PTCB Exam Study Guide

Acetaminophen

• Brand Name: Tylenol, Ofirmev (IV)

• Drug Class: Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Fever, pain

• Special Considerations: Limit is 4 grams (4,000 mg)/day in healthy patients

Aspirin

• Brand Name: Ecotrin

• Drug Class: NSAIDs (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Blood clots, fever, pain

• Special Considerations: Baby aspirin (81 mg) is primarily used for blood clot prevention

Dexamethasone

• Brand Name: Decadron

• Drug Class: Corticosteroid (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Inflammation

• Special Considerations: None

Fentanyl

• Brand Name: Duragesic

• Drug Class: Opioid analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Induction before surgery, pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Ibuprofen

• Brand Name: Motrin

• Drug Class: NSAID (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indication: Inflammation, pain

• Special Considerations: None

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen

• Brand Name: Norco

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Hydrocortisone

• Brand Name: Cortisone

• Drug Class: Corticosteroid (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indication: Inflammation

• Special Considerations: None

Hydromorphone

• Brand Name: Dilaudid

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic ((Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Inflammation, pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Methadone

• Brand Name: Methadose

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: OUD (Opioid Use Disorder), pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Methylprednisolone

• Brand Name: Medrol

• Drug Class: Corticosteroid (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Inflammation

• Special Considerations: None

Morphine

• Brand Name: Oramorph

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Oxycodone

• Brand Name: Roxicodone

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule II controlled substance

Prednisone

• Brand Name: Deltasone

• Drug Class: Corticosteroid (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indication: Inflammation

• Special Considerations: None

Tramadol

• Brand Name: Ultram

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesic (Opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, dizziness, should be used in caution in older adults, and should be avoided with alcohol, since it can cause respiratory depression. NSAIDs and steroids may cause stomach issues and most should be taken with food or milk. Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications since a dosing mishap can cause serious harm. Most analgesics and musculoskeletal agents are Beers meds due to increased risk of falls in older patients)

• Indications: Pain

• Special Considerations: Schedule IV controlled substance

Acyclovir

• Brand Name: Zovirax

• Drug Class: Antiviral (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Viral Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Amikacin

• Brand Name: Amikin

• Drug Class: Aminoglycoside Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Amoxicillin

• Brand Name: Amoxil

• Drug Class: Penicillin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: Combined with clavulanate (Augmentin). Suspension has BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 14 days after reconstitution. Refrigeration is optional

Ampicillin

• Brand Name: Principin

• Drug Class: Penicillin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: Use IV solution within 1 hour after reconstitution

Ampicillin/Sulbactam

• Brand Name: Unasyn

• Drug Class: Penicillin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: Use within 2 hours after constitution if stored at room temp, and 4 hours after reconstitution if stored in the fridge

Amphotericin B

• Brand Name: Ambisome

• Drug Class: Antifungal (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Fungal Infections

• Special Considerations: Comes in conventional and liposomal forms

Azithromycin

• Brand Name: Zithromax

• Drug Class: Macrolide Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: Oral suspension has BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 10 days after reconstitution. Keep room temp.

Aztreonam

• Brand Name: Azactam

• Drug Class: Monobactam Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: None

Cefazolin

• Brand Name: Ancef

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: None

Cefprozil

• Brand Name: Cefzil

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: None

Ceftazidime

• Brand Name: Fortaz

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: None

Ceftriaxone

• Brand Name: Rocephin

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Cefuroxime

• Brand Name: Ceftin

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: None

Cephalexin

• Brand Name: Keflex

• Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: Suspension has BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 14 days after reconstitution. Refrigeration is necessary

Ciprofloxacin

• Brand Name: Cipro

• Drug Class: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: Oral suspension has BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 14 days after reconstitution. Refrigeration is optional

Clindamycin

• Brand Name: Cleocin

• Drug Class: Misc. Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Doxycycline

• Brand Name: Vibramycin

• Drug Class: Tetracycline Antibiotic

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: Avoid in pregnancy

Ertapenem

• Brand Name: Invanz

• Drug Class: Carbapenem Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Fluconazole

