Major Medication Classification

Major Medication classification
Adrenergics
Actions:
• Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system: increase in
peripheral resistance, increase blood flow to heart,
bronchodilation, increase blood flow to skeletal muscle, increase
blood flow to uterus
• Stimulate beta-2 receptors in lungs
• Use for cardiac arrest and COPD Adrenergic Medications
• Levophed
• Dopamine
• Adrenalin
• Dobutrex Adrenergics Side effects:
• Dysrhythmias
• Tremors
• Anticholinergic effects
Adrenergics Nursing Considerations:
• Monitor BP
• Monitor peripheral pulses
• Check output
Anti-Anxiety
Action:
• Affect neurotransmitters
Used for:
• Anxiety disorders, manic episodes, panic attacks Anti-Anxiety
Medications:
• Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Vistaril, Equanil
Anti-Anxiety
Side effects:
• Sedation
• Confusion
• Hepatic dysfunction
Anti-Anxiety
Nursing Considerations:
• Potention for addiction/overdose
• Avoid alcohol
• Monitor Liver Function AST/ALT
• Don’t discontinue abruptly, wean off
• Smoking/caffeine decreases effectiveness
Antacids
Actions:
• Neutralize gastric acids
Used for:
• Peptic ulcer
• Indigestion, reflex esophagitis Antacids Medications
• Amphojel
• Milk of Magnesia
• Maalox Antacids
Side effects:
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Acid rebound
Antacids
• Interferes with absorption of antibiotics, iron preps, INH, Oral
contraceptives
• Monitor bowel function
• Give 1-2 hours after other medications
• 1-3 hours after meals and at HS
• Take with fluids
Antiarrhythmics
Action:
• Interfere with electrical excitability of heart
Used for:
• Atrial fibrillation and flutter
• Tachycardia
• PVCs Antiarrhythmics
Medications:
• Atropine sulfate
• Lidocaine
• Pronestyl
• Quinidine
• Isuprel Antiarrhythmics
Side effects:
• Lightheadedness
• Hypotension
• Urinary retention
Antiarrhythmics
• Monitor vital signs
• Monitor cardiac rhythm
Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)
Action:
• Inhibits protein synthesis in gram-negative bacteria
Used for:
• Pseudomonas, E.Coli Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Gentamycin
• Neomycin
• Streptomycin
• Tobramycin Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Ototoxicity and Nephrotoxicity
• Anorexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)
• Harmful to liver and kidneys
• Check 8th cranial nerve (hearing)
• Check renal function
• Take for 7-10 days
• Encourage fluids
• Check peak/trough level
Allergy: 1st symptom SOB
Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)
Action:
• Inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall
Used for:
• Tonsillitis, otitis media, peri-operative prophylaxis
• Meningitis Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Ceclor
• Ancef
• Keflex
• Rocephin
• Cefoxitin Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Bone marrow depression: caution with anemic,
thrombocytopenic patients
• Superinfections
• Rash
• Take with food
• Cross allergy with PCN
• Avoid alcohol
• Obtain C&S before first dose: to make sure medication is
effective against disease/bacteria
• Can cause false-positive for proteinuria/glycosuria
Fluoroquinolones (Antibiotics)
Action:
• Interferes with DNA replication in gram-negative bacteria
Used for:
• E.Coli, Pseudomonas, S. Aureus Fluoroquinolones
(Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Cipro Fluroquinolones
(Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Diarrhea
• Decreased WBC and Hematocrit
• Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT)
• Elevated alkaline phosphatase
• C&S before starting therapy
• Take 1 hour ac or 2 hour pc (food slows absorption)
• Don’t give with antacids or iron preparation
• Maybe given with other medications (Probenicid: for gout)
Macrolide (Antibiotics)
Action:
• Binds to cell membrane and changes protein function
Used for:
• Acute infections
• Acne
• URI
• Prophylaxis before dental procedures if allergic to PCN Macrolide
(Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Erythromycin
• Clindamycin Macrolide (Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Hepatotoxicity
• Superinfections
• Take 1hr ac or 2-3 hr pc
• Monitor liver function
• Take with water (no fruit juice)
• May increase effectiveness of: Coumadin and Theophylline
(bronchodilator)
Penicillin
Action:
• Inhibits synthesis of cell wall
Used for:
• Moderate to severe infections
• Syphilis
• Gonococcal infections
• Lyme disease Penicillin
Medications:
• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Augmentin Penicillin
Side effects:
• Stomatitis
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions
• Renal and Hepatic changes
• Check for hypersensitivity
• Give 1-2 hr ac or 2-3 hr pc
• Cross allergy with cephalosporins
Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)
Action:
• Antagonize essential component of folic acid synthesis
Used for:
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Otitis media
• UTIs Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Gantrisin
• Bactrim
• Septra
• Azulfidine Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Crystalluria
• Photosensitivity
• GI upset
• Stomatitis
• Take with meals or foods
• Good mouth care
• Antacids will interfere with absorption
Tetracyclines
(Antibiotics)
Action:
• Inhibits protein sythesis
Used for:
• Infections
• Acne
• Prophylaxis for opthalmia neonatorum TEtracyclines
(Antibiotics)
Medications:
• Vibramycin
• Panmycin Tetracyclines (Antibiotics)
Side effects:
• Discoloration of primary teeth if taken during pregnancy or if
child takes at young age
• Glossitis
• Rash
• Phototoxic reactions
Nursing considerations:
• Take 1 hr ac or 2-3 hr pc
• Do not take with antacids, milk, iron
• Note expiration date
• Monitor renal function
• Avoid sunlight
Anticholinergics
Action:
• Inhibits action of acethylcholine and blocks parasympathetic
nerves (affects heart, eyes, respiratory tract, GI tract and the
bladder)
• Dilates pupil, causes bronchodilation and decreased secretions
• Decrease GI motility secretions
