Medications that require a serum level or critical lab value...

[Bravored]

Hi All

I am looking for some help compiling a list.

I would like to know some of the common medications that require/may require some sort of lab work up to evaluate therapeutic/toxic levels.

There are a few that i already know such as Digoxin, Vancomycin, Dilantin, heparin (ptt), coumadin (pt), Lasix (K), etc. One of my instructors used to say that technically, we can draw a level for nearly every medication. There are many medications that my drug guides suggest we monitor serum levels for. My issue is, sometimes d/t the facility, or the physician, etc, levels are not drawn. I sometimes have trouble knowing which drugs require a serum level/lab value and which doesnt.

Would you all help me come up with a list of these sorts of medication. From your clinical experience, which drugs, when you see it, would alert you to look at the labs, and/or search for serum levels.

*Normally, when the drug guide talks about serum levels, and the physician didn't order one, i am sure to review the symptoms of toxicity.

Thnx for all your help peoples!!!

Br

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

Lithium.

Solumedrol (cortisol level must be drawn prior to admin for an acurate level)

Gent.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

a student asked this question on the student forums before. i believe that if you go onto http://www.globalrph.com/ you can get a a list of these medications. that is where i found it before when i answered that student's question. or, you could do a search on allnurses for that thread.