Medication Cards pt. 1

Drug stem/suffix -pril

ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, captopril) — Lower blood pressure.

Drug stem/suffix -lol

Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) — Slow heart rate and reduce cardiac workload.

Drug stem/suffix -sartan

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan, valsartan) — Lower blood pressure.

Drug stem/suffix -dipine

Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, nifedipine) — Relax blood vessels.

Drug stem/suffix -statin

Antilipidemics / HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., atorvastatin) — Lower cholesterol.

Drug stem/suffix -actone

Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) — Remove excess fluid while saving potassium.

Drug stem/suffix -cillin

Penicillin antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, ampicillin). — Treat infections by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Drug stem/suffix -cycline

Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). — Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.

Drug stem/suffix -floxacin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin). — They are effective against a variety of bacterial infections and have broad-spectrum activity.

Drug stem/suffix -micin / -mycin

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin). — Used for treating serious bacterial infections.

Drug stem/suffix -vir

Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir, valganciclovir). — Used primarily to treat viral infections.

Drug stem/suffix -zepam / -zolam

Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) — Treat anxiety and seizures.

Drug stem/suffix -pram / -ine

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine) — Treat depression.

Drug stem/suffix -caine

Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine). — Used to block pain during procedures.

Drug stem/suffix -prazole

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) — Reduce stomach acid.

Drug stem/suffix -asone / -lone

Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone) — Reduce inflammation.

Drug stem/suffix -terenol

Beta-agonists / bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) — Open airways.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Indications

Mild to moderate pain; fever; part of multimodal pain plans

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Assess before giving

Pain level, temperature; liver function, alcohol use; total daily intake from all sources (combination products)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Contraindications / hold

Severe hepatic impairment; hold if the dose would exceed 4 g/day (lower limit, often 2–3 g, for elderly, liver disease, or regular alcohol use)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Side effects

Hepatotoxicity with overdose; rare serious skin reactions; otherwise well tolerated

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Patient teaching

Check labels, since many combination products contain acetaminophen; don't exceed the daily max; avoid alcohol

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Analgesic / antipyretic — Monitor after

Pain or fever relief; LFTs with long-term or high-dose use; toxicity signs (nausea, vomiting, RUQ pain, jaundice). Antidote: acetylcysteine

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Indications

Hypertension; chronic stable and vasospastic angina

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Assess before giving

BP, HR; baseline peripheral edema; liver function

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Contraindications / hold

Hypotension; severe aortic stenosis; caution in HF and hepatic impairment

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Side effects

Peripheral (ankle) edema; headache, flushing, dizziness; reflex tachycardia; gingival hyperplasia

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Patient teaching

Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice; good oral hygiene; rise slowly; report ankle swelling or chest pain; don't stop abruptly

Amlodipine (Norvasc) – Calcium channel blocker — Monitor after

BP, HR; edema; angina frequency

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Indications

Ear infections, sinusitis, strep throat; lower respiratory, urinary, and skin infections; H. pylori (combination); Lyme disease

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Assess before giving

Penicillin or cephalosporin allergy; culture and sensitivity before the first dose; baseline vitals

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Contraindications / hold

Penicillin allergy; mononucleosis (rash risk); caution with cephalosporin allergy

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Side effects

Diarrhea, nausea; rash; anaphylaxis; C. diff; yeast superinfection

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Patient teaching

Finish the full course; report rash, hives, trouble breathing; may reduce oral contraceptive effectiveness, use backup; report severe diarrhea; refrigerate suspension

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) – Penicillin antibiotic — Monitor after

Allergic reaction (especially 30 minutes after first dose); infection resolution (temp, WBC); stool pattern

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Indications

Pneumonia, meningitis; gonorrhea; UTI, pyelonephritis; sepsis, bone and joint infections

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Assess before giving

Cephalosporin or penicillin allergy; cultures; IV calcium use in neonates; liver or biliary disease

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Contraindications / hold

Cephalosporin allergy; neonates with jaundice or receiving IV calcium; caution with penicillin allergy

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Side effects

Diarrhea, C. diff; rash, anaphylaxis; injection pain with IM (often mixed with lidocaine); biliary sludge

