Classification Anti-Infective Agents
Penicillin penicillin V (Betapen) amoxicillin (Amoxil) ampicillin (Omnipen) cloxacillin (Tegopen) PO/IV/IM
Mechanism of Action
Indications
Contraindications Adverse Effects Nursing Considerations
Inhibition of cell wall synthesis
Mitral Valve Stenosis Endocarditis Sinusitis Pneumonia Gram-negative bacteria
Allergy Oral contraceptives (decreases OC efficacy) Kidney failure
Rash Pruritis N/V/D Allergic reaction** **Cephalosporins should also be used with caution**
Assess for history of allergy Post administration: clients can have an allergic reaction within 0- 30 minutes Pen. V and amoxicillin should be taken with food. All other penicillins should be taken medication with water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals Avoid taking with acidic fruit juices Clients must complete full course of treatment Use with caution in neonates r/t immature kidney function slowing elimination Hypernatremia and hyperkalemia are possible, but uncommon  
Sulfonamide sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim (Septra) sulfisoxazole (Generic) PO/IV/IM
Do not directly destroy bacteria; however they interfere with their growth by preventing the synthesis of folic acid (required to make the nucleus of DNA)
Sinusitis Pyelonephritis Meningitis Urinary Tract Infection Otitis Media Gram-negative bacteria Gram-positive bacteria Sinusitis Pyelonephritis Meningitis Urinary Tract Infection Skin Infections Gram-negative
Allergy Children under the age of 2 months Renal failure
Rash Photosensitivity N/V/D Allergic reaction
Assess for history of allergy Post administration: clients can have an allergic reaction within 0- 30 minutes  Clients must complete full course of treatment Encourage fluids to produce a urine output of 1,200-1,500mL/day to avoid crystalluria (drug crystals in the urine
Cephalosporin cephalexin (Keflex) cefprozil (Cefzil) cefazolin (Cefazolin) ceftriaxone (Rocephin) PO/IV/IM
Inhibition of cell wall synthesis
Allergy Alcohol Oral contraceptives (decreases OC efficacy)
Rash Pruritis N/V/D Allergic reaction
Assess for history of allergy Post administration: clients can have an allergic reaction within 0- 30 minutes Clients must complete full course of treatment Used cautiously because immature
bacteria Gram-positive bacteria
kidney function slows elimination Dosages must be reduced by the prescriber in the presence of renal impairment   Allergy Pregnancy Not to be given to children under the age of 8 (r/t permanent discoloration of teeth) Oral contraceptives (decreases OC efficacy) Allergy Warfarin use (increases serum concentration) Liver disease   N/V/D Overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms (i.e. Candidiasis) Discoloration of teeth Photosensitivity  Avoid taking with antacids, dairy products, iron preparations, or antidiarrheal medications ( levels) Avoid exposure to sunlight Clients must complete full course of treatment
Tetracyclines doxycycline (Vibramycin) minocycline (Minocin) tetracycline (Achromycin) PO/IV
Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis
Pyelonephritis Meningitis Urinary Tract Infection Otitis Media Pneumonia Gram-negative bacteria Gram-positive bacteria
Macrolide azithromycin (Zithromax) clarithromycin (Biaxin) erythromycin (Generic) PO Fluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin (Cipro) levofloxacin (Levaquin) moxifloxacin (Avelox) PO/IV
Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis
Pyelonephritis Urinary Tract Infection Pneumonia Gram-positive bacteria
N/V/D Rash Palpitations
Clients must complete full course of treatment Avoid taking with fruit juices
Inhibition of bacterial enzymesstops DNA synthesis in the cell
Pyelonephritis Urinary Tract Infection Pneumonia Gram-negative bacteria Gram-positive bacteria
Liver disease Kidney disease Warfarin use (increases serum concentration) Not to be used in children under the age of 18 (safety has not been established) Allergy Kidney disease Pregnancy (can cause congenital bilateral deafness in
 N/V/D  Candidiasis  Photosensitivity Tendon injury (tendonitis r/t apoptosis and decreased collagen synthesis in a tendon
Clients must complete full course of treatment Encourage fluids to produce a urine output of 1,200-1,500mL/day to avoid crystalluria (drug crystals in the urine) Avoid exposure to sunlight
Aminoglycoside gentamicin sulfate (Gentamicin) tobramicin sulfate (Tobramycin)
Inhibit cell wall synthesis
VRE Skin infections (folliculitis) Gram-negative bacteria
Nephrotoxicity Ototoxicity Skin rash Headache Dizziness
Monitor blood levels of the medication Assess for toxicity (i.e. hearing loss/tinnitus, kidney failure) Preferred choice for VRE infections
IV
children if taken during pregnancy) Inhibits DNA synthesis of a cell C. Diff Bacterial Vaginosis Trichomonas   Alcohol use Liver disease     Dizziness GI upset Headache Neurotoxicity (seizures)    N/V Dizziness Headache   Encourage client to take with food/milk Alcohol should not be consumed during, and for at least 24 hours after last dose Clients must complete full course of treatment Increase fluids to 1,200-1,500 mL/day
