Generic: Calcium (carbonate & Brand Name: Calcarb & PhosLo
Generic: Ciprofloxacin Brand Name: Cipro (XR)
Classification: Anti-infective/fluoroquinolones.
Therapeutic use: Treatment of bacterial infections (UTI, prostatitis, OBGYN, resp, acute
flares of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, skin/structure, bone/joint, infectious diarrhea, intra-
abdominal, febrile neutropenia, postexposure of inhalational anthrax).
Action: Death of susceptible bacteria & inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis by inhibiting DNA
gyrase.
Safe dosage: 500 to 750 mg q12hr
Onset Peak Duration
Rapid 1 to 2 hour 12 hours
Patient teaching: Fluid intake of at least 1.5 to 2L/day. S/S of superinfection.
Adverse reactions: ↑ ICP. Seizures. Dizziness. Headache. Insomnia. Hepatotoxicity.
Diarrhea. Nausea. ↑ liver enzymes. ↑/↓ BG levels.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. Cross-sensitivity among fluoroquinolones. History of
myasthenia gravis.
Precautions: Known/suspected CNS disorder, renal impairment, & cirrhosis.
Interactions: Antipsychotics, TCA, amiodarone, disopyramide; magnesium & aluminum-
containing antacids, iron salts, bismuth subsalicylate, & zinc salts; warfarin; antineoplastic;
corticosteroids; & antidiabetics
Nursing Assessment: S/S of infection & anaphylaxis. C&S prior. Bowel function strategies
& assessments. S/S of peripheral neuropathy. Vitals & labs. Antibiotic use history (reactions).
Labs: AST, ALT, LDH, bilirubin, & ALP (may ↑). Serum glucose (may ↑ or ↓). PT (may ↑
anticoagulant effects) [in patients receiving warfarin].
Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 570
acetate)
Classification: Supplement
Therapeutic use: Replacement of calcium in deficiencies (carbonate). Control of
hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease (acetate).
Action: Maintain cell membrane and capillary permeability. Act as activator in transmission
of nerve impulses.
Safe dosage: 1 to 2 g/day (carbonate). 1334 mg with each meal; may ↑ gradually (acetate).
Onset Peak Duration
Unknown Unknown Unknown (0.5 to 2hr IV)
Patient teaching: Can cause constipation (carbonate)—bowel regulation strategies. Avoid
excessive use of tobacco, caffeine, or alcohol. Diet ↑ in vitamin D. Review S/S of
hypercalcemia.
Adverse reactions: Arrhythmias, hypercalcemia, & constipation.
Contraindications: Hypercalcemia. Renal calculi. Ventricular fibrillation. Concurrent use of
calcium supplements (acetate).
Precautions: Receiving digoxin, severe respiratory insufficiency, renal disease, & CV
disease.
Interactions: Digoxin, antacids, calcium, CCB, thiazide diuretics, bran, spinach, & rhubarb.
Nursing assessments: S/S of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia. Vitals. S/S of digoxin
toxicity, if on digoxin. Labs. Diet history.
Labs: Ca2+ (incl. ionized), Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, albumin, PTH [for treatment of hypocalcemia].
Ca2+ 2x/week while adjusting [for treatment of hyperphosphatemia]. PO42- (may ↓
w/prolonged use) for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in RF patients.
Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 255
 Generic: Colchicine Brand Name: Colcrys
Classification: Anti-gout agents
Therapeutic use: Prophylaxis and treatment of acute attacks of gouty arthritis.
Action: Interferes with function of WBC’s in initiating and perpetuating the inflammatory
response to monosodium urate crystals.
Safe dosage: Treatment of acute gout attacks: 1.2 mg initially, then 0.6 mg 1 hour later
(maximum dose of 1.8 mg in 1 hour).
Prevention of acute gout attacks: 0.6 mg once or twice daily.

