Oral Drug List and Nursing Actions Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering generic and brand names, indications, and specific nursing actions for various oral medications.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

An antihypertensive medication. Nursing actions include monitoring blood pressure before and after administration, checking for dizziness, oedema, and headache, and instructing patients to move slowly to prevent postural hypotension after administration.

Ammonia and Ipecacuanha Mixture (MES)

An expectorant medication. Nursing actions include shaking well before use, measuring the dose carefully, and encouraging increased fluid intake if not contraindicated.

Ampicillin

An antibiotic that should be administered on an empty stomach (30–60 min before or 2 hours after meals) to maximize absorption. Taking with food reduces absorption (may give with food if gastric upset occurs, but absorption is reduced). Monitor for allergic reactions.

Aspirin

An antiplatelet medication. Nursing actions include administering with food or milk to minimise gastric irritation and monitoring for bleeding and tinnitus.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Piriton)

An antihistamine medication. Nursing actions include advising the patient about potential drowsiness and to avoid control of machines or driving, as well as monitoring for dry mouth, dizziness, and urinary retention.

Cloxacillin (Orbenin)

An antibiotic administered on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for optimal absorption because food delays/reduces absorption. Monitor for allergic reactions.

Famotidine (Pepcidine)

An acid suppression medication that can be taken with or without food. Nursing actions include monitoring for headache, dizziness, and constipation.

Frusemide / Furosemide (Lasix)

A diuretic medication. Nursing actions include monitoring blood pressure (before and after), monitoring fluid intake and output, checking for electrolyte imbalance (e.g., potassium), dizziness, and hypotension, and instructing the patient to move slowly to prevent postural hypotension.

Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)

An antispasmodic medication. Nursing actions include monitoring for dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation. Blurred vision may also occur.

Ibuprofen (Brufen)

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be taken with food or milk. Nursing actions include monitoring for gastric upset.

Metformin (Glucophage)

An oral hypoglycaemic agent given with meals to minimise gastric upset. Nursing actions include monitoring blood glucose levels and withholding if the patient is NPO.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

An antiemetic medication. Nursing actions include monitoring for headache, constipation, dizziness, and fatigue, and being aware of QTc-prolongation risk (report palpitations/syncope).

Paracetamol (Panadol)

An antipyretic and analgesic medication that can be taken with or without food. Nursing actions include monitoring liver function, maintaining a maximum limit of 8 tablets of 500 mg daily (4 g), and considering a lower limit (≈3 g) in older/frail adults, low body weight, or liver disease.

Senna (Senokot)

A laxative medication taken with plenty of fluids. Nursing actions include monitoring for abdominal cramps, bowel opening, and electrolyte imbalance.

Tramadol (Tramal)

An opioid analgesic. Nursing actions include assessing and evaluating pain scores, and monitoring for respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, and sedation.