Pharmacology Overview: Medications and Their Effects

What is the action of Benadryl?

It binds at histamine receptor sites so that histamine cannot bind.

What is Benadryl used for?

Allergies or allergic reactions (type one hypersensitivity).

Adverse Effects of Benadryl?

Drowsiness and anticholinergic effects.

What is the action of Fexofenadine?

Used for allergies or allergic reactions (type one hypersensitivity).

Adverse Effects of Fexofenadine?

Dry mouth and dizziness.

What is Albuterol?

A SABA used to ease breathing.

What is Albuterol used for?

Medications that relax the airways smooth muscle, resulting in bronchodilation.

Adverse Effects of Albuterol?

Shakiness, dry mouth, and a headache.

What is the prototype of a glucocorticoid Steriods?

Prednisone

What is the action of Prednisone?

It binds to glucocorticoid receptors to decrease inflammatory mediators and increase immune function.

What are the adverse Effects of Prednisone?

Buffalo hump and moon face.

What is the action of Benzodiazepines?

Increase GABA neuronal inhibition and cause CNS depression.

What is Chlordiazepoxide used for?

A benzodiazepine that helps with alcohol withdrawal.

What is Midazolam used for?

A benzodiazepine used for pre-op anxiety.

Adverse Effects of Benzodiazepines

Drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness.

Nursing Considerations for Benzodiazepines

Monitor for dependence and abuse.

Depolarizing NM Blocking Agent

Succinylcholine

What is the action for Succinylcholine?

Medications used in surgical procedures for paralysis.

Adverse Effects of Succinylcholine

Malignant hyperthermia, which is genetic (give Dantrolene).

GABA Derivatives

Baclofen

What is the action of Baclofen?

Medications that act on spinal cord nerves to decrease muscle spasms.

Adverse Effects of Baclofen

Drowsiness, dizziness, and hypotension.

Nursing Implications for Baclofen

Monitor labs (therapeutic levels) and patient is a fall risk.

Hydantoin Derivatives

Dantrolene

What is Dantrolene used for?

Medications used in malignant hypertension and muscle spasms.

What is the action of Dantrolene?

A hydantoin derivative that stops some electrical impulses in muscles, preventing contractions.

Adverse Effects of Dantrolene

Hepatitis with jaundice within one month of taking this medication.

Nursing Implications for Dantrolene

Short term use and stop with diarrhea; monitor liver enzymes.

Tricyclic Antidepressant Derivatives

Cyclobenzaprine

What is cyclobenzaprine used for?

Muscle spasms.

What is the action of cyclobenzaprine?

CNS depressant

Adverse Effects of Cyclobenzaprine

Drowsiness, dizziness, and anticholinergic effects.

Nursing Implications for Cyclobenzaprine

High fall risk.

What is an amide anesthetic?

Lidocaine

What is lidocaine used for?

Medications used to block nerve conduction.

What is the action of Lidocaine?

An anesthetic that blocks nerve conduction by decreasing neuronal membrane sodium.

Adverse Effects of lidocaine?

LAST

What is LAST?

It is the rapid onset of severe CNS depression, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Nursing Implications for a Lidocaine?

With the patch do not combine with heat, take off old patch cleanse and then replace, oral swish and swash do not drink for 60 mins after and check for a gag reflex

What is the action of Propofol?

amplifies GABA decreases NMDA excitement and blocks pain perception;

What are the adverse effects of Propofol?

Hiccups and myoclonic movements

What are the examples of Penicillins?

Ampicillin and amoxicillin

What is the treatment of choice for ear infections?

Amoxicillin

What is the action of Amoxicillin and Amplillicin?

Synthesis of bacterial cell walls (binds with PBP to ruin the cell wall);

What are the adverse effects of Amoxicillin and Amplilliciin?

Hypersensitivity (RASH)

Cephalosporins

Cefazolin

What is the action of Cefazolin?

broad spectrum antibiotic against Gram positive and negative bacteria;

What are the adverse effects of Cefazolin?

If you are allergic to penicillin, do not take it!

Macrolide Antibacterials

Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin used for?

Respiratory infections, pharyngitis, and sinusitis

What are the adverse effects of Azithromycin?

Nausea and vomiting, hepatotoxicity and reversible hearing loss.

Aminoglycosides

Gentamicin

What is the action of Gentamicin?

Penetrates bacterial Cell walls

What are the adverse effects of Gentamicin?

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity

What are the nursing implications for Gentamicin?

Draw peaks and troughs Levels.

Fluoroquinolones

Ciprofloxacin; Action → interferes with bacterial DNA enzyme synthesis; Adverse Effects → Tendon rupture and tendonitis and do not use in kids under the age of 18

What is the action of Ciprofloxacin?

Interferes with bacterial DNA enzyme synthesis

What are the adverse effects of Ciprofloxacin?

What can Clindamycin help to treat?

C. diff

What is the action of Clindamycin?

Inhibits protein synthesis

What are the adverse effects of Clindamycin?

Diarrhea and colitis

What can Metronidazole help to treat?

C. Diff

What are the adverse effects of metronidazole?

Metallic taste, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea

What are the nursing implications for metronidazole?

Use with alcohol can cause the disulfiram reaction

What are the adverse effects of Vancomycin?

Vancomycin flushing syndrome → hypotension, flushing, and a skin rash.

What are the adverse effects of Vancomycin?

Inhibits cell wall synthesis

What is the action of isoniazid?

inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis

What are the adverse effects of Inoiazid?

Hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy

What are the nursing implications for Inoiazid?

take liver enzymes prior to the medication and then monthly

What are the adverse effects of the Rifampin?

GI upset and skin rashes

What does Ioniazide and Rifampin treat?

TB

What is the action of Rifampin?

Impairs DNA-RNA replication;

What are the nursing implications for Rifampin?

Take on an empty stomach and avoid alcohol

What is methylphenidate used for?

drug of choice for ADHD

What is the action of methylphenidate?

paradoxical effects

What is the adverse effects of Methylphenidate?

Weight loss, decreased appetite and a black box warning for abuse

What is Guanfacine used for?

ADHD and antihypertensive

What is the action for Guanfacine?

Action is unknown

What are the adverse effects for Guanfacine?

Hypotension

What is the aciton for Modafinil?

Keeps your butt awake;

Modafinil

Shift work and narcolepsy

What is the adverse effects for Modafinil?

mood changes, perception and thinking