Heres an idea for Pharmacology help

OMG, love the thread!! I'm very weak in the pharmacology section!! Post more moreeeeeeeeeeee pls. Thanks.

ANyone else can post how to remember certain drugs, side effects etc by classes?

wow. thanks for this. here are a few hints i got from a reliable source.

(sorry guys, i heard it isn't legal to say where they come from).

Aspirin - assume not to take in combination with any drug/ an anti-coagulate.

Tylenol - safest pain reliever.

*motrin, dilaudid and demerol often masks signs and symptoms (such as IOP)

never drink meds with GRAPEFRUIT.

-ase, -plase=thromolytic agent (think clot dissolvers like Streptase and Activase)

-azole=antifungal (Miconizole)

cef-, ceph-=antibiotic

-cillin=penicillin

-cycline=antibiotic (tetracycline)

-dipine=calcium channel blocker (Amlodipine)

-floxacin=antibiotic

-micin, -mycin=antibiotic

nitr-, -nitr-=nitrate/vasodilator (Nitrostat)

-parin=anticoagulant (heparin, enoxaparin)

-phylline=bronchodilator

-prazole=GI antiulcer (Lansoprazole)

-pril=ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril)

-sal-, sal-=salicylate/aspirin

-sartan=antihypertensive (Losartan, Valsartan)

-sone, -lone, pred-=corticosteroid

-statin=lipid-lowering

-terol=bronchodilator (Albuterol)

-tidine=antiulcer (Cimetidine)

-zepam, -zolam=benzo/sedative (Diazepam)

Triglycerides elevation can falsely elevate glycosalated hemoglobin test.

Adrenergics

Actions:

• Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system: increase in peripheral resistance, increase blood flow to heart, bronchodilation, increase blood flow to skeletal muscle, increase blood flow to uterus

• Stimulate beta-2 receptors in lungs

• Use for cardiac arrest and COPD Adrenergic Medications

• Levophed

• Dopamine

• Adrenalin

• Dobutrex Adrenergics Side effects:

• Dysrhythmias

• Tremors

• Anticholinergic effects

Adrenergics Nursing Considerations:

• Monitor BP

• Monitor peripheral pulses

• Check output

Anti-Anxiety

Action:

• Affect neurotransmitters

Used for:

• Anxiety disorders, manic episodes, panic attacks Anti-Anxiety

Medications:

• Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Vistaril, Equanil

Anti-Anxiety

Side effects:

• Sedation

• Confusion

• Hepatic dysfunction

Anti-Anxiety

Nursing Considerations:

• Potention for addiction/overdose

• Avoid alcohol

• Monitor Liver Function AST/ALT

• Don’t discontinue abruptly, wean off

• Smoking/caffeine decreases effectiveness

Antacids

Actions:

• Neutralize gastric acids

Used for:

• Peptic ulcer

• Indigestion, reflex esophagitis Antacids Medications

• Amphojel

• Milk of Magnesia

• Maalox Antacids

Side effects:

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Acid rebound

Antacids

Nursing Considerations:

• Interferes with absorption of antibiotics, iron preps, INH, Oral contraceptives

• Monitor bowel function

• Give 1-2 hours after other medications

• 1-3 hours after meals and at HS

• Take with fluids

Antiarrhythmics

Action:

• Interfere with electrical excitability of heart

Used for:

• Atrial fibrillation and flutter

• Tachycardia

• PVCs Antiarrhythmics

Medications:

• Atropine sulfate

• Lidocaine

• Pronestyl

• Quinidine

• Isuprel Antiarrhythmics

Side effects:

• Lightheadedness

• Hypotension

• Urinary retention

Antiarrhythmics

Nursing Considerations:

• Monitor vital signs

• Monitor cardiac rhythm

Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)

Action:

• Inhibits protein synthesis in gram-negative bacteria

Used for:

• Pseudomonas, E.Coli Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Gentamycin

