TAUC In-House Medication Summary Flashcards
Acetaminophen
(Tylenol) is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
- Adult dosing: 500-1000mg. Acetaminophen is stocked in 500mg tablets.
- Pediatric dosing: Tylenol suspension concentration is supplied as 160 mg/5mL.
- Caution: Acetaminophen is filtered through the liver; it can cause liver damage
Adenosine-(Adenocard)
Is an antiarrhythmic drug administered to convert supraventricular tachycardia (SVT-A dangerously fast heart rate)
- Dose:
- Rapid IV push in an AC IV with an immediate flush of saline
- First dose: 6mg RAPID IV push with immediate flush.
- Second dose: If patient does not convert with first dose, may increase dose to 12 mg RAPID IV push with immediate flush.
- Caution:
- Patient must be on a cardiac monitor prior to administration.
- Patient must have IV fluids infusing during administration.
- Always have provider at bedside during administration
Afrin Nasal Spray
(Oxymetazoline HCL) is a vasoconstrictor and is primarily used at TAUC to treat nose bleeds. Afrin is also used to treat nasal congestion by shrinking the swollen mucous membranes in the nose.
- Dose:
- Afrin is stocked in the ENT tote, in a 30mL spray bottle, and should be administered by the provider
- Caution:
- Prolonged use of this medication can cause rebound swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose and increased nasal congestion.
Albuterol Sulfate
Is a bronchodilator. It is indicated for the treatment of bronchospasms in patients with cases such as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses.
- Dose:
- 2.5 mg/3mL in a solution and given per nebulizer inhalant.
- Albuterol may be mixed with ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and given per inhalation to make a DuoNeb treatment
- May be given by itself in pediatric patients and for the second administration in all patients.
- Caution:
- Albuterol may cause nervousness and tremors in patients.
- Albuterol may cause an increase in heart rate and/or uneven heart beats.
Aspirin
- Is an NSAID used to prevent blood clots from forming. It is typically given to patients who may be experiencing a cardiac event.
- Dose:
- 324mg (4 chewable 81mg tablets)
- Caution:
- This medication may contribute to increased bleeding in patients who have intestinal bleeding, ulcers, blood clotting disorders, and anemia.
Atropine
Is administered to treat patients experiencing symptomatic bradycardia (a dangerously slow heart rate).
- Dose: 0.5mg IV
- Caution:
- This medication increases the heart rate; the patient must be placed on a monitor prior to administration
Cefazolin (Ancef)
Is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
*Dose: 1gIM or IVPB
Vial Size: 1 Gram (Reconstitution Amount for IM: 2.5mL of NS | Reconstitution Amount for IV: 2.5mL of NS)
-Caution: If patient has an allergy to penicillin-family antibiotics, check with the provider prior to administering medication.
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
- 250mg-1g IM or IVPB
- Caution:
- Never reconstitute with lidocaine when adding medication to IV fluid.
- If the patient has an allergy to penicillin-family antibiotics, check with provider prior to administering medication.
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Is an antibiotic administered to treat bacterial infections. Clindamycin is a great alternative for patients who are allergic to drugs containing penicillin.
- Dose:
- 300-900mg IM or IVPB
- Caution: Watch for rashes and diarrhea associated with sensitivity to this medication
Clonidine
Prevents an increase in peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure.
- Dose: 1 (0.1mg) Tablet
- Caution;
- Monitor the patient for fast, slow, pounding or uneven heartbeat, light headedness, dizziness, and fainting.
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Is a corticosteroid used to reduce the immune system’s adverse effects on the body
- Dose: 4mg IM or slow IV push
- PO mixed in liquid Tylenol or ibuprofen (Weight based dose to be determined by the provider)
- Caution:
- Decadron may increase blood sugar in diabetic patients. Check with the provider before administering.
- May cause a temporary burning sensation in the neck, groin, or armpits in some patients.
Dextrose 50% (D50)
Is administered to patients to increase blood sugar levels.
- Dose: 1mL/kg IV
- Caution: Close monitoring of blood sugars post-administration is required.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Is a antihistamine which is most commonly administered to treat allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
- Dose:
- 25-50 mg slow IV push or IM
- Liquid 12.5 mg/5mL PO
- Caution:
- Diphenhydramine has sedative side effects; ensure the patient has a ride home before administration.
- If given IV, give slowly to decrease side effects.
Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
Is administered to patients suffering from severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or other types of airway-constricting illnesses.
- Dose: The strength of epinephrine given at TAUC for airway constriction is 1:1,000
- Dose is 0.15mL-0.30mL either SQ or IM
- Caution:
- Epinephrine may make the patient feel jittery
- Epinephrine may increase the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate; monitor vital signs closely.
