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Carbidopa/levodopa

Generic Name

carbidopa/levodopa

Trade Name

Sinemet

Indication

Parkinson's disease

Action

levodopa is converted to dopamine and works as a neurotransmitter and carbidopa prevents the destruction of levodopa

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

don't use with glaucoma, melanoma

assess for parkinsonian symptoms

instruct patient to take as directed

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Carbamazepine

Generic Name

carbamazepine

Trade Name

Tegretol

Indication

seizures, DM neuropathy, pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia

Action

affects Na channels in neurons leading to decreased synaptic transmission

Therapeutic Class

Anticonvulsant

Pharmacologic Class

none

Nursing Considerations

interferes with oral contraceptives

do not use with MAOIs

may cause suicidal thoughts

may cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia

do not consume grapefruit juice while taking this medication

monitor CBC and platelet count

monitor serum blood levels of medication often.

Captopril

Generic Name

captopril

Trade Name

Capoten

Indication

hypertension, management of CHF, decrease progression of DM neuropathy

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

can cause neutropenia - check WBCs regularly

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 CBC frequently

May lead to Rhabdomyolysis

Dry cough

Calcium carbonate

Generic Name

Calcium carbonate

Trade Name

Tums / Rolaids

Indication

treatment of hypocalcemia, prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis, treatment of hypokalemia and hypomagnesaemia, adjunct in cardiac arrest, used as antacid

Action

calcium is essential for nervous muscular and skeletal systems, helps maintain cell membranes, aids in transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction, aids in blood formation and coagulation

Therapeutic Class

mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements

Pharmacologic Class

antacids

Nursing Considerations          

may cause cardiac arrest and arrhythmias

monitor hemodynamics

may causes hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias

hypercalcemia can increase risk for digoxin toxicity

instruct pt on foods that contain Vitamin D and encourage adequate intake

monitor parathyroid hormone

Calcium acetate

Generic Name

Calcium acetate

Trade Name              

PhosLo

Indication

treatment of hypocalcemia, prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis, treatment of hypokalemia and hypomagnesaemia, adjunct in cardiac arrest, control of hyperphosphatemia with ESRD

Action

calcium is essential for nervous muscular and skeletal systems, helps maintain cell membranes, aids in transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction, aids in blood formation and coagulation

Therapeutic Class

mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements

Pharmacologic Class

antacids

Nursing Considerations

may cause cardiac arrest and arrhythmias

phlebitis at site of insertion

monitor hemodynamics

may causes hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias

hypercalcemia can increase risk for digoxin toxicity

administer slowly

instruct pt on foods that contain Vitamin D and encourage adequate intake.

monitor parathyroid hormone

Butorphanol

Generic Name

Butorphanol

Trade Name

Stadol

Indication

moderate to severe pain, labor pain, sedation

Action

alters perception and response to pain by biding to opiate receptors in CNS

Therapeutic Class

Opioid Analgesic

Pharmacologic Class

opioid agonists/antagonists

Nursing Considerations

use caution with concurrent use of MAOIs

may cause confusion, hallucinations, sedation

monitor for CNS depression

assess blood pressure pulse and respirations during administration

administer slowly through IV line

Bupropion

Name

bupropion

Trade Name

Wellbutrin

Indication

depression, smoking cessation, treat ADHD in adults

Action

Therapeutic Class

Antidepressants, smoking deterrents

Pharmacologic Class

aminoketones

Nursing Considerations

may lead to seizures, suicidal thoughts

do not administer if patient is taking MAOI

use caution with renal and liver impairment

assess mental status

instruct patient to avoid alcohol while taking bupropion