DRUG STUDY

NAME

CLASSIFICATION

MECHANISM OF ACTION A potent drug that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption at the proximal and distal tubules and the ascending loop of Henle.

INDICATION

EFFECTS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor weight, blood pressure and pulse rate routinely with long term use and during rapid diuresis. Use can lead to profound water and electrolyte depletion. Monitor fluid intake and output and electrolyte, BUN, and carbon dioxide levels frequently. Teach caretakers to avoid direct sunlight because of risk of photosensitivity reactions.

Generic: Classification: Furosemide Loop Diuretic Dosage: 5mg/ 1tab BID

Acute pulmonary edema Edema

Side effects: Patients hypersensitive to Dehydration and drug and in those with Electrolyte anuria. Depletion (for example, sodium, potassium)., Diarrhea, Frequent Urination Abdominal pain, and Dizziness.

Adverse effects: Fever, Blurred Vision, Tinnitus, Jaundice, Muscle spasm, Photosensitivity reactions, Dermatitis

NAME

CLASSIFICATION

MECHANISM OF ACTION Inhibits sodiumpotassiumactivated adenosine triphospatase, promoting movement of calcium from extracellular to intracellular cytoplasm and strengthening myocardial contraction. Also acts on CNS to enhance vagal tone, slowing conduction through the SA and AV nodes.

INDICATION

EFFECTS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Before giving drug, take apicalradial pulse for 1 minute. Record and notify prescriber of significant changes (sudden increase or decrease in pulse rate, pulse deficit, irregular beats and, particularly regularization of a previously irregular rhythm) Excessively slow pulse rate (60bpm or less) may be a sign of digitalis toxicity. Withhold drug and notify prescriber. Instruct care giver to report adverse reactions promptly Nausea and Vomiting, Diarrhea, Appetite Loss and Visual Disturbances.

Generic: Lanoxin Dosage: 0.01mg/ tab BID

Classification: Inotropics

Heart failure

Side effects: Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); Blurred vision, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; g, or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Patients hypersensitive to drug and in those with digitalis induced toxicity, ventricular fibrillation, or ventricular tachycardia unless caused by heart failure. Use with extreme caution in elderly/children patients and in those with acute MI, incomplete AV block, sinus bradycardia, PVCs, chronic constrictive pericarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, renal insufficiency and severe pulmonary disease.

Adverse effects: Arrhytmias, Heart Block, Nausea and Vomiting, Diarrhea, Appetite Loss and Visual Disturbances.

NAME

CLASSIFICATION

MECHANISM OF ACTION Inhibits ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Less angiotensin II decreases peripheral arterial resistance, decreasing aldosterone secretion, which reduces sodium and water retention and lowers blood pressure.

INDICATION

EFFECTS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor patients blood pressure and pulse rate frequently. Instruct caregiver to give the drug 1 hour before meals; food in the GI tract may reduce absorption. Advise caretaker to report signs and symptoms of infection such as fever and sore throat. Urge caretaker to report swelling of the face, lips, or mouth; or difficulty breathing.

Generic: Captopril Dosage: 0.01mg/ tab BID

Classification: Ace Inhibitor

Heart failure

Side effects: Dizziness, fainting, Headache, Malaise, Fatigue, Fever, Tachycardia, Hypotension, Abdominal Pain, Anorexia, Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea and Vomiting

Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug or other ACE inhibitors.

Adverse effects: Leukopenia, Agranulocytosis, Thrombocytopenia, Pancytopenia, Dry, Persistent NonProductive Cough.

NAME

CLASSIFICATION

MECHANISM OF ACTION Secondgeneration cephalosporin that inhibits cellwall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal.

INDICATION

EFFECTS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Instruct caregiver to notify prescriber about rash, loose stools, diarrhea, or evidence of superinfection.

Generic: Cefuroxim e Dosage: 120mg/IV Q8

Classification: Cephalosporins

Bacterial infections

Side effect Phlebitis, Thrombophlebitis, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Nausea and Vomiting, Maculopapular and Erythematous rashes, Urticaria,

Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug or other cephalosporins.

Adverse effects: Pseudomembranous colitis, Thrombocytopenia, Transient neutropenia, Anaphylaxis