pre-placement drug and disease quick

Allopurinol

Lowers uric acid (gout); monitor renal function and rash (SJS), encourage hydration, avoid starting during an acute gout flare if possible.

Amlodipine

Calcium channel blocker for hypertension/angina; may cause hypotension, dizziness and ankle oedema—monitor BP.

Amitriptyline

Tricyclic antidepressant for depression/neuropathic pain; causes sedation and anticholinergic effects, avoid with MAOIs, monitor suicide risk.

Amoxicillin

Penicillin antibiotic; check allergy before administration and monitor for diarrhoea or anaphylaxis.

Apixaban

Direct oral anticoagulant (Factor Xa inhibitor) preventing stroke/DVT/PE; monitor for bleeding and avoid with active bleeding.

Aspirin

Antiplatelet/NSAID preventing thrombosis and reducing pain/fever; risk of GI bleeding and avoid in active ulcers or aspirin allergy.

Atenolol

Beta-blocker lowering HR and BP; monitor pulse/BP, may cause bradycardia, avoid abrupt withdrawal and use cautiously in asthma.

Atorvastatin

Statin lowering LDL cholesterol; monitor liver enzymes and muscle pain (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis), avoid in pregnancy.

Ciprofloxacin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic; may cause tendon rupture and QT prolongation, avoid with dairy/antacids and use cautiously in older adults.

Enoxaparin

Low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant preventing/treating DVT/PE; monitor for bleeding/HIT and avoid IM injections.

Entacapone

COMT inhibitor prolonging levodopa effect in Parkinson's disease; may cause diarrhoea and orange-brown urine, monitor dyskinesias.

Erythromycin

Macrolide antibiotic; monitor for GI upset, QT prolongation and significant CYP450 drug interactions.

Ezetimibe

Cholesterol absorption inhibitor lowering LDL; monitor liver function (especially with statins) and watch for muscle pain.

Fentanyl

Potent opioid analgesic; monitor respiratory rate, sedation and BP, have naloxone available if overdose suspected.

Furosemide

Loop diuretic removing excess fluid; monitor BP, urine output, electrolytes (especially potassium) and renal function.

Insulin

Lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake; monitor BGLs closely, watch for hypoglycaemia and ensure meal timing matches rapid-/short-acting insulin.

Lactulose

Osmotic laxative treating constipation and hepatic encephalopathy; monitor bowel motions, hydration and electrolytes as diarrhoea may occur.

Linagliptin

DPP-4 inhibitor increasing insulin release and decreasing glucagon; low risk of hypoglycaemia alone, monitor for pancreatitis symptoms.

Metformin

Biguanide reducing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity; monitor renal function, take with food for GI upset and withhold around iodinated contrast if indicated.

Morphine

Opioid analgesic for severe pain; monitor pain, sedation, respirations and constipation, avoid in severe respiratory depression.

Potassium

Electrolyte replacement treating hypokalaemia; never give IV push, monitor ECG and serum potassium to prevent arrhythmias.

Prednisone

Corticosteroid reducing inflammation/immunity; monitor glucose and infection risk, taper gradually after prolonged use.

Rosuvastatin

High-potency statin lowering LDL cholesterol; monitor liver function, CK if muscle pain occurs and avoid in pregnancy.

Simvastatin

Statin reducing cholesterol and cardiovascular risk; monitor for myopathy and liver dysfunction, avoid grapefruit juice.

Sodium (Sodium Chloride)

Electrolyte/fluid replacement maintaining fluid balance; monitor sodium levels and avoid rapid correction of hyponatraemia.

Sodium Fluoride

Prevents dental caries by strengthening enamel; avoid excessive intake due to fluorosis risk.

Spironolactone

Potassium-sparing diuretic/aldosterone antagonist for HF and hypertension; monitor potassium and renal function to prevent hyperkalaemia.

Tapentadol

Opioid analgesic with noradrenaline reuptake inhibition; monitor sedation and respiratory depression, avoid with MAOIs.

Tramadol

Weak opioid analgesic with serotonin/noradrenaline effects; monitor for seizures, serotonin syndrome and respiratory depression.

Warfarin

Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant; monitor INR closely, watch for bleeding and maintain consistent vitamin K intake.

Paracetamol

First-line analgesic/antipyretic; monitor total daily dose (max 4 g/day, often lower in frail older adults) and liver function.

