Drug class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse Effects/ Misc.

/Tracking

I
Blood pressure A: Block ACE from converting A: COUGH, Angioedema,
A1 to A2 = LOWER BP Hyperkalemia
ACE “PRIL”
Catopril (capoten) T: Take on empty stomach
Decreases aldosterone production
Inhibitors Increases potassium
NSAIDS reduce med
Lisinopril (Zestil) Loses sodium and fluid
No bananas, avocados,
kiwi, cashews, green leafy
Decrease effectiveness
salt substitutes bc they
effectiveness of contain K+
birth control
T: HTN, CHF, DM Neuropathy Use CAUTIOUSLY pt
severe CHF clients
Blood pressure A: Bind with A2 receptors, A: Hypotensive effects,
“SARTAN” block vasoconstriction GI Sensitivity
Angiotensin
Losartan aldosterone = LOWER BP T: Use CAUTIOUSLY with hepatic
II
Receptor (Cozaar) or renal dysfunction
Candesartan *Decreases effectiveness of
Blockers Phenobarbital
Decrease (Atacard) *Cardizem decreases ARB’s
effectiveness of
birth control T: HTN, DM Nephropathy effectiveness
Blood pressure Alpha Blocker = “ZOSIN” A: Block alpha 1 or 2 in A: CNS effects, GI effects,
Prazosin (mini-press) heart = LOWER BP Hypotension, Edema
Doxazosin (cardura)
Sympathetic Misc: Alpha 1 or 2; Alpha 2 no
Nervous T: HTN, BPH ending; Clonidine (Catapres)
System
Beta blocker = “OLOL”
metoprolol (Lopressor) A: Block Beta cells in smooth A: CNS effects, Cardiac effects,
Bronchospasm, Hyperglycemia **

Blockers
atenolol (Tenormin)
muscle of heart = LOWER BP MASK SYMPTOMS OF
HYPOGLYCEMIA
“A” or “I” before LOL
(Alpha/Beta) labetalol (Trandate) T: First dose effect= ONLY FOR 2 weeks

-
carvedilol (Coreg) T: HTN, Tachycardia, Angina Use CAUTIOUSLY in COPD pt

Blood pressure “DIPINE” A: Inhibits Ca ions across A: Headache, Edema, Heart

nifedipine (Procardia) cardiac muscle = LOWER block, CNS depression
Calcium amlodipine (Norvasc)
BP + DECREASES cardiac T: do NOT take with
Channel 2 EXCEPTIONS** workload GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
Blockers diltiazem (Cardiazem)
T: HTN, Cardiac Misc: “Very Nice Drugs”
&
&

V-erapamil
verapamil arrhythmia’s, Angina, N-ifedipine
Promotes oxygenation D-iltiazem
A: Act on smooth muscle to A: Related to change in BP, GI upset, Cyanide
Blood pressure toxicity, SUPER HYPOTENSIVE
“No ending” create muscle relaxation =
nitroprusside LOWER BP T: Use CAUTIOUSLY in pt with CAD, CHF, Tachycardia,
PVD
Vasodilators & **Used for severe hypertension

IV=faster results, hypertensive hydralazine

crisis
Pill= low-dose maintenance T: HTN, Hypertensive
crisis= retinol detachment
Heart failure HR <60 DONT GIVE A: Increases Ca+ during A: Headache, Weakness, Drowsiness, Yellow/
Green HALO GI upset, Anorexia, Arrhythmia
ANTIDOTE= Digoxin immune fab
depolarization Contraindications: Ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation,
Cardiac Digoxin (Lanoxin) When they have heart failure, we are
heart block, sick sinus syndrome