Nitroimidazole  metronidazole (Flagyl) PO/IV
Nitrofuran nitrofurnantoin (MacroBID) PO
Interferes with the activity of enzymes that regulate bacteria metabolism and disrupts cell wall synthesis  Binds to the cell wall and produces inhibition of cell wall synthesis
Urinary Tract Infection
Allergy Kidney disease
Glycopeptide vancomycin (Vancocin) IV/PO
MRSA C. Diff
Kidney disease Hearing loss
Ototoxicity Kidney failure Skin rash Hypotension Flushing of the skin
Monitor blood levels of the medication Assess for toxicity (i.e. hearing loss, kidney failure) Preferred choice for MRSA infections
Laxatives
Stimulant bisacodyl (Dulcolax) senna (Senokot) sennosides (Ex-Lax; USA) PO/PR  Irritates intestinal smooth muscle + colonic intramural plexus increased peristalsis Promotes some water into stool Constipation         Bulk Forming psyllium (Metamucil) methylcellulose (Entrocel, Citrucel) PO  Increase size and softness of stool  triggering peristalsis Absorbs water into stool Constipation IBS **Has shown to lower LDL in Hypercholesteremia Allergy Acute abdomen Intestinal obstruction Undiagnosed abdo pain Appendicitis Electrolyte imbalance Renal failure Children < 6 years     Diarrhea Abdo cramping Electrolyte imbalances Dizziness      Assess fluid and electrolytes Increase dietary fibre (whole grain, bran, fruit, greens) Increase water intake Long-term use (7d+) results in low bowel tone = dependency May interact with milk/juices/antacids
same
Constipation Abdo cramping Flatulence
Assess fluid and electrolytes Increase dietary fibre (whole grain, bran, fruit, greens) Increase water intake Long-term use (7d+) results in low
bowel tone = dependency May interact with milk/juices/antacids Usually taken hs; onset = 6-8 hrs (mineral oil) or 24-72 hr (docusate sodium) Assess fluid and electrolytes Increase dietary fibre (whole grain, bran, fruit, greens) Increase water intake Long-term use (7d+) results in low bowel tone = dependency Safe in pregnancy docusate should not be taken within 2 hrs of mineral oil r/t mineral oil absorbed by the body May interact with milk/juices/antacids 30 min  3 hr onset Assess fluid and electrolytes Increase dietary fibre(whole grain, bran, fruit, greens) Increase water intake Long-term use (7d+) results in low bowel tone = dependency Safe in pregnancy May interact with milk/juices/antacids
Emollient docusate sodium (Colace) mineral oil (Fleet* mineral oil enema) *sodium phosphate/Fleet is the more common saline enema* PO/PR
Lubricates intestinal wall Promotes water and fat into stool
Constipation Diagnostic preparations (i.e. colonoscopy)
Others are same Caution in pregnancy
Cramping Diarrhea
  BP Diarrhea Abdo cramping Electrolyte imbalances Muscle cramping Dizziness
Saline Laxative magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts) magnesium citrate (Citro-Mag) magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia/MOM; Diovol) sodium phosphate (Fleet) PO (liquid or tablet) Hyperosmotic glycerin (Glycerin supp.) Lactulose (APOLactulose) sorbitol polyethylene glycol; PEG (Restoralax, PegLyte)
Increases osmotic retention of fluid Increases peristalsis
Constipation Diagnostic preparations (i.e. colonoscopy)
same Children < 2 years
Increases stool water content  Promotes peristalsis **Lactulose can be used to decrease serum ammonia; seen in portal systemic encephalopathy**
Constipation Diagnostic preparations (i.e. colonoscopy)
same Diabetes (lactulose contains lactose)
 BP Diarrhea Abdo cramping Electrolyte imbalances Belching & flatulence
Assess fluid and electrolytes Increase dietary fibre(whole grain, bran, fruit, greens) Increase water intake Long-term use (7d+) results in low bowel tone = dependency Safe in pregnancy May interact with milk/juices/antacids
PO
Diabetes
Insulin Rapid Acting NovoRapid Humalog Short Acting Humulin R Novolin ge Toronto Intermediate Acting Novolin ge NPH Long Acting Lantus IV/SC
Insulin is a hormone Acts on  cells in pancreas Helps to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates Helps to store glucose in the liver Moves glucose from blood to cells
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Allergy Hypoglycemia Corticosteroids (increases glucose) Diuretics (increases glucose) Birth control (increases glucose)
Hypoglycemia
Insulins differ in onset and duration of action Insulin can not be given orally; must be given subcutaneously or IV (regular insulin) Insulin can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge Injection sites can not be used more than once a month (must move at least  inch from previous site) Effective management requires a consistent schedule of meals, snacks, exercise, injections and blood glucose monitoring Impaired vision may result in inaccurate dosages Should not be taken at bedtime Should be taken no more than 30 minutes prior to eating Meals and snacks should be taken routinely
Sulfonylureas glyburide (Diabeta) gliclazide (Diamicron) glimepiride (Amaryl) PO
Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin (therefore ineffective if cells of the pancreas can no longer function)  Acts by decreasing the hepatic production of glucose (gluconeogenesis) Helps to decrease intestinal absorption of glucose Helps to improve insulin receptor sensitivity Does not increase insulin secretion, thus does not cause hypoglycemia
Type 2 Diabetes
same Alcohol (lowers glucose)
Hypoglycemia Weight gain Hemolytic anemia Nausea
Biguanides metformin (Glucophage) PO
Type 2 Diabetes
Allergy Hypoglycemia Some antacids Iodine containing contrast mediums
Diarrhea Nausea Metallic taste in mouth Anorexia
Must be taken with meals Must stop medication 48 hours prior to iodine radiological studies
Thiazolidinediones pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) PO
Helps to enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors Helps to stimulate glucose storage Inhibits glucose production in the liver 
Type 2 Diabetes
Allergy Hypoglycemia
 Edema  Weight gain Liver failure
Can be taken with or without food
Meglitinides repaglinide (GlucoNorm) nateglinide (Starlix)
Stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin (therefore ineffective if cells of the pancreas can no longer function)
Type 2 Diabetes
Antifungal medications (lowers glucose) Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDS) (lowers glucose) Anti-seizure medications (increases glucose)
Hypoglycem  ia Headache  Dizziness
Must be taken 0 to 30 minutes before meals If a meal is skipped, the dose should be skipped. If a meal added, then a dose should be added
Respiratory
Antitussive Non-opioid dextromethorphan (Benylin/Buckleys/Rob itussin) Opioid Hydrocodone/Codeine PO Suppress cough reflex by numbing stretch receptors in resp. tract cough reflex not initiated or Suppress the cough reflex; medulla Cough (nonproductive only!) URTI (viral and bacterial     Allergy Opioid dependency Children <6 years of age Risk for respiratory depression Drowsiness/sedation Dizziness N/V Constipation (opioids)    Adequate respiratory assessment Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery Push fluid intake
Decongestants  Adrenergic Agonist pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)  oxymetazoline (Vicks/Dristan/Dimeta pp) xylometazoline (Otrivin/Triaminic) Corticosteroid budesonide
Vasoconstriction of arterioles of nasal mucosa Anti-inflammatory effect
Allergies URTI (viral and bacterial) Rhinitis Sinusitis
Allergy HTN Diabetes Hyperthyroidism
Mucosal dryness/irritation Palpitations Insomnia Tremors
Potential for rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa); if used >5 days  nasal passage damage Avoid caffeine Report fever, productive cough, etc. lasting >5-7d
(Pulmicort/Symbicort) mometasone furoate (Nasonex) PO/INH Antihistamine (H1) diphenhydramine (Benadryl) cetirizine (Reactine) loratadine (Claritin) PO/IV/IM Compete with histamine for specific receptor sites **Remember: Histamine causes constriction of smooth muscles, increased body secretions, and vasodilatation** Dilates airways by stimulating 2-adrenergic receptors in lung tissue (bronchodilation)   Rhinitis Anaphylaxis Allergies in general     Glaucoma Pregnancy Heart disease Kidney disease        Asthma Bronchitis COPD    Allergy Cardiac dysrhythmia Hypertension (medications cause vasoconstriction) Under the age of 6 is limited Beta-blocker use (inhibits bronchodilation)  Allergy Not recommended in children under the age of 12           Drowsiness (side effect) Anticholinergic effects Tachycardia Restlessness Dilated pupils Decreased salivation Urinary retention Tachycardia Insomnia Tremors Hyperglycemia       May experience paradoxical excitement May cause confusion, dizziness, and hypotension diphenhydramine is sometimes used as a sleeping aid for occasional use Avoid driving and use of heavy machinery
Beta-adrenergic Agonist (2-Agonist) salbutamol (Ventolin) salmeterol (Serevent) terbutaline (Bricanyl) PO/INH
Preferred medication for acute respiratory symptoms Cardiac and respiratory assessments Hold breath for 5-10 seconds post inhalation Use a spacer or Aero chamber for administration Wait 2 minutes between inhalations Rinse mouth after inhalation (metallic taste) Do not use medication to terminate an acute attack Hold breath for 5-10 seconds post inhalation Use a spacer or Aero chamber for administration Wait 2 minutes between inhalations Rinse mouth after inhalation
Anticholinergic ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) INH
Block ACh (acetylcholine) receptors to prevent bronchoconstricti on **RememeberACh comes from the PSNS and causes bronchial constriction**  Medications work in the same manner as naturally occurring steroid hormones
Asthma Bronchitis COPD
Anticholinergic effects Tachycardia Restlessness Dilated pupils Decreased salivation Urinary retention
Corticosteroids cortisone (Cortistan) hydrocortisone (Cortef)
Addisons Disease Asthma Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Allergy Cataracts Glaucoma Peptic ulcer disease
Impaired wound healing Masking of infections
(decrease absorption & increase excretion of calcium) Long-term use may cause Cushings disease/syndrome
methylprednisolone  (Medrol) prednisone (Winpred) dexamethasone  (Decadron) fluticasone (Flovent) PO/IV/IM/TOPICAL/I  NH 1.