• Brand Name: Diflucan

• Drug Class: Antifungal

• Indications: Fungal Infection

• Special Considerations: Can interfere with normal reproduction, such as fertility

Gentamicin

• Brand Name: Garamycin

• Drug Class: Aminoglycoside Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Levofloxacin

• Brand Name: Levaquin

• Drug Class: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Linezolid

• Brand Name: Zyvox

• Drug Class: Misc. Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: May interact with other serotonergic meds

Meropenem

• Brand Name: Merrem

• Drug Class: Carbapenem Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

Metronidazole

• Brand Name: Flagyl

• Drug Class: Misc. Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: Avoid alcohol use

Penicillin

• Brand Name: Pen VK, Pfizerpen (Penicillin G)

• Drug Class: Antibiotic

• Indications: Bacterial Infections

• Special Considerations: Suspension has a BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 14 days after reconstitution. Refrigeration is necessary. Take oral version on empty stomach

Piperacillin/Tazobactam

• Brand Name: Zosyn

• Drug Class: Penicillin Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxale

• Brand Name: Bactrim Ds

• Drug Class: Antibiotic

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Vancomycin

• Brand Name: Vanocin

• Drug Class: Misc. Antibiotic (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Bacterial Infection

• Special Considerations: May cause “Red-man’s syndrome” with rapid infusion

Voriconazole

• Brand Name: Vfend

• Drug Class: Antifungal (Note: Most antibiotics may cause diarrhea and nausea. Watch for cross allergies between different antibiotic drug classes. “-vir” = antiviral; “-cillin” = antibiotic; “Ceph-” = cephalosporin antibiotic; “-floxacin” = fluoroquinolone antibiotic.)

• Indications: Fungal Infection

• Special Considerations: None

Alteplase

• Brand Name: Activase

• Drug Class: Thrombolytic (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Blood clot treatment

• Special Considerations: Requires special hospital protocol before use

Amiodarone

• Brand Name: Cordarone

• Drug Class: Anti-arrhythmic (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Arrhythmia

• Special Considerations: None

Carvedilol

• Brand Name: Coreg

• Drug Class: Beta-blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypertension

• Special Considerations: Use with caution in patients with asthma/COPD

Clevidipine

• Brand Name: Cleviprex

• Drug Class: Calcium channel blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Clonidine

• Brand Name: Catapres

• Drug Class: Alpha-2 agonist (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Dobutamine

• Brand Name: Dobutrex

• Drug Class: Vasopressor (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypotension

• Special Considerations: None

Dopamine

• Brand Name: Intropin

• Drug Class: Vasopressor (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypotension

• Special Considerations: None

Enoxaparin

• Brand Name: Lovenox

• Drug Class: Low molecular weight heparin (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Blood clot prevention and treatment

• Special Considerations: None

Epinephrine

• Brand Name: Adrenalin

• Drug Class: Vasopressor (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Allergic reactions, heart failure, hypotension

• Special Considerations: None

Esomolol

• Brand Name: Brevibloc

• Drug Class: Beta-blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Furosemide

• Brand Name: Lasix

• Drug Class: Loop diuretic (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Edema, hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Hydrochlorothiazide

• Brand Name: HydroDiuril

• Drug Class: Thiazide diuretic (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Edema, hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Labetalol

• Brand Name: Trandate

• Drug Class: Beta-blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Lisinopril

• Brand Name: Zestril

• Drug Class: ACEI (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypertension

• Special Considerations: Do not use in pregnancy

Losartan

• Brand Name: Cozaar

• Drug Class: ARB (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypertension

• Special Considerations: Do not use in pregnancy

Metoprolol

• Brand Name: Lopressor (IR), Toprol-XL (XR)

• Drug Class: Beta-blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Nicardipine

• Brand Name: Cardene

• Drug Class: Calcium channel blocker (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypertension

• Special Considerations: None

Nitroglycerin

• Brand Name: Nitrostat

• Drug Class: Nitrate (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Angina, heart failure, hypertensive emergency

• Special Considerations: High-alert med

Norepinephrine

• Brand Name: Levophed

• Drug Class: Vasopressor (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Heart failure, hypotension

• Special Considerations: None

Rivaroxaban

• Brand Name: Xarelto

• Drug Class: DOAC (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Blood clot treatment and prevention

• Special Considerations: 15 mg and 20 mg tablets should be taken with food

Vasopressin

• Brand Name: Vasostrict

• Drug Class: Vasopressor (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Hypotension

• Special Considerations: None

Warfarin

• Brand Name: Coumadin

• Drug Class: Anticoagulant (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Blood clots

• Special Considerations: Beers/High-alert med (due to bleeding). Developmental toxicity - can cause harm to unborn baby

Albuterol

• Brand Name: Ventolin

• Drug Class: Beta-2 agonist (Note: Rinse mouth with corticosteroid inhalers to prevent thrush (fungal infection))

• Indications: Asthma, COPD

• Special Considerations: Also called a “Rescue inhaler”

Diphenhydramine

• Brand Name: Benadryl

• Drug Class: Antihistamine

• Indications: Allergic reactions

• Special Considerations: None

Ipratropium/Albuterol

• Brand Name: Duoneb

• Drug Class: Short-acting antimuscarinic and beta-2 agonist (Note: Most meds that lower blood pressure and heart rate can cause dizziness. Vasopressors are high-alert, due to serious risk of harm from dosing mishaps. Generic names “-ilol, -olol” = beta-blocker, “-statin” = Statin cholesterol med (except for nystatin); “-pril” = ACE inhibitor, “-sartan” = ARB)

• Indications: Asthma, COPD

• Special Considerations: None

Insulin Apart

• Brand Name: Novolog

• Drug Class: Fast-acting insulin (Note: Diabetic meds, especially insulin, are high-alert, due to increased risk of low blood sugar due to dosing mishaps)

• Indications: Diabetes

• Special Considerations: Vial has BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 28 days once opened or stored at room temp

Insulin Glargine

• Brand Name: Lantus

• Drug Class: Long-acting insulin (Note: Diabetic meds, especially insulin, are high-alert, due to increased risk of low blood sugar due to dosing mishaps)

• Indications: Diabetes

• Special Considerations: Pen and vial have BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 28 days once used or stored at room temp

Insulin Lispro

• Brand Name: Humalog

• Drug Class: Short-acting insulin (Note: Diabetic meds, especially insulin, are high-alert, due to increased risk of low blood sugar due to dosing mishaps)

• Indications: Diabetes

• Special Considerations: Pen and vial have BUD (Beyond Use Date) of 28 days once opened or stored at room temp

Levothyroxine

• Brand Name: Levoxyl

• Drug Class: Thyroid replacement

• Indications: Hypothyroidism

• Special Considerations: Take oral version on empty stomach

Famotidine

• Brand Name: Pepcid

• Drug Class: H2-blocker (Note: PPIs end in “-prazole” (except aripiprazole). All 5-HT3 antagonists end in “-setron”. H2-blockers end in “-tidine. H2-blockers prevent the effects of histamine in the stomach)

• Indications: GERD

• Special Considerations: None

Metoclopramide

• Brand Name: Reglan

• Drug Class: GI stimulant

• Indications: N/V

• Special Considerations: None

Ondansetron

• Brand Name: Zofran

• Drug Class: 5-HT3 antagonist (Note: Diabetic meds, especially insulin, are high-alert, due to increased risk of low blood sugar due to dosing mishaps)

• Indications: N/V

• Special Considerations: None

Pantoprazole

• Brand Name: Protonix

• Drug Class: PPI (Note: Diabetic meds, especially insulin, are high-alert, due to increased risk of low blood sugar due to dosing mishaps. PPIs, Proton Pump Inhibitors, inhibit the proton pumps from producing acid in the stomach. Meds that ends in “-prazole” are PPIs)