Pantoprazole

Proton pump inhibitor reducing gastric acid; monitor for long-term vitamin B12 deficiency, hypomagnesaemia and fractures.

Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitor for GORD/ulcers; use the lowest effective dose and monitor for long-term adverse effects.

Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN)

Nitrate relieving angina by vasodilation; monitor BP, headache and ensure the patient is seated before administration.

Digoxin

Cardiac glycoside for AF/HF; monitor pulse (<60 bpm—hold and notify), renal function and toxicity (nausea, vision changes).

Perindopril

ACE inhibitor for hypertension/HF; monitor BP, renal function and potassium, watch for dry cough and angioedema.

Ramipril

ACE inhibitor lowering BP and cardiac workload; monitor renal function, potassium and hypotension.

Candesartan

ARB treating hypertension/HF; monitor BP, potassium and renal function, avoid in pregnancy.

Clopidogrel

Antiplatelet preventing stroke/MI; monitor for bleeding and avoid concurrent NSAIDs unless prescribed.

Bisoprolol

Beta-blocker slowing HR and reducing BP; monitor pulse/BP and do not stop abruptly.

Docusate + Senna

Stool softener + stimulant laxative treating constipation; monitor bowel function and avoid prolonged overuse.

Macrogol (Movicol)

Osmotic laxative for constipation; encourage adequate fluids and monitor bowel motions.

Ondansetron

5-HT3 antagonist antiemetic; monitor QT prolongation and constipation.

Oxycodone

Opioid analgesic; monitor pain, sedation, respiratory rate and constipation, have naloxone available if needed.

Cephalexin

Cephalosporin antibiotic; check allergy history and monitor for diarrhoea and rash.

Nitrofurantoin

Antibiotic for uncomplicated UTIs; avoid in severe renal impairment and monitor for pulmonary toxicity with long-term use.

Salbutamol

Short-acting bronchodilator relieving bronchospasm; monitor respiratory status, HR and tremor.

Tiotropium

Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA) for COPD; ensure correct inhaler technique and monitor for dry mouth.

Sertraline

SSRI antidepressant; monitor mood, hyponatraemia (especially elderly) and serotonin syndrome.

Mirtazapine

Antidepressant often used in older adults; causes sedation and increased appetite/weight gain.

Donepezil

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor slowing Alzheimer's progression; monitor HR, GI upset and weight loss.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist for moderate-severe dementia; monitor dizziness and confusion.

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Main Parkinson's medication replacing dopamine; monitor mobility, dyskinesias and postural hypotension.

Melatonin

Sleep aid; monitor effectiveness and daytime drowsiness while reinforcing sleep hygiene.

Diazepam

Benzodiazepine for anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms; monitor sedation and respiratory depression, avoid alcohol/CNS depressants and long-term dependence.

Hypertension

Persistently elevated blood pressure; signs are often absent but may include headache/dizziness—monitor BP, medication adherence and postural hypotension.

Heart Failure (HF)

Heart cannot pump blood effectively; symptoms include dyspnoea, oedema, fatigue, orthopnoea and weight gain—monitor fluid balance, daily weights, lung sounds and oedema.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Irregular, rapid atrial rhythm increasing stroke risk; symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fatigue or dyspnoea—monitor pulse, anticoagulation and signs of stroke/bleeding.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis; presents with angina (chest pain), dyspnoea and fatigue—assess chest pain promptly and monitor cardiovascular risk factors.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Blocked coronary artery causing myocardial death; symptoms include crushing chest pain, sweating, nausea, dyspnoea and pain radiating to the jaw or left arm—treat as an emergency and monitor ECG/vital signs.

Stroke (CVA)

Interrupted blood supply to the brain; symptoms include facial droop, unilateral weakness, speech changes and vision loss (FAST)—monitor neurological status, swallowing and aspiration risk.

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary interruption of cerebral blood flow ("mini-stroke"); symptoms are stroke-like but resolve within 24 hours—requires urgent assessment due to high future stroke risk.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin resistance causing hyperglycaemia; symptoms include polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue and blurred vision—monitor BGLs, recognise hypo/hyperglycaemia and assess feet regularly.

Hypoglycaemia

Blood glucose <4 mmol/L; symptoms include sweating, shaking, confusion, hunger and reduced consciousness—check BGL immediately and administer fast-acting glucose.

