Pharmacology List

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering drug classes, specific medications, indications, side effects, and nursing considerations from the pharmacology lecture notes.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

Medications ending in "pril" used for hypertension, HF, and MI. Adverse effects and notes include swelling, KD, hyperkalemia, reporting dyspnea, avoiding K+, and avoiding use when pregnant.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB)

Medications ending in "sartan" indicated for hypertension, HF, and KD. Considerations include hyperkalemia, angioedema, checking K+ levels, maintaining hydration, taking 2-4 weeks to work, and avoiding K+.

Beta Blockers

Medications ending in "lol" used for hypertension, HR, HF, anxiety, chest pain, and MI. Side effects/actions include slowing HR, causing low glucose, triggering asthma flares, and requiring the provider to listen to lungs.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Medications ending in "dipine" used for hypertension, chest pain, HR, Raynaud's, and migraines. Side effects include edema, constipation, flushing, and HB; patients must avoid grapefruit juice.

Diuretics

Medications used for hypertension, HF, edema, and liver/kidney disease that should be taken in the morning. Side effects include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular HR.

Lasix (Furosemide)

A loop diuretic that is potassium-wasting (requires more potassium).

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

A potassium-sparing diuretic (requires no extra potassium).

Anticoagulants

Medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium), and Heparin that prevent blood clots and strokes in Afib. Causes bleeding, bruising, and low platelets; requires monitoring CBC labs and kidney/liver function, and doing anything to prevent bleeding.

Factor Xa Inhibitors

Medications like Xarelto and Eliquis used for deep vein blood clots, pulmonary embolism, Afib, and MI. Side effects include bleeding, nausea, fatigue, muscle spasms, and elevated liver enzymes; must check labs and hold medication before procedures.

Antiplatelets

Medications including Plavix (clopidogrel) and Aspirin that prevent clots, coronary artery disease, MI, stents, and stroke. Causes bleeding, nausea, heartburn, aspirin asthma, and dark stool; do not use with ulcers or asthma, and avoid NSAIDs and alcohol.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Medications ending in "azole" used for ulcers, acid reflux, and raw esophagus. Side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, rash, and C. diff; monitor magnesium levels, meal timing (take 30 minutes before meals), and take with calcium and vitamin D.

Antacids

Agents such as sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide used for heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, nausea, and ulcers. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, gas, cramps, and more acid; monitor kidneys, BMs, calcium, and do not give to kids under 2 with aspirin.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Medications that lower cholesterol. Can cause muscle weakness, pain, and breakdown (rhabdomyolysis); monitor liver tests, cholesterol, kidney function, and muscle enzyme levels; take at bedtime and avoid grapefruit juice, alcohol, sun, and pregnancy.

Nitrates

Medications including Nitrostat (Nitroglycerin) and Imdur (Isosorbide) patches/creams used for chest pain, MI, HF, and hypertension. Side effects include headache, feeling flushed, and low BP; wear gloves with creams, monitor BP, rotate spots, wipe off old meds, do not rub creams, and do not take with Viagra (ED).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications ending in "pram" or "oxetine" used for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ED, menstrual issues, and COPD/OCD. Causes nausea, sweating, weight/sexual changes, and low sodium; monitor mood and sodium, do not take with MAOIs, take in the morning, avoid alcohol/NSAIDs, and allow 2-4 weeks to work.

Benzodiazepines

Medications ending in "lam" or "pam" used for anxiety, panic, seizures, and muscle spasms. Side effects include confusion, bradypnea, and agitation; takes 2-4 weeks to work, take at bedtime, ensure fall safety, and avoid alcohol, opioids, and driving.

Synthroid (levothyroxine)

A lifelong medication for hypothyroidism and thyroid conditions. Side effects include anxiety, insomnia, high BP, sweating, weight loss, high HR, diarrhea, and chest pain; monitor with blood tests, take by breakfast with water, and takes 3 weeks to work.

Methimazole (Tapazole)

Medication used for hyperthyroidism. Adverse effects include liver damage, skin rash, low WBC, and low platelets.

Metformin

An oral antidiabetic used for high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Causes nausea, gas, diarrhea, a drop in B12, and lactic acid buildup.

Glucocorticoids (Prednisone)

Steroids used for asthma, allergies, arthritis, lupus, rashes, and gut inflammation. Causes high blood sugar, swelling, weak muscles, weight gain, increased appetite, mood changes, and insomnia.