Onset Peak Duration

12 hours 24 to 72 hours Unknown
Patient teaching: Avoid grapefruit & grapefruit juice (may ↑ risk of toxicity). Encourage
fluids (to promote urinary output of at least 2L/day).
Adverse reactions: Diarrhea & N&V. Agranulocytosis. Aplastic anemia.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity & use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients with

renal or hepatic impairment.

Precautions: Elderly or debilitated patients (toxicity may be cumulative) & renal impairment.

Interactions: CYP3A4 inhibitors. P-glycoprotein inhibitors (cyclosporine or ranolazine).

Bone marrow depressants or radiation therapy, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, digoxin, &

vitamin B12.

Nursing Implications: Fluid status assessment. Assess involved joints for pain, mobility, &
edema. Vitals & labs
Lab: CBC. Platelet count (↓). AST & ALP (↑). Urine hemoglobin (false-positive).

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 333
 Generic: Clopidogrel Brand Name: Plavix
Classification: Antiplatelet agents & platelet aggregation inhibitor
Therapeutic use: Reduction of atherosclerotic events (MI, CVA, vascular death) in patients
at risk (recent MI, ACS, CVA, PVD)
Action: Inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly inhibiting the binding of ATP to platelet
receptors (↓ occurrence of atherosclerotic events in pts at risk)
Safe dosage: Recent MI, CVA, or PVD: 75 mg once daily
Acute coronary syndrome: 300 mg initially, then 75 mg 1x/day; ASA 75 to 325 mg 1x/day
concurrently
Onset Peak Duration
Within 24 hours 3 to 7 days 5 days
Patient teaching: Bleeding precautions!
Adverse reactions: Similar to that of ASA
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, pathologic bleeding (peptic ulcer, ICH), concurrent use
of omeprazole or esomeprazole, & impaired CYP2C19 function d/t genetic variation
Precautions: At risk for bleeding (trauma, surgery, other pathologic condts), hx of GI
bleed/ulcer disease, severe hepatic impairment, & hypersensitivity to another thienopyridine
Interactions: NSAIDS, warfarin, aspirin, LMWH, thrombolytic agent, ticlopidine, phenytoin,
tamoxifen, torsemide, Fluvastatin, omeprazole, esomeprazole, arnica, chamomile, clove,
feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, & Panax ginseng
Nursing Assessments: S/S of stroke, PVD, or MI. Bleeding precautions! S/S of thrombotic
thrombolytic purpura (thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic
findings, renal dysfunction, & fever). Monitor labs & vitals
Lab: Bleeding time, CBC with different, platelet count, bilirubin, hepatic enzymes, total
cholesterol, & uric acid
Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 327
Generic: Citalopram Brand Name: Celexa
Classification: SSRI
Therapeutic use: Depression. OCD. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). GAD.
PTSD. Social anxiety disorder (Social phobia).
Action: Selectively inhibits reuptake of serotonin in CNS.
Safe dosage: 20 mg once daily initially—may be ↑ in 1 week to 40 mg/day.
Geriatric: 20 mg once daily (do not exceed 20mg/day in patients over 60 yr)
Onset Peak Duration
1 to 4 weeks Unknown Unknown
Patient teaching: Photosensitivity risk. Dry mouth prevention.
Adverse reactions: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Suicidal thoughts. Torsade de pointes.
Serotonin syndrome. Abdominal pain, dry mouth, flatulence, nausea, sweating, tremor,
apathy, confusion, insomnia, & weakness.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, congenital long QT syndrome (↑ risk), & concurrent
use of QT interval prolonging drugs.
Precautions: Hx of mania, suicidal attempt/ideation, or seizure disorders. Severe renal or
hepatic impairment. Geri: ↓ dose recommended.
Interactions: MAOI, TCAs, SNRIs, fentanyl, buspirone, tramadol, triptans, centrally acting
drugs, omeprazole, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, aspirin, NSAIDs, clopidogrel,
warfarin, St John’s Wort & SAMe.
Nursing Implications: Monitor mood changes. Assess for suicidal tendencies. Assess for
serotonin syndrome (mental changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular dysfunction,
and/or GI symptoms). Vitals & labs
Lab: Electrolytes (potassium & magnesium) in patients at risk for electrolyte imbalances.
Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 315
 Generic: Clonidine Brand Name: Catapres, Dixarit,
Duraclon, Kapvay
Classification: Adrenergic & antihypertensives
Therapeutic use: Mild to moderate hypertension
Action: Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors = ↓ sympathetic outflow, thereby inhibiting
cardio-acceleration & vasoconstriction (↓ BP).
Safe dosage: HTN (imm. release): 0.1 mg BID, ↑ by 0.1—0.2 mg/day q2—4 days
Urgent treatment of HTN: 0.2 mg loading dose, then 0.1 mg q1hr till BP is controlled or until
0.8 mg total has been administered.
Onset Peak Duration
30 to 60 minutes 1 to 3 hours 8 to 12 hours
Patient teaching: OH risk. Dry mouth prevention strategies. Alternative hypertension
interventions.
Adverse reactions: Drowsiness, dry mouth, & withdrawal phenomenon. Sodium retention.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Precautions: Serious CV or cerebrovascular disease. Renal insufficiency. ↓ geriatric dose.
Interactions: CNS depressants. Anti-hypertensives. Nitrates. Beta blockers. Digoxin. MAOI
& TCA. Local anesthetics. Levodopa.
Nursing Assessments: Fluid status & edema assessment. Vitals & pain. Labs. S/S of fluid
overload (edema, rales/crackles, dyspnea, weight gain, & JVD). Cardiopulmonary assessment.
Lab: Blood glucose levels.

