First 90 Drug Cards

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Lexapro for the first time?

May take up to 2 weeks to work. May impair mental alertness, avoid alcohol when taking medicine, do not abruptly discontinue medication, pay close attention to sudden changes in mood, and feelings.

What are the FDA indications/Dosages of Sertraline?

Treatment for depression, PTSD, agoraphobia, PMDD, and OCD. Start with 50 mg once daily, can take up to 200 mg/day (150 in PMDD patients).

Adverse effects of Zoloft

Nausea, dyspepsia, tremor, insomnia

Adverse affects of Famotidine

Headache, dizziness, constipation.

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Amph/Dexamph for the first time?

WARNING MAY BE HABIT FORMING. May cause dizziness, use caution when performing complicated tasks, cannot be refilled, do not exceed dosage,

What are some FDA indications/Dosages approved for Metformin

Used in addition to diet to lower blood sugar in patients who don't require insulin. Usual starting dose is one 500 mg tablet, given 2 times a day with meals. or 1 850 mg tablet with breakfast.

Most common dosage form of Vicoprofen?

Tablets, Elixir

Adverse effects for Gabapentin

Somnolence, Dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, tremors

What are the FDA indications/dosages for patients taking Levothyroxine?

Replacement therapy for reduced/absent thyroid function. Take 25-300 mcg orally once a day.

When taking Synthroid what lab values should be monitored?

TSH values

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Vivlodex for the first time?

May cause drowsiness avoid use caution when mental acuity is needed. May require up to 2 weeks before therapeutic effect is seen. Concurrent ingestion of alcohol may increase ulcerogenic effect. Take on empty stomach for better absorption, may take with food if need be. Avoid aspirin/aspirin containing products without consulting PCP. If dose is missed take ASAP unless next dosage time is near, if so take that dose and return to normal schedule, do not double dose.

Adverse effects of Diclofenac Sodium

Nausea, indigestion, fluid retention, cramping, headache, diarrhea

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Solodyn-ER for the first time?

Do not take antacids within 2 hrs of this medication. Take at even intervals and complete full course of therapy unless otherwise directed. Preferably taken on an empty stomach 1 hr before meals or 2 hrs after meals. If dose is missed take ASAP. Stop usage and contact PCP if vision becomes blurred or severe headaches persist.

What drug class are Famotidine (Pepcid), Omeprazole (Prilosec) a part of?

Gastric Antisecretory

What drugs treat high blood pressure (antihypertensives)?

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) , Losartan (Cozaar), Amlodipine Besylate ( Norvasc)

What is the only dosage form for Losartan Potassium ( Cozaar)

tablets.

Typically when taking a antihypertensive what should we monitor?

Blood pressure and Potassium levels (CrCl2 in Losartan)

What are the dosage forms and amounts for the drug Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Tablets, and oral suspension

What are the dosage forms and amounts for the drug Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Tablets

When taking Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) what are the FDA dosages and indications?

Indications: Used to treat hypertension
Dosages: 20-40 mg per day administered as a single daily dose

What are the indications/dosage amounts for Losartan (Cozaar)?

Treatment for hypertension, Start with 50 mg once daily (can be administered once/twice daily depending on the tablet taken)

What are the indications/dosages for Amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Treatment for hypertension, Start with 5 mg daily, MAXIMUM dose is 10 mg once daily

What Contraindications/Precautions are there when a patient is taking Lisinopril? What is the pregnancy category?

Contraindicated in patients with: a history of angioedema, and impaired renal function. Precaution: Hyperkalemia, Hypoglycemia (diabetics), and hypotension (discontinuance of medicine)
Pregnancy category: D

What adverse effects can come from Lisinopril?

Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Lisinopril for the first time?

Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium. No double doses if dose is missed, do not discontinue unless prompted by PCP.

What are the Contraindications/precautions when taking Losartan?

