What are some of the most common meds used in the NICU?

Specialties NICU

Published

I'm currently still in school, but I hope to get into NICU nursing when I graduate. I'm doing my med-surg clinicals right now. I know that a lot of the meds that we pass on the adult floors are non-existant in the NICU, so I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me a list of the most commonly used meds in the NICU so that I can begin really familiarizing myself when I come across them on the adult floors. Thanks in advance for your help!

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Antibiotics: Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Oxacillin, Tobramycin, Amphoteracin B

GI: Reglan, Ranitidine

CD: Dopamine, Dobutamine, Prostaglandin E, Indomethacin,

Pain/Sedation: Versed, Fentanyl, sometimes plain Tylenol, Phenobarbitol, Valium

Respiratory: Aminophylline, Albuterol, (sorry, my mind is blank)

Nutrition: TPN, Lipids, Sodium Chloride, Potassium, Magnesium, Insulin

This is not by any means a complete list, just off the top of my head.

Jamie

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Specializes in NICU.

Every unit uses slightly different meds, as different doctors and pharmacists have different experiences and preferences. Plus, there are so many things happening with NICU babies that we often have MANY common meds. Things also change over the years, so when you graduate and start working, things might be different. Even so, it never hurts to review...

antibiotics: ampicillin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, vancomycin, imipenim, penicillin G, amoxicillin

anitfungals: amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, nystatin

cardiovascular: dopamine, dobutamine, prostaglandins, indomethacin

code meds: epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, calcium gluconate, narcan

diuretics: lasix, hydrocholorothiazide+spironolactone

pain/sedation: morphine, fentanyl, lorazepam, phenobarbital, tylenol, chloral hydrate

gastrointestinal: zantac, reglan, prevacid, erythromycin

nutrition: baby vitamins, ferrous sulfate, calcitriol

respiratory: caffiene, albuteral, flovent, racemic epinephrine

steroids: dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, predinsolone

misc: albumin, lovenox, SURFACTANT!!!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Pretty much same as Gompers, but add

Epogen

Vitamin E

Calciferol

chlorothiazide

captopril

heparin

fat emulsions

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sucrose for pain

aquaphor for diaper rash

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Specializes in NICU, Educ, IC, CM, EOC.

Synagis during RSV season.

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Other immunizations too, like Hepatitis B if mom's status is unknown, she is "at-risk" or no prenantal care. Also some of the long term babies will get their IPV, DPT and synagis right before discharge. Following this, many infants get tylenol gtts for 24 hours after some immunizations.

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Specializes in Level 2 and 3 NICU, outpt peds.

There's a great resource from the U of Washington NICU, I think the website is nicuontheweb.com not sure (sorry,old brain) Has some wonderful pics and look at the clinical pearls area, makes me laugh every time!Good luck and welcome to the zoo! LOL :p

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Ampicillin

Gentamicin

Multivitamins

Caffeine

Actigall

Reglan

Survanta

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