Used for:
• Opthalmic exam
• Motion sickness
• Pre-operative Anticholinergic Medications:
• Pro-Banthine
• Atropine
• Scopolamine Anticholinergic
Side Effects:
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Chage in heart rate
Nursing Consideration:
• Monitor output
• Contraindicated with glaucoma
• Give 30 min ac, hs, or 2hr pc
• Contraindicated: paralytic ileus, BPH
Anticoagulants
Action:
• Blocks conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
Used for:
• Pulmonary embolism
• Venous thrombosis
• Prophylaxis after acute MI Anticoagulants
Medications:
• Heparin Anticoagulants (Heparin)
Side Effects:
• Hematuria
• Tissue irritation
• Monitor clotting time or Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
• Normal 20-45 sec
• Therapeutic level 1.5-2.5 times control
• Antagonist—Protamine Sulfate
• Give SC or IV
Anticoagulant
Action:
• Interferes with synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting
factors
Used for:
• Pulmonary embolism
• Prophylaxis after acute MI Anticoagulant
Medication:
• Coumadin Anticoagulant (Coumadin)
Side Effects:
• Hemorrhage, Alopecia
• Monitor Prothrombin Test (PT)
• Normal 9-12 sec
• Therapeutic level 1.5 times control
• Antagonist—Vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON)
• Monitor for bleeding
• Give PO
Anticonvulsants
Action:
• Decreases flow of calcium and sodium across neuronal
membranes
Used for:
• Seizures Anticonvulsant
Medications:
• Dilantin
• Luminal
• Depakote
• Tegretol
• Klonopin Anticonvulsant
Side effects:
• Respiratory depression
• Aplastic anemia
• Gingival hypertrophy
• Ataxia
• Don’t discontinue abruptly
• Monitor I&O
• Caution with use of medications that lower seizure threshold:
MAO inhibitors & anti-psychotics
• Good mouth care
• Take with food
• May turn urine pinkish-red/pinkish-brown
Anti-Depressants Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO)
Action:
• Causes increases concentration of neurotransmitters
Used for:
• Depression
• Chronic pain Anti-Depressants
(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
Medications:
• Marplan
• Nardil
• Parnate Anti-Depressants
(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
Side effects:
• Hypertensive Crisis (Sudden headache, diaphoretic,
palpitations, stiff neck, intracranial hemorrhage) with food that
contain Tyramine
• Avoid foods containing Tyramine: Aged cheese, liver, yogurt,
herring, beer and wine, sour cream, bologna, pepperoni, salami,
bananas, raisins, and pickled products
• Monitor output
• Takes 4 weeks to work
• Don’t combine with sympathomometics vasoconstrictors, and
cold medications
Anti-Depressants
Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
Action:
• Inhibits CNS uptake of serotonin
Used for:
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Bulimia Anti-Depressants
Medications:
• Paxil
• Prozac
• Zoloft Anti-Depressants
Side effects:
• Anxiety
• GI upset
• Change in appetite and bowel function
• Suicide precautions
• Takes 4 weeks for full effect
• Take in a.m.
• May urine to pinkish-red or Pinkish-brown
• Can be taken with meals
Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)
Action:
• Inhibits reuptake of neurotransmitters
Used for:
• Depression
• Sleep apnea Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)
Medications:
• Norpramin
• Elavil
• Tofranil Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)
Side Effects:
• Sedation/Confusion
• Anticholinergics affects
• Postural Hypotension
• Suicide precautions/2-6 weeks to work
• Take at hs/Don’t abruptly halt
• Avoid alcohol/OTC /Photosensitivity
Antidiabetic Agents
Action:
• Stimulates insulin release from beta cells in pancreas
Used for:
• Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) Antidiabetic Agents
Medications:
• Diabinese
• Orinase
• Dymelor
• Micronase Antidiabetic Agents
Side Effects:
• Hypoglycemia
• Allergic skin reactions
• GI upset
• Take before breakfast
• Monitor glucose levels
• Avoid alcohol, sulfonamides, Oral Contraceptives, (MAO),
aspirin because they help to make drug work better
Hypoglycemic Agent
Action:
• Stimulates liver to change glycogen to glucose
Used for:
• Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemic Agent
Medication:
• Glucagon Hypoglycemic Agent
Side Effects:
• Hypotension
• Bronchospasm
• May repeat in 15min
• Give carbohydrates orally to prevent secondary hypoglycemic
reactions
Antidiarrheals
Action:
• Slows peristalsis
• Increases tone of sphincters
Used for:
• Diarrhea Antidiarrheals
Medications:
• Kaopectate
• Lomotil
• Imodium
• Paregoric Antidiarrheals
Side Effects:
• Constipation
• Anticholinergic effects (urinary retention, dry mouth)
• Do not use with abdominal pain
• Monitor for urinary retention
• Give 2hr before or 3 hr after other meds
Antiemetics
Action:
• Increases GI motility
• Blocks effect of dopamine in chemoreceptor trigger zone
Used for:
• Vomiting Antiemetics
Medications:
• Tigan
• Compazine
• Torecan
• Reglan
• Antivert
• Dramamine Antiemetics
Side Effects:
• Sedation
• Used before chemotherapy
• When used with viral infections may cause Reye’s syndrome
(Toxic Encephalopathy)
Antifungals
Action:
• Impairs cell membrane
Used for:
• Candidiasis
• Oral thrush
• Histoplasmosis Antifungals
Medications:
• Amphotericin B
• Nystatin Antifungals
Side Effects:
• Hepatotoxicity
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukopenia
• Pruritis
• Give with food
• Good oral hygiene
Antigout Agents
Action:
• Decreases production and resorption of uric acid
Used for:
• Gout Antigout Agents
Medications:
• Colchicine
• Probenecid
• Zyloprim Antigout Agents
Side Effects:
• Agranulocytosis
• GI upset
• Renal calculi
• Monitor for renal calculi
• Give with food, milk, antacids
Antihistamines
Action:
• Block effects of histamine
Used for:
• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergic reactions to blood Antihistamines
Medications:
• Chlor-Trimeton
• Benadryl
• Phenergan Antihistamines
Side Effects:
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Photosensitivity
