PHARMACOLOGY

DRUG MODE OF ACTION INDICATION ADVERSE EFFECTS NURSING

RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Decreases  Inflammation  Headache  Monitor intake
Dexamethasone inflammation by  Allergies  Restlessness and output
suppression of ratio and
 Neoplasms  Nausea
Brand Name: migration of weight patient
Dexasone polymorphonuclear  Cerebral edema  Vomiting
daily.
leukocytes,  Septic shock  Acne
 Children
Dosage/Route/Frequen fibroblasts,  Poor wound should have
cy reversal of healing periodic
CONTRAINDICATIONS
4mg IV q8hrs increased capillary  Flushing evaluations of
permeability and  Untreated  Mood changes growth.
Classification: lysosomal infection  Hemorrhage  Assess patient
Corticosteroids stabilization. Hypokalemia for signs of
 Lactation
 Hypersensitivit adrenal
y insufficiency
Amebiasis Administer
with meals.
Generic Name: Inhibits  Hypertension   feeling that you
Losartan vasoconstrictive and might pass out  may cause
aldosterone  pain or burning hypotension,
Brand Name: secreting action of CONTRAINDICATIONS when you urinate tacycardia,
Cozaar angiotensin II by  pale skin angiodema,
blocking angiotensin  Hypersensitivit  feeling light- hyperkalemia
Dosage/Route/Frequen II receptor on the y to drug headed or short  may increase
cy surface of vascular of breath digoxin levels
50mg 1tab OD smooth muscle and  rapid heart rate
other tissue.  trouble  assess blood

Pharmacology 1
Classification: concentrating
pressure and
Antihypertensives  Wheezing
heart rate
 chest pain
 drowsiness  assess fluid
 confusion levels
 mood changes
 increased thirst  monitor daily
 loss of appetite weights with CHF
 nausea & vomiting
 swelling  monitor renal
 weight gain and liver
 urinating less  instruct patient
than usual or not on how to take
at all or high blood pressure
potassium
 muscle weakness
tingly feeling

Generic Name: Inhibits dipeptidyl As monotherapy in  Hypoglycemia Instruct

Linagliptin peptidase-4 (DPP-4), adult patients w/ patient to
an enzyme which is type 2 DM to improve  Angioedema take
Brand Name: involved in the linagliptin as
glycemic control in  Urticarial
Trajenta inactivation of the directed. Take
incretin hormones conjunction w/ diet
 Rash missed doses
Dosage/Route/Frequen GLP-1 (glucagon-like & exercise, or as
as soon as
cy peptide-1) and GIP add-on to metformin,
 bullous remembered,
5mg 1 tab OD (glucose-dependent sulfonylureas, pemphigoid unless it is
insulinotropic thiazolidinediones, almost time
Classification: polypeptide). Both insulin (w/ or w/o  mouth ulceration
Dipeptidyl incretin hormones for next dose;
metformin &/or do not double
peptidase-4(DPP-4) are involved in the
pioglitazone &/or
Pharmacology 2
inhibitors physiological sulfonylureas) or doses. Advise
regulation of metformin + patient to
glucose homeostasis. sulfonylureas or read the
Inhibition of DPP-4 Patient
metformin + SGLT2
leads to increased Package Insert
and prolonged active inhibitors.
before
incretin levels starting and
CONTRAINDICATIONS
with each Rx
 Hypersensitivit refill; new
y to drug information
may be
available.
● Explain to
patient that
linagliptin
helps control
hyperglycemia
but does not
cure diabetes.
Therapy is
usually long
term.
● Instruct
patient not to
share this
medication
with others,
even if they

Pharmacology 3
have the same
symptoms; it
may harm them.
● Encourage
patient to
follow
prescribed
diet,
medication,
and exercise
regimen to
prevent
hyperglycemic
or
hypoglycemic
episodes.
● Review
signs of
hypoglycemia
and
hyperglycemia
with patient.
If
hypoglycemia
occurs, advise
patient to
take a glass
of orange
juice or 2– 3

Pharmacology 4
 tsp of sugar,
honey, or corn
syrup
dissolved in
water, and
notify health
care
professional.
● Instruct
patient in
proper testing
of blood
glucose and
urine ketones.
These tests
should be
monitored
closely during
periods of
stress or
illness and
health care
professional
notified if
significant
changes occur.
Generic Name:  Inhibits the  Edema due to CNS: blurred vision, Instruct patient to
Furosemide reabsorption of heart failure, dizziness, headache, take furosemide as
vertigo directed. Take
sodium and hepatic