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Patient teaching

Report diarrhea, rash, or trouble breathing; complete therapy

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) — Monitor after

Allergic reaction; infection resolution; stools; CBC, LFTs

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Indications

Skin and soft tissue infections; UTI; strep throat, ear infections; bone infections

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Assess before giving

Cephalosporin or penicillin allergy; cultures before the first dose; renal function

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Contraindications / hold

Cephalosporin allergy; history of anaphylaxis to penicillin; caution in renal impairment

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Side effects

Diarrhea, nausea; rash, anaphylaxis; C. diff; yeast superinfection

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Patient teaching

Finish the full course; can take with food; report rash, trouble breathing, or severe diarrhea; refrigerate suspension

Cephalexin (Keflex) – Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation) — Monitor after

Allergic reaction; infection resolution; bowel pattern; renal function

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Indications

Hypertension; ADHD (ER form, Kapvay); opioid or alcohol withdrawal symptoms (off-label); severe cancer pain (epidural)

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Assess before giving

BP (including orthostatic), HR; mental status; adherence history (missed doses cause rebound)

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Contraindications / hold

Hold for hypotension or bradycardia per parameters; caution with severe CAD, recent MI, renal impairment

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Side effects

Drowsiness, sedation; dry mouth; orthostatic hypotension; bradycardia; rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly; constipation; skin irritation with patch

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Patient teaching

Never stop suddenly, it must be tapered over several days; rise slowly; avoid alcohol and driving until you know how it affects you; patch: change every 7 days, rotate sites, remove before MRI; sugarless gum for dry mouth

Clonidine HCl (Catapres) – Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (antihypertensive) — Monitor after

BP, HR; sedation; signs of rebound HTN after missed doses (headache, agitation, very high BP)

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Indications

B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia; malabsorption (gastrectomy, bariatric surgery, Crohn's); deficiency from long-term metformin or PPI use

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Assess before giving

B12 level, CBC (MCV), folate; K+ (can drop early in treatment of megaloblastic anemia); neuro exam (numbness, tingling)

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Contraindications / hold

Allergy to cobalt or B12; Leber disease (optic nerve damage)

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Side effects

Hypokalemia early in treatment; injection site pain; mild diarrhea, itching; rare anaphylaxis

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Patient teaching

Pernicious anemia requires lifelong therapy, usually injections; eat B12-rich foods (meat, eggs, dairy); vegans need a supplement; report numbness, fatigue, weakness

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12, Nascobal) – Vitamin B12 supplement — Monitor after

K+ during the first 48 hours; CBC and reticulocyte count (should rise within about a week); B12 level; improvement in neuro symptoms

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Indications

Heart failure (increases contractility); A-fib rate control

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Assess before giving

Apical pulse for a full minute; K+ (low K+ increases toxicity), Mg, Ca; digoxin level (0.5–2 ng/mL); renal function

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Contraindications / hold

Apical HR

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Side effects

Toxicity: nausea, vomiting, anorexia; visual changes (yellow-green halos, blurred vision); bradycardia, dysrhythmias; confusion, fatigue

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Patient teaching

Take pulse before each dose, hold and call if <60; report nausea, vomiting, or vision changes; eat K+-rich foods if on diuretics; don't double doses or switch brands

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac glycoside — Monitor after

Digoxin level, K+, renal function; HR, ECG; toxicity signs; HF symptoms, I&O, weight. Antidote: digoxin immune fab (DigiFab)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Indications

Allergic reactions, adjunct in anaphylaxis; motion sickness; insomnia; drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms; itching

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Assess before giving

Allergy symptoms, vitals; age (avoid in elderly, Beers list); glaucoma, BPH; other CNS depressants

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Contraindications / hold

Narrow-angle glaucoma; neonates and breastfeeding; caution in elderly, BPH, urinary retention

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Side effects

Sedation; anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision); paradoxical excitation in children; confusion in elderly

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Patient teaching

Avoid driving and alcohol; fall precautions; sugarless candy for dry mouth

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Antihistamine (first-generation H1) — Monitor after

Sedation and fall risk; urinary output; symptom relief

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Indications

DVT prevention (post-op, immobility); DVT/PE treatment; unstable angina / NSTEMI

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Assess before giving

CBC, platelets; renal function (dose adjust if CrCl <30); bleeding risk; planned epidural or spinal anesthesia (hematoma risk)