T:
Drug-drug interactions MOST AT RISK = ** Potassium-
improving the contractility with digoxin. We
Glycosides Norm Creat: 0.6-1.2 are trying to remove the fluid with the diuretics
losing dietetics Cholestyramine, charcoal, colestipol,
bleomycin, cyclophosphamide or methotrexate
Digoxin Toxic 0.5-2.0 over 2.0….
2.5=TOXIC
CHF to reduce the fluid. We are also reducing
electrolytes which are important for the
Considerations: Electrolyte abnormalities weight cardiac
status skin and mucous membranes affect orientation and
Get a Lab value
A-fib functionality of the heart, calcium, reflexes, vital signs (APICAL PULSE), urinary output,
K+ below 3.5 Increases risk magnesium, potassium, sodium. kidney & liver function, history & physical
Trouble reading Improve contractility
Addressing calcium
Goal is to make the heart beat contract, NOT make the
heartbeat, harder and faster
Drug class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse Effects/Misc./Teaching

A: Blocks phosphodiesterase A: Arrhythmias, Hypotension, Thrombocytopenia,

Heart failure Pericarditis, Chest pain, Fever, Pleuritis, burning @
INCREASES cAMP injection site, nausea/vomiting
“RINONE” **Myocardial For low ejection
fraction patients Drug interaction: furosemide (Lasix) aka loop diuretic
Phosphodiesterase Cell cyclic Creates IV interaction
Inhibitors milrinone (Primacor)
Adenosine
Amrinone Calcium stronger contraction relaxes
smooth muscle in heart
T: CHF
Patients are usually on DIG at the same time or are not
HCN responding to DIG

Blockers Ending A: Vasodilation = relaxation in Caution: Hepatic/Renal disease & hypotension

A:
smooth muscle INCREASES O2
“NITRATE”
CNS: headache, dizziness, weakness
GI: Nausea, vomiting
delivery decrease workload OR: HYPOTENSION
Isosorbide Misc: flushing pallor INCREASED perspiration

Nitrate
Sublingual

Nitroglycerine Take 1 pill

Go to ER
Up to 3
Routes Translingual spray Must wait 5 min b/w each dose
Nursing Considerations
IV, Sublingual, Oral SR (sustain History & physical exam= previous heart attack or any heart damage?
release)
Topical ointment
T: Stable angina, Prevent Early MI, head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, any type of low, cardiac output:
hypotension, hypovolemia, anemia, or low cardiac output states
OLDCARTS Pain assessment

Translucent patch
Trans mucosal tab
MI, Treats unstable angina Vital signs extended ST segment = heart attack
Labs= troponin level
low = heartburn anxiety
high = heart attack

A: increase low blood A: headache =theBoost

brain
of the blood to

Vasopressors pressure hypotension hypertension

Adrenergic’s tachycardia
wake up the Ex:
2nd/3rd agent Diuretics: If
Antihypotensive body Midodrine
the bolus of fluid didn’t
agents Dobutamine
T: severe hypotension, blood Dopamine work, change body
position, give a liter of
pressure of 80/40 Epinephrine
Levophed fluid water into IV
Drug Class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse/Teaching

#
A: Medication binds to bile acids (high in cholesterol) in the A: Headache, fatigue, & drowsiness
Cholesterol intestines Direct GI irritation- nausea, increased bleeding
Insoluble complex forms & is excreted in feces times
Therefore, by the liver metabolizing the cholesterol to Vitamin A & D DEFICIENCIES need Ca for Vit D to
(Resins) INCREASE production of BILE ACIDS the BLOOD be absorbed
Bile Acid Choletyramine CHOLESTEROL LOWERS *DO NOT give to pts with complete biliary
obstruction
Sequestrates Colestipol (colestid) *Decrease effectiveness of DIGOXIN, WARFARIN,
THYROID HORMONES, THIAZIDE DIURETICS &
Colesevelam (Welchol) T: Reduces elevated serum cholesterol levels CORTICOSTEROIDS
Hypercholesterolemia
Pruritus (associated with partial biliary obstruction)
ONLY LOWERS LDL