• Give with food
• Use sunscreen
• Avoid alcohol
Antihyperlipidemic Agents
Action:
• Inhibits cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis
Used For:
• Elevated cholesterol
• Reduce incidence of cardiovascular disease Antihyperlipidemic
Agents
Medications:
• Questran
• Lipid Antihyperlipidemic Agents
Side Effects:
• Constipation
• Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
• Take at hs or 30 min ac
• Administer 1hr before or 4-6 hr after other meds
Antihypertensives
Types: ACE Inhibitors
Action:
• Blocks ACE in lungs
Used for:
• Hypertension
• CHF Antihypertensives
(ACE Inhibitors)
Medications:
• Capoten
• Vasotec Antihypertensives
(ACE Inhibitors)
Side Effects:
• GI upset
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dizziness
• Give 1hr ac or 3hr pc
• Change position slowly
Antihypertensives
Type: Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Action:
• Blocks Beta-Adrenergic Receptors
• Decrease excitability/workload of heart, oxygen consumption
• Decrease
Used for:
• Hypertension
• Angina
• SVT Antihypertensives
Type: Beta-Adrenergic
Medications;
• Nadolol
• Propranolol
• Tenormin
• Timoptic Antihypertensives
Type: Beta-Adrenergic
Side Effects:
• Changes in heart rate
• Hypotension
• Bronchospasm
• Masks signs of shock and hypoglycemia
• Take with meals
• Do not discontinue abruptly
Antihypertensives
Type: Calcium Channel Blockers
Action:
• Inhibits movement of calcium across cell membranes
• Slow impulse conduction and depresses myocardial contractility
• Causes dilation of coronary arteries and decreases cardiac
workload and energy consumption
Used for:
• Angina
• Hypertension
• Interstitial cystitis Antihypertensives
Medications:
• Procardia
• Calan
• Cardizem Antihypertensives
Side Effects:
• Hypotension
• Dizziness
• GI distress
Nursing Consideration:
• Do not chew or divide sustained-release tablets
Antihypertensives
Type: Centrally acting alpha-adrenergics
Action:
• Stimulates alpha receptors in medulla which causes a reduction
in sympathetic in the heart
Used for:
• Hypertension Antihypertensives
Medications:
• Aldomet
• Catapres Antihypertensives
Side Effects:
• Sedation
• Orthostatic Hypotension
• Monitor for fluid retention
Antihypertensives
Type: Direct-acting vasodilators
Action:
• Relaxes smooth muscle
Used for:
Medications
• Hydralazine
• Minoxidil Antihypertensives
Side Effects:
• Tachycardia
• Increase in body hair
• Teach patient to check pulse
Antihypertensives
Type: Peripheral-acting alpha-adrenergic blockers
Action:
• Depletes stores of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerve endings
Used for:
Medications:
• Reserpine Antihypertensives
Side Effects:
• Depression
• Brachycardia
• Give with meals or milk
Bipolar Disorder
Action:
• Reduces catecholamine release
Used for:
• Manic episodes Bipolar Disorder Medications:
• Lithium (1-1.5meq/L)
• Tegretol
• Depakote Bipolar Disorder
Side Effects:
• GI upset
• Tremors
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Monitor serum levels
• Give with meals
• Increase fluid intake
Antineoplastic Agents
Type: Alkylating Agents
Action:
• Interferes with rapidly reproducing DNA
Used for:
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma Antineoplastic Agents
Medications:
• Cisplatin
• Myleran
• Cytoxan Antineoplastic Agents
Side Effects:
• Hepatotoxicity
• Ecchymosis
• Alopecia
• Epitaxis
• Infertility
• Bone Marrow Suppression
• Stomatitis
• GI disturbances: Anorexic, N/V, diarrhea
• Check hematopoietic (reproduction of RBC’s by bone marrow)
function
• Force fluids
• Good mouth care
Type: Antimetabolites
Action:
• Inhibits DNA polymerase
Used for:
• Acute lymphatic leukemia
• Cancer of colon, breast, pancreas Antineoplastic Agents
Antimetabolites Medications:
• 5-FU
• Methotrexate
• Hydrea Antineoplastic Agents
Antimetabolites
Side Effects:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Oral ulceration
• Bone marrow suppression
• Alopecia
• Monitor hematopoietic function
• Good mouth care
• Discuss body image changes
Type: Antitumor Antibiotics
Action:
• Interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis
Used for:
• Cancer Antineoplastic Agents
Antitumor Antibiotics
Medications:
• Adriamycin
• Actinomycin D
• Bleomycin Antineoplastic Agents
Antitumor Antibiotics
Side Effects:
• Alopecia
• Stomatitis
• Give antiemetic medications before therapy
Type: Hormonal Agents
Action:
• Changes hormone input into sensitive cells
Used for:
Medications:
• Diethylstilbestrol
• Tamoxifen
• Testosterone Antineoplastic Agents
Side Effects:
• Leukpenia
• Bone pain
• Hypercalcemia
• Check CBC
• Monitor serum calcium
Type: Vinca Alkaloids
Action:
• Interferes with cell division
Used for:
Medications:
• Oncovin
• Velban Antineoplastic Agents
Side Effects:
• Stomatitis
• Alopecia
• Loss of reflexes
• Give antiemetic before administration
• Check reflexes
• Given with Zyloprim to decrease uric acid
Antiparkinson Agents
Action:
• Converted to Dopamine
• Stimulates postsynaptic Dopamine receptors
Used for:
• Parkinson’s disease Antiparkinson Agents
Medications:
• Artane
• Cogentin
• L-Dopa
• Parlodel
• Sinemet
• Symmetrel Antiparkinson Agents
Side Effects:
• Dizziness
• Ataxia
• Atropine-like effects: dry mouth, urinary retention
• Monitor for urinary retention
• Large doses of vitamin B6 reverse effects
• Avoid use of CNS depressants
Antiplatelet Agents
Action:
• Interferes with platelet aggregation
Used for:
• Pulmonary embolism Antiplatelet Agents
Medications:
• Aspirin
• Persantine Antiplatelet Agents
Side Effects:
• Hemorrhage
• Check for signs of bleeding
• Give with food or milk
Antipsychotic Agents
Action:
• Blocks dopamine receptors in basal ganglia
Used for:
• Acute and Chronic psychoses Antipsychotic Agents
Medications:
• Haldol
• Thorazine
• Mellaril
• Stelazine Antipsychotic Agents
Side Effects:
• Akathisia (inability to sit still)
• Dyskinesia
• Dystonias
• Parkinson’s syndrome
• Tardive dyskinesias
• Leukopenia
• Check CBC
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Atypical Antipsychotic Agents

