Chapter 5.3: Light Sensitivity and Humidity

what is the protocol for nitroprusside (nitropress)

• IV for hypersensitive crisis

• if exposed to light, it degrades into cyanide (blue color)

what is the protocol for nitroglycerin (SL and VL)

• for angina and heart failure

• tabs stay in glass

• IV bags must be covered or wrapped

what is the protocol for linezolid (zyvox)

• antibiotic IV

• comes in silver foil overwrap; do not remove until admin

what is the protocol for metronidazole (flagyl)

• antibiotic IV

• commercially premixed bags aften have a foil overwrap

what is the protocol for amphotericin B

• antifungal IV

  • highly sensitive during infusion

what is the protocol for phytonadione (vit k)

• warfarin reversal

  • light decomposes vit k

what is the protocol for epoprostenol (flolan)

• pulmonary hypertension

• extremely unstable

• must be protected from light and kept cold

what is the protocol for promethazine (phenergane)

• nausea (ampules)

• stored in light-proof cartons

what is the protocol for furosemide (lasix)

• diuretic (IV/oral)

• turns yellow if exposed to light

• discard if discolored

what is the protocol for dabigatran (pradaxa)

• anticoagulant

  • must remain in original bottle, once opened it exp in 4 months

what is the protocol for linzess (linaclotide)

• IBS/constipation

  • -extremely sensitive; keep in original container with desiccant

what is the protocol for nitroglycerin (SL)

• angina

  • humidity turns the tab to powder, keep cap tight

what is the protocol for suboxone (buprenorphine)

• opioid dependence

• SL films must stay in foil pouch until use

what is the protocol for depakote (valproic acid)

• seizures

• hygroscopic

• keep in origin glass/tight plastic

what is the protocol for pancrelipase (creon, zenpep)

• digestive enz

  • enzymes degrade in moisture, dispense in origin bottle

what is the protocol for prasugrel (effient)

• antiplatelet

  • keep in origin container

what is the protocol for HIV antiviral

• biktarvy/truvada

• often dispensed in origin bottle to maintain stability

what is the protocol for test strips

• diabetes

• if strips get damp, they give false blood sugar readings