pharmacology Flashcards
antacids
action: bind to acid to decrease it
e. g. magnesium/ aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate
side effects: constipation by aluminum and diarrhea by magnesium
nursing: avoid triggering foods, do not overuse as rebound effect
antidiarrheals
action: decreases motility, more water to be absorbed in large intestine to decrease diarrhea
e. g. loperamide/Imodium
nursing: I/O, electrolyte imbalance
aminoglycosides
action: antibiotic that decreases protein synthesis
e. g. -cin
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic, nephrotoxicity
cephalosporins
action: antibiotic that binds to cell wall
e. g. cefazolin/Ancef, cephalexin/Keflex
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic, don’t give to penicillin allergy
fluoroquinolones
action: antibiotic that decreases DNA synthesis
e. g. ciprofloxacin
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic
macrolides
action: antibiotic that decreases protein synthesis
e. g. Zithromax/azithromycin
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic
penicillin
action: antibiotic that binds to cell wall
e. g. Amoxil/amoxicillin
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic
sulfonamides
action: antibiotic that decreases protein synthesis
e.g. doxycycline
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic, *PETECHIAE indicates thrombocytopenia
anti-infectives
action: antibiotic that decreases protein synthesis, DNA synthesis
e. g. metronidazole
side effects: hypersensitivity reactions
nursing: C+S before starting med to choose right one, client education about completing entire course of antibiotic
thrombin inhibitors
action: anticoagulant that decreases conversion of prothrombin to thrombin + conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
e. g. heparin
e. g. bleeding, low hgb, thrombocytopenia: low platelet levels
LMWH
action: anticoagulant that blocks Xa
e. g. dalteparin/ Fragmin, enoxaparin/Lovenox
side effects: bleeding, low hbg, thrombocytopenia: low platelet levels
clotting factor inhibitor
action: anticoagulant that interferes with Vitamin K synthesis
e. g. warfarin/coumadin
side effects: bleeding, low hbg, thrombocytopenia: low platelet levels
nursing: monitor INR/PTT, not for pregnancy, avoid foods rich in vitamin K (e.g. broccoli, cabbage)
anti-platelet
action: anticoagulant that inhibits platelet formation
e. g. clopidrogel/Plavix, prasugrel, ticagrelor
side effects: bleeding, low hbg, thrombocytopenia: low platelet levels
antiemetics
action: antagonist of 5 HT3 to block serotonin at receptor site to decrease nausea
e. g. ondansetron/Zofran
side effects: dizziness
nursing: give 30-60 mins before chemo, avoid alcohol
antifungals
action: antifungal that stops membrane of fungi from forming
e. g. clotrimazole, nystatin
side effects: toxicity to liver or kidneys
nursing: client education about completing entire course of antifungal
analgesics
action: inhibit prostaglandins to reduce pain and fever
e. g. acetaminophen
e. g. toxic to liver, max dose of 4g in 24 hours from all sources, monitor GI bleeds, avoid alcohol
NSAID
action: inhibit prostaglandins to reduce pain and fever
e. g. ibuprofen/Advil or Motrin), naproxen/ Aleve, celecoxib
nursing: celecoxib has risk of MI, bleeding”
antihistamines
action: blocks histamine to stop allergy
e. g. diphenhydramine/Benadryl, loratidine/Claritin
side effects: blurry vision, sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention
nursing: don’t give if glaucoma, give with food to decrease GI upset, increase salivation with gum/hard candy
ACE inhibitors
action: decreases release of aldosterone to lower BP
e. g. -pril
side effects: low BP
nursing: VS
CCB
action: causes dilation of coronary arteries to lower BP, decreases entry of Ca into heart cells
e. g. -dipine, diltiazem
side effects: low BP, peripheral edema
nursing: VS
ARB/angiotensin II receptor blockers
action: blocks enzyme angiotensin II so that vascoconstriction is inhibited to lower BP
e. g. -sartan
side effects: low BP
nursing: VS
selective BB
action: blocks beta 1/heart receptors to lower BP and HR
e. g. -lol
non-selective BB
action: blocks beta 1/heart and beta 2/pulmonary receptors to lower BP and HR
e. g. -lol
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
action: antilipidemic that inhibit enzyme HMG-CoA which makes cholesterol
e. g. -statin
nursing: avoid grapefruit juice increases concentration
bile acid sequestrants
action: antilipidemic binds to cholesterol to lower it
e. g. cholestyramine
nursing: avoid grapefruit juice increases concentration
cholesterol absorption inhibitors
