Allergy, Respiratory, and Anti-Infective Medications Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering primary respiratory, allergy, and anti-infective drug categories and pharmacological terms from the NUR 121A curriculum.

Rebound Effect

The return of symptoms (often worse than before) after the effects of a medication like a nasal decongestant wear off.

Tolerance

A condition in which the body becomes accustomed to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Asthma Controller (Preventive) Drugs

Medications taken daily on a long-term basis to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic inflammation.

Asthma Reliever (Rescue) Drugs

Medications used for the immediate relief of acute asthma symptoms and bronchospasms.

Pathogen

Any microorganism capable of causing disease.

Antimicrobials

A general category of agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Antibiotics

Substances derived from microorganisms or produced synthetically that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria.

Bacteriostatic

Antibiotic action that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria without killing them immediately.

Bactericidal

Antibiotic action that results in the direct killing of bacteria.

Spectrum

The range of different types of microorganisms that an antibiotic is effective against.

Broad Spectrum Meds

Antibiotics that are effective against a wide variety of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Narrow Spectrum Meds

Antibiotics that are effective only against a specific or limited group of microorganisms.

Cross-sensitivity

An allergic reaction or sensitivity to one drug that also occurs with a different but chemically related drug.

Generation

A classification of drug groups (such as cephalosporins) based on their chronological development and specific therapeutic properties.

Anti-infective

A broad term for any medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin)

A group of potent antibiotics used for serious bacterial infections.

Cephalosporins (e.g., cefazolin, ceftriaxone)

A class of antibiotics structurally similar to penicillins, categorized by generations.

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)

A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat various infections including respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin)

A category of antibiotics often used as an alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.

Vancomycin

A potent antibiotic reserved for severe infections, such as those caused by MRSA.

Antitubercular Drugs (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin)

Medications specifically used to treat infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Anti-viral (e.g., acyclovir)

Medications designed to treat infections caused specifically by viruses.

Anti-retroviral (e.g., zidovudine)

Drugs used to treat infections caused by retroviruses, most notably HIV.

Antifungal drugs (e.g., nystatin)

Medications used to treat infections caused by fungi or yeast.

Helminthiasis

A condition of being infested with parasitic worms (helminths).

Loratadine

Drug Class: Antihistamine
Use: Relief of allergic symptoms.
Mechanism of Action: Blocks histamine receptors to reduce allergy symptoms.
Adverse Reactions: Headache, dry mouth, fatigue.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for effectiveness; assess allergic reactions.
Patient and Family Teaching: Advise on potential drowsiness; take once daily.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for adults and children over 2 years.

Diphenhydramine HCl

Drug Class: Antihistamine
Use: Allergy relief, motion sickness, and as a sedative.
Mechanism of Action: Competitively inhibits H1 receptors reducing allergic response.
Adverse Reactions: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects.
Patient and Family Teaching: Caution about operating machinery; take before travel for motion sickness.
Lifespan Considerations: Not recommended for infants; use with caution in elderly.

Codeine

Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic
Use: Pain relief and cough suppression.
Mechanism of Action: Binds to opioid receptors in the brain, altering pain perception.
Adverse Reactions: Constipation, drowsiness, respiratory depression.
Nursing Implications: Monitor respiratory status and pain relief.
Patient and Family Teaching: Warn about potential for addiction; avoid alcohol.
Lifespan Considerations: Use with caution in children and elderly due to respiratory effects.

Dextromethorphan

Drug Class: Antitussive
Use: Cough relief.
Mechanism of Action: Suppresses the cough reflex in the medulla.
Adverse Reactions: Dizziness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbances.
Nursing Implications: Monitor cough frequency; assess effectiveness.
Patient and Family Teaching: Avoid use with MAO inhibitors; do not exceed recommended dose.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults and children over 4.

Albuterol

Drug Class: Bronchodilator
Use: Relief of acute asthma symptoms.
Mechanism of Action: Stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors leading to bronchial dilation.
Adverse Reactions: Tremors, fast heart rate, nervousness.
Nursing Implications: Monitor respiratory status and effectiveness of the drug.
Patient and Family Teaching: Use as directed; inform about potential side effects.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for children and adults.

