PO/GT Meds …

(1) Metoprolol Tab

Brand name: Lopressor, Toprol-XL

Generic name: Metoprolol

What is the drug for?: Treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. It’s also used to prevent heart attacks.

(1) Metoprolol Tab side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension, dizziness, fatigue.

Nursing considerations: Check the patient's blood pressure and heart rate before administration. Hold the dose if the heart rate is below 60 bpm or if the patient has symptoms of hypotension. Hold less than 110

(2) Digoxin Tab

Brand name: Lanoxin

Generic name: Digoxin

What is the drug for?: Treats heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

(2) Digoxin Tab side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Digoxin toxicity (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, arrhythmias).

Nursing considerations: normal potassium levels3.5-5, low K = digoxin toxicity,Monitor blood levels of digoxin,

Check apical pulse before administration and hold if below 60 bpm.

(3) Docusate sodium (Colace)

Brand name: Colace

Generic name: Docusate Sodium

What is the drug for?: Stool softener to treat constipation.

(3) Docusate Sodium side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea.

Nursing considerations: Ensure adequate fluid intake and assess for bowel sounds and bowel movements.

(4) Acetaminophen Tab

Brand name: Tylenol

Generic name: Acetaminophen

What is the drug for?: Pain relief and fever reduction.

(4) Acetaminophen Tab side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Hepatotoxicity in high doses.

Nursing considerations: Monitor liver function tests, and ensure the total daily dose does not exceed the recommended maximum (usually 4g/day).

(5) Furosemide Tab

Brand name: Lasix

Generic name: Furosemide

What is the drug for?: Diuretic used to treat edema associated with heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, and to manage hypertension.

(5) Furosemide Tab side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Hypokalemia (low potassium), dehydration, hypotension.

Nursing considerations: Monitor electrolyte levels, blood pressure, and signs of dehydration.

Potassium Chloride

Potassium Chloride

Brand name: K-Dur, Klor-Con

Generic name: Potassium Chloride

What is the drug for?: Prevents or treats hypokalemia.

(6) Potassium Chloride side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Hyperkalemia, gastrointestinal irritation.

Nursing considerations: Monitor potassium levels and cardiac function. Administer with food or water to minimize GI irritation.

(7) Tussin DM liquid OTC

Brand name: Robitussin DM

Generic name: Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin

What is the drug for?: Cough suppressant (Dextromethorphan) and expectorant (Guaifenesin).

(7) Tussin DM liquid OTC side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Drowsiness, dizziness.

Nursing considerations: Advise the patient not to drive or operate machinery if drowsy. Ensure adequate hydration.

(8) Lotensin

Brand name: Lotensin

Generic name: Benazepril

What is the drug for?: Treats high blood pressure.

(8) Lotensin side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema.

Nursing considerations: Monitor blood pressure, potassium levels, and signs of angioedema.

(9) Oxycodone (Percocet) 5/325 Tab

Brand name: Percocet

Generic name: Oxycodone/Acetaminophen

What is the drug for?: Pain relief.

(9) Oxycodone (Percocet) 5/325 Tab side affects/ nursing considerations:

Most important side effects/adverse reactions: Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation.

Nursing considerations: Monitor respiratory status, pain relief effectiveness, and signs of misuse or addiction. Use stool softeners or laxatives as needed for constipation.