action: antilipidemic that inhibits absorption of cholesterol in small intestine
e. g. ezetimibe
nursing: avoid grapefruit juice increases concentration
antivirals
action: decrease DNA synthesis
e. g. -vir
nursing: C+S needed before med started to ensure right one
antituberculars
action: prevents cell wall synthesis
e. g. isoniazid, rifampin
nursing: avoid antacids within 1 hour of isoniazid, orange colour urine with rifampin
alkylating agent
action: antineoplastic that decreases DNA synthesis to prevent growth of abnormal cells
side effects: N+V, hair loss
e.g. -platin
antimetabolite
action: antineoplastic that decreases DNA synthesis + metabolism to prevent growth of abnormal cells
side effects: N+V, hair loss
e.g. methotrexate
H2 antagonist
action: histamine antagonist to decrease acid
e. g. -tidine
nursing: may increase anticoagulant effects, give 2 hours after other antacids, do not crush
PPI
action: blocks H+ ions to reduce acid
e. g. -prazole
nursing: may increase anticoagulant effects, give 2 hours after other antacids, do not crush
opioids
e.g. codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone,
morphine, oxycodone
side effects: decrease RR, sedation, constipation
nursing: monitor for respiratory depression, naloxene should be given, methadone to wean off
opioid antagonist
action: competitive antagonist for opioid receptor
e. g. naloxone/Narcan
side effects: V fib
nursing: monitor for opioid withdrawal
typical antipsychotics
for positive symptoms
e.g. haloperidol, prochloroperizine
side effects: EPS/ movement disorders
nursing: administer meds to decrease EPS (clonazepam, diazepam)
atypical antipsychotics
for negative symptoms
e.g. quetiapine/Seroquel,
risperidone/Risperdal, clozapine
side effects: EPS/ movement disorders, agranulocytosis: low WBC count
nursing: administer meds to decrease EPS (clonazepam, diazepam)
antiseizure
e. g. gabapentin, phenytoin, valproic acid
nursing: do not stop abruptly as can cause seizures, avoid other depressant meds
anti-Alzheimer’s
action: increase ACh levels to help ADLs
nursing: client education about how not a cure
anti-Parkinson’s
action: increase dopamine (e.g. carbidopa-levodopa/Sinemet) or decrease ACh
nursing: do not stop abruptly as can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, dizziness
bulk forming laxatives
action: stimulates peristalsis
e. g. Metamucil
side effects: cramps
nursing: electrolyte levels, I/O, don’t give if obstruction
saline osmotic laxatives
action: MOST RAPID ACTING, stimulates
peristalsis
e.g. milk of magnesium, sodium phosphate fleet
side effects: cramps
nursing: electrolyte levels, I/O, don’t give if obstruction
stool softeners
e.g. docusate sodium/Colace
side effects: cramps
nursing: electrolyte levels, I/O, don’t give if obstruction
stimulant laxatives
action: irritates to ensure rapid expulsion of contents
e. g. bisacodyl/Dulcolax, senna
side effects: cramps
nursing: electrolyte levels, I/O, don’t give if obstruction
sulfonylurea
action: stimulates beta cells to release insulin
e. g. glipizide, glyburide
side effect: hypoglycemia
nursing: don’t give if Type 1 diabetic
biguanides
action: increase sensitivity to insulin
e. g. metformin
side effect: hyperglycemia
nursing: don’t give if Type 1 diabetic
meglitinides
action: increase release of insulin in pancreas
e. g. repaglinide
side effect: hyperglycemia
nursing: don’t give if Type 1 diabetic
benzodiazepines
action: increase GABA to sedate
e. g. short-acting: alprazolam/Xanax, medium acting: lorazepam/Ativan, long-acting: clonazepam and diazepam
side effects: delirium
nursing: avoid alcohol
nonbarbiturates
action: depresses CNS to sedate
e. g. diphenhydramine/Benadryl, zolpidem/Ambien
nursing: avoid alcohol, BARBITURATES NOT USED DUE TO DANGER
tricyclic antidepressants/TCA
action: decrease reuptake of SE to increase mood in depression
e. g. -triptyline
side effects: weight gain, SI
nursing: client education about trying for at least 2 weeks, due not stop abruptly, not for glaucoma pts
MAOI
action: decrease reuptake of SE and dopamine to increase mood in depression
e. g. venlafaxine, mirtazapine, phenelzine
side effects: weight gain, SI
nursing: client education about trying for at least 2 weeks, due not stop abruptly, none for glaucoma pts, *can cause hypertensive crisis so avoid foods with tyramine
SSRI
action: decrease reuptake of SE to increase mood in depression
e. g. citalopram, fluoxetine, Zoloft/sertraline
side effects: weight gain, SI
nursing: client education about trying for at least 2 weeks, due not stop abruptly, NO for glaucoma pts, *CAN CAUSE SEROTONIN SYNDROME: too much or St. John’s Wort can cause fever, diarrhea, seizures, muscle stiff