Action:
• Interferes with binding of dopamine in the brain
Used for:
• Acute and Chronic psychoses Atypical Antipsychotic
Medications:
• Clozaril
• Risperdal Atypical Antipsychotic
Side Effects:
• Extrapyramidal effects
• Anticholinergic
• Sedative
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Monitor blood
• Change positions slowly
• Use sunscreen
Antipyretic Agents
Action:
• Antiprostaglandin activity in hypothalamus
Used for:
• Fever Antipyretic Agents
Medications:
• Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Antipyretic Agents
Side Effects:
• GI irritation
• Aspirin contraindicated for younger than 21 years old due to
risk of Reye’s syndrome
Antithyroid Agents
Action:
• Reduce vascularity of thyroid
• Inhibits release of thyroid into circulation
Used for:
• Hyperthyroidism Antithyroid Agents
Medications:
• Tapazole
• SSKI Antithyroid Agents
Side Effects:
• Leukopenia
• Rash
• Bitter taste
• May cause burning in mouth
• Give with meals
• Check CBC
Thyroid Replacement Agents
Action:
• Increases metabolic rate
Used for:
• Hypothyroidism Thyroid Replacement
Medications
• Synthroid
• Cytomel Thyroid Replacement
Side Effects:
• Nervousness
• Tachycardia
• Weight loss
• Monitor pulse and BP
• Monitor weight
• Take in a.m.
• Enhance action of anticoagulants, antidepressants, decrease
action of insulin and digitalis
Antitubercular Agents
Action:
• Inhibits cell and protein synthesis
Used for:
• Tuberculosis
• To prevent disease in person exposed to organism
Antitubercular Agents
Medications:
• INH
• Ethambutol
• Streptomycin
• PAS
• PYZ Antitubercular Agents
Side Effects:
• Hepatitis
• Peripheral Neuritis
• Check liver function tests
• Vitamin B6 given for peripheral neuritis (Pyridoxine)
• Used in combination
Antivirals
Action:
• Inhibits DNA and RNA replication
Used for:
• Recurrent HSV
• HIV infection Antivirals
Medications:
• Zovirax
• AZT
• Videx
• Famvir
• Cytovene Antivirals
Side Effects:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• GI symptoms
• Not a cure, but relieves symptoms
Attention Disorder Agents