Hyperglycaemia

High blood glucose; symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision—monitor BGLs, hydration and investigate underlying causes.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive loss of kidney function; symptoms include fatigue, oedema, hypertension and reduced urine output—monitor renal function, electrolytes and fluid balance.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Sudden decline in renal function; signs include oliguria, rising creatinine and fluid overload—monitor urine output, electrolytes and treat the underlying cause.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Progressive airflow limitation (chronic bronchitis/emphysema); symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, wheeze and dyspnoea—monitor oxygenation, work of breathing and exacerbations.

Asthma

Reversible airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction; symptoms include wheeze, cough, chest tightness and dyspnoea—assess respiratory status and response to bronchodilators.

Pneumonia

Infection of the lung tissue; symptoms include fever, productive cough, dyspnoea, crackles and low oxygen saturation—monitor respiratory observations and signs of sepsis.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial infection of the urinary tract; symptoms include dysuria, urgency, frequency and suprapubic pain, while older adults often present with confusion or delirium—monitor symptoms and hydration.

Sepsis

Life-threatening organ dysfunction from infection; signs include fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnoea and altered mental state—recognise early deterioration and escalate immediately.

Dementia

Progressive decline in memory and cognition; symptoms include memory loss, confusion, poor judgement and behavioural changes—maintain safety, orientation and person-centred communication.

Delirium

Acute reversible disturbance in attention and cognition; symptoms include sudden confusion, agitation, fluctuating consciousness and hallucinations—identify and treat the underlying cause urgently.

Parkinson's Disease

Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons; symptoms include resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability—give medications on time and monitor mobility and swallowing.

Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of joint cartilage; symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion—manage pain and encourage safe mobility.

Osteoporosis

Reduced bone density increasing fracture risk; usually asymptomatic until fracture—prevent falls and support bone health.

Depression

Mood disorder causing persistent low mood; symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep/appetite changes and suicidal thoughts—monitor mood and suicide risk.

Anxiety

Excessive fear or worry; symptoms include restlessness, palpitations, tremor and difficulty concentrating—provide reassurance and monitor treatment response.

Constipation

Infrequent or difficult bowel motions; symptoms include hard stools, abdominal discomfort and bloating—encourage fluids, fibre, mobility and monitor bowel function.

Faecal Impaction

Large hard stool obstructing the rectum; symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation and overflow diarrhoea—assess bowel history and escalate for management.

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control; symptoms include involuntary urine leakage, urgency or frequency—identify reversible causes, protect skin and promote toileting schedules.

Pressure Injury

Localised skin/tissue damage from prolonged pressure; signs include persistent redness, skin breakdown or ulcers—reposition regularly, inspect skin and optimise nutrition.

Falls

Unintentional descent to the ground; risk factors include poor balance, medications, frailty and orthostatic hypotension—assess falls risk and ensure a safe environment.

Frailty

Reduced physiological reserve increasing vulnerability to stressors; signs include weakness, slow walking, weight loss and exhaustion—focus on nutrition, strength and maintaining independence.

Malnutrition

Deficiency of energy or nutrients; signs include weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness and poor wound healing—monitor intake, weight and refer to dietetics.

Dehydration

Insufficient body water; symptoms include thirst, dry mucous membranes, hypotension, tachycardia and confusion—monitor fluid intake, urine output and vital signs.

Anaemia

Reduced haemoglobin or red blood cells; symptoms include fatigue, pallor, dyspnoea and dizziness—monitor symptoms and investigate the cause.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clot in a deep vein (usually the leg); symptoms include unilateral swelling, pain, warmth and redness—monitor for progression and pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Blood clot blocking a pulmonary artery; symptoms include sudden dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia and hypoxia—requires immediate escalation.

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

Reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus; symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort—encourage upright positioning after meals and monitor symptoms.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing; symptoms include coughing during meals, choking, drooling and recurrent aspiration—screen swallowing before oral intake and follow speech pathology recommendations.

Pressure Ulcer Infection

Infection of a pressure injury; signs include increasing pain, redness, warmth, purulent discharge and fever—monitor wounds closely and report signs of infection.

Terminal/Palliative Care

Care focused on comfort rather than cure in life-limiting illness; common symptoms include pain, dyspnoea, fatigue, nausea and anxiety—prioritise symptom control, dignity and family support.