COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENEY COUNTY ALLEGHENY CAMPUS DEPARTMENT OF NURSING NRN 101 AND NRN102 DRUG CARD Directions:

Complete one drug card for each medication Write the rationale for why this patient is getting the prescribed medication. Drug Trade Name: Zoloft Physiological Action: Common Side Effects: dizziness, (How drug works in the body) drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, Generic Name: Sertraline agitation Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Adverse Side Effects: chest pain, Classification: Antidepresant rhinitis, myalgia, fever, thirst Inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin Usual Ranges: 50 mg/day as a single in the CNS, thus potentiating the Contraindications with food or other dose in the morning or evening initially; activity of serotonin. Has little effect drugs: after several weeks may be increased at on norepinephrine or dopamine Hypersensitivity
weekly intervals up to 200 mg/day, depending on response Use cautiously in severe hepatic or renal impairment, or cardiac disease.

Adult:

Pediatric

Recommended Frequency of Administration: 50 mg/day as a single

dose in the morning or evening initially; after several weeks may be increased at weekly intervals up to 200 mg/day, depending on response

Uses: (Therapeutic) Used to treat depression

Recommended Route of Administration: PO

Pregnancy Category: C

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS(Before, during or after administration) RATIONALE for this Patient: Instruct patient to take sertraline as directed. Take missed doses as soon as (Why prescribed for patient) possible and return to regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Avoid alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs during therapy. Avoid alcohol May cause drowsiness Hold if pt shows increased anxiety nervousness, or insomnia. PRESCRIBED Dosage Route Frequency

Times Given

RT Reviewed 1985/LAB Reviewed June 1989/LAB Reviewed June 1990/KAC Revised July 1991/HPO Revised May 2002/LAC Revised January 2003