DRUG STUDY
GENERIC NAME: Amlodipine
BRAND NAME: Norvasc
CLASSIFICATION: Antianginal Agents
ROUTE: PO
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY: 5 mg once daily
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS: Prevention and treatment of heart pain or chest pain from angina,
and for the treatment of high blood pressure.
INDICATIONS:
• Hypertension
• Coronary artery disease
• Chronic stable angina
• Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal’s or Variant angina)
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• Patients with known sensitivity to amlodipine
• Severe Hypotension
• Heart Failure
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
SIDE EFFECTS:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
Headache: Can occur due to changes in blood flow or pressure.
Dizziness: Often related to a drop in blood pressure.
Lightheadedness: Can also be a result of hypotension or sudden changes in position.
Drowsiness: May occur as a general side effect affecting alertness.
Tired Feeling: General fatigue that can affect daily activities.
2. Cardiovascular System
Swelling (Edema) of the Ankles or Feet: This is a common side effect due to fluid retention and
altered blood flow in the lower extremities.
Flushing: A feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling, which can affect the skin and be related to
blood vessel dilation.
3. Gastrointestinal System
Nausea: Affects the stomach and can lead to discomfort.
Abdominal or Stomach Pain: Can occur due to gastrointestinal irritation or changes in blood
flow.
4. General/Systemic
Tired Feeling: A non-specific symptom that can affect overall energy levels.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/PRECAUTIONS:
• Observe 10 Rights of Drug Administrations.
• Assess the patient’s blood pressure before administration.
• Consider the patient’s medical history.
• Monitor for Side Effects
• Monitor Heart Rate.
• Review the patient’s current medications for potential interactions.
• Document Administration.
GENERIC NAME: Losartan
BRAND NAME: Cozaar
CLASSIFICATION: Angiotensin receptor blockers
ROUTE: PO
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY: 25-100 mg/day in 1 or 2 daily doses
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS:
• Used to treat high blood pressure
• Help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes
• Used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged
heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney
problems.
• It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
INDICATIONS:
• Hypertension
• Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
• Diabetic Nephropathy
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• Hypersensitivity
• Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus
• Hyperkalemia
• History of Angioedema
SIDE EFFECTS:
1. Cardiac
heart rate irregularities (including ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, premature
ventricular contractions, and atrial fibrillation)
slow heart rate
electrocardiographic alterations (including second-degree heart block, QT/QTc interval
prolongation, and ST segment depression)
palpitations
fainting (rarely and predominantly with intravenous losartan)
transient ECG changes including QT/QTc interval prolongation have been reported
2. Gastrointestinal
nausea
vomiting
3. Anaphylaxis
ECG alterations: heartbeat irregularities; prolongation of PR, QRS, and QT intervals
4. Hepatobiliary
specific hepatic enzyme abnormalities
hepatic necrosis
abnormal hepatic function
5. General
flushing
rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (acute allergic reactions, rapid
swelling, difficulty breathing, cardiopulmonary arrest, low blood pressure, laryngeal edema,
laryngospasm, shock, shortness of breath, or stridor)
6. Local reactions
pain, redness, and burning at the injection site
7. Lower respiratory
hiccups
8. Neurological
involuntary intermittent or sustained deviation of the eyes, appearing alone, as well as with other
dystonic reactions; transient dizziness during or shortly after intravenous infusion
9. Skin and subcutaneous tissue
hives
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
toxic epidermal necrolysis
10. Eye Disorders
Transient blindness (predominantly during IV administration) was reported to resolve within a
few minutes up to 48 hr;
transient blurred vision
11. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue
joint pain
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/PRECAUTIONS:
• Observe 10 Rights of Drug Administrations.
• Check the patient’s blood pressure before administering.
• Consider the patient’s medical history.
• Check serum potassium levels regularly.
• Monitor Fluid Status.
• Review the patient’s current medications for potential interactions.
• Assess the effectiveness of losartan in managing blood pressure
• Document Administration.
