Top 50 most common meds Flashcards
Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Rosuvastatin
lipid-lowering agents - contraindicated in active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in AST and ALT - side effects include GI issues and RHABDOMYOLYSIS - have pt notify HCP if muscle tenderness/weakness occurs
Levothyroxine
thyroid supplementation in hypothyroidism - Assess apical pulse and BP prior to and periodically during therapy - monitor and educate pt on signs of hyperthyroidism that are present when dose is at toxic levels - take med at the same time each morning
Lisinopril
ace inhibitor/ antihypertensive - monitor for dizziness, hypotension, and angioedema - Caution patient to avoid salt substitutes containing potassium or foods containing high levels of potassium or sodium unless
Omeprazole, pantoprazole
antiulcer agent/ proton pump inhibitors - monitor for abdominal pain and bowel functions - education pt to avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, st Johns wart, and to report changes in bowel habits
Metformin
Decreases hepatic glucose production, absorption, and increases sensitivity to insulin - contraindicated if pt has acidosis or hepatic impairment - SE: Gi issues and a metallic taste in mouth - monitor for acidosis and hypoglycemia
Amlodipine
antihypertensives/calcium channel blockers - contraindicated if systolic BP <90 - SE: edema, flushing, dizziness, fatigue - assess BP and HR pre adm
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen
opioid agonists nonopioid analgesic combinations - SE: decreased RR, confusion, dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth - assess HR, BP, RR, and GI function pre adm and throughout
Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Atenolol
antihypertensives/beta blockers/antianginia - tx angina/ischemia - SE: bradycardia, hypotension, HF, dizziness, fatigue - assess apical pulse before therapy - if HR <55 decrease dose - If heart rate <40 bpm, especially if cardiac output is also decreased, administer atropine 0.25–0.5 mg IV
Losartan
antihypertensives/ angiotensin II receptor antagonists - decreases risk of strokes and helps w diabetic neuropathy - assess for angioedema - educate pt to monitor for dizziness and edema in face or tongue and to avoid potassium/sodium rich foods
Azithromycin
anti-infectives - SE: Gi issues, tordas de pointes - get vitals and cultures pre adm - assess for rash (Steven Johnson syndrome) during tx - educate pt to not take azithromycin with food, prevent photo sensitivity, notify HCP if fever and diarrhea occurs or chest pain occurs
Furosemide
loop diuretic - decreases edema, BP and excretes K, Mg, Ca - monitor for metabolic alkalosis and dehydration - assess daily weight, I&O, and fluid status - Get BP and HR pre adm - teach pt to include K in the diet
Hydrochlorothiazide
thiazide diuretics - sulfa-based medication - helps to decrease hypertension - Monitor BP, intake, output, and daily weight and assess feet, legs, and sacral area for edema daily - at risk for hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia
Zolpidem
sedative/hypnotics - Assess mental status, sleep patterns, and potential for abuse prior to administration. Prolonged use of >7–10 days may lead to physical and psychological dependence - educate pt to avoid CNS depressants
Prednisone, Methylprednisolone (Solumedrol)
anti-inflammatories (steroidal) (intermediate acting)
immune modifiers - contraindicated in pts with an active infection - SE: depression, peptic ulcers, decreased wound healing, thromboembolism, osteoporosis - Assess patient for signs of adrenal insufficiency, assess for new infections or changes in RR, and hyperglycemia - educate pt to avoid sick people and vaccinations and to report GI disturbances - Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications should not be taken - administer before 9 a.m
Sertraline
SSRI/antidepressants - SE: dry mouth, photo sensitivity, dizziness, chest pain, insomnia - Assess for suicidal tendencies, especially during early therapy, Assess for serotonin syndrome - educate pt to avoid CNS depressants and st John’s wart
Tamsulosin
Decreased symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia and decreases contractility of smooth muscles - assess for BPH pre and during therapy, monitor weight - may cause dizziness
Fluticasone
anti-inflammatories (steroidal)/corticosteroids - Decreases frequency and severity of asthma attacks - Monitor lung sounds and RR
Amoxicillin
anti-infectives - monitor for diarrhea and rash - assess vitals and get cultures pre adm - Instruct female patients taking oral contraceptives to use an alternate or additional nonhormonal method of contraception during therapy with amoxicillin
Gabapentin
analgesic adjuncts, therapeutic/anticonvulsants/mood stabilizers - tx neuropathic pain - SE: ataxia, depression, confusion, drowsiness - monitor for changes in behavior - Advise patient not to take gabapentin within 2 hr of an antacid
Tramadol
analgesic - SE: seizures, dizziness, headache, somnolence, constipation, serotonin syndrome - assess pain, BP, RR, and bowel function before and during therapy - monitor for seizures especially when taking antidepressants
Montelukast
allergy, cold and cough remedies/bronchodilators - assess respiratory function before and during therapy - Instruct patient to take medication daily in the evening or at least 2 hr before exercise even with no symptoms of asthma - pt should still carry rapid acting bronchodilator
Escitalopram
SSRI/ antidepressant - can cause insomnia or diarrhea - monitor for mood changes
Alprazolam
antianxiety agents/benzodiazepines - Assess degree and manifestations of anxiety and mental status, Assess CNS effects and risk of falls - Flumazenil is the antidote for alprazolam toxicity - Advise patient to avoid drinking grapefruit juice during therapy and CNS depressants
Warfarin
anticoagulants - Assess for signs of bleeding and hemorrhage (bleeding gums; nosebleed; unusual bruising; tarry, black stools; hematuria; fall in hematocrit or BP; guaiac-positive stools, urine, or nasogastric aspirate) - vitamin K is antidote - Advise patient to avoid cranberry - monitor pt and INR