NCLEX: Medications

Nifedipine

Calcium-Channel Blocker; Restricts calcium entering cardiac and smooth muscles to induce vasodilation; Treats hypertension; Restrict grapefruit intake.

Simvastatin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (Statins); Inhibits synthesis of sterols such as cholesterol; Treats hyperlipidemia; Restrict grapefruit intake.

Lactulose

Ammonia binder; Binds intestinal ammonia for expulsion in stool thus reducing GI absorption; Treats elevated ammonia levels most commonly in patients with liver failure.

Terbutaline

Tocolytic agent; Relaxes uterine smooth muscles to reduce contraction strength; Prevents pre-term labor. Causes hypotension, tachycardia, and increased uterine bleeding.

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Potassium binder; Binds intestinal potassium to reduce GI absorption; Treats hyperkalemia, often in the setting of CKD.

Albuterol

Beta-adrenergic agonist; Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle thus reducing airway resistance and facilitates mucus drainage; Treats an array of respiratory and pulmonary conditions such as acute asthma exacerbation.

Gabapentin

Anti-convulsant; Reduces neuron excitability, especially in the epilepsy foci and pain pathways; Treats partial seizures and nerve pain.

Amlodipine

Calcium-Channel Blocker; Restricts calcium entering cardiac and smooth muscles to induce vasodilation; Treats hypertension; Restrict grapefruit intake.

Metformin

Antidiabetic; Reduces intestinal absorption of glucose; Treats DMII. Interacts with iodinated IV contrast, which increases risk of lactic acidosis.

Phenytoin

Long-acting antiepileptic; Slows rate of neuron firing by extending refractory period; Prevents seizures. Narrow therapeutic range and slow absorption (food disrupts absorption), ataxia and involuntary muscle movements are signs of toxicity. May cause gum swelling and tenderness.

Ethambutol

Antibiotic; Inhibits cell wall formation in M. tuberculosis; Treats tuberculosis infection; Ocular toxic, may cause permanent vison loss.

Isoniazid

Antibiotic; Treats active tuberculosis infection. Hepatotoxic and may cause peripheral neuropathy

Rifampin

Antibiotic; Treats active tuberculosis infection. Hepatotoxic, red/orange-tinged urine, sweat, saliva, and other fluids are expected findings.

Pyrazinamide

Antibiotic; Treats active tuberculosis infection.

Clindamycin

Antibiotic; Treats acute bacterial infections.

Methylergonovine

Uterotonic agent; Increases uterine contractions and improves tone; Helps deliver placenta post-delivery; Only administer AFTER deliver (can cause seizures), avoid breastfeeding for 12 hours post administration.

Immune Globulin (IV)

Immune Globulins; Provides passive immunity via diverse donor antibodies; Increases risk of blood clots, may cause kidney damage.

Oxycodone

Opiate analgesic; Bind to opioid receptors thus altering pain reception; CNS depression leading to respiratory arrest, high risk of abuse, slows peristalsis causing constipation.

Pancrelipase

Digestive enzymes; Replaces inadequate digestive enzymes and assists with absorption; Common treatment for cystic fibrosis as well as pancreatic conditions. Administer immediately prior to meal.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer; Treats bipolar disorder; Narrow therapeutic range. May cause nocturia.

Diazepam

Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant; Binds to and enhances GABA receptors leading to hyperpolarization and reduction in neuron fire rate causing a sedative effect; ETOH withdrawal and anxiety disorders; CNS depression may lead to respiratory arrest.

Azithromycin

Antibiotic; Treats acute bacterial infections.

Clarithromycin

Antibiotic; Treats acute bacterial infections.