• Neomycin

• Streptomycin

• Tobramycin Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Ototoxicity and Nephrotoxicity

• Anorexia

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics)

Nursing Considerations:

• Harmful to liver and kidneys

• Check 8th cranial nerve (hearing)

• Check renal function

• Take for 7-10 days

• Encourage fluids

• Check peak/trough level

Allergy: 1st symptom SOB

Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)

Action:

• Inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall

Used for:

• Tonsillitis, otitis media, peri-operative prophylaxis

• Meningitis Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Ceclor

• Ancef

• Keflex

• Rocephin

• Cefoxitin Cephalosporins (Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Bone marrow depression: caution with anemic, thrombocytopenic patients

• Superinfections

• Rash

Nursing Considerations:

• Take with food

• Cross allergy with PCN

• Avoid alcohol

• Obtain C&S before first dose: to make sure medication is effective against disease/bacteria

• Can cause false-positive for proteinuria/glycosuria

Fluoroquinolones (Antibiotics)

Action:

• Interferes with DNA replication in gram-negative bacteria

Used for:

• E.Coli, Pseudomonas, S. Aureus Fluoroquinolones

(Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Cipro Fluroquinolones

(Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Decreased WBC and Hematocrit

• Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT)

• Elevated alkaline phosphatase

Nursing Considerations:

• C&S before starting therapy

• Encourage fluids

• Take 1 hour ac or 2 hour pc (food slows absorption)

• Don’t give with antacids or iron preparation

• Maybe given with other medications (Probenicid: for gout)

Macrolide (Antibiotics)

Action:

• Binds to cell membrane and changes protein function

Used for:

• Acute infections

• Acne

• URI

• Prophylaxis before dental procedures if allergic to PCN Macrolide (Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Erythromycin

• Clindamycin Macrolide (Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Confusion

• Hepatotoxicity

• Superinfections

Nursing Considerations:

• Take 1hr ac or 2-3 hr pc

• Monitor liver function

• Take with water (no fruit juice)

• May increase effectiveness of: Coumadin and Theophylline (bronchodilator)

Penicillin

Action:

• Inhibits synthesis of cell wall

Used for:

• Moderate to severe infections

• Syphilis

• Gonococcal infections

• Lyme disease Penicillin

Medications:

• Amoxicillin

• Ampicillin

• Augmentin Penicillin

Side effects:

• Stomatitis

• Diarrhea

• Allergic reactions

• Renal and Hepatic changes

Nursing Considerations:

• Check for hypersensitivity

• Give 1-2 hr ac or 2-3 hr pc

• Cross allergy with cephalosporins

Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)

Action:

• Antagonize essential component of folic acid synthesis

Used for:

• Ulcerative colitis

• Crohn’s disease

• Otitis media

• UTIs Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Gantrisin

• Bactrim

• Septra

• Azulfidine Sulfonamides (Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Crystalluria

• Photosensitivity

• GI upset

• Stomatitis

Nursing Considerations:

• Take with meals or foods

• Encourage fluids

• Good mouth care

• Antacids will interfere with absorption

Tetracyclines

(Antibiotics)

Action:

• Inhibits protein sythesis

Used for:

• Infections

• Acne

• Prophylaxis for opthalmia neonatorum TEtracyclines

(Antibiotics)

Medications:

• Vibramycin

• Panmycin Tetracyclines (Antibiotics)

Side effects:

• Discoloration of primary teeth if taken during pregnancy or if child takes at young age

• Glossitis

• Rash

• Phototoxic reactions

Nursing considerations:

