HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing - Must Know Medicines

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering drug classes, specific medications, critical side effects, and nursing considerations based on the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing syllabus.

Opioids (Critical Side Effects)

Can cause respiratory depression (lower respiratory rate especially when given IV), dependency, hypotension, bradycardia, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Paracetamol (Panadol) Dosage Limits

The maximum allowable dose is $4\,g$ within a $24$ hour period.

Panadol Osteo

A form of Paracetamol containing $665\,mg$ in a single tablet, compared to the standard $500\,mg$ in normal Panadol.

Gliclazide

A diabetic medication that should not be given at night as it increases body insulin production, which can cause nocturnal hypoglycemia.

Ultra Short Acting Insulins

Includes Novorapid, Humalog, and Apidra.

Long Acting Insulins

Includes Glargine, also known by the brand names Optisulin or Toujeo.

Beta Blockers

Medicines with the suffix '-lol' (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol) that slow heart rate; they must not be given if the heart rate is below $60\,bpm$.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Medicines with the suffix '-pine' (e.g., Amlodipine) that cause hypotension; anti-arrhythmic types like Diltiazem and Verapamil also slow heart rate.

ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)

Medicines with the suffix '-sartan' (e.g., Irbesartan, Telmisartan) that cause hypotension and should not be given when blood pressure is low.

ACE Inhibitors (ACEi)

Medicines with the suffix '-pril' (e.g., Perindorpil, Ramipril) that cause hypotension and a common side effect of an unexplained dry cough.

Frusemide (Lasix)

A diuretic that causes the loss of critical electrolytes, specifically Sodium ($Na$) and Potassium ($K$).

Eplerenone and Spironolactone

Diuretics that cause the loss of Sodium but result in the retention of Potassium.

GTN (Glyceryl-trinitrate)

A very short-acting anti-anginal medication (approximately $30\,min$ duration) that causes hypotension.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside that slows heart rate and increases the strength of heart compression to improve cardiac output.

Anti-Platelets

Blood thinners such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel that carry a risk of active bleeding via faeces or urine.

Anti-Coagulants

Bleeding-risk medications including oral options like Apixaban and Warfarin, or injectables like Enoxaparin (Clexane) and Heparin.

Anti-Cholesterol (Statins)

Medicines with the suffix '-statin' (e.g., Atorvastatin) that can cause liver damage, abdominal cramps, and muscle pain.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Anti-ulcer medications ending in the suffix '-prazole' (e.g., Esomeprazole, Omeprazole).

Anti-Inflammatory Administration Rule

Must always be given with food (e.g., a main meal or biscuits) because they can destroy the stomach lining and cause ulcers.

Corticosteroids (Side Effects)

Medications such as Prednisolone and Cortisone that cause hypertension and hyperglycemia.

Steroid Puffers (Hygiene)

Includes Fluticasone, Seretide, and Symbicort; patients must rinse their mouth and spit to prevent mouth ulcers.

Antibiotics (Caution)

Medications like Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin that carry a risk of allergy, especially during the first administration.

Anti-Psychotics (Torsades de pointes)

Prolonged use of medicines like Olanzapine or Risperidone may require cardiac monitoring to prevent this fatal arrhythmia.

Supplements

Includes Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Caltrate (Calcium), Slow K (Potassium), and Magmin (Magnesium).

Potassium Absorbents

Includes Calcium Resonium and Sodium Resonium, used to treat Hyperkalemia.