Epinephrine

Drug Class: Adrenergic Agonist
Use: Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and severe asthma attacks.
Mechanism of Action: Stimulates alpha and beta receptors, causing vasoconstriction and bronchodilation.
Adverse Reactions: Increased heart rate, anxiety, headache.
Nursing Implications: Administer promptly during anaphylaxis; monitor vital signs.
Patient and Family Teaching: Educate about self-administration if at risk for anaphylaxis.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for all ages in emergencies.

Ipratropium bromide

Drug Class: Anticholinergic Bronchodilator
Use: Maintenance treatment for COPD and asthma.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cholinergic receptors leading to bronchodilation.
Adverse Reactions: Dry mouth, cough, headache.
Nursing Implications: Monitor respiratory status; assess effectiveness.
Patient and Family Teaching: Use regularly; inhaler technique education.
Lifespan Considerations: Not recommended for children under 12.

Prednisone

Drug Class: Corticosteroid
Use: Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant for various conditions.
Mechanism of Action: Suppresses immune response and reduces inflammation.
Adverse Reactions: Weight gain, insomnia, increased glucose levels.
Nursing Implications: Monitor blood sugar, signs of infection, and taper dosage appropriately.
Patient and Family Teaching: Discuss potential side effects and importance of adherence.
Lifespan Considerations: Use cautiously in elderly; monitor for osteoporosis.

Pseudoephedrine

Drug Class: Decongestant
Use: Relief of nasal congestion.
Mechanism of Action: Vasoconstricts nasal mucosa to reduce swelling.
Adverse Reactions: Insomnia, increased blood pressure, dizziness.
Nursing Implications: Monitor blood pressure and nasal symptoms.
Patient and Family Teaching: Limit use, avoid with certain medications and conditions.
Lifespan Considerations: Use caution in elderly and those with cardiovascular issues.

Guaifenesin

Drug Class: Expectorant
Use: Thinning mucus for easier respiratory clearance.
Mechanism of Action: Increases fluid in respiratory tract, reducing mucus viscosity.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, headache.
Nursing Implications: Encourage hydration; monitor cough and mucus production.
Patient and Family Teaching: Educate on importance of hydration while taking.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for adults and children.

Fluticasone

Drug Class: Inhaled Corticosteroid
Use: Maintenance treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Mechanism of Action: Reduces inflammation in airways.
Adverse Reactions: Oral thrush, hoarseness, respiratory infections.
Nursing Implications: Monitor technique; assess for thrush.
Patient and Family Teaching: Rinse mouth after use; use regularly for best effect.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for adults and children.

Montelukast sodium

Drug Class: Leukotriene Receptor Inhibitors
Use: Prevention and chronic treatment of asthma.
Mechanism of Action: Blocks leukotrienes to prevent bronchoconstriction.
Adverse Reactions: Headache, nausea, mood changes.
Nursing Implications: Assess asthma control; monitor for side effects.
Patient and Family Teaching: Take in the evening; report mood changes.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for children over age 1.

Bronchodilators

Use: Medications used to relax the bronchial muscles and widen the airways, primarily utilized for asthma and COPD symptoms.
Mechanism of Action: They stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors leading to bronchial dilation.
Adverse Reactions: Tremors, tachycardia, nervousness, increased heart rate.
Nursing Implications: Monitor respiratory status, effectiveness of the drug, and the occurrence of side effects.
Patient and Family Teaching: Instruct on correct inhaler technique, dosage, and potential side effects.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults, children, and those with certain comorbidities unless contraindicated.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Use: Medications used as long-term controllers to reduce airway inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Mechanism of Action: They work by decreasing inflammation in the airways.
Adverse Reactions: Oral thrush, hoarseness, and respiratory infections.
Nursing Implications: Monitor inhaler technique and assess for signs of oral thrush.
Patient and Family Teaching: Stress the importance of rinsing the mouth after use and taking the medication regularly for optimal control.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for adults and children.

Nasal Corticosteroids

Use: Administered via the nose to treat allergic rhinitis and nasal inflammation.
Mechanism of Action: They reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Adverse Reactions: Nasal irritation, bleeding, and potential headaches.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for effectiveness and signs of nasal irritation or bleeding.
Patient and Family Teaching: Educate on proper administration techniques and the importance of consistent use.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults and children.