- Note: 1:10,000 Epi is given IV for cardiac arrest
Famotidine (Pepsid)
May be administered as a histamine blocker in sever allergic reactions or as an antacid in patients with GERD or other GI-related presentations.
- Dose:
- 20 mg IVPB
- Famotidine is stored in the refrigerator.
- Caution:
- Famotidine may lead to a prolonged QT interval or another cardiac arrhythmia if administered too rapidly
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administered to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
- Dose:
- Adult dosing-TAUC stocks 600 mg PO tablets of ibuprofen which is the typical dose.
- Pediatric dosing is weight-based (Concentration for ibuprofen suspension is 100mg/5mL)
- Caution: Do not administer ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age
Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)
Is a bronchodilator which is indicated for the treatment of bronchospasms associated with COPD, emphysema, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.
- Dose:
- 2.5 mg/2.5mL solution placed in a nebulizer and given per inhalation to the patient.
- Ipratropium bromide may be mixed with albuterol and given per nebulizer to make a Duoneb treatment.
- Caution: Atrovent may cause increased heart rate, light headedness, and/or jitteriness.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Is a loop diuretic which decreases edema and swelling typically associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), liver disease, kidney disease, and other medical conditions by inducing urination.
- Dose:
- 20-80 mg slow IV push
- Caution:
- Lasix may lead to increased blood sugars in diabetic patients.
- Lasix may lead to sun sensitivity. Discourage prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds.
Kenalog (Triamcinolone)
Is a long acting corticosteroid that reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
- Dose: 10mg IM
- Caution:
- Kenalog may cause aggression, agitation, and anxiety
- Kenalog may increase blood sugar in diabetic patients. Check with the provider before administering.
Ketorolac (Toradol)
Is classifed as an NSAID; it is administered to decrease swelling and/or treat moderate to severe pain.
- Dose:
- 30mg IM
- 15mg IV
- Caution:
- Toradol may worsen the symptoms associated with kidney failure.
- Do not administer IV Toradol before completing an i-STAT and discussing the results (specifically creatinine) with the provider.
- Toradol may increase bleeding.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Is a sedative administered to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures.
- Dose:
- 0.25-2mg IM or IV
- Caution
- Lorazepam may cause drowsiness, slurred speech, and impaired coordination; ensure the patient has a ride home before administration
Maalox (aluminum and magnesium hydroxide)
Is administered to neutralize stomach acid.
- Dose:
- 30 mL PO
- May be mixed with 10mL of Viscous Lidocaine to make a GI Cocktail
- Caution:
- May cause constipation
Morphine
Is an opioid analgesic that is administered to patients with moderate to severe pain.
- Dose:
- 2-4mg slow IV push (over 2.5 minutes)
- 2-10mg IM
- Caution:
- Morphine may decrease the patient’s blood pressure and respiratory drive if administered too quickly IV.
- Morphine may cause drowsiness; ensure the patient has a ride home before administration.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Is an antiemetic administered to treat severe nausea/vomiting, migraines, and symptoms associated with GERD.
- Dose:
- 10mg IM or IVPB
- Caution:
- Reglan must NOT be administered IV push, as it may cause involuntary muscle movements known as tardive dyskinesia.
Naloxone-(Narcan)
Is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effect of opioid narcotics. This drug is used for patients with a decreased respiratory drive and altered level of consciousness secondary to an overdoes of morphine, heroine, or other opioid derivatives.
- Dose:
- 0.4mg slow IV push
- Caution:
- Pushing this medication too quickly may cause opiate withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting or aggressive behavior.
Nitrostate (Nitroglycerin)
Is a vasodilator. Nitroglycerin reduces peripheral vascular resistance there by reducing the workload on the heart. It is administered to patients presenting with angina (chest pain) and is intended to relieve ischemic chest pain commonly associated with heart attacks.
- Dose:
- 1 sublingual tablet (0.4mg) every 5 minutes until patient is either pain free or a maximum of 3 doses have been administered.
- Caution:
- Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator and may decrease the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure. Nitroglycerin should not be administered until an IV has been established and the patient’s vital signs have been recorded. Retake the patient’s BP and heart rate before repeating nitroglycerin doses.
- Wear gloves when handling.
*Ondansetron-(Zofran)
Is a commonly used antiemetic administered to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Dose:
- 4mg IV or IM
- Caution:
- Prolonged use of Zofran may lead to constipation
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Is an antihistamine given for itching or hives. It is also administered as an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Dose:
- 12.5-25mg IM only
- Caution:
- Promethazine may cause irritability and drowsiness
*Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)
Is a corticosteroid used to reduce the immune system’s adverse effects on the body.
- Dose: 125mg IM or slow IV push
- Caution: Solu-Medrol may increase blood sugar in diabetic patients. Check with the provider before administering
Unasyn (ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium)
Is administered to treat bacterial infections.
