CNS Stimulants ADHD Medications Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates excitatory neurons, increases dopamine & norepinephrine. Indications: ADHD, narcolepsy. Adverse Effects: Increased HR/BP, anxiety, tremor, insomnia, headache, decreased appetite, GI distress, dry mouth. Contraindications: Cardiac abnormalities, hypertension, anxiety, agitation, glaucoma, MAOI use (within 14 days). Nursing Implications: Administer 4-6 hours before bedtime. Take on an empty stomach. Monitor BP, pulse, weight, growth patterns in children. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Mechanism of Action: CNS stimulant affecting dopamine reuptake. Indications: ADHD, narcolepsy. Adverse Effects: Same as amphetamines. Nursing Implications: Same as amphetamines. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Mechanism of Action: Converted into dextroamphetamine. Indications: ADHD, binge-eating disorder. Nursing Implications: Similar to amphetamines. Atomoxetine (Strattera) Mechanism of Action: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Indications: ADHD (children >6 and adults). Adverse Effects: Lower abuse potential, less insomnia, but Black Box Warning for suicidal thoughts. Nursing Implications: Monitor mental health for suicidal ideation. Narcolepsy Medications Modafinil (Provigil) Mechanism of Action: Low abuse potential stimulant. Indications: Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder. Nursing Implications: Monitor BP & mental health. Antimigraine Medications Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Sumatriptan (Imitrex) Mechanism of Action: Serotonin receptor agonist, causing vasoconstriction. Indications: Acute migraine treatment. Adverse Effects: Tingling, flushing, chest tightness, rebound headaches if overused. Contraindications: Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, glaucoma. Nursing Implications: Administer at first sign of migraine. Avoid triggers. Monitor cardiac history. Endocrine Medications Pituitary Medications Somatropin (Humotrope) Mechanism of Action: Growth hormone replacement. Indications: Growth failure (hypopituitarism, HIV wasting). Adverse Effects: Hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, injection site reactions. Nursing Implications: Monitor growth, motor skills, thyroid, and glucose levels. Rotate injection sites. Octreotide (Sandostatin) Mechanism of Action: GH antagonist. Indications: Acromegaly, GH-producing tumors. Adverse Effects: GI distress, glucose changes, cardiac conduction issues. Nursing Implications: Monitor glucose, EKG, growth. ADH Medications Vasopressin (Pitressin) & Desmopressin (DDAVP) Mechanism of Action: Mimics ADH. Indications: Vasopressin: Hypotension, hemorrhage. Desmopressin: Diabetes insipidus, bedwetting. Adverse Effects: Increased BP, headache, GI distress. Nursing Implications: Monitor VS, urine output, cardiac status. Thyroid Medications Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Mechanism of Action: Synthetic T4. Indications: Hypothyroidism. Adverse Effects: Hyperthyroid symptoms. Nursing Implications: Administer before breakfast on an empty stomach. Monitor thyroid labs (TSH, T3, T4). Avoid iodine-rich foods, iron/calcium supplements. Propylthiouracil (PTU) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits thyroid hormone production. Indications: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bone marrow suppression. Nursing Implications: Monitor thyroid levels & CBC. Avoid iodine-rich foods. Radioactive Iodine (I-131) Mechanism of Action: Destroys thyroid tissue. Indications: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer. Adverse Effects: Radiation sickness, Pregnancy Category X. Nursing Implications: Radiation precautions: Avoid close contact, use separate utensils, increase fluids. Adrenal Medications Glucocorticoids Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef), Prednisone (Deltasone), Dexamethasone (Decadron), Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant. Indications: Adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Adverse Effects: Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, weight gain, Cushing’s syndrome. Musculoskeletal: Osteoporosis, muscle wasting. CV: Hypertension, edema. Neuro: Mood swings, insomnia. Nursing Implications: Administer in the morning with food. Taper off slowly to prevent adrenal crisis. Monitor glucose levels with long-term use. Avoid sick contacts due to immune suppression. Mineralocorticoids Fludrocortisone (Florinef) Mechanism of Action: Mimics aldosterone (Na & water retention). Indications: Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency. Adverse