Pharmacology Made Easy: Medication Information

These flashcards cover essential medication information and pharmacology concepts relevant to upcoming exams.

What is the therapeutic use of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose?

To treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with or without other medications.

What are common adverse drug reactions of acarbose?

Gastrointestinal effects, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, and anemia.

What should be monitored during treatment with acarbose?

Hyperactive bowel sounds, distention, diarrhea, liver enzymes, and CBC.

How should acarbose be administered?

Give with the first bite of food, three times a day.

What instructions should be given to clients taking acarbose regarding missed doses?

If they skip a meal, they should also skip the dose taken with that meal.

What are contraindications for acarbose use?

Gastrointestinal disorders, obstruction, and ulceration.

What is the therapeutic use of amylin mimetics like pramlintide?

To treat Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus as a supplement to insulin or other medications.

What must be monitored after administering pramlintide?

For manifestations of hypoglycemia, especially within 3 hours post-dosing.

How is pramlintide administered?

Subcutaneously in the thigh or abdomen before meals containing at least 30g of carbohydrates.

What are common adverse drug reactions associated with pramlintide?

Hypoglycemia, nausea, and injection site reactions.

What are the therapeutic uses of desmopressin?

To treat diabetes insipidus.

What should clients be instructed to report while taking desmopressin?

Pounding headache, sleepiness, fluid retention, or weight gain.

What are common adverse drug reactions of desmopressin?

Fluid retention, hyponatremia, and seizures.

What effect does radioactive iodine have in treating hyperthyroidism?

It helps treat hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) and thyroid cancer.

What is a potential adverse reaction of radioactive iodine therapy?

Hypothyroidism, requiring further medication therapy.

What should be monitored after administering radioactive iodine?

Thyroid function and for signs of thyroid dysfunction.

What are the therapeutic uses of metformin?

To treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What is a serious adverse drug reaction associated with metformin?

Lactic acidosis.

How should metformin be administered?

Orally, twice a day with meals or once a day as an extended-release.

What are the contraindications for metformin use?

Diabetic ketoacidosis, renal insufficiency, and acute myocardial infarction.

What are the therapeutic uses of insulin like lispro and glargine?

To manage diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes).

What should clients with diabetes be instructed to carry at all times?

A carbohydrate snack or glucose tablets.

What are important instructions regarding insulin injections?

Always rotate injection sites and do not use cold insulin.

What are common adverse drug reactions of glucagon?

Gastrointestinal effects and hypotension.

What is an important client instruction for those receiving glucagon?

To turn unconscious clients on their side to prevent aspiration.

What are the therapeutic uses of empagliflozin?

To treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and cardiovascular disease.

What should clients on empagliflozin monitor?

Blood glucose, blood pressure, and hydration status.

What are the therapeutic uses of levothyroxine?

To treat hypothyroidism.

What should be monitored during treatment with levothyroxine?

Thyroid function tests and signs of hyperthyroidism.

What are potential interactions with levothyroxine?

Antacids, iron, calcium supplements, and food can reduce absorption.