The Most Important Must Know Drugs For NCLEX

A list of drugs that you should be aware of for the NCLEX.

Updated:  

ANALGESICS:

Aspirin do not give together with other anticoagulants. Stop taking Aspirin some days before surgery. Do not give to children with viral infection(Reye syndrome)

NSAID's

e.g. Ibuprofen--Take with food; contraindicated for people with GI ulcers

Morphine: A respiratory depressant. It should be withheld if the respirations are below 10

ANTI-CONVULSANTS

Dilantin: Causes gum hyperplasia. Advice client to visit dentist frequently

ANTIINFLAMMATORY / STEROIDS

Predisone: Causes Cushing like symptoms. Common side effects are immunosupression(monitor client for infection), hyperglycemia

ANTI-COAGULANTS

Heparin: Monitor pt's lab work-PTT. Antidote is protamine sulfate

Coumadin: Monitor pt's lab work--PT. Antidote is Vitamin K

ANTI-PARKINSONIAN

Cogentin: Used to treat EPS

Sinemet: Drug is effective when tremors are not observed

RESPIRATORY

Theophylline/Aminophylline: Side effects--Tachycardia

CARDIOVASCULAR

Digoxin (Lanoxin): Signs of toxicity: Pt will complaint of visual change in colors. They would also complain of loss of appetite.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE (PRE-ECLAMPSIA)

Magnesium Sulfate: Monitor for deep tendon reflex and respiratory depression

DIURETICS

Hydrochlothiazide: Monitor potassium levels

Lasix: Monitor potassium levels

Aldactone: Potassium sparing

PSYCHOTROPICS

Lithium Carbonate: Know therapeutic range (0.8 to 1.2mEq). Also know symptoms of toxicity. Adequate fluid and salt intake is important.

MAOI inhibitors: Have dangerous food-drug interactions. Food with Tyramine should be avoided. For example: aged cheese, wine etc.

Disulfiram (Antabuse): Used for alcohol aversion therapy. Clients started on Disulfiram must avoid any form of alcohol or they would develop a severe reaction. Teach pt to avoid some over-the-counter cough preparations, mouthwash etc.

MATERNITY

Oxytocin: Assess uterus frequently for tetanic contraction.

ANTIDOTES

Narcan: Reverses the effects of narcotics

Calcium Gluconate: Antidote for magnesium sulfate

Vitamin K: Antidote for Coumadin

Questions have been asked on NCLEX recently about the following drugs:

Tegretol: side effects.

Atropine: What checks do you do before giving this drug (BP.)

Epogen: Used in treating anemia because it increases RBC production.

Acyclovir: anti-viral medication used in treating shingles.

Notes:

  1. When a client is on antibiotics, teach the client to continue taking the medication even though they feel better
  2. Monitor client taking antibiotics such as Vancomycin for ototoxicity. Pt will complain of tinnitus, room spinning (vertigo) and nausea.
  3. Clients taking vasodilators e.g. Verapramil would complain of headache.

Helpful video on Drug Suffixes

Spot on! Thank you! :D

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This looks SO helpful!! I have a problem memorizing these meds. Thanks for posting! (=

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Thankyou so much this was very helpful!

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Thank you so much ! You Rock 👍❤

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I like how one person says don't worry about memorizing individual drugs, just focus on categories and classes....that's beginner/novice or AT BEST 2nd semester level advice and WILL NOT Help much more than that.

For Example: She mentioned calcium Channel Blockers, and also pointed out that they end in -pine (it is actually -depine, but okay). This drug class is usually or can be categorized as HTN drugs.

Here is what she didn't tell you:

There are 3 Calcium Channe Blockers drug classes, the one with -depine endings, the one Verapamil is in, and the one where Diltiazem is. While she is teaching you the most common Calcium Channel Blocker drug class, guess which drugs are in your NCLEX mostly, the dang Verapamil and Diltiazem.

The first guy had great advice, and the person who said person was wrong and to just focus on drug classes is giving basic low level advice, the first was more helpful for the end game!

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