• Take 1 hr ac or 2-3 hr pc

• Do not take with antacids, milk, iron

• Note expiration date

• Monitor renal function

• Avoid sunlight

UTIs

• Medication:

o Furadantin

• Action:

o Anti-infective

• Side effects:

o Asthma attacks

o Diarrhea

• Nursing Considerations:

o Give with food or milk

o Monitor pulmonary status

UTIs

• Medication

o Mandelamine

• Action:

o Anti-infective

• Side effects:

o Elevated liver enzymes

• Nursing Considerations:

o Give with cranberry juice to acidify urine

o Limit alkaline foods: vegetables, milk, almonds, coconut

UTIs

• Medication

o Pyridium

• Side effects:

o Headache

o Vertigo

• Action

o Urinary tract analgesic

• Nursing Consideration

o Tell patient urine will be orange

Anticholinergics

Action:

• Inhibits action of acethylcholine and blocks parasympathetic nerves (affects heart, eyes, respiratory tract, GI tract and the bladder)

• Dilates pupil, causes bronchodilation and decreased secretions

• Decrease GI motility secretions

Used for:

• Opthalmic exam

• Motion sickness

• Pre-operative Anticholinergic Medications:

• Pro-Banthine

• Atropine

• Scopolamine Anticholinergic

Side Effects:

• Blurred vision

• Dry mouth

• Urinary retention

• Chage in heart rate

Nursing Consideration:

• Monitor output

• Contraindicated with glaucoma

• Give 30 min ac, hs, or 2hr pc

• Contraindicated: paralytic ileus, BPH

Anticoagulants

Action:

• Blocks conversion of prothrombin to thrombin

Used for:

• Pulmonary embolism

• Venous thrombosis

• Prophylaxis after acute MI Anticoagulants

Medications:

• Heparin Anticoagulants (Heparin)

Side Effects:

• Hematuria

• Tissue irritation

Nursing Considerations:

• Monitor clotting time or Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

• Normal 20-45 sec

• Therapeutic level 1.5-2.5 times control

• Antagonist—Protamine Sulfate

• Give SC or IV

Anticoagulant

Action:

• Interferes with synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors

Used for:

• Pulmonary embolism

• Venous thrombosis

• Prophylaxis after acute MI Anticoagulant

Medication:

• Coumadin Anticoagulant (Coumadin)

Side Effects:

• Hemorrhage, Alopecia

Nursing Considerations:

• Monitor Prothrombin Test (PT)

• Normal 9-12 sec

• Therapeutic level 1.5 times control

• Antagonist—Vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON)

• Monitor for bleeding

• Give PO

Anticonvulsants

Action:

• Decreases flow of calcium and sodium across neuronal membranes

Used for:

• Seizures Anticonvulsant

Medications:

• Dilantin

• Luminal

• Depakote

• Tegretol

• Klonopin Anticonvulsant

Side effects:

• Respiratory depression

• Aplastic anemia

• Gingival hypertrophy

• Ataxia

Nursing Considerations:

• Don’t discontinue abruptly

• Monitor I&O

• Caution with use of medications that lower seizure threshold: MAO inhibitors & anti-psychotics

• Good mouth care

• Take with food

• May turn urine pinkish-red/pinkish-brown

Anti-Depressants Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO)

Action:

• Causes increases concentration of neurotransmitters

Used for:

• Depression

• Chronic pain Anti-Depressants

(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

Medications:

• Marplan

• Nardil

• Parnate Anti-Depressants

(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

Side effects:

• Hypertensive Crisis (Sudden headache, diaphoretic, palpitations, stiff neck, intracranial hemorrhage) with food that contain Tyramine

Nursing Considerations:

• Avoid foods containing Tyramine: Aged cheese, liver, yogurt, herring, beer and wine, sour cream, bologna, pepperoni, salami, bananas, raisins, and pickled products

• Monitor output

• Takes 4 weeks to work

• Don’t combine with sympathomometics vasoconstrictors, and cold medications

Anti-Depressants

Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Action:

• Inhibits CNS uptake of serotonin

Used for:

• Depression

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Bulimia Anti-Depressants

Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Medications:

• Paxil

• Prozac

• Zoloft Anti-Depressants

Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Side effects:

• Anxiety

• GI upset

• Change in appetite and bowel function

• Urinary retention

Nursing Considerations:

• Suicide precautions

• Takes 4 weeks for full effect

• Take in a.m.