A: HMG-CoA is an enzyme that is a catalyst during the GI Symptoms: flatulence, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea,
Cholesterol manufacturing of cholesterol vomiting, & constipation
“STATIN” These drugs block the enzyme therefore blocking the CNS: Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, fatigue
Liver failure
synthesis of cholesterol
HMG-COA Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Report signs of myopathy leads to
RHABDOMYOLYSIS (breakdown of myoglobin muscle tissue
Reductase Pravastatin (Pravachol) release into blood can damage kidneys)
DO NOT give to anyone with active liver disease
Inhibitors Simvastatin (Zocor) CAUTIOUS for people with alcohol abuse tendencies
T: Watch for ASCITES/LIVER FAILURE
*LOWERS LDL Report muscle pain/weakness to HCP
Do NOT take with GRAPEFRUIT juice
*RAISES HDL
Take with a meal 5-7pm
Hyperlipidemia Continue med even when feeling better
High Triglyceride levels GET LIVER FUNCTION TEST
Primary prevention of coronary events Increase risk for digoxin/warfarin toxicity

Cholesterol A: Works in the BRUSH BOARDER of A: Abdominal pain and diarrhea

SMALL INTESTINE to inhibit the Headache, dizziness, fatigue, back
Cholesterol Ezetimibe
absorption of cholesterol pain
Muscle aches & pain
Absorption (Zetia) T: *REDUCES elevated serum
Inhibition cholesterol levels T: CAUTION pt with liver disease
Hypercholesterolemia DO NOT give with Cholestyramine
LOWERS sitosterol & campesterol Interferes with Fib-rates &
Lowers LDL levels WARFARIN
Vitamin B3 inhibits
Cholesterol
release of free fatty
acids from fatty tissue
Niacin Used to lower lipids
(Vit. B3) Patients may report
severe generalized
flushing of the skin,
warm sensation or
severe itching
Diuretics Take our weight at the same
time every day same scale,
A: Block the chloride pump A: GI upset, fluid & electrolyte
CHECK WEIGHT same amount of clothing
after urination, or before Sodium stays in tubule imbalance -K+
I’s/O’s +sugar
breakfast Hypokalemia, hypotension,
Thiazide Sodium excreted through hyperglycemia, alkaline urine
THIAZIDE
Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide
urine
Drug interactions: DIGOXIN, LITHIUM
Methylelothiazide T: Edema associated with use CAUTIOUSLY clients with
Lose rid of
Gout, SLE, Liver disease, Hyper-
electrolytes= LOW
ELECTRO
Low Na= confused CHF, Liver disease, Renal bipolar disorder, diabetes,
Low K+= Arrhythmias
Low Ca= decreased muscle contractility
disease, Hypertension PARATHYROIDISM
Diuretics Take our weight at the same
time every day same scale, A: Block the chloride pump in the A: Fluid & Electrolyte imbalance
CHECK WEIGHT same amount of clothing after
urination, or before breakfast
ascending loop of henle SODIUM IS Hypokalemia, Alkalosis, Hypocalcemia
I’s/O’s *Hypotension
REABSORBED Can be given oral, IM, IV, when

MIDE
you give it IV the bioavailability is
likely given double you were Drug interactions: Amino-glycosides,
Loop Lose K+, Ca & Na really given 80 mg instead of 40
anticoagulant agents; HEP & WAR
Furosemide (Lasix)
mg of Lasix
Can be given oral, IM, IV
Diuretics T: Acute CHF, Acute pulmonary Use CAUTIOUSLY pt with gout, SLE, and
Lose rid of Torsemide diabetes Can’t sleep can’t breathe moved
electrolytes= LOW edema, edema with renal or kidney from the bed to the recliner with
ELECTRO disease, hypertension lots of pillows. Oxygen level is
low.
 Drug Class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse/Teaching
Take our weight at the same

