Unit 7 and 8 Medications Flashcards
Pharmacologic Therapy associated with Unit 7 and 8
Potentiate the effect of the naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, leading to promotion of relaxation and a decrease in the subjective experience of anxiety. (used for treated of anxiety disorders)
Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam (Xanax) Clonazepam (Klonopin) Diazepam (Valium) Lorazepam (Ativan) Temazepam (Restoril)
- not recommended for long term use because of the habit forming properties
- monitor patient for excess sedation and dizziness
- use cautiously in patients with impaired hepatic function and monitor liver function studies for these patients
- counsel patients to avoid alcohol in combination medications in this classification
nursing considerations for Benzodiazepines
Some act as a dopamine agonist in the brain and also inhibit serotonin reuptake (leading to increased circulating serotonin), producing antianxiety effect. Used to treat GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
Nonbenzodiazepines:
Buspirone (Buspar)
subtype is gabapentin and pregabalin; always used as the first line of defense in regards to peripheral neuropathy. This medication causes dizziness and drowsiness. It is best to avoid grapefruit juice and antacids with this medication because it can change the absorption of the medication.
Anticonvulsants
subtype is amitriptyline, and nortriptyline; This medication causes dizziness, drowsiness, poor appetite and nausea. It’s best to keep in mind that this medication does take 4-6 weeks to take therapeutic effect. (used for treatment of peripheral neuropathy)
Tricyclic Antidepressants
subtype is duloxetine; This medication causes dizziness, drowsiness, poor appetite and nausea, and is best to take at night time. Takes 4 - 6 weeks to take therapeutic effect. (used for treatment of peripheral neuropathy)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
-Binds DNA tightly together so that they can’t reproduce
-adverse effects includes hemorrhagic cystitis (hemorrhage in the bladder), phlebitis (bad IV site will allow this medication to burn the site and eat away at the surrounding flesh), nausea and vomiting.
-adverse effects can be prevents by IV hydration and monitoring the patient very closely.
-USE IS VERY LIMITED due to the side effects associated with this drug.
(used for cancer)
alkylating agents
-tricks the cancer into utilizing the medication instead of the actual metabolites needed for cell division.
-adverse effects: stomatitis and mucositis (both are signs of toxicity of the drug.
-this particular medicine administration is spaced out (ex; every three weeks)
(used for cancer)
antimetabolites
Give the patient miracle mouthwash. GOOD ORAL HYGIENE is the key in prevention of side effects of this particular drug. Stray away from obnoxiously cold and hot food, food should be served at room temperature. (Also do not use normal mouth wash because it contains alcohol and cause patient pain)
(used for cancer)
what a nurse should do when giving antimetabolites
-Damages the cell DNA and interrupts DNA and RNA synthesis.
-adverse effect is cardiotoxicity (can cause life long arrhythmias and cardiac issues)
-nurse should always acquire and EKG before administration and monitor very closely
(used for cancer)
Antitumor antibiotics
medications that come from plant extracts; it prevents the completion of mitosis.
-adverse effects is peripheral neuropathy (happens to almost everyone that take its) and paralytic ileus (can be distinguished by hyperactive bowel sounds and high pitch sound that sounds like something is dropping in a bucket.
(used for cancer)
Natural Products
some tumors are fueled by a particular hormone so this medication inhibits the production of that particular hormone thus decreasing the livelihood of the the tumor growing.
-adverse effect is DVT and increased risk for uterine cancer
Hormone/Hormone Antagonist
cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
prototype of alkylating agents
5 FU (Adrucil)
prototype of antimetabolite
doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
prototype of antitumor antibiotics
