nclex drugs

Flashcards for vocabulary review based on lecture notes.

Insulin

Hormone used for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & 2); monitor blood glucose and rotate injection sites. Side effects include hypoglycemia and lipodystrophy.

Metformin

Biguanide used for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; hold before contrast and monitor for lactic acidosis. Side effects include GI upset and lactic acidosis.

Aspart

Rapid-acting insulin used for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & 2); give 5–10 minutes before meals. Side effect includes hypoglycemia.

Hydromorphone

Opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain; monitor respiratory rate and LOC. Side effects include respiratory depression and constipation.

Fentanyl

Opioid analgesic used for severe pain and as an anesthesia adjunct; monitor closely due to high potency. Side effects include respiratory depression and sedation.

Oxycodone

Opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain; monitor for dependency and constipation. Side effects include constipation and respiratory depression.

Clopidogrel

Antiplatelet medication used to prevent MI/stroke; monitor for bleeding. Side effects include bleeding and GI upset.

Warfarin

Anticoagulant used for DVT, PE, AFib; monitor INR and note vitamin K is the antidote. Side effects include bleeding and it is teratogenic.

Enoxaparin

Low molecular weight heparin used for DVT prophylaxis; given subcutaneously, monitor platelets. Side effects include bleeding and HIT.

Epoetin

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent used for anemia (CKD, chemo); monitor Hgb and BP. Side effects include hypertension and clot risk.

Adenosine

Antiarrhythmic used for SVT (supraventricular tachycardia); push fast IV, short half-life. Side effects include flushing and chest discomfort.

Lisinopril

ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure; monitor K+ and renal function. Side effects include cough, hyperkalemia, and angioedema.

Propranolol

Beta blocker (non-selective) used for hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety; avoid in asthma/COPD. Side effects include bradycardia and fatigue.

Diltiazem

Calcium channel blocker used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias; monitor HR and BP. Side effects include bradycardia and edema.

Furosemide

Loop diuretic used for edema and heart failure; monitor K+ and give in AM. Side effects include hypokalemia and ototoxicity.

Amiodarone

Antiarrhythmic used for arrhythmias (AFib, VT); long half-life, monitor thyroid and lungs. Side effects include pulmonary toxicity and thyroid dysfunction.

Digoxin

Cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and AFib; monitor apical HR and dig levels. Toxicity: N/V, vision changes.

Nitroglycerin

Nitrate used for angina; store in dark container, monitor BP. Side effects include headache and hypotension.

Atorvastatin

Statin used for hyperlipidemia; monitor LFTs, avoid grapefruit. Side effects include myopathy and hepatotoxicity.

Gabapentin

Anticonvulsant used for seizures, neuropathic pain; monitor sedation. Side effects include drowsiness and dizziness.

Pregabalin

Anticonvulsant used for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia; Schedule V drug. Side effects include dizziness and weight gain.

Phenytoin

Anticonvulsant used for seizures; monitor levels, oral hygiene. Side effects include gingival hyperplasia and ataxia.

Haloperidol

Typical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and acute psychosis; monitor for EPS. Side effects include EPS and sedation.

Risperidone

Atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; monitor weight and glucose. Side effects include weight gain and sedation.

Aripiprazole

Atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and depression; less weight gain/EPS. Side effects include akathisia and insomnia.

Sertraline

SSRI used for depression and anxiety; takes weeks to work, risk of serotonin syndrome. Side effects include sexual dysfunction and insomnia.

Zolpidem

Sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia; short-term use only. Side effects include dizziness and sleep behaviors.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer used for bipolar disorder; monitor levels, salt intake. Side effects include tremor, nephrotoxicity, and hypothyroidism.

Donepezil

Cholinesterase inhibitor used for Alzheimer’s disease; may slow progression. Side effects include GI upset and bradycardia.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s; often used with donepezil. Side effects include dizziness and confusion.

Pantoprazole

Proton pump inhibitor used for GERD and ulcers; take before meals. Side effects include headache and diarrhea.

Esomeprazole

Proton pump inhibitor used for GERD and ulcers; risk for B12 deficiency. Side effects include headache and nausea.

Methylprednisolone

Corticosteroid used for inflammation and autoimmune conditions; monitor glucose and taper slowly. Side effects include immunosuppression and hyperglycemia.

Fluticasone

Steroid used for asthma, allergies, inflammation; use spacer for inhaler, rinse mouth. Side effects include oral thrush and osteoporosis.

Budesonide/formoterol

ICS + LABA used for asthma and COPD; not for acute attacks. Side effects include thrush and tachycardia.

Levothyroxine

Thyroid hormone used for hypothyroidism; take in AM on empty stomach. Side effects include hyperthyroid symptoms if overdose.

Oxytocin

Hormone used for labor induction; monitor contractions and fetal HR. Side effects include uterine rupture and water intoxication.

Methylergonovine

Ergot alkaloid used for postpartum hemorrhage; monitor BP. Side effects include hypertension and nausea.

Dutasteride

5-alpha reductase inhibitor used for BPH; pregnant women avoid contact. Side effects include decreased libido and ED.

Risedronate

Bisphosphonate used for osteoporosis; take with full glass of water, sit upright 30 minutes. Side effects include GI upset and esophagitis.

Vancomycin

Glycopeptide antibiotic used for MRSA, serious infections; monitor trough and infuse slowly. Side effects include nephrotoxicity and red man syndrome.

Piperacillin/tazobactam

Penicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor used for broad-spectrum infection; check allergies. Side effects include GI upset and allergic reactions.

Levofloxacin

Fluoroquinolone used for respiratory/urinary infections; avoid antacids, sun. Side effects include tendon rupture and photosensitivity.

Rifampin

Antitubercular used for tuberculosis; orange secretions, liver function. Side effects include hepatotoxicity and GI upset.

Metronidazole

Antiprotozoal / antibiotic used for C. diff, trichomoniasis; no alcohol. Side effects include metallic taste and GI upset.

Gentamicin

Aminoglycoside used for serious infections; monitor peaks/troughs. Side effects include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Montelukast

Leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma, allergies; take in evening. Side effects include headache and mood changes.

Sildenafil

PDE-5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction; avoid nitrates. Side effects include hypotension and headache.

Varenicline

Nicotinic receptor partial agonist used for smoking cessation; start 1 week before quit date. Side effects include nausea and mood changes.

Methotrexate

Immunosuppressant / Antineoplastic used for cancer, RA, ectopic pregnancy; avoid pregnancy, folic acid needed. Side effects include hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression.