- AE’s: Memory loss, Cardiac or respiratory arrest
- Routes: IM for moderate sedation, IV for induction of anesthesia or moderate sedation
Local Anesthetics
- MOA: Block nerve conduction in specific portions of the body to block pain in that area (interfere with nerve transmission)
- Indications: Surgical, dental, or diagnostic procedures; treatment of various types of chronic pain; spinal anesthesia
- Contraindications: Drug allergy
- AE’s: Limited in most cases; spinal HA with spinal anesthesia (epidural)
- Interactions: Enflurane, halothane, and epinephrine
Local Anesthetics: Prototype Drugs: Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
- Indications: Dental, surgical, diagnostic procedures
- Formulations: Topical (dermal, transdermal), nerve block, infiltration
- One of the most commonly used local anesthetics
Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs (NMBD’s)
- MOA: Two groups: depolarizing and nondepolarizing
- Depolarizing NMBD’s work like acetylcholine
- Bind in place of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors which will cause a paralysis to occur
- Indications: Maintain skeletal muscle paralysis to facilitate controlled ventilation during surgical procedures
- Contraindications: Allergy, hx of malignant hyperthermia, eye injuries, glaucoma, burns, CVA, crush injuries
- AE’s: Muscle spasms, hyperkalemia, dysrhythmias, myoglobinuria, Malignant hypothermia
- Interactions: Aminoglycoside and tetracycline antibiotics (additive effects)
Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs: Prototype Drug: Succinylcholine (Anectine)
- Uses: Facilitate controlled ventilation during surgery
Induction of ET intubation - Duration: Short-acting: 4-6 minutes, Combined w/other anesthetics (inhaled & IV)
Key Points: - Does not produce analgesia or reduce anxiety
- Paralyzed but conscious!
Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs: Prototype Drug: Succinylcholine
- First sensation: muscle weakness
- Then: small, rapidly moving muscles (fingers, eyes)
- Then: limbs, neck, trunk
- Last: intercostal muscles & diaphragm
- Result: cessation of respirations
- Recovery of muscular activity usually occurs in reverse order
Important Safety Alert: - Respiratory muscle paralysis occurs with these drugs
- Emergency ventilation equipment must be immediately available
Nursing Implications: Assessment
- Past history of surgeries & response to anesthesia
- Allergies, medications
- Use of alcohol, illicit drugs, opioids
- VS: Watch for sudden elevation in temperature (may indicate malignant hyperthermia)
- Baseline lab work, ECG
- Respiration rate & rhythm; O2 saturation; ABCs
- Monitor all body systems
Nursing Implications: Intervention
- During recovery, monitor for CV depression, respiratory depression, complications of anesthesia
- Implement safety measures during recovery, especially if motor or sensory loss occurs because of local anesthesia
- Reorient client to surroundings
- Teach: post-op turning, coughing, deep breathing
Antiinflammatory and Antigout Prototype Drugs
Aspirin Ketorolac (Toradol) Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) Celecoxib (Celebrex) Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Methylprednisolone Prednisone
Inflammation
Localized protective response stimulated by injury to tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off (sequester) both the injurious agent and the injured tissue
Pain, fever, loss of function, redness, and swelling
Endogenous compounds, including proteins of the complement system, histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Method of Action
Inhibition of leukotriene pathway, the prostaglandin pathway, or both
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Indications
Used primarily for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Contraindications
Drug allergy, conditions that increase the risk for bleeding, pregnancy
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Adverse Effects
Cardiovascular effects: pulmonary edema, MI, and stroke, GI: heartburn, epigastric effects, nausea and vomiting, GI bleed. Can cause liver toxicity and can be toxic to the kidneys.
Hematologic
Hepatic,
Renal
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Various Uses
Mild to moderate headaches Myalgia Neuralgia Arthralgia Alleviation of postoperative pain Pain associated with RA, OA, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis Pain assoc. with gout and hyperuricemia Have to be careful with postoperative effects because of the risk for bleeding.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Prototypes and Classifications
Salicylates: aspirin
Propionic acid derivatives: ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)
Acetic acid derivatives: ketorolac (Toradol)
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: celecoxib (Celebrex)
NSAID’s Prototype: Aspirin
Most commonly used salicylate
Available OTC
Common dosages:
81mg or 325mg daily prophylactically for adults with strong risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke
Uses:
Reduce cardiac death following myocardial infarction (MI)
Prevention of thrombotic events
Pain associated with HA, neuralgia, myalgia, and arthralgia, and pain syndromes caused by inflammation
Aspirin: Reye’s Syndrome
Acute and potentially life-threatening condition involving progressive neurologic deficits. Can lead to coma. May also involve liver damage.
Triggered by viral illnesses such as influenza as well as by salicylate therapy itself in the presence of a viral illness.
Highly lethal. Survivors of this condition may or may not have permanent neurologic damage.
