CNS Stimulants ADHD Medications Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates excitatory neurons, increases dopamine & norepinephrine. Indications: ADHD, narcolepsy. Adverse Effects: Increased HR/BP, anxiety, tremor, insomnia, headache, decreased appetite, GI distress, dry mouth. Contraindications: Cardiac abnormalities, hypertension, anxiety, agitation, glaucoma, MAOI use (within 14 days). Nursing Implications: Administer 4-6 hours before bedtime. Take on an empty stomach. Monitor BP, pulse, weight, growth patterns in children. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Mechanism of Action: CNS stimulant affecting dopamine reuptake. Indications: ADHD, narcolepsy. Adverse Effects: Same as amphetamines. Nursing Implications: Same as amphetamines. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Mechanism of Action: Converted into dextroamphetamine. Indications: ADHD, binge-eating disorder. Nursing Implications: Similar to amphetamines. Atomoxetine (Strattera) Mechanism of Action: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Indications: ADHD (children >6 and adults). Adverse Effects: Lower abuse potential, less insomnia, but Black Box Warning for suicidal thoughts. Nursing Implications: Monitor mental health for suicidal ideation. Narcolepsy Medications Modafinil (Provigil) Mechanism of Action: Low abuse potential stimulant. Indications: Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder. Nursing Implications: Monitor BP & mental health. Antimigraine Medications Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Sumatriptan (Imitrex) Mechanism of Action: Serotonin receptor agonist, causing vasoconstriction. Indications: Acute migraine treatment. Adverse Effects: Tingling, flushing, chest tightness, rebound headaches if overused. Contraindications: Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, glaucoma. Nursing Implications: Administer at first sign of migraine. Avoid triggers. Monitor cardiac history. Endocrine Medications Pituitary Medications Somatropin (Humotrope) Mechanism of Action: Growth hormone replacement. Indications: Growth failure (hypopituitarism, HIV wasting). Adverse Effects: Hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, injection site reactions. Nursing Implications: Monitor growth, motor skills, thyroid, and glucose levels. Rotate injection sites. Octreotide (Sandostatin) Mechanism of Action: GH antagonist. Indications: Acromegaly, GH-producing tumors. Adverse Effects: GI distress, glucose changes, cardiac conduction issues. Nursing Implications: Monitor glucose, EKG, growth. ADH Medications Vasopressin (Pitressin) & Desmopressin (DDAVP) Mechanism of Action: Mimics ADH. Indications: Vasopressin: Hypotension, hemorrhage. Desmopressin: Diabetes insipidus, bedwetting. Adverse Effects: Increased BP, headache, GI distress. Nursing Implications: Monitor VS, urine output, cardiac status. Thyroid Medications Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Mechanism of Action: Synthetic T4. Indications: Hypothyroidism. Adverse Effects: Hyperthyroid symptoms. Nursing Implications: Administer before breakfast on an empty stomach. Monitor thyroid labs (TSH, T3, T4). Avoid iodine-rich foods, iron/calcium supplements. Propylthiouracil (PTU) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits thyroid hormone production. Indications: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bone marrow suppression. Nursing Implications: Monitor thyroid levels & CBC. Avoid iodine-rich foods. Radioactive Iodine (I-131) Mechanism of Action: Destroys thyroid tissue. Indications: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer. Adverse Effects: Radiation sickness, Pregnancy Category X. Nursing Implications: Radiation precautions: Avoid close contact, use separate utensils, increase fluids. Adrenal Medications Glucocorticoids Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef), Prednisone (Deltasone), Dexamethasone (Decadron), Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant. Indications: Adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Adverse Effects: Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, weight gain, Cushing’s syndrome. Musculoskeletal: Osteoporosis, muscle wasting. CV: Hypertension, edema. Neuro: Mood swings, insomnia. Nursing Implications: Administer in the morning with food. Taper off slowly to prevent adrenal crisis. Monitor glucose levels with long-term use. Avoid sick contacts due to immune suppression. Mineralocorticoids Fludrocortisone (Florinef) Mechanism of Action: Mimics aldosterone (Na & water retention). Indications: Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency. Adverse Effects: Hypertension, hypokalemia, edema. Nursing Implications: Monitor BP, electrolytes (Na, K). Immunosuppressants Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Tacrolimus (Prograf) Mechanism of Action: Suppresses immune response. Indications: Organ transplant, autoimmune diseases. Adverse Effects: Increased risk for infections, nephrotoxicity, diabetes. Nursing Implications: Strict dosing schedule (same time every day). Avoid grapefruit juice & styrofoam cups. No live vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Smallpox). Report any signs of infection immediately. Lifespan Considerations Pediatrics: Monitor growth in children using ADHD meds & growth hormones. Pregnancy: Avoid radioactive iodine (I-131) & immunosuppressants. Elderly: Caution with stimulants & corticosteroids (risk of cardiac issues, osteoporosis). Patient Teaching CNS Stimulants: Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Monitor growth (children). Thyroid Meds: Take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. Avoid iodine-rich foods if on PTU. Corticosteroids: Taper off gradually. Monitor glucose, avoid infections. Immunosuppressants: No live vaccines. Strict dosing schedule. Insulins Rapid-acting Insulins (Insulin lispro - Humalog, Insulin aspart - Novolog) Mechanism of Action: Fast-acting insulin that mimics natural insulin secretion in response to meals. Indications: Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, lipodystrophy at injection sites. Nursing Implications: Must eat a meal after injection. Administer subcutaneously (SQ) or via infusion pump. Clear, colorless solution. Short-acting Insulin (Regular insulin - Humulin R) Mechanism of Action: Provides short-term glucose control. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 30-60 min, Peak: 2.5 hr, Duration: 6-10 hr. Can be administered IV, IM, or SQ. Clear, colorless solution. Intermediate-acting Insulin (NPH - Isophane insulin suspension) Mechanism of Action: Delayed onset but prolonged glucose control. Indications: Often combined with regular insulin for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 1-2 hr, Peak: 4-8 hr, Duration: 10-18 hr. Cloudy suspension, administered SQ. Usually given twice daily before meals. Long-acting Insulins (Insulin glargine - Lantus, Insulin detemir - Levemir) Mechanism of Action: Provides basal insulin coverage with no peak effect. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia (less risk), weight gain. Nursing Implications: Onset: 1-2 hr, No peak, Duration: 24 hr. DO NOT mix with other insulins. Clear, colorless solution. Oral Antidiabetics Biguanides (Metformin - Glucophage) Mechanism of Action: Decreases hepatic glucose production & increases insulin sensitivity. Indications: First-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: GI discomfort, diarrhea, metallic taste, reduced B12 levels. Black Box Warning: Risk of lactic acidosis (especially in renal failure). Nursing Implications: Administer 30 min before meals. Hold if contrast dye is used (renal failure risk). Sulfonylureas (Glipizide - Glucotrol) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates pancreatic insulin release. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (early stages). Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, nausea. Contraindications: Sulfa allergy. Nursing Implications: Give 30 min before meals. Monitor for hypoglycemia. Glinides (Repaglinide - Prandin) Mechanism of Action: Increases insulin secretion from beta cells. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (postprandial glucose control). Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain. Black Box Warning: May exacerbate heart failure. Nursing Implications: Take with each meal, skip if meal is skipped. Glitazones (Pioglitazone - Actos) Mechanism of Action: Improves insulin sensitivity. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (often combined with metformin or sulfonylureas). Adverse Effects: Fluid retention, weight gain, fractures. Black Box Warning: May exacerbate heart failure. Nursing Implications: Weigh daily. Monitor for heart failure signs. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors (Acarbose - Precose) Mechanism of Action: Delays carbohydrate absorption. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (postprandial glucose control). Adverse Effects: GI issues (flatulence, diarrhea). Contraindications: GI disorders (IBD, malabsorption). Nursing Implications: Take with first bite of meal. DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins) (Sitagliptin - Januvia) Mechanism of Action: Enhances incretin hormone function. Indications: Adjunct to diet/exercise in Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: URI, headache, diarrhea. Nursing Implications: Take once daily, with or without food. SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Canagliflozin - Invokana) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits glucose reabsorption in kidneys. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (weight loss benefit). Adverse Effects: UTIs, yeast infections, dehydration, ketoacidosis. Nursing Implications: Take once daily before breakfast. Injectable Non-Insulin Medications Amylin Agonists (Pramlintide - Symlin) Mechanism of Action: Slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon. Indications: Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia. Contraindications: Gastroparesis. Nursing Implications: Inject before meals. Take at least 1 hr before oral meds. Incretin Mimetics (Exenatide - Byetta) Mechanism of Action: Enhances insulin secretion. Indications: Type 2 Diabetes (used when oral meds fail). Adverse Effects: GI symptoms, weight loss, thyroid tumors (Black Box Warning). Nursing Implications: Administer SQ 1 hr before meals. Glucose-Elevating Agents Glucagon Indications: Severe hypoglycemia. Adverse Effects: Vomiting (turn patient on side). Nursing Implications: Used when patient cannot take oral glucose. Dextrose 50% in Water (D50W) Indications: Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia. Nursing Implications: Administer IV. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Salicylates (Aspirin - ASA) Mechanism of Action: COX-1 & COX-2 inhibitor, antiplatelet. Indications: Pain, fever, inflammation, CV prevention. Adverse Effects: GI bleeding, Reye’s syndrome in children. Nursing Implications: Do not give to children with viral infections. Acetic Acid Derivative (Ketorolac - Toradol) Indications: Short-term pain management (up to 5 days). Adverse Effects: Renal impairment, GI distress. COX-2 Inhibitor (Celecoxib - Celebrex) Indications: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse Effects: CV risk (Black Box Warning). Contraindications: Sulfa allergy. Propionic Acid Derivatives (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) Indications: Pain, inflammation, fever. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bleeding risk. Antigout Medications Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Mechanism of Action: Reduces uric acid production. Indications: Chronic gout prevention. Adverse Effects: Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Nursing Implications: Take with food. Colchicine (Colcrys) Mechanism of Action: Reduces inflammatory response. Indications: Acute gout attack. Adverse Effects: GI distress, bleeding risk. Nursing Implications: Hydration (3L/day). Immunizations Active Immunizing Drugs Mechanism of Action: Stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens, offering long-term immunity. Indications: Prevention of infectious diseases. Adverse Effects: Common: Soreness, fever, mild rash. Severe: Fever >103°F, encephalitis, convulsions, anaphylaxis. Contraindications: Immunocompromised patients, pregnancy (some vaccines), active infections. Nursing Implications: Assess medical history, immune status, and pregnancy. Administer vaccines at appropriate sites: Infants: Mid-lateral thigh. Older children/adults: Deltoid muscle. Use warm compresses, Tylenol for mild reactions. Report severe reactions to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System). Examples of Active Immunizations: Diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, acellular pertussis (DTaP, Td): Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Prevents bacterial infections, especially in children. Hepatitis B vaccine: Prevents Hep B infection. Influenza vaccine: Annual vaccine for flu prevention. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Prevents viral infections. Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal infections (pneumonia, meningitis). Poliovirus vaccine (IPV): Prevents poliomyelitis. Rabies vaccine: Given for rabies exposure or pre-exposure prophylaxis. Human papillomavirus (HPV - Gardasil): Prevents HPV-related cancers. Herpes zoster (Zostavax, Shingrix): Protects against shingles. Varicella vaccine: Prevents chickenpox. Passive Immunizing Drugs Mechanism of Action: Provides preformed antibodies for immediate protection; temporary immunity. Indications: Post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk patients. Examples: Hepatitis B immunoglobulin: Post-exposure protection for Hepatitis B. Immunoglobulin: General immune support. Rabies immunoglobulin: Post-exposure prophylaxis after animal bites. Tetanus immunoglobulin: Used in unvaccinated individuals exposed to tetanus. Dermatologic Medications Antibacterials Bacitracin Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Indications: Minor skin infections. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching. Neomycin & Polymyxin B (Neosporin) Mechanism of Action: Broad-spectrum antibacterial. Indications: Minor wounds. Adverse Effects: Local irritation. Mupirocin (Bactroban) Indications: Topical: Treats impetigo (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus infections). Intranasal: Used for MRSA colonization. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching. Silver Sulfadiazine (Silvadene) Mechanism of Action: Acts on bacterial cell wall. Indications: Burn treatment (prevention of infection). Adverse Effects: Pain, burning, contraindicated in sulfa allergy. Antiacne Medications Benzoyl Peroxide Mechanism of Action: Releases oxygen, killing acne bacteria. Indications: Mild to moderate acne. Adverse Effects: Red, peeling skin, warmth. Tretinoin (Retin-A) Mechanism of Action: Vitamin A derivative, stimulates cell turnover. Indications: Acne, UV damage. Adverse Effects: Skin peeling, severe sunburn risk (use sunscreen). Isotretinoin (Accutane) Mechanism of Action: Sebaceous gland suppression. Indications: Severe cystic acne. Adverse Effects: Teratogenic (Pregnancy Category X), liver toxicity, mood changes. Black Box Warning: IPLEDGE Program (2 contraceptive methods required). Antifungals Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits fungal growth. Indications: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections. Adverse Effects: Local irritation. Miconazole (Monistat) Mechanism of Action: Antifungal, some Gram-positive action. Indications: Yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot. Adverse Effects: Burning, itching, pelvic cramps. Antivirals Acyclovir (Zovirax) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits viral DNA replication. Indications: Herpes simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2), shingles. Adverse Effects: Stinging, rash. Miscellaneous Dermatologics Permethrin (Elimite) Mechanism of Action: Neurotoxic to lice/scabies. Indications: Head lice, scabies. Adverse Effects: Itching, burning. Ophthalmic Medications Cholinergic Drugs (Miotics) Acetylcholine (Miochol-E) Indications: Induces miosis (pupil constriction) during surgery. Adverse Effects: Eye discomfort, blurred vision. Pilocarpine (Pilocar) Mechanism of Action: Stimulates cholinergic receptors, reduces intraocular pressure. Indications: Glaucoma, ocular surgery. Adverse Effects: Blurred vision, tearing, reduced night vision. Beta-Adrenergic Blockers Timolol (Timoptic) Mechanism of Action: Reduces aqueous humor production & increases outflow. Indications: Glaucoma, ocular hypertension. Adverse Effects: Eye irritation, systemic effects possible (bradycardia, hypotension). Otic Medications Ofloxacin (Floxin Otic) Mechanism of Action: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (bacterial DNA disruption). Indications: Otitis externa & media. Adverse Effects: Mild itching/pain. Carbamide Peroxide (Debrox) Mechanism of Action: Softens & breaks down earwax. Indications: Earwax removal. Adverse Effects: Ear irritation. Nursing Considerations Lifespan Considerations Pediatrics: Infants: Thigh for vaccines, avoid aspirin (Reye’s syndrome risk). Monitor growth with long-term corticosteroids. Pregnancy: Avoid live vaccines (MMR, varicella, HPV, Zoster). Avoid isotretinoin (teratogenic). Elderly: Caution with ophthalmic beta-blockers (can cause systemic effects). Monitor renal function with fluoroquinolones (ototoxicity risk). Patient Teaching Vaccines: Keep records, report reactions. Use Tylenol, not aspirin for fever. Dermatologics: Apply with gloves, wash hands before & after. Sunscreen required with tretinoin & isotretinoin. Ophthalmic/Otic: Apply pressure to inner canthus after eye drops (reduce systemic absorption). Hold ear up & back (adults), down & back (children) for otic drops