Generic Brand Dosage and

Classification Indication Mechanism of Action Adverse Reaction Nursing Reaction

Name Name Frequency
Taxotere DOCEtaxel PHARMACO Treatment of locally Promotes assembly of IV: ADULTS, In pts with normal BASELINE ASSESSMENT
THERAPEUTIC: advanced or microtubules and ELDERLY: 75 hepatic function, Obtain baseline ANC, CBC, serum chemistries.
Antimicrotubular, metastatic inhibits mg/m2 q3wks neutropenia (ANC Offer emotional support to pt, family.
taxoid. breast carcinoma depolymerization of with concurrent count less than 1,500 Antiemetics may be effective in preventing,
after failure of prior tubulin, administration of cells/mm3), leukopenia treating nausea/vomiting. Pt should be
CLINICAL: chemotherapy. which stabilizes predniSONE. (WBC count less than pretreated with corticosteroids to reduce fluid
Antineoplastic. Treatment of microtubules. 4,000 cells/mm3) occur retention, hypersensitivity reaction.
metastatic non– Therapeutic in 96% of pts; anemia
small-cell lung cancer Effect: Inhibits DNA, (hemoglobin level less INTERVENTION/EVALUATION
(NSCLC). Treatment RNA, protein than 11 g/dL) occurs in Frequently monitor blood counts, particularly
of metastatic synthesis. 90% of pts; ANC count (less than 1,500 cells/mm3
prostate thrombocytopenia requires discontinuation of therapy). Monitor
cancer, head and (platelet count less LFT, serum uric acid levels. Observe for
neck cancer (with than 100,000 cutaneous reactions (rash with eruptions,
predniSONE). cells/mm3) occurs in mainly on hands, feet). Assess for
Treatment of 8% of pts; infection extravascular fluid accumulation: rales in
advanced occurs in 28% of pts. lungs, dependent edema, dyspnea at rest,
gastric Neurosensory, pronounced abdominal distention (due to
adenocarcinoma. neuromotor ascites).
disturbances (distal
OFF-LABEL: paresthesia, weakness) PATIENT/FAMILY TEACHING
Bladder, esophageal, occur in 54% and 13% • Hair loss is reversible, but new hair
ovarian, small-cell of pts, respectively. growth may have different color or texture. •
lung carcinoma; soft New hair growth resumes 2–3 mos after last
tissue carcinoma, therapy dose. • Maintain strict oral hygiene. •
cervical cancer, Do not have immunizations without
Ewing’s sarcoma, physician’s approval (drug lowers resistance).
osteosarcoma • Avoid those who have recently taken any
live virus vaccine. • Report persistent nausea,
diarrhea, respiratory difficulty, chest pain,
fever, chills, unusual bleeding, bruising.

Reference: Saunders NURSING DRUG HANDBOOK 2021

 Generic Brand Dosage and
Classification Indication Mechanism of Action Adverse Reaction Nursing Reaction
Name Name Frequency
Metonia, metoclopramide PHARMA IV/IM: Symptomatic Blocks dopamine/ PO, IV: ADULTS, Extrapyramidal BASELINE ASSESSMENT
Reglan) COTHERAPEUTIC: treatment of diabetic serotonin receptors in ELDERLY: 5–10 reactions occur most Antiemetic: Assess for dehydration (poor
DOPamine, gastroparesis, chemoreceptor trigger mg 30 min frequently in children, skin turgor, dry mucous membranes,
serotonin prevent/treat zone of the CNS. before meals and young adults (18–30 longitudinal
receptor nausea/vomiting Enhances at bedtime for up yrs) receiving large furrows in tongue). Assess
antagonist. with chemotherapy acetylcholine to 12 wks. doses (2 mg/kg) during for nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention,
CLINICAL: GI or after surgery. response in upper chemotherapy and bowel sounds.
agent, GI tract, causing usually are limited to
antiemetic. increased motility and akathisia (involuntary INTERVENTION/EVALUATION
accelerated gastric limb movement, facial Monitor for anxiety, restlessness,
emptying without grimacing, motor extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) during IV
stimulating gastric, restlessness). administration. Monitor daily pattern of
biliary, or pancreatic Neuroleptic malignant bowel activity, stool consistency. Assess
secretions; increases syndrome (diaphoresis, skin for rash. Evaluate for therapeutic
lower esophageal fever, unstable B/P, response from gastroparesis (nausea,
sphincter tone. muscular rigidity) has vomiting, bloating). Monitor renal function,
Therapeutic Effect: been reported. B/P, heart rate.
Accelerates intestinal
transit, promotes PATIENT/FAMILY TEACHING
gastric emptying. • Avoid tasks that require alertness, motor
Relieves nausea, skills until response to drug is established.
vomiting. • Report involuntary eye, facial,
limb movement (extrapyramidal reaction). •
Avoid alcohol.

Reference: Saunders NURSING DRUG HANDBOOK 2021