Do not give to children w/any elevation in temperature, chickenpox, influenza B infection.
Aspirin: Salicylism
Salicylism
Increased HR
Tinnitus, hearing loss, dimness of vision, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, drowsiness
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Sweating, thirst, hyperventilation, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
NSAID’s Prototype: Ketorolac (Toradol)
Acetic acid derivative Powerful analgesic effects Some antiinflammatory activity Indications: short-term use (up to 5 days) to manage moderate to severe acute pain AE/SE: Renal impairment Edema GI pain, dyspepsia, nausea
NSAID’s Prototype: Ibuprofen
Propionic acid derivative Most commonly used NSAID Uses: analgesic effects in the management of RA, OA primary dysmenorrhea Gout dental pain musculoskeletal disorders antipyretic actions
NSAID’s Prototype: Celecoxib (Celebrex)
1st & only remaining COX-2 inhibitor
Indications:
OA, RA, acute pain symptoms, ankylosing spondylitis, primary dysmenorrhea
AE/SE:
Headache, sinus irritation, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, lower extremity edema, and hypertension
Little effect on platelet function
Avoid in clients with known sulfa allergy.
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Method of action
Suppress inflammation and immune response
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Indications
Symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation for a variety of disorders including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections, cataracts, allergy
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Adverse Effects
Suppression of adrenal function, hyperglycemia, bone loss, cataracts, myopathy, fat redistribution
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Interactions
-Live vaccines: patients with long therapy are going to have a suppressed immune system. So we wouldn’t want to inject them with a live vaccine.
-Furosemide: Causes increase risk for Hypokalemia
Digoxin: Increase the risk for dysthymias.
NSAID’s: Increase the risk for bleeding
Insulin and oral hypoglycemics: Have decreased therapeutic effects when given with Glucocorticoids, may need to increase the dose of these drugs for them to be effective.
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Prototype Drugs: Prednisone
Route: PO
Must be tapered when discontinued to prevent adrenal crisis
Most commonly used for anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant purposes
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Prototype Drugs: Methylprednisolone
Route: IV
Most commonly used injectable glucocorticoid drug
Drug Therapy for Inflammation: Glucocorticoids: Interventions
Monitor blood glucose levels closely especially in patients with diabetes
May need to adjust dosage of insulin and oral diabetic drugs
Recommend lowest possible effective dose and alternate day dosing
Monitor for s/s of infection
Initiate gastric protective measures
Give drug with food or meals
They can increase blood sugar.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection because of the immune suppressant response these drugs have.
Gout
Gout: condition that results from inappropriate uric acid metabolism
Underexcretion of uric acid
Overproduction of uric acid
Uric acid crystals are deposited in tissues and joints, resulting in pain
Hyperuricemia
Antigout Drugs: Prototype Drug: Allopurinol (Zyloprim): Method of Action
Inhibits xanthine oxidase to prevent production of uric acid
Antigout Drugs: Prototype Drug: Allopurinol (Zyloprim): Indications
Gout caused by excessive production of uric acid (hyperuricemia)
Antigout Drugs: Prototype Drug: Allopurinol (Zyloprim): Contraindications
Allergy
Antigout Drugs: Prototype Drug: Allopurinol (Zyloprim): Adverse Effects
Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, potentially fatal skin conditions
Antigout Drugs: Prototype Drug: Allopurinol (Zyloprim): Interactions
Azathioprine and mercaptopurine: May cause the need for dosages of allopurinol to be increased, the interactions can reduce its effectiveness.
Antiinflammatory & Antigout Drugs: Nursing Implications
Before starting therapy, assess for:
Contraindications: GI lesions, PUD, bleeding d/o
Conditions that require cautious use.
Labs: cardiac, renal, liver function studies; CBC; platelet count
Medication history, including potential drug interactions
Several serious drug interactions exist.
The various AE/SE. Inform to notify the hc provider if AE/SE become severe or if bleeding or GI pain occurs.
Watch closely for the occurrence of any unusual bleeding (e.g., stool.)
Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed or chewed.
Therapeutic effects, which vary according to the condition being treated.
What therapeutic effects would be seen?
Why should not give salicylates to children or teenagers?
Leads to Reye’s syndrome
Why should you take Anti-inflammatory and Antigout drugs with food or milk?
Help reduce the GI adverse effects
Antiepileptic drugs overview
- Antiepileptics:
More appropriate term.
Also known as anticonvulsants. - Goal of therapy:
Control or prevent seizures while maintaining a reasonable quality of life
Minimize adverse effects and drug-induced toxicity - AED therapy is usually lifelong.
- Combination of drugs may be used.
- antiseizure drugs
- 70% can become seizure free (Only need to take one antiepileptic for this to happen)
- Other 30% has more complicated cases (Need multiple drugs)
- Explain the rationale for starting single-drug therapy before trying multiple-drug therapy.