cardiac glycosides
action: decrease HR
e. g. digoxin
side effects: decreases HR
nursing: apical pulse before med, loading dose first
cardiac stimulations
action: increase HR by stimulating beta cells
e. g. NE/Levophed
side effects: increased HR
nursing: ECG if giving IV
coronary vasodilators
vasodilates for chest pain
e.g. nitro, nifedipine
side effects: low BP
nursing: spray nitro under tongue, avoid sudden standing
xanthines
action: dilates bronchial muscles to help SOB
e. g. theophylline
side effects: dry mouth
nursing: use bronchodilator first, wait at least 1 minute between inhalers, fluids for dry mouth and wash away extra medication to avoid thrush/white patches, only use one anticholinergic, short-acting for symptom relief
anticholinergics
action: affect ACh receptors to help SOB for 24 hours (long-acting) for COPD
e. g. ipratropium/ Atrovent (short-acting) tiotropium/Spiriva (long-acting), umeclidinium (long-acting), Ventolin/albuterol (short-acting)
side effects: dry mouth
nursing: use bronchodilator first, wait at least 1 minute between inhalers, fluids for dry mouth and wash away extra medication to avoid thrush, only use one anticholinergic, can increase HR
leukotriene receptor antagonists
e.g. Singulair
side effects: dry mouth
nursing: use bronchodilator first, wait at least 1 minute between inhalers, fluids for dry mouth and wash away extra medication to avoid thrush, only use one anticholinergic
inhaled steroids
action: steroid to reduce inflammation of airway
e. g. -sone (e.g. Flovent/fluticasone), budesonide
side effects: dry mouth
nursing: use bronchodilator first, wait at least 1 minute between inhalers, fluids for dry mouth and wash away extra medication to avoid thrush, only use one anticholinergic, steroids are long-acting
potassium channel blocker
action: decreases HR
e. g. amiodarone
calcium ion antagonist
action: decreases HR
e. g. lidocaine
thiazide diuretic
action: decreases absorption in kidneys
e. g. hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone
side effects: low BP, dehydration
nursing: monitor electrolyte levels (*ESPECIALLY POTASSIUM), give in morning to avoid pt discomfort during night, instruct pt to not suddenly get up
loop diuretic
action: decreases absorption in kidneys
e. g. furosemide/Lasix
side effects: low BP, dehydration
nursing: monitor electrolyte levels (*ESPECIALLY POTASSIUM), give in morning to avoid pt discomfort during night, instruct pt to not suddenly get up
potassium sparing diuretic
action: decreases absorption BUT RETAINS POTASSIUM
e. g. spironolactone
side effects: low BP, dehydration
nursing: monitor electrolyte levels (*ESPECIALLY POTASSIUM), give in morning to avoid pt discomfort during night, instruct pt to not suddenly get up
therapeutic medication levels
acetaminophen: 10-30 mcg/mL
carbamazepine: 5-12 mcg/mL
digoxin: 0.5-2 ng/mL
gentamicin: 5-10 mcg/mL
lithium: 0.5-1.2 mEq/L
magnesium sulfate: 4-7 mg/dL
phenobarbital: 10-30 mcg/mL
phenytoin: 10-20 mcg/mL
salicylate: 100-250 mcg/mL
valproic acid: 50-100 mcg/mL
isotonic
action: no change
e. g. 0.9% NS, D5W, lactated ringers
hypotonic
action: causes water to enter cells for diseases like low BP
e. g. 0.45% NS, 0.33% NS
side effects: edema
hypertonic
action: water is removed from cells for diseases like high BP
e. g. 3% NS, 5% NS, D10W, D5W with ½ NS, D5LR
colloid
action: goes to intravascular compartment, severe hypovolemia
e. g. dextran, albumin
alcoholism meds
action: increases sensitivity to alcohol so unpleasant side effects can occur to help you abstain from alcohol
e. g. disulfiram
nursing: hidden sources of alcohol as could be fatal (e.g. cold medicine, mouthwash, cologne, aftershave, sauces), alcohol should be avoided after 2 weeks after stopping therapy, bracelet that alerts you are on this medication
ADHD meds
e.g. methamphetamine, methylphenidate
ECT
action: causes seizure to help with depression
side effects: confusion, memory loss
nursing: NPO at midnight, no driving during course of treatment, NO anti-seizure meds, unconscious during procedure (anesthesia + muscle relaxant)
antidotes
warfarin --> vit k heparin --> protamine sulfate opioid overdose --> naloxone digoxin --> Digibind magnesium --> calcium gluconate Tylenol --> n-acetylcysteine benzodiazepine --> flumazenil cholinergic crisis --> atropine sulfate
immunosuppressant
action: suppresses immune system to slow growth of cancer cells for cancer
e. g. cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan
side effects: N+V, bloody urine
bladder meds
e.g. solifenacin
side effects: dry mouth
