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Stimulations of the central nervous system: These are characterized by anxiety,

nervousness, insomnia, headache, double vision etc.

Stimulation of the nervous system may precipitate convulsions if the client has the
history of epilepsy. Depression of the central nervous system: It is characterized
by dizziness, vertigo, drowsiness, fatigue and ataxia. Restriction of ambulation
and use of bed rails may be necessary. The persons taking such medications should
not drive car or operate machinery.

Effects on the Gastrointestinal System

Irritation of the gastric mucosa: This is characterized by nausea, vomiting,

anorexia. This can be prevented to some extent by not giving the drug in an empty
stomach. Give the drug with or after the meals or it should be given along with one
glass of milk or an antacid. These drugs are contraindicated if the client has a
history of peptic ulcer.

Small bowel ulceration: It is characterized by abdominal pain, melaena, distension

and diarrhoea. Constipation.

Hypersensitivity Reaction

This develops in a client who is sensitive to a medication's therapeutic effects or

secondary effects.

Tolerance

It occurs when a client develops decreased response to a drug, requiring increased

dosage to achieve the therapeutic effects.

Toxicity

High levels of the drug in the blood stream produce toxic effects. Often the toxic
effects of the drug occurs due to the cumulative effect of the drug or due to the
excess intake of the drug than what is needed for the therapeutic effects.
Cumulative effect occurs when a person is unable to metabolize the previous dose of
the drug. Some of the toxic effects are fatal for the client.

Toxicity can affect and permanently damage organ function. Common drug toxicities
include, nephrotoxicity (kidney), neurotoxicity (brain), hepatotoxicity (liver),
immunotoxicity (immune system), ototoxicity (hearing), cardiotoxicity (heart).