- Serum drug concentrations must be measured
- If seizure-free for 1-2 years, may be able to stop meds.
- AEDs not started after a single isolated seizure event.
CNS Depressants and Muscle Relaxants Prototypes
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Baclofen (Lioresal)
- Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Benzodiazepines: Method of Action
- Sedative & hypnotic
- Related to ability to depress activity in the CNS
- hypothalamic, thalamic, and limbic system in the brain- areas
Benzodiazepines: Indications
- Sedation
- relief of agitation or anxiety
- treatment of anxiety-related depression
- sleep induction
- skeletal muscle relaxation
- acute seizure disorders
Benzodiazepines: Contraindications
- Allergy
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- pregnancy
Benzodiazepines: AE’s/Se’s
- Head ache
- drowsiness
- paradoxical excitement/nervousness
- dizziness
- vertigo
- cognitive impairment
- lethargy
- Older Adult: Fall Risk
Antiepileptic Drugs: AE/SE
- birth defects
- suicidal thought and behaviors
Hyantoins (phenytoin): AE/SE
- Nystagmus (vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements)
- ataxia (damage to nervous system)
- drowsiness
- rash
- gingival hyperplasia
- thrombocytopenia
- agranulocytosis
- hepatitis
- GI upset
Iminostilbenes (carbamazepine): AE/SE
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- unusual eye movements
- visual change
- behavioral change
- rash
- abdominal pain
- abnormal gait
- GI upset
Valproic acid and derivative: Ae/SE
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- GI upset
- weight gain
- hepatotoxicity
- pancreatitis
Gabapentin: AE/SE
- dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, visual and speech changes, edema
Antiepileptic Drugs: AE/SE
- birth defects
- suicidal thought and behaviors
Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics-zolpidem (Ambien): SE/AE
- Somnambulation or ‘sleepwalking’
- Amnesia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
Benzodiazepines: Clinical Manifestations
Somnolence: A state of strong desire to sleep.
- Confusion
- Coma
- Diminished reflexes
- Overdose w/benzodiazepines alone rarely results in hypotension & respiratory depression. But when combined w/other CNS depressants, can be lethal.
Benzodiazepines: Management
- Symptomatic: To prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of a disease.
- Supportive
- Flumazenil (benzodiazepine antidote) can be used to acutely reverse the sedative effects.
Temazepam (Restoril)
- Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine
- A metabolite of diazepam (Valium)
- Induces sleep within 20-40 minutes
- Long onset of action
- Should take approximately 1 hour before going to bed!
Additional Benzodiazepines
Diazepam (Valium)
Midazolam (Versed)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics-zolpidem (Ambien): Method of Action
- Short-acting w/short half-life
- Contributes to lower incidence of daytime sleepiness
Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics-zolpidem (Ambien): Indication
Induce Sleep
Must be ready to go to bed
Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics-zolpidem (Ambien): SE/AE
- Somnambulation or ‘sleepwalking’
- Amnesia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
patient teaching for Antiepileptic Drugs
- Take at same time each day (maintain consistent blood levels)
- Take w/food & 6-8 oz of water (Reduce GI upset.
Avoid taking w/milk, juices (possible interactions)) - Do not crush, chew, open extended-release forms
- If NPO, contact prescriber regarding AED dosage
- Keep a journal to monitor:
Response to AED
Seizure occurrence & description
AE/SEs - Wear a medical alert tag or ID.
- Do not discontinue abruptly.
- Follow driving recommendations.
- Safety in day-to-day activities
- Therapy is long term & possibly lifelong (Not a cure)
- Monitor for therapeutic effects (Decreased or absent seizure activity)
- Monitor for AE/SEs:
Mental status changes, mood changes, change in LOC, sensorium
Eye problems, visual disorders
Sore throat, fever (blood dyscrasias may occur w/phenytoin)
Iminostilbenes: AE/SE
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- unusual eye movements
- visual change
- behavioral change
- rash
- abdominal pain
- abnormal gait
- GI upset
Prototypes for Antiparkinson Drugs
- Dopamine replacement: levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) (Temporarily replenishing dopamine or mimicking the reaction of dopamine
Increases brain levels of dopamine) - Directing-acting dopamine receptor agonist: pramipexole (Mirapex) (Increasing brain levels of dopamine)
- Indirect-acting dopaminergic drug (monoamine oxidase inhibitor): selegiline (Eldepryl) (Help mimic action of dopamine)
Gabapentin: AE/SE
- dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, visual and speech changes, edema
Zolpidem (Abmien): Contraindications
- Children younger than 18
- Suicidal ideation
- Labor and delivery
Zolpidem (Ambien): Cautions
- Older adults
- Prone to substance abuse
- Sleep apnea
- Can cause an increased hypnotic effect
Zolpidem (Ambien): Interactions
- Alcohol
- Other CNS depressants