Pharmacology of Hematological Agents

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to pharmacology concepts focused on hematological agents, their administration, mechanisms of action, indications, and important patient education points.

Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol)

An iron supplement used for treating iron-deficiency anemia.

Administration Guidelines

Dilute liquid forms, use a plastic straw, avoid antacids or milk, preferably take on an empty stomach, store in a light-resistant container.

Expected Effects of Ferrous Sulfate

Stools may turn black; therapeutic responses include improved energy and increased appetite.

Adverse Effects of Ferrous Sulfate

Monitor for nausea, constipation, epigastric pain, and vomiting.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B₁₂)

A water-soluble vitamin essential for cell reproduction and hematopoiesis.

Mechanism of Action of Vitamin B₁₂

Required for nucleoprotein and myelin synthesis; it supports normal erythropoiesis.

Absorption of Vitamin B₁₂

Requires intrinsic factor, which is secreted by gastric parietal cells for intestinal absorption.

Indications for Vitamin B₁₂

Used for pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and deficiency states.

Administration Routes for Vitamin B₁₂

Oral forms (tablets, sublingual, intranasal) and intramuscular injections.

Expected Effects of Vitamin B₁₂

Improvement in anemia symptoms, prevention of irreversible neurologic damage.

Folic Acid (Folvite)

A B-complex vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell reproduction.

Mechanism of Action of Folic Acid

Necessary for normal erythropoiesis and nucleoprotein synthesis, affecting cell growth.

Indications for Folic Acid

Megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency and prevention of neural tube defects.

Critical Assessment Before Folic Acid Administration

Differentiate between folic acid deficiency and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency to avoid masking symptoms.

Epoetin Alfa (Epogen, Procrit)

An erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, a synthetic form of erythropoietin.

Mechanism of Action of Epoetin Alfa

Stimulates RBC progenitor cells in the bone marrow, increasing RBC synthesis.

Indications for Epoetin Alfa

Used in anemia associated with end-stage renal disease and chemotherapy.

Administration Routes for Epoetin Alfa

IV or subcutaneous injection; do not shake the vial.

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor that promotes granulocyte production.

Indications for Filgrastim

Prevention/treatment of febrile neutropenia and reduction of infection duration.

Drug Interactions of Filgrastim

Caution with lithium and corticosteroids; avoid myelosuppressive antineoplastics.

Monitoring for Adverse Effects of Filgrastim

Monitor ANC, vital signs, injection sites, and signs of infection.