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 324
 Generic: Candesartan Brand Name: Atacand
Classification: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB)
Therapeutic use: Alone or with other agents in management of HTN. ↓ risk of MI, stroke, or
cardiovascular death in patients older than 55 years who are at ↑ risk for cardiovascular events
& are unable to take ACEIs.
Action: Blocks vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-producing effects of angiotensin II at receptor
sites, including vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands (↓ of BP).
Safe dosage: HTN: 16 mg/day; may be ↑ to 32 mg/day in 1 to 2 doses
HF: 4 mg/day; may be doubled at 2 weeks to a target dose of 32 mg/day

Onset Peak Duration

2 to 4 hours 4 weeks 24 hours
Patient teaching: OH risk. Alternative hypertension interventions. Avoid salt substitutes.
Weekly BP monitoring
Adverse reactions: Dizziness & hypotension
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, concurrent use with aliskiren in patients with DM or
renal impairment, & severe hepatic impairment.
Precautions: HF, volume- or salt-depleted patient, receiving ↑ doses of diuretics, black
patients, impaired renal function d/t renal disease or HF, obstructive biliary disorders or
hepatic impairment, & women of childbearing potential
Interactions: NSAIDs & COX-2, antihypertensives, diuretics, digoxin, potassium-sparing
diuretics, potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium supplements, & ACEIs
Nursing Assessments: Assess orthostatic hypotension & HR. Assess for S/S of angioedema
(dyspnea & facial swelling). Fluid status assessment. S/S of fluid overload. Cardiopulmonary
assessment
Lab: Renal function, electrolyte levels, potassium, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, bilirubin,
uric acid, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils, & thrombocytes