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY, use with caution in nursing mothers, contraindicated with aliskiren. Lower doses for people with impared liver function.
Pregnancy category: D

Losartan Potassium Adverse affects

upper respiratory infection, dizziness, nasal congestion, and cough

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Losartan for the first time?

when pregnancy is detected, discontinue ASAP, use with/without food.

What contraindications/precautions come with Amlodipine? What pregnancy category is it in?

increased risk of angina/heart attack. Use with caution in patients with CHF and liver issues
Pregnancy category: C

What are the FDA/indications when taking Trazodone?

Treatment for depression with/without anxiety. 150 mg daily initially, may increase if sig. drowsiness occurs. Not suitable for children under 18

Contraindications/precautions of Desryel

ANTIDEPRESSANTS INCREASE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS IN CHILDRE, ADOLESCENTS, AND ADULTS. Use with caution with pregnancy and patients that have had heart attacks/arrythmias. Priapism

Trazodone adverse affects

Drowsiness, dry mouth, hypotension, priapism

What are the contraindications/precautions of Escitalopram? What pregnancy category is it?

ANTIDEPRESSANTS INCREASE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND ADULTS. Contraindications with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. use with caution in patients with liver issues and nursing mothers.
Pregnancy category: C

What are the FDA indications/Dosages for Famotidine?

Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, duodenal/gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux. 20 mg-40 mg twice daily for 6-12 weeks

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Pepcid for the first time?

Shake suspension well, discard after 30 days. Antacids may be given with to relieve pain.

What are the FDA indications /Dosages for Atorvastatin?

Reduce elevated cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, LDL and HDL levels. reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, angina, and revascularization procedures. 10 mg-80 mg per day as directed.

What to monitor when on Atorvastatin

LFT (liver function test), Lipid panel

Contraindications/Precautions of Atorvastatin? What is its pregnancy category?

Don't take while pregnant/lactating. Contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, or patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. Perform liver tests every 6 weeks for first 3 months. Watch for myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
Pregnancy category: X

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Lipitor for the first time?

Closely follow prescribed die, avoid over exposure to sunlight due to photosensitivity, do not become pregnant while on therapy, limit alcohol use

What dosage forms are available for Adderall, Adderall XR

Tablets, Capsules (XR only)

FDA indications/dosages for Adderall

Treatment for narcolepsy, and ADHD. Recommended dosage is 20 mg per day (XR capsules)

FDA indications/Dosages of Hydrocodone Bitartrate with Acetaminophen

For the relief of moderate to severe pain. 1-2 tablets or 3 teaspoonful every 4-6 hrs as needed . Do not exceed 3.5 grams of acetaminophen in 24 hr period.

Gabapentin ( Neurontin, Gralise) is found in what drug class?

Anticonvulsants/Antineuralgics

What are the FDA indications/Dosages of Neurontin?

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures, and adults with epilepsy. Effective dose is 900 mg- 1800 mg divided into 3 different times throughout the day.

What are some common contraindications/precautions when taking Furosemide? What is it's pregnancy category?

Contraindicated in patients with anuria. Use with caution in patients with severe electrolyte depletion, patients who are on corticosteroids, patients with hepatic comas, and cirrhosis.
Pregnancy category: C

Levothyroxine Sodium is associated with what drug class?

Thyroid hormones

What are the brand names associated with Levothyroxine Sodium?

Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid

What kind of dosage forms are available for Levoxyl?

Tablets, and injections

What are some adverse affects associated with Levothroid

Very rare. Overdosage can result in hypermetabolic rates, hypoglycemia, fever, heart failure, and insomnia

What are the brand names, and common dosage forms Raloxifene HCl come in?

Evista. Tablets

What drug class does Meloxicam belong to?

NSAIDs

FDA indications/Dosages for Meloxicam?

For the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, RA, and juvenile RA. Recommended dose is 7.5 mg once daily

Contriandications/precautions for Mobic. What is it's pregnancy category?