#
Diuretics time every day same scale, A: Blocks aldosterone A: Fluid & Electrolyte imbalance
CHECK WEIGHT same amount of clothing
I’s/O’s after urination, or before Loss of Sodium while retaining HYPERKALEMIA
breakfast
potassium
Spironolactone=
Potassium HYPERKALEMIA Drug Interactions: Salicylates
Sparing (Aldactone) aspirin
Amiloride T: Adjunct to other diuretics such as Use CAUTIOUSLY pt @ risk for
Diuretics thiazides or loops pt @ risk for HYPERKALEMIA
Holds K+ 3.5-5 HYPOKALEMIA
electrolytes Na 135-145 POTASSIUM retainers
Diuretics A: Pulls water into renal tubule WITHOUT A: May gout
CHECK WEIGHT SODIUM LOSS Sudden drop in fluids; N & V,
I’s/O’s
Mannitol Hypotension, Dizzy, Confusion,
(Osmitrol) Headache
Use CAUTIOUSLY pt with
Osmotic intracranial bleeding, Renal or
Agents T: Increased cranial pressure (ICP) hepatic disease, CHF, dehydration
Renal failure from shock Osmitrol can be given; IV irrigant
Drug overdose/trauma

Anemias A: Stimulates bone A: Hypertension,

Epoetin Alfa marrow to make more headache, dizziness,
Erythropoiesis (Epogen, Procrit) red blood cells weakness, GI distress
Stimulating Darbopoetin Alpha
(Aranesp) *Do NOT use if PT has uncontrolled
Agents hypertension
Sub Q route 45-60° T: Anemia associated *Do NOT use if PT has allergy to
= 2x a week
*Ends in- “POETIN”
with renal failure and human albumin
*Check hemoglobin, hematocrit, &
AIDS platelet value before administering
Anemias A: CNS toxicity, dark tarry stools,
Ferrous Sulfate A: Elevate serum iron anaphylactic reaction, GI irritation
Iron (Feratab) concentration *give 2hrs before or after antacids
Deficiency Iron Sucrose *do NOT give with calcium containing
(Venofer) foods
Anemia *check iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, &
*PO/IV route
Agents *Starts with “FEROUS”
T: Iron deficient anemia platelet values
*this is NOT for hemolytic anemia
Adjunct treatment with **ANTIDOTE: Deferoxamine
Epoetin Alfa Mesylate (Desferal)

Anemias What it does to body: A:

Folic acid Essential for production of STRONG
Agents used irritation at injection site
(Folate) B9 stroma in RBC’s
for Cyanocobalamin Maintenance myelin sheath nerve Nasal irritation
Megaloblastic (Vit. B12) tissue GI distress
Anemia/ *Oral/Nasal spray/ T; replacement therapy for
*H&P
Pernicious, SQ,IM,IV routes *Basic exam
dietary deficient megaloblastic
anemia *CMP, BMP, CBC
anemia
Anemias A: Increase fetal hemoglobin A: GI distress, CNS effects,
Sickle Hydroxyurea produced in bone marrow disorientation, INCREASED
Cell (Hydrea *Dilutes abnormal hemoglobin S CANCER RISK
Anemia Droxia) *use cautiously in liver or
Agents T: Replacement therapy for renal impaired PT
dietary deficient megaloblastic *do NOT give in severe
anemia anemia PT
 Drug Class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse/Teaching
Blood Coags A: inhibit platelet adhesion & A: bleeding, headache,
Anti-platelets dizziness, weakness, GI
Aspirin aggregation by blocking
distress
ARTERIAL REASON
Clopidogrel (Plavix) receptors sites on the platelet *use cautiously in PT who have
Ticagrelor (Brilinta) membrane bleeding disorder, recent
Anagrelide (Agrylin) surgery or close head injury
Alter formation
*do NOT use with drugs that
of the platelet
plug
Use: reduce risk of stroke and affect blood clotting without
MI MD approval