• Indications: GERD

• Special Considerations: None

Prochlorperazine

• Brand Name: Compazine

• Drug Class: Phenothiazine

• Indications: N/V

• Special Considerations: None

Promethazine

• Brand Name: Phenergan

• Drug Class: Phenothiazine

• Indications: N/V

• Special Considerations: None

Alprazolam

• Brand Name: Xanax

• Drug Class: Benzodiazepine (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Anxiety

• Special Considerations: Schedule IV controlled substance

Bupivacaine

• Brand Name: Marcaine

• Drug Class: Anesthetic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Pre-procedural anesthesia

• Special Considerations: None

Diazepam

• Brand Name: Valium

• Drug Class: Benzodiazepine (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Muscle relaxant

• Special Considerations: Schedule IV substance

Gabapentin

• Brand Name: Neurotin

• Drug Class: GABA analogue (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Nerve pain, seizures

• Special Considerations: None

Haloperidol

• Brand Name: Haldol

• Drug Class: 1st generation antipsychotic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Agitation, schizophrenia

• Special Considerations: None

Ketamine

• Brand Name: Ketalar

• Drug Class: Anesthetic

• Indications: Pre-procedural anesthesia

• Special Considerations: Schedule III substance

Lidocaine

• Brand Name: Xylocaine

• Drug Class: Anesthetic

• Indications: Arrhythmia, pre-procdural anesthesia

• Special Considerations: Can be combined with epinephrine

Midazolam

• Brand Name: Versed

• Drug Class: Benzodiazepine (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Procedural sedation

• Special Considerations: Schedule IV controlled substance

Olanzapine

• Brand Name: Zyprexa

• Drug Class: 2nd generation antipsychotic

• Indications: Agitation, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia

• Special Considerations: None

Phenobarbital

• Brand Name: Luminal

• Drug Class: Anticonvulsant (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Seizures

• Special Considerations: Schedule IV controlled substance

Propofol

• Brand Name: Diprivan

• Drug Class: Anesthetic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Pre-procedural anesthesia

• Special Considerations: Use with caution in egg allergies

Ropivavacaine

• Brand Name: Naropin

• Drug Class: Anesthetic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Pre-procedural anesthesia

• Special Considerations: None

Trazadone

• Brand Name: Desyrel

• Drug Class: Sedative-hypnotic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Insomnia

• Special Considerations: None

Zolpidem

• Brand Name: Ambien

• Drug Class: Sedative-hypnotic (Note: Many nervous system agents cause dizziness and drowsiness, and should be used in caution with older patient (Beers list))

• Indications: Insomnia

• Special Considerations: None

Amitriptyline

• Brand Name: Elavil

• Drug Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)

• Indications: Depression (off-label: nerve pain, sleep)

• Special Considerations: None

Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymyxin B

• Brand Name: Neosporin

• Drug Class: Topical Antibiotic

• Indications: Prevents infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns

• Special Considerations: None

Bupropion

• Brand Name: Wellbutrin, Zyban

• Drug Class: Atypical Antidepressant (NDRI)

• Indications: Depression, smoking cessation (Zyban)

• Special Considerations: None

Ezetimibe

• Brand Name: Zetia

• Drug Class: Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor

• Indications: High cholesterol

• Special Considerations: None

Fenofibrate

• Brand Name: Tricor

• Drug Class: Fibrate

• Indications: High triglycerides, high cholesterol

Fluoxetine

• Brand Name: Prozac

• Drug Class: SSRI

• Indications: Depression, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia

• Special Considerations: None

Glipizide

• Brand Name: Glucotrol

• Drug Class: Sulfonylurea

• Indications: Type 2 diabetes

• Special Consideration: None

Levothyroxine

• Brand Name: Synthroid, Levoxyl

• Drug Class: Thyroid Hormone

• Indications: Hypothyroidism

• Special Considerations: None