Xanthines theophylline (TheoDur) aminophylline (Somophylline) PO/IV
Gonadocorticoids: (androgens) contribute to onset of puberty Mineralocorticoids: recall function of aldosterone Glucocorticoids: (cortisol) Increase blood glucose by inhibiting insulin secretion and promoting gluconeogenesis 2. Breakdown lipids and proteins 3. Suppress the inflammatory response Influence CNS to affect mood  Causes bronchodilation  Acts on the CNS medulla to enhance respiratory drive
Rhinitis Pruritis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hodgkins Disease Leukemias Sinusitis
Psychiatric problems Systemic infections
Hypokalemia Peptic ulcers Edema Sodium/fluid retention Nausea Anxiety Weight gain Heart failure Increased intraocular pressure Fragile skin Candidiasis (inhaler use)
Oral glucocorticoids should be given in the morning to decrease amount of adrenal suppression Oral glucocorticoids should be given with milk or food to decrease GI upset Growth retardation is possible. Thus, smaller doses should be considered and accurate weekly height and weight must be documented Corticosteroids often aggravate other conditions (i.e. hypertension, CHF, diabetes, infection) Rinse mouth after inhaled use to prevent candidiasis
Asthma Bronchitis COPD
Allergy Cardiac dysrhythmia Seizure disorders Antibiotic use (increases serum levels of xanthine) Caffeine
N/V Anorexia Cardiac dysrhythmia
Limit caffeine intake Report s/s of toxicity (anorexia, N/V, hypotension, seizure) Limit cigarette smoking (reduces therapeutic effect of xanthines) Between 6 months and 16 years of age may need increased doses r/t rapid metabolization Under the age of 6 months have prolonged elimination r/t immature liver Very unpredictable r/t drug interactions, renal and hepatic impairment Monitor liver function tests (especially during early course of treatment) Do not use medication to terminate an acute attack
Antileukotrines montelukast sodium (Singulair) zafirlukast (Accolate) PO
Prevent smooth muscle contraction of the bronchi Decreases mucus secretion Decreases
Asthma
Allergy Allergy to lactose (inactive ingredient in antileukotrines) Liver disease
N/D Headache Liver failure
inflammation in lungs by preventing mobilization and migration of WBCs into the lungs
Cardiovascular
Anticoagulants Heparin dalteparin (Fragmin)(LMWH) enoxaprin (Lovenox)(LMWH) warfarin (Coumadin) PO/IV/IM/SC
Prevents thrombus formation Inhibits clotting factors in intrinsic pathway (Xa, IX, X, XI, XII & VIII) Inhibits prothrombin to thrombin & fibrinogen to fibrin
Venous Thrombosis Pulmonary Embolism Atrial Fibrillation CVA Thrombosis MI
Allergy Thrombocytopenia Active internal ( platelet count)  Bleeding bleeding Severe hypertension  HematuriaNausea Bleeding disorders  Local irritation ASA/NSAIDS ( (preferably anticoagulant effect) injected SC into abdomen) Trauma Intracranial hemorrhage
Prophylaxis use only (they do not work on clots that have already formed) Monitor blood work, values such as aPTT (heparin use) and INR (warfarin use) Check for bleeding especially in gums and stool Heparin (20 min onset) usually starts therapy, followed by Warfarin (36h onset) Vitamin K is used to reverse effects of warfarin toxicity Protamine sulfate is used to reverse heparin effects Heparin containing benzyl alcohol must not be given to neonates (fatal reactions have been reported) When warfarin is used, all care providers should be informed to avoid unnecessary physical trauma More likely to experience bleeding complications dalteparin and enoxaparin can cause renal failure