NSAIDs MAY CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR THROBOTIC EVENTS, HEART ATTACK AND STROKE. HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN RARE CASES OF GI BLEEDING INCIDENTS. Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to NSAIDs, patients with advanced renal disease, and prior history of ulcer disease/GI bleeding. Use with caution in patients with liver and renal impairment, asthma, hypertension, heart failure, bleeding disorders, fluid retention, peptic ulcers, and the elderly. Use with caution during pregnancy.
Pregnancy category: C

Adverse effects of Meloxicam

GI issues, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, and flatulence

What lab tests should be monitored on patients taking Relafen?

RFTs and LFTs

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Relafen for the first time?

Concurrent ingestion of alcohol may increase ulcerogenic effects. May take up to 2 weeks before therapy is effective at improving arthritis. Take with food/milk. Contact PCP if side effects are severe or persistent.

Is Voltaren-XR on the BEERs list?

Yes

Adverse effects of Progesterone

Dizziness, headache, viral infection, breast pain, fatigue, irritability, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, blurred vision, and diarrhea

What brand names and dosage forms are available for Estrogens (systemic)

Premarin. Tablets, IV

FDA indications/dosages for Estrogens (systemic)

For the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, female hypogonadism, female castration, primary ovarian failure, breast cancer (palliation only), prostatic carcinoma, and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Take 1.25 mg daily

What name brands and dosage forms is Testosterone Gel available in?

Androgel, Fortesta, Testim. Topical gel packets, pups, and containers.

FDA indications/dosages for Androgel

For replacement therapy in adult males for absence of endogenous testosterone: hypogonadism. Recommended starting dose is 50 mg applied once daily.

Contraindications/precautions for Testosterone Gel. What is it's pregnancy category?

SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO TESTOSTERONE HAS CAUSED VIRILIZATION IN CHILDREN. Contraindicated in people with carcinoma of the breast and prostate. May increase symptoms of BPH and risk of prostate cancer. May cause polycythemia, check hematocrit every 3-6 months after starting treatment. Use with caution in patients with CHF due to edema, and in patients with hyperlipidemia
Pregnancy category: X

What brand names and dosage forms are available for Minocycline HCl

Minocin, Dynacin, Solodyn ER. Capsules, Tablets (normal and ER), Powder for injection.

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Benztropine Mesylate for the first time?

Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while using. Do not discontinue therapy unless otherwise directed. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot weather. May take with food. If dose is missed take ASAP unless next dose is near, if so skip the missed dose and return to normal schedule. Do not double dose.

What drug class does Hyoscyamine Sulfate belong to?

GI antispasmodic

Contraindications/precautions for Oxybutynin. What is it's pregnancy category?

Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angled glaucoma, urinary retention, and gastric retention. Use with caution in patients with renal/liver impairment, ulcerative colitis, GI obstruction and myasthenia gravis. Use with caution also in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and those taking bisphosphates. Heat prostration can occur in hot climates as well.
Pregnancy category: B

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Ditropan for the first time?

Avoid prolonged exposure to hot weather. May cause drowsiness, use with caution when mental acuity is needed. Swallow extended release tablets whole do not crush, spit, or chew. The semipermeable membrane tablet may be found intact in the stool. If dose is missed take ASAP unless next dose is near, if so wait until next dose and return to normal schedule. Do not double dose

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Trazodone for the first time?

Take with food, make cause drowsiness (caution with operating machinery/driving). Avoid alcohol when taking, look out for erections

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Furosemide for the first time?

Timing of the dose is important because of increased diuresis TAKE IN MORNING, avoid overexposure to sunlight, may cause orthostatic hypotension. May take with food/milk if GI upset occurs.

Contraindications/Precautions of Levothyroxine Sodium. What is it's pregnancy category?

NOT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS. Use in cautions in nursing mothers, patients with cardiovascular disorders, hypopituitarism, or diabetes. Contraindicated in patients taking anticoagulants and adrenal cortical insufficiency.
Pregnancy category: A

Adverse effects of Amlodipine

edema, flushing, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Amlodipine for the first time?