Pharmacology 5
Brand Name: chloride from the impairment, or EENT: hearing loss, missed doses as
Lasix loop of Henle and renal disease tinnitus soon as possible;
CV: hypotension do not double
distal renal  Hypertension
Dosage/Route/Frequen GI: anorexia, doses.
cy tubule. constipation, o Caution
20 mg 1 tab OD  Increases renal diarrhea, dry mouth,
CONTRAINDICATIONS patient to change
excretion of dyspepsia, ↑ liver positions slowly
Classification: water, sodium,  Hypersensitivit enzymes, nausea,
Loop Diuretics pancreatitis, vomiting to minimize
chloride, y;
GU: ↑ BUN, excessive orthostatic
magnesium,  Cross- urination, hypotension.
potassium, and sensitivity with nephrocalcinosis Caution patient
calcium. thiazides and Derm: ERYTHEMA that the use of
 Effectiveness sulfonamides may MULTIFORME, STEVENS- alcohol, exercise
persists in occur JOHNSON
during hot
impaired renal  Hepatic coma or SYNDROME, TOXIC
EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS, weather, or
function. anuria
photosensitivity, standing for long
 Some liquid pruritis, rash, periods during
products may urticaria therapy may
contain alcohol, Endo: hypercholesterol enhance
avoid in patients emia, hyperglycemia, orthostatic
with alcohol hypertriglyceridemia,
hypotension.
intolerance hyperuricemia
F and o Instruct
E: dehydration, hypoca patient to
lcemia, hypochloremia,  consult health
hypokalemia, hypomagne care professional
semia, hyponatremia, h regarding a diet
ypovolemia, metabolic high in potassium
alkalosis
(see food sources

Pharmacology 6
 Hemat: APLASTIC for specific
ANEMIA, AGRANULOCYTOSI nutrients).
S, hemolytic anemia, o Advise patient
leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia to contact health
MS: muscle cramps care professional
Neuro: paresthesia if weight gain
Misc: fever more than 3 lbs
in 1 day.

Generic Name: Loratadine, a Indicated for the Significant: Head  Use Cautiously

Loratadine piperidine symptomatic relief ache, somnolence, in patients
derivative, is a of allergy such as drowsiness, with liver or
Brand Name: long-acting, non- fatigue, renal
hay fever (allergic
Claritin sedating nervousness. impairment and
antihistamine which rhinitis), urticaria
Cardiac in breast-
Dosage/Route/Frequen selectively inhibits (hives), chronic
disorders: Palpit feeding
cy histamine H1- idiopathic
ation,
10mg 1tab OD receptors on urticaria, and other  Discontinue
tachycardia,
effector cells. skin allergies. For drug 4 days
hypotension.
Classification: allergic rhinitis. before patient
Antihistamines Gastrointestinal
disorders: Dry undergoes
CONTRAINDICATIONS diagnostic
mouth, abdominal
pain, nausea, skin test.
 Hypersensitivit Drug can
y to drug vomiting,
diarrhoea, prevent,
gastritis. reduce or mask
General disorders positive skin
and admin site test response.

Pharmacology 7
conditions: Malai
se.
Hepatobiliary
disorders: Jaundi
ce, hepatitis,
hepatic necrosis.
Investigations: E
levated liver
enzymes, weight
gain.
Metabolism and
nutrition
disorders: Increa
sed appetite.
Nervous system
disorders: Dizzin
ess.
Skin and
subcutaneous
tissue
disorders: Rash,
alopecia.

Pharmacology 8
Generic Name: Semisynthetic third Susceptible Pruritus, fever,   Determine
Ceftriaxone generation bacterial infections  chills, pain,
cephalosporin history of
of the lower induration at IM
Brand Name: antibiotic. injection site; hypersensit
respiratory tract,
Rocephin Preferentially binds phlebitis (IV ivity
to one or more of skin and skin
site) reactions
Dosage/Route/Frequen the penicillin- structure, bone and
cy binding proteins joint, acute otitis to
2 g IV (PBP) located on media, UTIs, GI: Diarrhea, cephalospor
cell walls of septicemia, pelvic abdominal cramps,
Classification: susceptible ins and
inflammatory disease pseudomembranous
anti-infective; organisms. This colitis, biliary penicillins
(PID),
antibiotic; third- inhibits third and sludge and history
final stage of intraabdominal infec
generation of other
bacterial cell wall tions, meningitis,
cephalosporin
synthesis, thus uncomplicated Urogenital:Genita allergies,
killing the gonorrhea. l pruritus; particularl
bacterium. moniliasis
CONTRAINDICATIONS y to drugs,
before
 Hypersensitivit therapy is
y to initiated.
cephalosporins and
  Lab tests:
related
antibiotics Perform
culture and
sensitivity
tests
before

Pharmacology 9
 initiation
of therapy
and
periodicall
y during
therapy.
Dosage may
be started
pending
test
results.
Periodic
coagulation
studies (PT
and INR)
should be
done.
  Inspect
injection
sites for
induration
and
inflammatio

Pharmacology 10
 n. Rotate
sites. Note
IV
injection
sites for
signs of
phlebitis
(redness,
swelling,
pain).
 Monitor for
manifestati
ons of
hypersensit
ivity .
Report
their
appearance
promptly
and
discontinue
drug.
 Watch for

Pharmacology 11
 and report
signs:
petechiae,
ecchymotic
areas,
epistaxis,
or any
unexplained
bleeding.
Ceftriaxone
appears to
alter
vitamin K-
producing
gut
bacteria;
therefore,
hypoprothro
mbinemic
bleeding
may occur.
 Check for
fever if

Pharmacology 12
 diarrhea
occurs:
Report both
promptly.