Antihistamines

Use: Drugs utilized for relief from allergic symptoms.
Mechanism of Action: They block the action of histamine at H1 receptors, reducing allergic responses.
Adverse Reactions: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, especially with first-generation antihistamines.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for sedation and potential anticholinergic effects.
Patient and Family Teaching: Advise patients about the sedative effects and caution with operating machinery.
Lifespan Considerations: Caution with the elderly and not recommended for infants.

Expectorants

Use: Medications that help loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract to facilitate cough.
Mechanism of Action: They increase fluid in the respiratory tract, lowering mucus viscosity.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, headache.
Nursing Implications: Encourage hydration to enhance the thinning effect.
Patient and Family Teaching: Highlight the importance of staying well-hydrated while taking expectorants.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults and children.

Mucolytics

Use: Medications designed to break down mucus structure to facilitate its clearance from the respiratory tract.
Mechanism of Action: They target and dissolve the bonds in mucus.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Nursing Implications: Monitor respiratory status and effectiveness.
Patient and Family Teaching: Educate on the importance of maintaining hydration to assist with mucus clearance.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults and children.

Antitussives

Use: Medications formulated to suppress the cough reflex.
Mechanism of Action: They interfere with the cough reflex pathway in the brain.
Adverse Reactions: Dizziness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbances.
Nursing Implications: Monitor cough frequency and assess effectiveness.
Patient and Family Teaching: Advise not to exceed recommended doses and caution against concurrent use with MAO inhibitors.
Lifespan Considerations: Generally safe for adults and children over 4.

Decongestants

Use: Drugs used to relieve nasal congestion.
Mechanism of Action: They cause vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa reducing swelling.
Adverse Reactions: Insomnia, increased blood pressure, dizziness.
Nursing Implications: Monitor blood pressure and assess nasal symptoms.
Patient and Family Teaching: Limit use duration and advise avoidance in certain health conditions.
Lifespan Considerations: Use caution in elderly and individuals with cardiovascular issues.

Leukotriene Receptor Inhibitors

Use: Medications for prevention and chronic treatment of asthma.
Mechanism of Action: They block leukotrienes, reducing airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
Adverse Reactions: Headaches, nausea, and mood changes.
Nursing Implications: Assess asthma control and monitor for side effects.
Patient and Family Teaching: Emphasize the importance of taking the medication in the evening and reporting mood changes.
Lifespan Considerations: Safe for children over age 1.

Antihistamines

Common medications include loratadine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Antitussives

Common medications include dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) and codeine.

Bronchodilators

Common medications include albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil) and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent).

Corticosteroids

Common medications include prednisone and fluticasone (Flovent).

Decongestants

Common medications include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine.

Expectorants

Common medications include guaifenesin (Mucinex).

Nasal Steroids

Common medications include fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) and budesonide (Rhinocort).

Inhaled Steroids

Common medications include beclomethasone (Qvar) and mometasone (Asmanex).

Leukotriene Receptor Inhibitors

Common medications include montelukast sodium (Singulair).

Rebound Effect

The return of symptoms (often worse than before) after the effects of a medication like a nasal decongestant wear off.

Tolerance

A condition in which the body becomes accustomed to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Patient Teaching for Inhaler Use

Educate patients on the correct inhaler technique, including shaking the inhaler, breathing out fully before use, activating the inhaler while inhaling deeply, and holding their breath for a few seconds after inhalation. Advise rinsing the mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids to prevent oral thrush.

Penicillin

Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis leading to cell death, effective against gram-positive bacteria.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash.
Adverse Effects: Allergic reactions ranging from mild rash to anaphylaxis.
Nursing Implications: Assess for allergies, monitor for signs of infection and effectiveness, maintain adequate hydration.
Patient Family Teaching: Advise on completing the full course; inform about potential allergic reactions and gastrointestinal side effects.

Sulfonamides

Action: Broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit bacterial synthesis of folic acid.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash.
Adverse Effects: Severe allergic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, blood dyscrasias.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for allergic reactions, renal function, and hydration.
Patient Family Teaching: Encourage adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria; inform about side effects.

