Pharmacology Overview: Anticoagulants and Insulin Management

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to anticoagulants, insulin management, and associated patient teachings.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clot formation, such as Heparin and Warfarin.

Heparin

A fast-acting anticoagulant used to prevent clot formation in conditions like unstable angina and major orthopedic surgery.

Adverse Effects of Heparin

Includes hematuria, melena, petechiae, ecchymoses, and gum bleeding.

Beta Blockers

Medications like Metoprolol that slow heart rate by blocking beta-1 receptors.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant that inhibits clotting factors and requires monitoring of PT/INR.

Antidote for Warfarin

Phytonadione (Vitamin K) is used to reverse the effects of Warfarin.

Rivaroxaban

An oral anticoagulant that inhibits factor Xa and is used without routine monitoring.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside that increases intracellular calcium, affecting cardiac contractility.

Clonidine

An antihypertensive that works by activating alpha-2 receptors to decrease sympathetic nervous system output.

Insulin (Rapid-acting)

Type of insulin with onset of 5-15 minutes, peak at 1-2 hours, lasting 3-5 hours.

Metformin

An oral medication for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar levels.

Patient Teaching for Insulin

Administer insulin at room temperature, check blood glucose, and recognize signs of hypo/hyperglycemia.

Thyroid Medications: Levothyroxine

Used to treat hypothyroidism; it increases T4 levels and affects metabolism.

Adverse Effects of Levothyroxine

Includes tachycardia, weight loss, and heat intolerance.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

A drug used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the conversion of iodine to T3.

Patient Teaching for PTU

Advise on potential bone marrow toxicity and the need to monitor liver function.