Overview of Common Medications and Their Effects

verapamil

DRUG CLASS: Antihypertensive (Ca channel blocker)

INDICATION [what its used for]: HTH (aka hypertension)

labetalol

DRUG CLASS: Antihypertensive (beta blocker)

INDICATION [what its used for]: HTH (aka hypertension)

furosemide

DRUG CLASS: Loop diuretic

INDICATION [what its used for]: fluid overload from heart, liver, or renal failure

Clopidogrel

DRUG CLASS: anti-platelet

*^prevents blood clots

INDICATION [what its used for]: heart attack, stroke

morphine

DRUG CLASS: Analgesic (opioid)

INDICATION [what its used for]: pain relieve

olanzapine

DRUG CLASS: Atypical anti-psychotic

INDICATION [what its used for]: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, delirium

Verapamil mechanism of action

Inhibits calcium from entering the channels of vascular smooth muscle resulting in vasodilation (<-- widens blood vessels ∴ increases blood flow)

Labetalol mechanism of action

Blocks beta and alpha receptors in the heart resulting in lower BP and heart rate

Furosemide mechanism of action

Inhibits reabsorption of sodium in the loop of Henle resulting in increased urine

clopidogrel mechanism of action

Blocks the platelet receptors resulting in reduced platelet aggregation

morphine mechanism of action

Binds to opioid receptors in the CNS resulting in the inhibition of pain pathways

Olanzapine mechanism of action

Blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors resulting in decreased hallucinations, delusions and increased attention and affect

verapamil side effects

Hypotension (low BP), bradycardia (slow heart rate), dizziness, light headedness, pulmonary edema (lung fluid build up)

labetalol side effects

Hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, light headedness

furosemide side effects

Polyuria (excess urine output), hyponatremia (low sodium), thirst, hypotension, muscle cramps

clopidogrel side effects

Easily bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums.

IF SEVERE, uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting or stooling blood

morphine side effects

Constipation, nausea, vomiting, itching.

IF SEVERE, respiratory depression or sedation

olanzapine side effects

Weight gain, increased appetite, dry mouth, constipation