Action:
• Increases level of catecholamines
Used for:
• ADDH
• Narcolepsy Attention Disorder Agents
Medications:
• Ritalin
• Cylert
• Dexedrine Attention Disorder Agents
Side Effects:
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Tachycardia
• Palpitations
• Monitor growth rate
• Monitor liver enzymes
• Give in A.M.
Bronchodilators
Action:
• Decreases activity of phosphodiesterase
Used for:
• COPD
• Preterm labor (Terbutaline) Bronchodilators
Medications:
• Aminophylline
• Atrovent
• Brethine
• Proventil
• Primatene Bronchodilators
Side Effects:
• Tachcyardia
• Dysrhythmias
• Palpitations
• Monitor BP and HR
• When used with steroid inhaler, use bronchodilator first
• May aggravate diabetes
Cardiac Glycosides
Action:
• Increases force of myocardial contraction, slows rate
Used for:
• Left-sided CHF Cardiac Glycosides
Medication:
• Lanoxin
(Digoxin) Cardiac Glycosides
Side Effects:
• Bradycardia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Take apical pulse
• Notify physician if adult <60, child <90-110, <70 in older
children
• Monitor potassium level
• Dose: 0.5-1 milligram IV or PO over 24 hr period
• Average: 0.25 mg
Cholinergics
Action:
• Inhibits destruction of acetylcholine
• Stimulate parasympathetic nervous system (increase bowel
tone, increase bladder tone, constrict pupil)
Used for:
• Myasthenia gravis
• Post-operative
• Postpartum urinary retention Cholinergics
Medications:
• Tensilon
• Prostigmin Cholinergics
Side Effects:
• Bronchoconstriction
• Respiratory paralysis
• Hypotension
• Give with food or milk
• Monitor vital signs, especially respirations
• Antidote: Atropine Sulfate
• Toxicity: excessive salivation, excessive sweating, abdominal
cramps, flushing
Diuretics
Action:
• Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and water
• Blocks effects of aldosterone
Used for:
• CHF
• Renal disease Diuretics
Medications:
• HydroDIURIL
• Diamox
• Aldactone
• Lasix
• Hygroton Diuretics
Side Effects:
• Dizziness
• Leukopenia
• Take with food or milk
• Take in a.m.
• Monitor fluid and electrolytes
Iron: Imferon/Feosol, use straw if liquid form, no milk/antacids,

