Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LorazepamAtivanNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lorazepam

Trade Name

Ativan

Indication

anxiety, sedation, seizures

Action

general CNS depression by potentiating inhibitory neurotransmitters

Therapeutic Class

anesthetic adjuncts, antianxiety agents, sedative hypnotics

Pharmacologic Class

Benzodiazepine

Nursing Considerations

• use caution with COPD and sleep apnea • avoid alcohol use • antidote is Flumazenil (Romazicon) • may cause apnea, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, hypotension • use caution with other CNS depressants • administer slowly and dilute to decrease complications

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LoperamideImodiumNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

loperamide

Trade Name

Imodium

Indication

acute diarrhea, decrease drainage post ileostomy

Action

inhibits peristalsis, reduces the volume of feces while increasing the bulk and viscosity

Therapeutic Class

antidiarrheal

Nursing Considerations

• may lead to constipation – insure proper use • assess bowel function • assess fluid and electrolyte levels

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LithiumLithonateNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lithium

Trade Name

Lithizine

Indication

mania

Action

alters cation transport and neurotransmitter reuptake

Therapeutic Class

Mood Stabilizer

Pharmacologic Class

none

Nursing Considerations

• do not administer with NSAIDs • monitor drug blood levels frequently • may cause seizures, arrhythmias, fatigue, confusion, nausea, anorexia, hypothyroidism, tremors • Ace Inhibitors may increase serum levels • instruct patient to maintain adequate fluid intake • therapeutic level: 0.5-1.5 mEq/L

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LisinoprilPrinivilNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lisinopril

Trade Name

Prinivil

Indication

hypertension, management of CHF

Action

block conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, increases renin levels and decreases aldosterone leading to vasodilation

Therapeutic Class

antihypertensives

Pharmacologic Class

ACE Inhibitor

Nursing Considerations

• dry cough • first dose hypotension • use cautiously with potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics • use cautiously with diuretic therapy • administer 1 hour before meals • monitor blood pressure often • monitor weight and fluid status • monitor renal profile • monitor liver function tests

• may cause angioedema

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson:     Generic Name levofloxacin Trade Name

Levaquin

Indication

urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin and bone infections

Action

inhibits DNA synthesis in bacteria

Therapeutic Class

Anti-infective

Pharmacologic Class

fluoroquinolone

Nursing Considerations

• contraindicated in allergies • may cause QT prolongation, avoid use with other drugs that can cause QT prolongation • can cause seizures, arrhythmias, pseudomembranous colitis, anaphylaxis, Stevens Johnson syndrome

• increases the risk for tendinitis or tendon rupture

• may decrease plasma concentration of phenytoin • monitor renal panel • assess for infection, obtain cultures prior to therapy • monitor liver function tests

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LevodopaSinemetNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

Carbidopa/levodopa

Trade Name

Sinemet

Indication

Parkinson’s disease

Action

Levodopa is converted to dopamine and works as a neurotransmitter, carbidopa prevents the destruction of levodopa allowing it to cross the blood brain barrier

Therapeutic Class

Antiparkinson agent

Pharmacologic Class

Dopamine Agonist

Nursing Considerations

• May cause orthostatic hypotension • May cause dark urine • Weeks to months to take effect • Do not use with MAOIs • Do not use with glaucoma, melanoma • Assess for parkinsonian symptoms • Instruct patient to take as directed

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LevetiracetamKeppraNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

levetiracetam

Trade Name

Keppra

Indication

Seizures

Action

decreases severity and incidence of seizures by inhibiting presynaptic calcium channels and reducing neurotransmitter realease

Therapeutic Class

anticonvulsants

Pharmacologic Class

pyrrolidines

Nursing Considerations

• May cause suicidal thoughts, dizziness, weakness • May alter RBC, WBC, and liver function • May cause somnolence • Should be infused over 15 minutes

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/IodineNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

radioactive iodine

Trade Name

none

Indication

thyroidectomy pretreatment, thyrotoxic crisis, radiation exposure

Action

inhibits the release of thyroid hormones

Therapeutic Class

Antithyroid Agent, control of hyperthyroidism

Pharmacologic Class

none

Nursing Considerations

• may cause GI bleeding, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, goiter • monitor for hypersensitivity

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/HeparinHep-LockNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

heparin

Trade Name

Hep-Lock

Indication

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment, low dose used to ensure patency of IV catheters

Action

increases the inhibitory effect of antithrombin on factor Xa

Therapeutic Class

anticoagulant

Pharmacologic Class

antithrombotic

Nursing Considerations

• monitor for signs of bleeding • monitor platelet count • may cause hyperkalemia • have patient report any signs of bleeding

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LamotrigineLamictalNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lamotrigine

Trade Name

Lamictal

Indication

seizures r/t epilepsy, bipolar

Action

Inhibits sodium transport in neurons

Therapeutic Class

anticonvulsant

Nursing Considerations

• may cause suicidal thoughts, dizziness, behavior changes, nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity, rash, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome • use caution with oral contraceptive use • assess mental status • assess for seizures • do not discontinue use abruptly