-Dose:
* 1.5-3 IVPB
**Note: NOT for IM injection
Vial Size: 1.5g - Reconstitution Amount for IV: 3.2 mL of NS
Vial Size: 3g - Reconstitution Amount for IV: 6.4 mL of NS
-Caution:
* Unasyn, and any other penicillin-family antibiotics, are contraindicated in patients diagnosed with mononucleosis.
Viscous Lidocaine
Viscous Lidocaine 2% is administered as a local anesthetic, typically to treat pain in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
- Dose:
- 10mL PO
- Viscous Lidocaine is typically administered orally either by itself or with 30mL Maalox to make a GI Cocktail.
- Caution:
- Viscous Lidocaine, when given orally, may cause numbing of the lips, mouth, and tongue
Acetaminophen with Codeine #3 (Tylenol-Codeine NO.3)
Codeine is an opioid pain medication. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic. These drugs are combined to treat moderate to severe pain.
- Supplied in tablets and suspension.
- Caution:
- Advise the patient not to take other acetaminophen (Tylenol) products to prevent an acetaminophen overdose.
- May have sedative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Alert the patient and/or family not to drive or drink alcohol while taking medication.
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Is an antiviral drug which works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus. Acyclovir is administered to treat the herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
- Caution:
- Ensure the patient stays hydrated while taking this medication.
AK-POLY-BAC (Bacitracin/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)
Is an antibiotic used to treat eye infections.
- Caution:
- Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands
Amoxicillin
Is a penicillin-based antibiotic that fights bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Amoxicillin is administered to treat many different types of bacterial infections.
- Supplied in capsules and suspension.
- Caution:
- Take with food to avoid GI upset
Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate (Augmentin)
Is a penicillin-based antibiotic which is administered to treat bacterial infections. Augmentin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate results in an antibiotic with an increased spectrum of action and restored efficacy against amoxicillin-resistant bacteria.
- Supplied in tablets and suspension.
- Caution: Take with food to avoid GI upset
Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate (Augmentin)
Is a penicillin-based antibiotic which is administered to treat bacterial by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Amoxicillin is administered to treat many different types of bacterial infections.
- Supplied in capsules and suspension.
- Caution:
- Take with food to avoid GI upset
Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate-(Augmentin)
Is a penicillin-based antibiotic which is administered to treat bacterial infections. Augmentin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate results in an antibiotic with an increased spectrum of action and restored efficacy against amoxicillin-resistant bacteria.
- Supplied in tablets and suspension.
- Caution:
- Take with food to avoid GI upset
Azithromycin- (Zithromax, Z pack)
Is an antibiotic that prevents bacterial growth by interfering with their protein synthesis. It is administered to treat many different types of bacterial infections. Supplied in tablets and suspension.
- Caution:
- Take with food to avoid GI upset
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Is a non-narcotic medication administered to treat a cough. Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and the lungs, making the cough reflex less active.
- Caution:
- Do not chew this medication; it will numb the mouth and throat.
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Is a muscle relaxer administered to treat musculoskeletal spasms.
- Caution:
- May cause sedative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Advise the patient and/or family not to drive or drink alcohol while taking this medication.
Cefdinir (Omnicef)
Is a bactericidal antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Omnicef is administered to treat bacterial infections. Supplied in capsules and suspension.
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Is a cephalosporin antibiotic that acts by inhibiting synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. Keflex is administered to treat bacterial infections.
Ciprofloxacin HCL Ophthalmic (Ciloxan)
Is an antibiotic administered to treat bacterial infections of the eyes, as well as ulcers in the eyes. It functions by inhibiting enzymes necessary to separate bacterial DNA, thereby inhibiting cell division.
-Caution: Instruct patient that they should not let the tip of the dropper touch the eye during administration.
Ciporfloxacin HCL (Cipro)
Is an antibiotic administered to treat bacterial infections in the body, such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, or some vaginal infections. This broad-spectrum antibiotic is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It functions by inhibiting enzymes necessary to separate bacterial DNA, thereby inhibiting cell division.
- Caution:
- Patients should discontinue the Cipro if they experience tendon pain. In rare cases, it can contribute to the tearing or swelling of tendons.
Clindamycin HCL-(Cleocin HCL)
Is an antibiotic administered to treat infections in the body. This antibiotic interrupts cell reproduction by attaching itself to the bacteria’s DNA.
- Caution:
- Cleocin may cause nausea/vomiting and should be taken about 20 minutes after a meal.
Cyclobenzaprine HCL (Flexeril)
Is a muscle relaxer that works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to the brain. This medication is administered to treat pain, typically associated with some type of injury.
- Caution:
- Flexeril can have sedative effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Alert the patient and/or family not to drive or drink alcohol while taking this medication.