take on empty stomach, tachycardi
Glucocorticoids
Action:
• Stimulates formation of glucose
• Alters immune response
Used for:
• Addison’s disease
• Crohn’s disease
• COPD
• Leukemias Glucocorticoids
Medications:
• Solu-Cortef
• Decadron
• Deltasone Glucocorticoids
Side Effects:
• Psychoses
• Depression
• Hypokalemia
• Stunted growth
• Buffalo Hump
• Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
• Monitor for signs of infection
Mineralocorticoids
Action:
• Increases sodium reabsorption
• Potassium and hydrogen ion secretion in kidney
Used for:
• Adrenal insufficiency Mineralocorticoids
Medications:
• Florinef Mineralocorticoids
Side Effects:
• Hypertension
• Edema
• Hypokalemia
• Monitor BP, I&O, Weight, and Electrolytes
• Give with food
• Low-sodium, High-protein, High-potassium diet
Heavy Metal Antagonists

Action:
• Forms stable complexes with metals
Used for:
• Gold and arsenic poisoning
• Acute lead encephalopathy Heavy Metal Antagonists
Medications:
• Desferal mesylate
• BAL in Oil
• EDTA Heavy Metal Antagonists
Side Effects:
• Tachycardia
• Pain and induration at injection site (conjunct with Procaine in
syringe)
• Monitor I&O and kidney function
• Administered with local anesthetic
• Seizure precautions
H2 Receptor Blockers
Action:
• Inhibits action of histamine and gastric acid secretion
Used for:
• Ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux H2 Receptor Blockers
Medications:
• Tagamet
• Zantac H2 Receptor Blockers
Side Effects:
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Hypotension
• Impotence
• Take with meals and hs
• Smoking decreases effectiveness
• Monitor liver function and CBC
Immunosuppressants
Action:
• Prevents production of T cells and their response to interleukin-
2
Used for:
• Prevents rejection for transplanted organs Immunosuppressants
Medications:
• Sandimmune Immunosuppressants
Side Effects:
• Hepatotoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• LeuKopenia
• Take once daily in a.m.
• Used with adrenal corticosteroids
• Monitor renal and liver function tests
Miotics (Constricts Pupil)