GENERIC NAME: Acetaminophen
BRAND NAME: Tylenol
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Opioid Analgesic
ROUTE:
• ORAL
• RECTAL
• IV
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY:
• 1000 mg every 6 hours
• 650 mg every 4 hours.
• Notably, the maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen should not exceed 4000 mg.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS:
• temporarily relieve minor aches and pains
• used to temporarily reduce fever.
INDICATIONS:
• mild to moderate pain and reduction of fever.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• hypersensitivity to acetaminophen
• severe hepatic impairment,
• severe active hepatic disease
SIDE EFFECTS:
1. Skin and Mucous Membranes
Skin Swelling (Angioedema): Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes
and lips.
Rash (May Itch): Generalized skin rash that may be itchy.
Hives: Raised, itchy welts on the skin.
2. Central Nervous System
Disorientation: Confusion or difficulty in understanding or responding to the environment.
Dizziness: A sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
3. Respiratory System
Shortness of Breath/Cough: Difficulty breathing or persistent cough.
Laryngeal Edema: Swelling of the larynx, which can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.
4. Hematologic System
Low Levels of Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and/or Platelets:
Anemia: Low red blood cell count.
Leukopenia/Neutropenia: Low white blood cell count.
Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count.
Pancytopenia: Decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
5. Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Nausea/Vomiting: Common symptoms but not explicitly listed in your list, often related to
gastrointestinal side effects.
6. Renal System
Kidney Toxicity: Damage to kidney function, which can manifest as altered renal function tests
or symptoms of acute kidney injury.
7. Hepatic System
Liver Toxicity/Liver Failure: Severe damage to the liver, which can lead to symptoms such as
jaundice, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes.
Hyperammonemia: Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood due to liver dysfunction.
8. Serious Dermatologic Reactions
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A severe skin condition causing widespread skin damage and
shedding.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A rare but serious condition causing severe skin and mucous
membrane damage, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
9. Allergic Reactions
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): A rapid, severe allergic reaction that can include
difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/PRECAUTIONS:
• Observe 10 Rights of Drug Administrations.
• Consider the patient’s medical history
• Confirm the dosage, frequency, and route of administration as prescribed by the
healthcare provider.
• Monitor Kidney Health: Assess renal function
• Watch for Gastrointestinal Issues
• Educate on Avoiding Alcohol
• Document Administration.
GENERIC NAME: Furosemide
BRAND NAME: Lasix
CLASSIFICATION: Loop, Diuretics
ROUTE:
• PO
• IV
• IM
DOSAGE/FREQUENCY:
• PO - 20-80 mg; OD
• IV & IM - 20-40 mg once
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS:
It helps treat fluid retention and swelling.
Lowering high blood pressure
Reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
INDICATIONS:
• treat conditions with volume overload and edema
• acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF)
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• allergies to furosemide
• patients with anuria
• patients with underlying liver disease
SIDE EFFECTS:
1. Increased urination - Endocrine System (e.g., diabetes) or Urinary System
2. Dry mouth - Endocrine System (e.g., diabetes) or Nervous System (e.g., medication side
effects)
3. Swelling in your feet or ankles - Circulatory System (e.g., heart failure) or Renal System
4. Feeling tired - Endocrine System (e.g., thyroid disorders), Circulatory System, or Nervous
System
5. Short of breath - Respiratory System or Cardiovascular System
6. Nausea and vomiting - Digestive System or Nervous System
7. Drowsiness - Nervous System or Endocrine System (e.g., diabetes)
8. Irregular heartbeats - Cardiovascular System or Endocrine System (electrolyte imbalances)
9. Fluttering in your chest - Cardiovascular System
10. Numbness or tingling - Nervous System or Electrolyte Balance (Endocrine System)
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/PRECAUTIONS:
• Observe 10 Rights of Drug Administrations.
• Consider the patient’s medical history
• Monitor Vitals
• Monitor Fluid status
• Obtain potassium before and during rapid diuresis
• Observe for signs of ototoxicity at the higher dose
• Check the chart for fluid intake and output.
• Document Administration.