May take without food, do not take OTC cough/cold medicine without checking first. do not stop therapy unless you consult your PCP

Which drugs belong to the antidepressant drug class?

Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro), Sertraline Hydrochloride (Zoloft), Trazodone Hydrochloride ( Desyrel, Oleptro).

What are the common dosage forms for Trazodone? Which name brand is extended release?

Tablets, Oleptro

What are the dosage forms for Escitalopram?

tablets, oral solution

What are the FDA indications/dosages for Escitalopram

For treatment of depression. Begin with 10 mg dose once a day and gradually increase to 20 mg once daily. Full effects may not be seen for 4 weeks after starting. Don't exceed 10 mg/day in elderly patients with f'up livers.

Adverse effects of Escitalopram

Nausea, insomina, somnolence, penis issues.

What forms of the drug are available for Sertraline?

Tablets, and Oral concentrate

What are the contraindications/precautions of Sertraline? What is the pregnancy category?

ANTIDEPRESSANTS INCREASE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND YOUNG ADULTS. Use with caution in patients with renal/hepatic impairment

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Sertraline for the first time?

May impair mental awareness, may take a few weeks before medicine works, oral concentrate must be diluted before uses, avoid alcohol while taking medicine, do not abruptly stop medication.

What are the dosage forms for Pepcid?

Tablets, Powder for oral suspension, Injection, premixed injection

Contraindications/precautions while using famotidine. What pregnancy category is it?

Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function, and pregnancy/lactation. Avoid in patients hypersensitive to this drug.
Pregnancy category: B

What dosage form is Omeprazole given in?

Capsules

FDA indications/Dosages of Omeprazole

Treatment of duodenal ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis, and pathological hypersecretory conditions like endocrine adenomas, and mastocytosis. 20 mg given once daily

What to monitor in patients that take Prilosec?

BMD (bone mineral density), and Mg

Contraindications/precautions of omeprazole. what is the Pregnancy category

N/A. In extremely high doses gastric carcinoid tumors. Pregnancy category: C

Adverse effects of Omeprazole

Extremely rare. If there is usually back pain, cough, constipation

What should be said when counseling a patient picking up Omeprazole for the first time?

Take 30 minutes prior to eating, antacids may be taken simultaneously, contents can be taken with applesauce if patients can't swallow capsules.

What drug is categorized as a antihyperlipidemic

Atorvastatin Calcium (Lipitor)

What dosage forms are available for Atorvastatin?

Tablets

Adverse effects of Atorvastatin

constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence

What drug class is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Salts (Adderall, Adderall XR)

CNS agent for ADHD

What drug class is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine a part of

Schedule II

Contraindications/preautions of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. What is the pregnancy category?

CNS STIMULATES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE. Do not use in patients with a history of drug abuse. Contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease , hypertension, hyperthyroidism.
Pregnancy category: C

Adverse effects of Adderall

Restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, tachycardia, anorexia, dry mouth, headache

What drug class does Metformin Hydrochloride belong to?

Antidiabetics

What are the brand names for Metformin, and what are the common dosage forms?

Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet. The common dosage forms are Tablets and XR tablets. Riomet is available in a oral solution

What should a pharmacist/physician monitor when a patient is taking Glucophage?

FBG (fasting blood glucose), HBA-1c, RFT (renal function tests)

Contraindications/Precautions of Metformin? What is it's pregnancy category?

Contraindicated in patients with renal impairment, hepatic impairment. MAY CAUSE LACTIC ACIDOSIS WHICH IS FATAL. HYPOTHERMIA, HYPOTENISON, RESISTANT BRADYARRYTHMIAS. RISK FACTORS INCLUDE: OLD AGE, RADIOLOGICAL STUDIES WITH CONTRAST, SURGERY, HYPOXIC STATES, AND EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL USE.
Pregnancy category: B