Action:
• Causes constriction of sphincter muscles of iris
Used for:
• Ocular surgery
• Open-angle glaucoma Miotics
Medications:
• Isopto-Carpine
• Eserine
• Carbacel Miotics
Side Effects:
• Headache
• Photophobia
• Hypotension
• Bronchoconstriction
• Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1min
• Avoid sunlight
• May experience transient brow pain and myopia
Mydriatics (Dilates Pupil)

Action:
• Anticholinergic actions leaves pupil under unopposed adrenergic
influence
Used for:
• Diagnostic procedures
• Acute iritis
• Uveitis Mydriatics
Medications:
• Atropine sulfate
• Cyclogyl Mydriatics
Side Effects:
• Tachycardia
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia
• Dry mouth
• Contraindicated with glaucoma
• Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1min.
• Wear dark glasses
Narcotics
Action:
• Acts on CNS receptor cells
Used for:
• Moderate to severe pain
• Preoperative
• Postoperative Narcotics
Medications:
• Morphine Sulfate
• Codeine
• Demerol
• Dilaudid
• Percodan Narcotics
Side Effects:
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Respiratory depression
• Hypotension
• Constipation
• Safety precautions
• Avoid alcohol
• Use narcotic antagonist if necessary (Narcan)
Antianginals
Action:
• Relaxes smooth muscle
• Decreases venous return
Used for:
• Angina
• Peri-operative hypertension
• CHF Antianginals
Medications:
• Nitroglycerine
• Isosorbide Antianginals
Side Effects:
• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Check expiration date
• Teach when to take medication
• May take Q5min x3 doses
• Wet with saliva and place under tongue
NSAIDS
Action:
• Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis
Used for:
• Arthritis
• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever NSAIDS
Medications:
• Motrin
• Indocin
• Naprosyn NSAIDS
Side Effects:
• GI upset
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Bleeding
• Fluid retention
• Take with food or after meals
• Monitor liver and renal function
• Use cautiously with aspirin allergy
• Check for bleeding
Thrombolytics
Action:
• Dissolves or lyses blood clots
Used for:
• Acute Pulmonary Emboli
• Thrombosis
• MI
• Contraindicated in: hemophilia, CVA, Trauma, not used in
patients over 75 years old, not used in patients taking
anticoagulants Thrombolytics
Medications:
• Streptokinase
• Urokinase
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator Thrombolytics
Side Effects:
• Bleeding
• Bradycardia
• Dysrhythmias
• Monitor for bleeding
• Have Amino Caproic Acid Available
• Check pulse, color, sensation of extremities
• Monitor EKG
Anaphylaxis
• Symptoms
o Hives
o Rash
o Difficulty breathing (first sign)
o Diaphoresis
• Nursing care
o Epinephrine 0.3 ml of 1:1000 solution SQ
o Massage site
o May repeat in 15-20 min.
Delayed Allergic Reaction

• Symptoms:
o Rash, Hives, Swollen Joints
• Nursing Care
o Discontinue medication
o Topical Antihistamines
o Corticosteroids
o Comfort measures
Bone Marrow Depression

Symptoms:
Fever, Chills, Sore Throat
Back pain, Dark urine
Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia
Nursing Care:
Monitor CBC
Protect from infections
Avoid injury
Liver impairment: light stools and dark urine
Renal Impairment: decrease Hematocrit
Anticholinergic Effects
• Symptoms:
o Dry mouth, Dysphagia, Nasal Congestion
o Urinary retention, Impotence
• Nursing Care:
o Sugarless lozenges
o Good mouth care
o Void before taking medication
Parkinson’s-like effects
• Symptoms:
o Akinesia (temporarily paralysis of muscles)
o Tremors
o Drooling
o Changes in gait
o Rigidity
o Akathisia (Extreme restlessness)
o Dyskinesia (Spasms)
• Nursing Care:
o Anticholinergic and Antiparkinsonian medications
o Safety measures for gait

Major Medication Classification

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Major Medication Classification

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Major Medication classification

Allergy: 1st symptom SOB

Atypical Antipsychotic Agents

Attention Disorder Agents

Iron: Imferon/Feosol, use straw if liquid form, no milk/antacids,

Heavy Metal Antagonists

Miotics (Constricts Pupil)

Mydriatics (Dilates Pupil)

Delayed Allergic Reaction

Bone Marrow Depression

Renal Impairment: decrease Hematocrit

You might also like