• May urine to pinkish-red or Pinkish-brown

• Can be taken with meals

Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)

Action:

• Inhibits reuptake of neurotransmitters

Used for:

• Depression

• Sleep apnea Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)

Medications:

• Norpramin

• Elavil

• Tofranil Anti-Depressants (Tricyclics)

Side Effects:

• Sedation/Confusion

• Anticholinergics affects

• Postural Hypotension

• Urinary retention

Nursing Considerations:

• Suicide precautions/2-6 weeks to work

• Take at hs/Don’t abruptly halt

• Avoid alcohol/OTC /Photosensitivity

Insulin

(Regular, Humulin R)

Type: Fast acting

Onset: ½ -1 hr

Peak: 2-4 hr

Duration: 6-8 hr Insulin

(NPH, Humulin N)

Type: Intermediate acting

Onset: 2hr

Peak: 6-12hr

Duration 18-26hr Insulin

(Ultralente, Humulin U)

Type: Slow acting

Onset: 4hr

Peak: 8-20hr

Duration: 24-36hr Insulin

(Humulin 70/30)

Type: Combination

Onset: ½ hr

Peak: 2-12hr

Duration: 24hr

Antidiabetic Agents

Action:

• Stimulates insulin release from beta cells in pancreas

Used for:

• Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) Antidiabetic Agents

Medications:

• Diabinese

• Orinase

• Dymelor

• Micronase Antidiabetic Agents

Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia

• Allergic skin reactions

• GI upset

Nursing Considerations:

• Take before breakfast

• Monitor glucose levels

• Avoid alcohol, sulfonamides, Oral Contraceptives, (MAO), aspirin because they help to make drug work better

Hypoglycemic Agent

Action:

• Stimulates liver to change glycogen to glucose

Used for:

• Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemic Agent

Medication:

• Glucagon Hypoglycemic Agent

Side Effects:

• Hypotension

• Bronchospasm

Nursing Considerations:

• May repeat in 15min

• Give carbohydrates orally to prevent secondary hypoglycemic reactions

Antidiarrheals

Action:

• Slows peristalsis

• Increases tone of sphincters

Used for:

• Diarrhea Antidiarrheals

Medications:

• Kaopectate

• Lomotil

• Imodium

• Paregoric Antidiarrheals

Side Effects:

• Constipation

• Anticholinergic effects (urinary retention, dry mouth)

Nursing Considerations:

• Do not use with abdominal pain

• Monitor for urinary retention

• Give 2hr before or 3 hr after other meds

HTN meds:

All meds ending in "pril" are ace inhibitors and can cause a cough

All meds ending in "lol" are beta blockers

All sartins are used in place of Ace inhibitors if the pt gets a cough.

Do not give garlic when taking ASA as garlic also thins the blood

Do not give Kava when pt is taking Sinemet

Synthroid meds also increase the Pt/INR ratio of a pt on Coumadin

Thank you everyone that has contributed to this thread!!!!! Drugs are my biggest fear regarding the NCLEX. I am going to learn all of your info! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

OK...here is my contribution. I hope this helps someone!

Morphine: side-effects MORPHINE:

Myosis

Out of it (sedation)

Respiratory depression

Pneumonia (aspiration)

Hypotension

Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)

Nausea

Emesis

Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing

"I have to hide, the CIA is after me":

Clomipramine Imipramine Amitrptyline

- If want the next 3 worth knowing, the DNDis also after me:

Desipramine Norrtriptyline Doxepin

Patent ductus arteriosus: treatment

"Come In and Close the door": INdomethacin is used to Close PDA

SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:

Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs

Barbiturates

Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/ Carbamazepine

Diuretic (thiazide)

Vir-named drugs: use"-vir at start, middle or end means for virus": - Drugs:

Abacavir,

Acyclovir,

Amprenavir,

Cidofovir,

Denavir,

Efavirenz,

Indavir,

Invirase,

Famvir,

Ganciclovir,

Norvir,

Oseltamivir,

Penciclovir,

Ritonavir,

Saquinavir,

Valacyclovir,

Viracept,

Viramune,

Zanamivir,

Zovirax.