Cephalosporins

Action: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, similar to penicillin, effective against a wider range of bacteria as the generations progress.
Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal disturbances, rash.
Adverse Effects: Allergic reactions, particularly in those with penicillin allergies.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for effectiveness and signs of allergic reactions.
Patient Family Teaching: Complete the prescribed course; caution if allergic to penicillin.

Aminoglycosides

Action: Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, effective against serious gram-negative infections.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rash.
Adverse Effects: Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function and hearing; assess peak and trough levels as needed.
Patient Family Teaching: Report signs of tinnitus or reduced hearing.

Fluoroquinolones

Action: Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase, leading to cell death; broad spectrum including gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache.
Adverse Effects: Tendon rupture, QT prolongation, photosensitivity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for efficacy, side effects, and signs of tendon pain.
Patient Family Teaching: Avoid sun exposure; do not take with dairy or calcium supplements.

Macrolides

Action: Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis; effective against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.
Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, jaundice.
Adverse Effects: Cardiotoxicity, risk of Clostridium difficile infection.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction and efficacy; assess liver function if prolonged use.
Patient Family Teaching: Take with food to minimize GI discomfort.

Vancomycin

Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; primarily used for serious gram-positive infections, including MRSA.
Possible Side Effects: Red man syndrome, nausea.
Adverse Effects: Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor trough levels, renal function, and infusion rate to prevent red man syndrome.
Patient Family Teaching: Inform about possible flushing and itchiness during infusion.

Anti-tubercular drugs (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin)

Action: Target specific bacteria causing tuberculosis, inhibiting cell wall synthesis and RNA synthesis.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, peripheral neuropathy, liver toxicity.
Adverse Effects: Hepatotoxicity, severe allergic reactions.
Nursing Implications: Monitor liver function tests and adherence to medication regimen.
Patient Family Teaching: Emphasize the importance of adherence; educate on signs of liver problems.

Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir)

Action: Inhibit viral DNA synthesis; primarily effective against herpes viruses.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache.
Adverse Effects: Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function, hydration status, and infection signs.
Patient Family Teaching: Ensure adequate hydration during therapy.

Anti-retrovirals (e.g., zidovudine)

Action: Inhibit replication of retroviruses like HIV, enhancing immune function.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, headache, fatigue.
Adverse Effects: Bone marrow suppression, lactic acidosis.
Nursing Implications: Monitor blood counts, liver function, and adherence.
Patient Family Teaching: Inform about the importance of adherence and potential side effects.

Antifungal drugs (e.g., nystatin)

Action: Inhibit fungal growth; effective against candidiasis and other fungal infections.
Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Adverse Effects: Liver toxicity, allergic reactions.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for effectiveness and signs of liver dysfunction.
Patient Family Teaching: Advise on proper administration and washing hands to prevent candidiasis.

Helminthiasis (e.g., mebendazole)

Action: Disrupts helminth metabolism or structure, leading to expulsion of worms.
Possible Side Effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea.
Adverse Effects: Allergic reactions, liver toxicity in rare cases.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for effectiveness and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Patient Family Teaching: Emphasize hygiene measures to prevent reinfection.

Amoxicillin

Drug Class: Penicillin antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of bacterial infections, including respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death, effective against a range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash.
Nursing Implications: Assess for allergies, monitor renal function, and observe for signs of infection and effectiveness of treatment.
Patient Teaching: Advise on completing the full course of antibiotics, report any signs of allergic reactions, and potential gastrointestinal upset.

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole

Drug Class: Sulfonamide antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and certain gastrointestinal infections.
Action: Synergistically inhibit bacterial folic acid synthesis, leading to bactericidal effects.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function, hydration status, and for signs of skin reactions or hypersensitivity.
Patient Teaching: Maintain hydration to prevent crystalluria, inform about possible side effects, and advise on the importance of completing the prescribed course.

Cefazolin

Drug Class: Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation)
Intended Use: Treatment of infections such as skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections, often used for surgical prophylaxis.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death, effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, diarrhea, rash, and allergic reactions.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for allergic reactions, renal function, and assess for effectiveness of treatment.
Patient Teaching: Advise to inform healthcare providers about allergies, complete the course, and report any adverse reactions.