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 167
 Generic: Clonazepam Brand Name: Clonapam & Klonopin
Classification: Benzodiazepines & anticonvulsants
Therapeutic use: Prophylaxis of: Petit mal, Lennox-Gastaut, Akinetic, Myoclonic seizures;
Panic disorders with or without agoraphobia.
Action: Anticonvulsant effects may be due to presynaptic inhibition. Produces sedative
effects in CNS, probably by stimulating inhibitory GABA receptors.
Safe dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg TID (Max in 24 hours: 20 mg)
Onset Peak Duration
20 to 60 minutes 1 to 2 hours 6 to 12 hours
Patient teaching: OH risk, carry ID, & short-term use only.
Adverse reactions: Behavior changes, drowsiness, ataxia, & suicidal thoughts
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity & severe hepatic impairment.
Precautions: Angle-closure glaucoma, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory disorders,
& history of porphyria
Interactions: CNS depressants, cimetidine, hormonal contraceptives, fluoxetine,
ketoconazole, metoprolol, propranolol, levodopa, rifampin, barbiturates, theophylline, &
phenytoin
Nursing Assessments: Seizure (intensity, duration, location), anxiety (orientation, mood,
behavior), & behavior changes
Lab: CBC, liver function tests, & thyroid

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 322
 Generic: Ceftriaxone Brand Name: Rocephin
Classification: 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Therapeutic use: Treatment of certain infections, perioperative prophylaxis, & Lyme disease
Action: Bind to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death
Safe dosage: Most infections: 1—2 g q12—24hrs (IM/IV)
Onset Peak Duration
IM: Rapid IM: 1—2 hours IM: 12—24 hours
IV: Rapid IV: End of infusion IV: 12—24 hours
Patient teaching: REPORT S/S of superinfection. Avoid alcohol use while taking.
Adverse reactions: Diarrhea, N&V, rashes, pain (IM site), phlebitis (IV), seizures,
pseudomembranous colitis, Steven-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, & serum sickness
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Precautions: Renal insufficiency & hepatic impairment
Interactions: Probenecid, anticoagulants/antiplatelets/NSAIDs, loop diuretics, iron
supplements, H2 antagonists, & carbamazepine
Nursing Assessments: S/S of infection. History of penicillin use. Bowel function.
Lab: C&S, Coombs’, LFT, RFT, CBC, WBC

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 292
 Generic: Codeine Brand Name: Codeine
Classification: Opioid analgesic & antitussives
Therapeutic use: Management of mild to moderate pain
Action: Works the brain to change how your body feels & responds to pain
Safe dosage: Analgesic: 15-60 mg q3-6h PRN
Antitussive: 10-20 mg q4-6h PRN
Onset Peak Duration
30 to 45 minutes 1 to 1.5 hours 4 hours
Patient teaching: Bowel regulation strategies. OH risk. Dry mouth prevention.
Adverse reactions: Confusion, sedation, hypotension, constipation, N&V, hallucinations,
blurred vision, & respiratory depression.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
Precautions: Head trauma, ↑ ICP, severe renal/hepatic/pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism,
adrenal insufficiency, & alcoholism
Interactions: MAOI & CNS depressants
Nursing Assessments: Vitals. Bowel function. Pain. Cough, if applicable
Lab: Amylase & lipase (may ↑)

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 331
 Generic: Cephalexin Brand Name: Keflex
Classification: Anti-infective. First generation cephalosporin
Therapeutic use: Treatment of infection caused by susceptible organisms—otitis media
specifically.
Action: Bind to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death (bactericidal action).
Safe dosage: 250-500 mg q6h

Onset Peak Duration

Rapid 1 hour 6 to 12 hours
Patient teaching: Around the clock admin. REPORT S/S of super infection. Can be taken on
empty or full stomach— with food to ↓ GI irritation.
Adverse reactions: Seizures, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, rashes,
allergic reactions (anaphylaxis and serum sickness)
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity & severe hypersensitivity to penicillin.
Precautions: Renal impairment, hx of GI disease (especially colitis). Elderly (↓ initial dose)
Interactions: Probenecid, loop diuretics & aminoglycosides
Nursing Assessments: Infection (Vitals, wound, sputum, & urine). Bowel function (last BM,
amount, color, consistency, frequency). Rash/skin.
Lab: WBC (↑ for infection). AST, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, LDH, BUN, creatinine (↑).

Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 284