Phenobarbitone: side effects

Children are annoying (hyperkinesia, irritability, insomnia, aggression).

Adults are dosy (sedation, dizziness, drowsiness).

Thrombolytic agents USA:

Urokinase Streptokinase Alteplase (tPA)

Narcotic antagonists

The Narcotic Antagonists are NAloxone and NAltrexone. - Important clinically to treat narcotic overdose.

Routes of entry: most rapid ways meds/toxins enter body

"Stick it, Sniff it, Suck it, Soak it":

Stick = Injection

Sniff = inhalation

Suck = ingestion

Soak = absorption

Anticholinergic side effects

"Know the ABCD'S of anticholinergic side effects":

Anorexia

Blurry vision

Constipation/ Confusion

Dry Mouth

Sedation/ Stasis of urine

Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia

"A goes with B": Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.

Aspirin: side effects ASPIRIN:

Asthma

Salicyalism

Peptic ulcer disease/ Phosphorylation-oxidation uncoupling/ PPH/ Platelet disaggregation/ Premature closure of PDA

Intestinal blood loss

Reye's syndrome

Idiosyncracy

Noise (tinnitus)

Morphine: effects at mu receptor PEAR:

Physical dependence

Euphoria

Analgesia

Respiratory depression

Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location "You have 1 heart and 2 lungs":

Beta-1 are therefore primarily on heart. Beta-2 primarily on lungs.

SSRIs: side effects SSRI:

Serotonin syndrome

Stimulate CNS

Reproductive disfunctions in male

Insomnia

Warfarin: action, monitoring WePT:

Warfarin works on the extrinsic pathway and is monitored by PT.

Propranolol and related '-olol' drugs: usage"olol" is just two backwards lower case b's. Backward b's stand for "beta blocker". - Beta blockers include acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, oxprenolol, propranolol.

Depression: 5 drugs causing it PROMS:

Propranolol

Reserpine

Oral contraceptives

Methyldopa

Steroids

Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:

Anemia

Basophilic stripping

Colicky pain

Diarrhea

Encephalopathy

Foot drop

Gum (lead line)

Cholinergics (eg organophosphates): effects

If you know these, you will be "LESS DUMB":

Lacrimation

Excitation of nicotinic synapses

Salivation

Sweating

Diarrhea

Urination

Micturition

Bronchoconstriction

Benzodiazepines: actions

"Ben SCAMs Pam into seduction not by brain but by muscle":

Sedation

anti-Convulsant

anti-Anxiety

Muscle relaxant

Not by brain: No antipsychotic activity.

Teratogenic drugs "W/ TERATOgenic":

Warfarin

Thalidomide

Epileptic drugs: phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine

Retinoid

ACE inhibitor

Third element: lithium

OCP and other hormones (eg danazol)

Gynaecomastia-causing drugs DISCOS:

Digoxin

Isoniazid

Spironolactone

Cimetidine

Oestrogens

Stilboestrol

Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:

Glycerol

Urea

Mannitol

Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy MCAT:

Metronidazole

Chloramphenicol

Aminoglycoside

Tetracycline

Lithium: side effects LITH:

Leukocytosis

Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]

Tremor/ Teratogenesis

Hypothyroidism

Wow what a great thread. Pharm is definitly one of my weak points. Thanks so much the helpful information.

Thank so much! I am week at pharmocology. It is very helpful!!!!:yeah:

A really good website with a list of drug suffixes in a simple table!

http://www.takerx.com/class.html