Blood Coags PREVENT CLOTTING A: interfere with normal A: bleeding, hepatic dysfunction, bone marrow,
suppression, painful erection, GI distress
Anticoagulants
Non arterial reason
Heparin clotting cascade *use cautiously in an individual who has a bleeding
disorder, recent surgery or closed head injury
Sedimentary after Warfarin (Coumadin) HEPARIN PREVENT DVT=SQ
*do NOT use with drugs that affect blood clotting with
surgery=DVT out MD approval
Ex. Clot back of knee
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) HEPARIN TREAT DVT=IV
Weight in kg, monitor every 6hr need 2 therapeutic PTT’s
Warm painful swollen Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) T:
Risk for bleeding
postop tissue damage Apixaban (Eliquis) (DVT) DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
Drug holiday now at (PE) Pulmonary Embolism
HIGHER RISK for Prevents New/existing CLOTS from getting
clotting bigger

Blood Coags A: activates plasminogen to A: bleeding, cardiac

ASE plasmin which breaks down arrhythmia’s, hypotension,
Thrombotic Drugs Urokinase (Abbokinase) fibrin to dissolve clot hypersensitivity at site
CLOT BUSTER Alteplase (Activase)
HAVE TO HAVE A Reteplase (Retevase) T: THROMBUS from *use cautiously in an individual who
CLOT PRESENT
Stroke has a bleeding disorder, recent
*break down the Hemorrhagic= NO TPA MI surgery or closed head injury
thrombus that has been Ischemic=TPA
formed by stimulating
PE *do NOT use with drugs that affect
the plasmin system *DOES NOT PREVENT CLOT BUSTER blood clotting with out MD approval
ANTIDOTES HELP
IV, Sub Q Lab values APPT:
Medication interactions Nitroglycerin; decreased
ENHANCE CLOTTING anticoagulation occurs
aPTT (activated) 30-40 sec
NO PO HEP PTT:
ANTIDOTE: Protamine Sulfate
D Heparin PARIN
PTT ( Partial Thromboplastin time) 60-70 sec

HEPARIN=PTT INR high = bleeding; DECREASE

& warfarin
COUMADIN=PT INR Lab values
* Warfarin
PT range:
PT (Prothrombin Time) 11 to 13.5 sec INR low = clot INCREASE warfarin
INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Coumadin INR range on
PREVENT INR=viscosity; thick/thin
CLOTTING ORAL Risk for clot/bleed WARFARIN:
2.0-3.0 ANTIDOTE: Vitamin K
INR range:
D 0.8 to 1.1

INR range with

mechanical heart valve:
2.5-3.5

A: Inhibit, thrombus and clot formation by blocking

Blood Coags factors Xa and lia Administer in the love handles
Low
Do not greatly affect, thrombin, clotting, or prothrombin Lovenox=love handles 45-60°
PARIN times therefore cause fewer systemic adverse effects
slide skim over with hand
Molecular Enoxaparin
Are indicated for specific uses in the prevention of clots
and emboli formation, after certain surgeries or bedrest
Weight (Lovenox)
Heparin
PREVENTING
DVT
 Drug Class Drug Name Action/Treats Adverse/Teaching
Use: blocks LDL, raises HDL; A: mild G.I. reaction, body odor
suppressed platelet
Interactions: avoid taking, if any
aggregation anti-platelet/anticoagulant is
Garlic prescribed due to increased
bleeding
Treats:
Nursing Consideration: are you on
HTN medication’s to increase bleeding
Hypercholesterolemia risk?

Use: relieves vertigo, A: cautious if pregnant/excessive intake

lead to CNS depression, and cardiac
increases GI motility, dysrhythmias
decreases inflammation, Interactions: increase
treats morning sickness, hypoglycemic affects of
Ginger Root antidiabetic medication’s
decreases rheumatoid arthritis
pain
Nursing considerations are you on
medication’s anti-platelet/anticoagulant
to increase bleeding risk?

