One-Page Medication Cheat Sheet Summary

This set of flashcards summarizes essential medication information and teaching points related to endocrine, hematology, neuro/psych, and reproductive pharmacology.

Metformin

Hold 48 hours before contrast; risk of lactic acidosis; may cause GI upset.

Sulfonylureas (Glipizide)

Can cause hypoglycemia; avoid alcohol.

Repaglinide

Must eat within 30 minutes of taking the medication.

Pioglitazone

May cause fluid retention; contraindicated in heart failure.

Acarbose

Take with the first bite; treat hypoglycemia with glucose only.

Sitagliptin

Has a risk of pancreatitis.

Insulin (Lispro)

Rapid acting; 15 min onset; give with food.

Insulin (Regular)

Only insulin that can be administered IV.

Insulin (NPH)

Cloudy appearance.

Insulin (Glargine)

No peak; cannot mix with other insulins.

GLP-1 (Ozempic, Byetta)

Can cause GI upset, weight loss, and pancreatitis.

Levothyroxine

Take in the morning on an empty stomach; lifelong therapy required.

PTU/Methimazole

Risk of agranulocytosis; report fever or sore throat.

Desmopressin

Risk of water intoxication/hyponatremia.

Steroids (Prednisone)

Can cause hyperglycemia and increased infection risk; must taper off.

Heparin

Therapeutic aPTT range: 60-80 seconds; antidote is protamine.

Warfarin

INR range: 2-3; antidote is vitamin K; avoid foods rich in vitamin K.

Dabigatran

Can cause bleeding and GI upset; store in original bottle.

Rivaroxaban/Apixaban

No monitoring required.

Aspirin/Clopidogrel

Associated with bleeding risk.

tPA

Contraindicated in active bleeding; antidote is aminocaproic acid.

Iron

Take with vitamin C; may cause black stools.

Epoetin alfa

Risk of hypertension and clots.

Filgrastim

Increases neutrophil count; may cause bone pain.

Haloperidol

Risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Atypical Antipsychotics

Associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Stimulants (for ADHD)

Can cause weight loss, increased blood pressure, and insomnia.

Bethanechol

Used for urinary retention.

Atropine

Anticholinergic effects, leads to dryness.

Donepezil

Can cause bradycardia.

Phenytoin

Risk of gingival hyperplasia and toxicity.

Carbamazepine

Risk of agranulocytosis and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Valproic acid

Risk of liver toxicity and pancreatitis.

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Avoid high protein meals; can cause dyskinesias.

Naloxone

Used to treat opioid overdose.

Benzodiazepines

First-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Bupropion

Contraindicated in patients with seizures.

SSRIs

Can cause serotonin syndrome and sexual dysfunction.

MAOIs

Can cause hypertensive crisis when taken with tyramine-rich foods.

Lithium

Therapeutic range: 0.6–1.2; avoid NSAIDs.

Estrogen/Progestin

Increased risk of DVT; contraindicated in smokers over 35.

Plan B

Emergency contraception effective within 72 hours.

Oxytocin

Induces labor and has risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Terbutaline

A tocolytic that may cause maternal tachycardia.

Magnesium sulfate

Toxicity includes decreased reflexes and respiratory rate <12; antidote is calcium gluconate.

Finasteride

Used for BPH; pregnant women should avoid contact.

Tamsulosin

Can cause orthostatic hypotension.

Sildenafil (ED drug)

Contraindicated with nitrates.

Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia

Administer IV dextrose or glucagon.

Patient teaching for levothyroxine

Must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning.

PTU patient instruction

Hold and notify provider if sore throat or fever develops.

Desmopressin risk

May lead to water intoxication or hyponatremia.

Long-term prednisone use

Increases the risk of infection.

Iron supplements instruction

Should be taken with vitamin C to enhance absorption.

Filgrastim effect

Increases neutrophils.

Haloperidol toxicity

Potential for extrapyramidal symptoms.

First sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

High fever and rigidity.

Bethanechol use

Indicated for urinary retention.

Atropine effects

Causes dry mouth and increased heart rate.

Donepezil risks

Can cause bradycardia.

Phenytoin monitoring

Requires monitoring for gingival hyperplasia.