Generic Name: Decreases hepatic Adjunct to diet to  Endrocrine:  Do not

Metformin glucose production lower blood glucose Hypoglycemia disconti
hydrochloride and intestinal with type 2 (non- , lactic nue this
absorption of acidosis medicati
insulin dependent)
Brand Name: glucose and improves on
diabetes mellitus in
Glucophage insulin sensitivity.  GI: without
patients
Anorexia, consulti
Dosage/Route/Frequen nausea,
cy CONTRAINDICATIONS ng your
vomiting, healthca
Tablets 500 mg 1tab epigastric
Contraindicated with re
OD discomfort,
allergy to provider
metformin; CHF; heartburn, .
diabetes complicated diarrhea,
flatulence  Monitor
by fever, severe
urine or
trauma, major  Hypersensiti blood
surgery, ketosis, vity: for
acidosis, coma (use Allergic glucose
insulin); type 1 skin and
(insulin reactions, ketones
independent) serious eczema, as
hepatic impairment, pruritus, prescrib
erythema, ed.
serious renal

Pharmacology 13
 impairment,uremia,th urticaria  Swallow
yroid or endocrine ER
impairment, tablets
glycosuria, whole;
hyperglycemia do not
associated with cut,
renal disease crush or
chew.
Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin is a  For the  GI disturbances;  Arrange
Ciprofloxacin bactericidal treatment of headache, tremor, for
antibiotic of the infections caused confusion, culture
Brand Name: fluoroquinolone drug by susceptible convulsions; and
Proquin XR class. It inhibits gram-negative rashes; joint sensitiv
DNA replication by bacteria, pain; ity
Dosage/Route/Frequen inhibiting bacterial including Escheri phototoxicity. tests
cy DNA topoisomerase chia coli, Transient before
500 mg 1tab OD and DNA-gyrase. Of Proteus increases in beginnin
the fluoroquinolone mirabilis, serum creatinine. g
class, ciprofloxacin Klebsiella Hematological, therapy.
is the most potent pneumoniae, hepatic and renal  Continue
against gram- Enterobacter disturbances. therapy
negative bacilli cloacae, Proteus Vasculitis, for 2
bacteria vulgaris, Proteus pseudomembranous days
rettgeri, colitis and after
Morganella tachycardia. signs
morganii, Phototoxicity. and
Pseudomonas  Potentially symptoms
aeruginosa, Fatal: Anaphylact of
Citrobacter oid reaction; infectio
freundii, cardiopulmonary n are

Pharmacology 14
 Staphylococcus arrest gone.
aureus,  Be aware
Staphylococcus that Pro
epidermidis, quin
group D XR is
streptococci not
 Treatment of intercha
uncomplicated ngeable
UTIs caused by E. with
coli, K. other
pneumoniae as a forms.
one-time dose in  Ensure
patients at low that the
risk of nausea, patient
diarrhea (Proquin swallows
XR) ER
 Otic: Treatment tablets
of acute otitis whole;
externa do not
 Treatment of cut,
chronic bacterial crush,
prostatitis or chew.
 IV: Treatment  Ensure
of nosocomial that
pneumonia caused patient
by Haemophilus is well
influenza, K. hydrated
pneumoniae .
 Oral: Typhoid  Give
fever antacids
 Oral: STDs at least

Pharmacology 15
 caused 2 hr
by Neisseria after
gonorrhea dosing.
 Prevention of  Monitor
anthrax following clinical
exposure response
to anthrax ; if no
bacilla (prophyla improvem
ctic use in ent is
regions suspected seen or
of using germ a
warfare) relapse
 Acute sinusitis occurs,
caused by H. repeat
influenzae, culture
Streptococcus and
pneumoniae, or sensitiv
Moraxella ity.
catarrhalis  Encourag
 Lower e
respiratory tract patient
infections: to
Caused by E. complete
Coli, Klebsiella, full
Enterobacter course
species, P. of
mirabilis, P. therapy.
aeruginosa, H.
influenzae,
Haemophilia
parainfluenza, S.

Pharmacology 16
 pneumoniae
 Unlabeled use:
Effective in
patients with
cystic fibrosis
who have
pulmonary
exacerbations
CONTRAINDICATIONS

 Contraindicated
with:
 Hypersensitivit
y. Not to be used
concurrently with
tizanidine.
 Avoid exposure
to strong
sunlight or sun
lamps during
treatment.


Pharmacology 17
Pharmacology 18