Ceftriaxone

Drug Class: Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation)
Intended Use: Treatment of serious infections, including those caused by gram-negative bacteria, and in the management of meningitis.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bactericidal effects, effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, diarrhea, rash, and potential for biliary sludge formation.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, renal impairment, and check for signs of superinfection.
Patient Teaching: Advise to report any unusual symptoms, complete the prescribed course, and inform healthcare providers about allergies.

Gentamicin

Drug Class: Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, often used in combination with other antibiotics.
Action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, leading to cell death.
Adverse Reactions: Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and neurotoxicity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function, hearing, and for signs of toxicity; assess peak and trough levels as needed.
Patient Teaching: Inform about the importance of hydration, to report any signs of ear ringing or changes in hearing, and complete the full course.

Ciprofloxacin

Drug Class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of various bacterial infections including urinary tract infections and skin infections.
Action: Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase, leading to cell death, effective against a wide range of gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, and risk of tendon rupture.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for signs of tendon pain, renal function, and effectiveness of treatment.
Patient Teaching: Avoid sun exposure, inform about potential side effects, and emphasize taking the medication as directed.

Erythromycin

Drug Class: Macrolide antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of respiratory tract infections and skin infections, used as an alternative for penicillin allergies.
Action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, effective against a wide range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and potential for QT prolongation.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for efficacy, signs of allergic reactions, and liver function if used long-term.
Patient Teaching: Take with food to minimize GI discomfort; complete the entire course and report any adverse symptoms.

Vancomycin

Drug Class: Glycopeptide antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death.
Adverse Reactions: Red man syndrome, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function, trough levels, and infusion rate to prevent infusion reactions.
Patient Teaching: Inform about possible flushing and itchiness during infusion, adherence to prescribed regimen, and report adverse reactions.

Isoniazid

Drug Class: Anti-tubercular drug
Intended Use: Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) infection.
Action: Inhibits mycobacterial cell wall synthesis.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, liver toxicity, peripheral neuropathy.
Nursing Implications: Monitor liver function tests, for signs of neuropathy, and adherence to therapy.
Patient Teaching: Educate on signs of liver problems, importance of completing the regimen, and to avoid alcohol during treatment.

Rifampin

Drug Class: Anti-tubercular drug
Intended Use: Treatment of tuberculosis, often used in combination therapy.
Action: Inhibits RNA synthesis in bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Reddish-orange discoloration of urine and other body fluids, liver toxicity, gastrointestinal upset.
Nursing Implications: Monitor liver function, adherence, and educate about potential discoloration of body fluids.
Patient Teaching: Emphasize adherence to the regimen, potential side effects, and the importance of informing healthcare providers about the medication.

Acyclovir

Drug Class: Antiviral
Intended Use: Treatment of infections caused by certain viruses, particularly herpes viruses.
Action: Inhibits viral DNA synthesis.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, nephrotoxicity with rapid infusion.
Nursing Implications: Monitor renal function and hydration status; assess for effectiveness.
Patient Teaching: Ensure adequate hydration during therapy and inform about the importance of starting therapy early for effectiveness.

Zidovudine

Drug Class: Anti-retroviral (NRTI)
Intended Use: Treatment of HIV infection.
Action: Inhibits viral reverse transcriptase, preventing HIV replication.
Adverse Reactions: Bone marrow suppression, nausea, headache, lactic acidosis.
Nursing Implications: Monitor blood counts and liver function; assess for signs of adherence and side effects.
Patient Teaching: Emphasize adherence to therapy, inform about potential side effects, and the importance of regular follow-up.

Nystatin

Drug Class: Antifungal
Intended Use: Treatment of fungal infections, particularly candidiasis.
Action: Binds to fungal cell membranes, causing increased permeability, leading to cell death.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for signs of effectiveness and gastrointestinal symptoms; educate on proper administration.
Patient Teaching: Advise on oral rinsing for oral preparations and completion of the therapy.

Metronidazole

Drug Class: Antiprotozoal and antibiotic
Intended Use: Treatment of bacterial and protozoal infections, including C. difficile and certain anaerobic infections.
Action: Disrupts DNA synthesis in the bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, headache, metallic taste, and potential for disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol.
Nursing Implications: Monitor for efficacy, adverse reactions, and educate about avoiding alcohol.
Patient Teaching: Instruct on the importance of completing the course and to avoid alcohol during and for at least 48 hours after therapy.