Use: promotes vasodilation/ A: mild GI, lightheadedness,

decrease clot formation/improve headache
blood flow to the brain Interactions: medication’s that lower
Ginkgo seizure threshold, (antihistamines,
Biloba antidepressants, antipsychotics)

Nursing consideration: history of

depression/are you on medication’s anti-
platelet/anticoagulant to increase
bleeding risk?
Use: promotes brain health, A: mild GI reaction, low blood
Cholesterol
cardiac benefits, skin, treats pressure (if take too much)
Omega-3 anxiety and depression
Interactions: no serious medication‘s
fatty acids interactions known

Nursing considerations: dosage of

fatty acid
All
Name Type Onset Peak/duration

Peak: 30-75 min

Humalog
Rapid 5-15 min
(Lispro)
Duration: 2-3 hr

Peak: 1-3 hr
NovoLog Rapid 10-20 min
(Aspart)
Duration: 3-5 hr

Peak: 2-5 hr
Regular Short-acting 30 min
(R)
ONLY Duration: 5-8 hr
IV

Peak: 6-12 hr
NPH Intermediate 1-3 hr
(N)
Duration: 16-24 hr
Cloudy
insulin)

Peak: Evenly for 24 hours

Glargine Very long acting 1 hr
Lantus
Duration: 24-28 hr
HYPOTHALAMUS=TRH
A: prevent formation of A: looks like hypothyroidism
ANTERIOR PIT.=TSH thyroid hormone, lower T3 * weight gain
Methimazole or T4 levels *Graves disease
(Tapazole)=thyroid storm
Thiomides Iodine solutions: block
thyroid function Nursing implications: month until
Propythiouracil (PTU) T: hyperthyroidism/ seeing changes
liver & thyroid function test
Anti-thyroid Strong iodine= decrease high levels of baseline vitals
agents thyroid cancer thyroid hormone
A: increase metabolic rate of A: looks like hyperthyroidism
body tissues, increase oxygen
Levothyroxine consumption, increase growth
* move from fatigue to anxiety
Thyroid (Synthroid) and maturation
hormones Nursing implications:
Thyroid function test
SEVERELY LOW T: hypothyroid/replace or Baseline vitals signs
=myxedema coma increase thyroid hormone Levothyroxine decreases
effectiveness of digitalis
A:
1.Bind to K+ channels on pancreatic cells to A: hypoglycemia, G.I. distress,
1st & 2nd generation 2.Increase insulin receptor metallic taste, allergic skin
3. Stimulate the release of insulin.
reaction
Sulfonylureas
Glyburide - 2nd GEN Nursing considerations:
(Diabeta, Micronase) * increased risk of cardiovascular disease with
T: type 2 diabetes 1st GEN drugs!
*2nd GEN advantage is excreted in urine and
bile & longer duration of action!

A: these drugs have differing mechanism A: hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis,

of action but are effective in use with a
Metformin combination of insulin or Sulfonylurea vitamin B12 deficiency, GI upset
(Glucophage)
Biguanides
Nursing considerations:
*Metformin increases *Low carb diet
insulin production and T: type 2 diabetes *Kidney and liver function
lowers glucose * monitor blood glucose levels
production Do NOT give with IV contrast dye
A: raise blood glucose levels A: GI upset, hyperglycemia,
by decreasing insulin release hypokalemia, vascular affects
Glucagon
(hypotension, headaches)
(GlucaGen)
Raises Nursing considerations:
blood *monitor for signs of hypo/
sugar T: hypoglycemia hyperglycemia
*repeat blood glucose level to ensure
effectiveness

Treat/Use: A: hypoglycemia, lipodystrophy,

Lowers type 1 DM site irritation
Insulin * Beta blockers mask the signs of
blood type 2 DM
sugar DM 2 whose disease is not controlled
hypoglycemia
by diet or other agents