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Contraindications / hold

Active major bleeding; history of HIT; pork allergy; thrombocytopenia

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Side effects

Bleeding; bruising or hematoma at injection site; thrombocytopenia; spinal or epidural hematoma

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Patient teaching

Inject SubQ in the abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel and rotate sides; don't expel the air bubble in prefilled syringes; don't rub the site; report bleeding or numbness/weakness in legs

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) – Low molecular weight heparin — Monitor after

CBC, platelets; anti-Xa levels in renal impairment, obesity, pregnancy; bleeding; routine aPTT not needed. Antidote: protamine (partial reversal)

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Indications

Edema (HF, cirrhosis, renal disease); acute pulmonary edema; hypertension; hypercalcemia

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Assess before giving

BP; K+, Na+, Mg; weight, I&O, lung sounds; sulfa allergy (caution); digoxin use (low K+ increases toxicity); give IV push slowly (no faster than 20 mg/min)

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Contraindications / hold

Anuria; severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia, or dehydration; hypotension; hepatic coma

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Side effects

Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia; dehydration, orthostatic hypotension; ototoxicity (rapid IV); hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Patient teaching

Take in the morning to avoid nighttime urination; eat K+-rich foods (bananas, potatoes, oranges); weigh daily; rise slowly; report muscle cramps, weakness, ringing in ears

Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop diuretic — Monitor after

K+ and electrolytes; daily weight, I&O; BP; hearing

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Indications

Postherpetic neuralgia; focal seizures (adjunct); diabetic neuropathy (off-label); restless legs syndrome (Horizant)

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Assess before giving

Pain level or seizure history; renal function (dose adjust); opioids or other CNS depressants; mental health history; fall risk

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Contraindications / hold

Hypersensitivity; caution with opioids (respiratory depression), renal impairment, elderly, COPD

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Side effects

Drowsiness, dizziness; unsteadiness and falls; peripheral edema; weight gain; suicidal thoughts; respiratory depression when combined with opioids

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Patient teaching

Don't stop abruptly (seizures, withdrawal); separate from aluminum/magnesium antacids by 2 hours; avoid alcohol and driving until you know how it affects you; report mood changes

Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent — Monitor after

Pain or seizure control; sedation and RR if on opioids; fall risk; mood

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Indications

Serious gram-negative infections (Pseudomonas, E. coli); sepsis; endocarditis (with a penicillin)

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Assess before giving

Renal function (BUN/creatinine), I&O; baseline hearing and balance; weight (for dosing); peak/trough timing; other nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs (loop diuretics, vancomycin)

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Contraindications / hold

Hypersensitivity; myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular blockade); caution with renal impairment, hearing loss, pregnancy

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Side effects

Nephrotoxicity; ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo); neuromuscular blockade / respiratory paralysis; neurotoxicity

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Patient teaching

Report ringing in ears, dizziness, hearing changes, decreased urination; stay well hydrated

Gentamicin (generic only) – Aminoglycoside antibiotic — Monitor after

Peak (30 minutes after IV infusion ends) and trough (right before next dose); BUN/creatinine, urine output; hearing and balance

Heparin (generic only) – Anticoagulant — Indications

DVT/PE treatment and prevention; ACS/MI; A-fib with embolism; DIC; keeping lines and dialysis circuits patent

Heparin (generic only) – Anticoagulant — Assess before giving

Baseline aPTT, CBC (platelets), Hgb/Hct; bleeding history; independent double-check with a second nurse (high-alert drug); recent surgery or trauma

Heparin (generic only) – Anticoagulant — Contraindications / hold

Active bleeding; thrombocytopenia or history of HIT; aPTT above therapeutic range; severe uncontrolled HTN; recent brain, spine, or eye surgery

Heparin (generic only) – Anticoagulant — Side effects

Bleeding; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); bruising or hematoma at injection site; hypersensitivity

Heparin (generic only) – Anticoagulant — Patient teaching

Report bleeding gums, dark stools, blood in urine; soft toothbrush and electric razor; avoid aspirin and NSAIDs; don't rub SubQ site