N351 Prototype Drug Cards

Ibuprofen

Drug Class: NSAID (COX-1 + COX-2 inhibitor)

Therapeutic Effects: Reduces fever and inflammation, decreases pain

Side Effects: Abdominal cramps, nausea, and heartburn

Adverse Effects: Gastric ulcer and GI bleeding

Drug Interactions: ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), lithium, warfarin

Drug Dosage: 200-800mg orally every 4-6 hours PRN, Max dose = 3200mg

Nursing Implications: Assess before & after, track for maximum dose

Patient Education:

• Do NOT take with other NSAIDs

• Call provider for s/s of GI bleeding: black tarry stools, coffee-ground emesis

• Take with food or acid reducer

• Notify provider of new onset of acute stomach pain

Celecoxib

Drug Class: NSAID (COX-2 inhibitor only)

MoA: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis primarily via COX-2 inhibition

Therapeutic Effects: Decreases inflammation and pain

Side Effects: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia (heartburn), photosensitivity

Adverse Effects: GI bleeding

Drug Dosage: 100-200mg orally twice daily

Contraindications: Sulfonamide allergy, CABG surgery, allergy to NSAIDs

Nursing Implications: Assess for sulfa allergies, track for max dose

Patient Education:

• Do NOT take with other NSAIDs

• Use sunscreen when outdoors

• Call provider for s/s of GI bleeding: black tarry stools, coffee-ground emesis

• Take with food or acid reducer

Methylprednisolone

Drug Class: Glucocorticoid (steriod)

MoA: Binds to glucocorticoid receptors, decreasing release of inflammatory molecules & inhibiting the immune response

Indications: Inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders

Therapeutic Effects: Decreases inflammation, suppresses the immune response

Side Effects: Increased appetite, mood changes, insomnia

Adverse Effects: Hypertension, increased infection risk, hyperglycemia

Drug Dosage: 4-200mg daily

Drug Interactions: Oral anticoagulants and aspirin

Contraindications: Systemic active fungal infections

Nursing Implications:

• Monitor for s/s of infection

• Monitor blood sugar levels

• Monitor weight and BP with long-term use

Patient Education:

• Do NOT stop abruptly → Taper the dose

• Do NOT take with NSAIDs, especially aspirin*

• Take in the morning

• No live vaccinations during therapy

Epinephrine

Drug Class: Adrenergic agonist (nonselective)

Indications: Emergency treatment of Type I Hypersensitivity reaction (anaphylaxis)

Therapeutic Effects: Increases HR + BP, bronchodilation

Side Effects: Anxiety, excitability, heart palpitations

Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, superventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia

Nursing Implications: Monitor every 1-5 minutes, monitor heart rhythms

Patient Education:

• Seek/call emergency care after self-administration

• S/s of anaphylaxis + administer at first sign of anaphylaxis

• How to self-administer using Epi pen

• Wear a medical ID bracelet

H1 Antihistamines

• Diphenhydramine

• Hydroxyzine

• Cetirizine

• Loratadine

Nasal Decongestant

Pseudoephedrine

Glucocorticoid Recognition Drugs

• Prednisone

• Prednisolone

• Dexamethasone

• Hydrocortisone

• Betamethasone

• Fluticasone*

• Mometasone*

Think -SONE/-LONE suffix

NSAID Recognition Drugs

• Aspirin

• Diclofenac

• Indomethacin

• Naproxen

• Meloxicam