Effects: Hypertension, hypokalemia, edema. Nursing Implications: Monitor BP, electrolytes (Na, K). Immunosuppressants Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Tacrolimus (Prograf) Mechanism of Action: Suppresses immune response. Indications: Organ transplant, autoimmune diseases. Adverse Effects: Increased risk for infections, nephrotoxicity, diabetes. Nursing Implications: Strict dosing schedule (same time every day). Avoid grapefruit juice & styrofoam cups. No live vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Smallpox). Report any signs of infection immediately. Lifespan Considerations Pediatrics: Monitor growth in children using ADHD meds & growth hormones. Pregnancy: Avoid radioactive iodine (I-131) & immunosuppressants. Elderly: Caution with stimulants & corticosteroids (risk of cardiac issues, osteoporosis). Patient Teaching CNS Stimulants: Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Monitor growth (children). Thyroid Meds: Take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. Avoid iodine-rich foods if on PTU. Corticosteroids: Taper off gradually. Monitor glucose, avoid infections. Immunosuppressants: No live vaccines. Strict dosing schedule. Insulins Rapid-acting Insulins (Insulin lispro - Humalog, Insulin aspart - Novolog) Mechanism of Action: Fast-acting insulin that mimics natural insulin secretion in response to meals. Indications: Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, lipodystrophy at injection sites. Nursing Implications: Must eat a meal after injection. Administer subcutaneously (SQ) or via infusion pump. Clear, colorless solution. Short-acting Insulin (Regular insulin - Humulin R) Mechanism of Action: Provides short-term glucose control. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 30-60 min, Peak: 2.5 hr, Duration: 6-10 hr. Can be administered IV, IM, or SQ. Clear, colorless solution. Intermediate-acting Insulin (NPH - Isophane insulin suspension) Mechanism of Action: Delayed onset but prolonged glucose control. Indications: Often combined with regular insulin for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 1-2 hr, Peak: 4-8 hr, Duration: 10-18 hr. Cloudy suspension, administered SQ. Usually given twice daily before meals. Long-acting Insulins (Insulin glargine - Lantus, Insulin detemir - Levemir) Mechanism of Action: Provides basal insulin coverage with no peak effect. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia (less risk), weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 1-2 hr, No peak, Duration: 24 hr. DO NOT mix with other insulins. Clear, colorless solution. Oral Antidiabetics Biguanides (Metformin - Glucophage) Mechanism of Action: Decreases hepatic glucose production & increases insulin sensitivity. Indications: First-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: GI discomfort, diarrhea, metallic taste, reduced B12 levels. Black Box Warning: Risk of lactic acidosis (especially in renal failure). Nursing Implications: Administer 30 min before meals. Hold if contrast dye is used (renal failure risk). Sulfonylureas (Glipizide - Glucotrol) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates pancreatic insulin release. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (early stages). Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, nausea. Contraindications: Sulfa allergy. Nursing Implications: Give 30 min before meals. Monitor for hypoglycemia. Glinides (Repaglinide - Prandin) Mechanism of Action: Increases insulin secretion from beta cells. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (postprandial glucose control). Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Black Box Warning: May exacerbate heart failure. Nursing Implications: Take with each meal, skip if meal is skipped. Glitazones (Pioglitazone - Actos) Mechanism of Action: Improves insulin sensitivity. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (often combined with metformin or sulfonylureas). Adverse Effects: Fluid retention, weight gain, fractures. Black Box Warning: May exacerbate heart failure. Nursing Implications: Weigh daily. Monitor for heart failure signs. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors (Acarbose - Precose) Mechanism of Action: Delays carbohydrate absorption. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (postprandial glucose control). Adverse Effects: GI issues (flatulence, diarrhea). Contraindications: GI disorders (IBD, malabsorption). Nursing Implications: Take with first bite of meal. DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins) (Sitagliptin - Januvia) Mechanism of Action: Enhances incretin hormone function. Indications: Adjunct to diet/exercise in Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: URI, headache, diarrhea. Nursing Implications: Take once daily, with or without food. SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Canagliflozin - Invokana) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits glucose reabsorption in kidneys. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (weight loss benefit). Adverse Effects: UTIs, yeast infections, dehydration, ketoacidosis. Nursing Implications: Take once daily before breakfast. Injectable Non-Insulin Medications Amylin Agonists (Pramlintide - Symlin) Mechanism of Action: Slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia. Contraindications: Gastroparesis. Nursing Implications: Inject before meals. Take at least 1 hr before oral meds. Incretin Mimetics (Exenatide - Byetta) Mechanism of Action: Enhances insulin secretion. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (used when oral meds fail). Adverse Effects: GI symptoms, weight loss, thyroid tumors (Black Box Warning). Nursing Implications: Administer SQ 1 hr before meals. Glucose-Elevating Agents Glucagon Indications: Severe hypoglycemia. Adverse Effects: Vomiting (turn patient on side). Nursing Implications: Used when patient cannot take oral glucose. Dextrose 50% in Water (D50W) Indications: Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia. Nursing Implications: Administer IV. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Salicylates (Aspirin - ASA) Mechanism of Action: COX-1 & COX-2 inhibitor, antiplatelet. Indications: Pain, fever, inflammation, CV prevention. Adverse Effects: GI bleeding, Reye’s syndrome in children. Nursing Implications: Do not give to children with viral infections. Acetic Acid Derivative (Ketorolac - Toradol) Indications: Short-term pain management (up to 5 days). Adverse Effects: Renal impairment, GI distress. COX-2 Inhibitor (Celecoxib - Celebrex) Indications: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse Effects: CV risk (Black Box Warning). Contraindications: Sulfa allergy. Propionic Acid Derivatives (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) Indications: Pain, inflammation, fever. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bleeding risk. Antigout Medications Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Mechanism of Action: Reduces uric acid production. Indications: Chronic gout prevention. Adverse Effects: Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Nursing Implications: Take with food. Colchicine (Colcrys) Mechanism of Action: Reduces inflammatory response. Indications: Acute gout attack. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bleeding risk. Nursing Implications: Hydration (3L/day). Immunizations Active Immunizing Drugs Mechanism of Action: Stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens, offering long-term immunity. Indications: Prevention of infectious diseases. Adverse Effects: Common: Soreness, fever, mild rash. Severe: Fever >103°F, encephalitis, convulsions, anaphylaxis. Contraindications: Immunocompromised patients, pregnancy (some vaccines), active infections. Nursing Implications: Assess medical history, immune status, and pregnancy. Administer vaccines at appropriate sites: Infants: Mid-lateral thigh. Older children/adults: Deltoid muscle. Use warm compresses, Tylenol for mild reactions. Report severe reactions to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System). Examples of Active Immunizations: Diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, acellular pertussis (DTaP, Td): Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Prevents bacterial infections, especially in children. Hepatitis B vaccine: Prevents Hep B infection. Influenza vaccine: Annual vaccine for flu prevention. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Prevents viral infections. Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal infections (pneumonia, meningitis). Poliovirus vaccine (IPV): Prevents poliomyelitis. Rabies vaccine: Given for rabies exposure or pre-exposure prophylaxis. Human papillomavirus (HPV - Gardasil): Prevents HPV-related cancers. Herpes zoster (Zostavax, Shingrix): Protects against shingles. Varicella vaccine: Prevents chickenpox. Passive Immunizing Drugs Mechanism of Action: Provides preformed antibodies for immediate protection; temporary immunity. Indications: Post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk patients. Examples: Hepatitis B immunoglobulin: Post-exposure protection for Hepatitis B. Immunoglobulin: General immune support. Rabies immunoglobulin: Post-exposure prophylaxis after animal bites. Tetanus immunoglobulin: Used in unvaccinated individuals exposed to tetanus. Dermatologic Medications Antibacterials Bacitracin Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Indications: Minor skin infections. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching. Neomycin & Polymyxin B (Neosporin) Mechanism of Action: Broad-spectrum antibacterial. Indications: Minor wounds. Adverse Effects: Local irritation. Mupirocin (Bactroban) Indications: Topical: Treats impetigo (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus infections). Intranasal: Used for MRSA colonization. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching. Silver Sulfadiazine (Silvadene) Mechanism of Action: Acts on bacterial cell wall. Indications: Burn treatment (prevention of infection). Adverse Effects: Pain, burning, contraindicated in sulfa allergy. Antiacne Medications Benzoyl Peroxide Mechanism of Action: Releases oxygen, killing acne bacteria. Indications: Mild to moderate acne. Adverse Effects: Red, peeling skin, warmth. Tretinoin (Retin-A) Mechanism of Action: Vitamin A derivative, stimulates cell turnover. Indications: Acne, UV damage. Adverse Effects: Skin peeling, severe sunburn risk (use sunscreen). Isotretinoin (Accutane) Mechanism of Action: Sebaceous gland suppression. Indications: Severe cystic acne. Adverse Effects: Teratogenic (Pregnancy Category X), liver toxicity, mood changes. Black Box Warning: IPLEDGE Program (2 contraceptive methods required). Antifungals Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits fungal growth. Indications: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections. Adverse Effects: Local irritation. Miconazole (Monistat) Mechanism of Action: Antifungal, some Gram-positive action. Indications: Yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching, pelvic cramps. Antivirals Acyclovir (Zovirax) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits viral DNA replication. Indications: Herpes simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2), shingles. Adverse Effects: Stinging, rash. Miscellaneous Dermatologics Permethrin (Elimite) Mechanism of Action: Neurotoxic to lice/scabies. Indications: Head lice, scabies. Adverse Effects: Itching, burning. Ophthalmic Medications Cholinergic Drugs (Miotics) Acetylcholine (Miochol-E) Indications: Induces miosis (pupil constriction) during surgery. Adverse Effects: Eye discomfort, blurred vision. Pilocarpine (Pilocar) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates cholinergic receptors, reduces intraocular pressure. Indications: Glaucoma, ocular surgery. Adverse Effects: Blurred vision, tearing, reduced night vision. Beta-Adrenergic Blockers Timolol (Timoptic) Mechanism of Action: Reduces aqueous humor production & increases outflow. Indications: Glaucoma, ocular hypertension. Adverse Effects: Eye irritation, systemic effects possible (bradycardia, hypotension). Otic Medications Ofloxacin (Floxin Otic) Mechanism of Action: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (bacterial DNA disruption). Indications: Otitis externa & media. Adverse Effects: Mild itching/pain. Carbamide Peroxide (Debrox) Mechanism of Action: Softens & breaks down earwax. Indications: Earwax removal. Adverse Effects: Ear irritation. Nursing Considerations Lifespan Considerations Pediatrics: Infants: Thigh for vaccines, avoid aspirin (Reye’s syndrome risk). Monitor growth with long-term corticosteroids. Pregnancy: Avoid live vaccines (MMR, varicella, HPV, Zoster). Avoid isotretinoin (teratogenic). Elderly: Caution with ophthalmic beta-blockers (can cause systemic effects). Monitor renal function with fluoroquinolones (ototoxicity risk). Patient Teaching Vaccines: Keep records, report reactions. Use Tylenol, not aspirin for fever. Dermatologics: Apply with gloves, wash hands before & after. Sunscreen required with tretinoin & isotretinoin. Ophthalmic/Otic: Apply pressure to inner canthus after eye drops (reduce systemic absorption). Hold ear up & back (adults), down & back (children) for otic drops

What was the Silk Road?

A vast network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty of China, connecting the East to the West.

Why is it called the Silk Road?

It is named after the valuable commodity silk that was traded along the routes.

What types of goods were exchanged on the Silk Road?

Silk, spices, tea, porcelain, and precious metals.

During which dynasty was the Silk Road established?

The Han Dynasty of China.

What was a significant impact of the Silk Road on trade?

It facilitated the exchange of various goods and cultural exchange between East and West.