Pharmacology Cheat Sheet Flashcards

Flashcards grounded in the Pharmacology Cheat Sheet covering cardiovascular, anticoagulant, CNS, diabetes, antibiotic, and endocrine medications, along with high-yield antidotes, electrolyte connections, and safety pearls.

What are the major adverse effects and key nursing pearls for ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril?

Major adverse effects include cough, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. Key nursing pearls are to monitor $\text{K}^+$ and blood pressure, and to avoid use in pregnancy.

How do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) like Losartan differ from ACE inhibitors regarding side effects?

ARBs cause hyperkalemia similar to ACE inhibitors, but they cause less cough.

What major adverse effects are associated with Beta blockers like Metoprolol, and what nursing checks are required?

Major adverse effects are bradycardia and hypotension. Nurses must check heart rate and blood pressure before administration and ensure the drug is not stopped abruptly.

What specific adverse effects and heart rate impacts are associated with Diltiazem and Verapamil?

They cause hypotension, edema, and bradycardia because Diltiazem and Verapamil directly affect heart rate.

What electrolyte imbalance is caused by Furosemide, and what daily check is required?

Furosemide causes loss of fluid and $\text{K}^+$ (hypokalemia and dehydration). Daily monitoring of weight, blood pressure, and $\text{K}^+$ is required.

What is the main action of Spironolactone on potassium, and what dietary items should patients avoid?

Spironolactone saves $\text{K}^+$ (causing hyperkalemia). Patients must avoid $\text{K}^+$ supplements or salt substitutes.

What are the signs of Digoxin toxicity, and what electrolyte imbalance increases toxicity risk?

Signs of toxicity include dysrhythmias, nausea, and vision changes. Low $\text{K}^+$ (hypokalemia) increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity.

What drug class must never be combined with Nitrates like Nitroglycerin?

Nitrates must never be combined with PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil due to severe hypotension risk.

What adverse effects should patients report when taking Statins like Atorvastatin?

Patients should report unexplained muscle pain (myopathy); liver function tests (LFTs) must also be monitored for liver injury.

What are the specific antidotes for Heparin and Warfarin?

The antidote for Heparin is protamine sulfate, and the antidote for Warfarin is Vitamin K.

What routine lab monitoring is required for Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) like Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran?

DOACs require no routine lab monitoring, but nurses must know their specific antidotes.

What is the major life-threatening adverse effect of opioids like Morphine and Oxycodone, and what is the antidote?

The major adverse effect is respiratory depression (along with sedation and constipation); the antidote is Naloxone.

What is the antidote used for selected cases of Benzodiazepine toxicity?

Flumazenil.

How long does it take for SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine to achieve a therapeutic effect?

Therapeutic effect takes $4\text{--}6$\text{ weeks}.

What condition characterized by fever and rigidity is an emergency associated with Antipsychotics like Haloperidol?

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).

What specific monitoring is required for patients taking Lithium for Bipolar disorder?

Monitor Lithium drug levels, renal function, and thyroid function due to risks of toxicity (tremor, GI upset, kidney issues).

What is the maximum daily dose for Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and what is its antidote?

The maximum dose is $3\text{--}4$\text{ g/day}, and its antidote is N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

What are the onset, peak, and duration times for Rapid-acting insulins (Lispro, Aspart, Glulisine)?

Onset: $10\text{--}30$\text{ min}; Peak: $0.5\text{--}3$\text{ hr}; Duration: $3\text{--}5$\text{ hr}. Give with meals.

What are the onset, peak, and duration times for Short-acting (Regular) insulin?

Onset: $30\text{--}60$\text{ min}; Peak: $2\text{--}4$\text{ hr}; Duration: $5\text{--}8$\text{ hr}. Give $30$\text{ min} before meals.

What are the peak characteristics of long-acting (Glargine, Detemir) and ultra-long acting (Degludec) insulins?

Both long-acting and ultra-long acting insulins have no peak.

What lab value must be monitored in patients taking Metformin, and what is a rare severe adverse effect?

Monitor renal function (eGFR). A rare but severe adverse effect is lactic acidosis.

How do GLP-1 agonists (-tide) and SGLT2 inhibitors (-flozin) differ in their mechanisms?

GLP-1 agonists increase insulin, decrease glucagon, and slow gastric emptying. SGLT2 inhibitors increase glucose excretion in urine.

What two major toxicities are shared by Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin) and Vancomycin?

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

What nursing action prevents 'red man' syndrome during Vancomycin administration?

Infuse Vancomycin slowly and monitor drug levels.

What adverse effect should patients taking Fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin report immediately?

Tendon pain or tendon injury (along with QT prolongation).

What substances should be avoided when administering Tetracyclines like Doxycycline?

Avoid taking with antacids, iron, or calcium.

What long-term risks are associated with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole?

Long-term risks include C. diff infection, fractures, and decreased magnesium ($\text{Mg}$) and B12 levels.

How should Levothyroxine be administered for optimal absorption?

Take in the morning (AM) on an empty stomach with consistent timing.

Which medication classes are indicated by the suffixes -pril, -sartan, -lol, -statin, -prazole, -tidine, and -flozin?

-pril = ACE inhibitor; -sartan = ARB; -lol = Beta blocker; -statin = Cholesterol; -prazole = PPI; -tidine = H2 blocker; -flozin = SGLT2 inhibitor.

Which three major medication groups should never be stopped abruptly?

Beta blockers, steroids, and SSRIs.