UNIVERSITY OF CEBU – BANILAD CAMPUS

COLLEGE OF NURSING

NCM 106: PHARMACOLOGY

COMMON MEDICATION USED

Often times PHARMACOLOGY is the most dreaded part of nursing exam. One reason could be that it requires you to memorize facts and
more often than not, it is difficult to decide on WHAT TO MEMORIZE. But not anymore, the CHECK PRINCIPLE provides you with a framework.

CHECK stand for…..

C – Check why medication is given and know the classification of the drug. In other words, you should know the purpose why the medication is given.

H – How will you know if the medication is effective. What are your assessment parameters in monitoring the effects of the drug?

E – Exactly what time should the medication be given. Some drugs are best taken with meals, some after meals and some, on an empty stomach.
Other drugs may also be taken without regard to meals.

C – Client teaching tips. What would you tell your patient to comply? You should be able to give instructions related to therapeutic and side effects
of the drug.

K – keys to give it safely. You should be able to identify interventions to counteract the adverse/side effects of the drugs.

DRUG NAMES C H E C K
Accutane (isotretinoin) Anti – acne: decreases Absence of acne Best taken in morning Have pregnancy test, Ensure that the patient
sebaceous gland size with meals, it causes the drug is fetotoxic is not pregnant.
insomnia Discontinue the drug if
visual disturbances
occur.
Amphogel (Aluminum Antacid: it neutralizes Decreased phosphate Best taken between The drug may cause Administer the drug
Hydroxide gel) or reduces gastric level meals and at bedtime constipation. with glass of water.
acidity Report black tarry
stool. Monitor for signs
and symptoms of
 hypophosphatemia like
muscle weakness.
Ampicin (Ampicillin) Antibiotic (-) Infection Best taken on an Report the Perform a sensitivity
empty stomach development of rash. test before initiating
Drug may cause GI therapy. Probenecid
upset increases the effect of
the drug. Give it around
the clock
Aldomet (Methyldopa) Antihypertensive Decreased BP Take the drug regularly Impotence can be Check the BP, the drug
exactly as prescribed expected may cause
hypotension.
Aminophylline Bronchodilator Ease of breathing Best taken in the Stop smoking as it Check the heart rate,
(Theophylline) morning on an empty interferes with the the drug may cause
stomach, because the drug’s effectiveness. tachycardia. Maintain
drug causes insomnia. adequate urine output.
Avoid caffeine
containing foods.
Ancef (Cefalozin) Antibiotic (-) Infection No specific Report the Assess for signs and
development of rash. symptoms of
nephrotoxicity. Not
administered by push.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) Antialcoholic agent: Patient avoids alcohol Best taken after Instruct the patient to Inspect the patient’s
causes an unpleasant abstaining from alcohol avoid alcohol based belongings and
reaction when for 12 hours substances like: confiscate alcohol
combined with alcohol M – Mouthwash based substances.
O – Over the counter Monitor liver function
cold remedies tests
F – Fruit flavored
extracts
F – Food sauces made
of wine
A – After shave lotion
V – Vinegar
S – Skin products

Apresoline (Hydralazine) Antihypertensive Decreased blood Best taken with food Rise slowly from a lying Monitor for signs and
pressure or sitting position symptoms of
orthostatic
hypotension. Monitor
 the heart rate for
tachycardia
ASA (Aspirin) Anti-inflammatory, (-) Fever, inflammation, Best taken on full Tinnitus indicates Assess the patient for
Antipyretic, Anti – Pain stomach toxicity bleeding tendencies.
platelet Aggregate Induce vomiting if
overdose occurs
Ativan (Lorazepam) Anti – anxiety, minor Decreased anxiety Best taken at H.S. or an The drug may cause: Keep the side-rails up
tranquilizer empty stomach, food dizziness, drowsiness,
delays absorption of dry mouth.
the drug Avoid driving
Avoid caffeine
containing foods and
alcoholic beverages
Atrophine sulfate Anticholinergic, It increases heart rate Best taken 30 minutes The drug may cause Check BP, the drug
Vagolytic, Drying agent in a patient with before meals facial flushing causes hypotension,
heartblock, used Avoid tasks that constipation, and
preoperatively to require acute vision drymouth
decrease secretions. Avoid environment
AZT (Zidovudine) Antiviral: used to Increased CD4 count No specific Eat small frequent Arrange for frequent
prevent replication of meals, the drug may blood test, may cause
Human cause change in taste bone marrow
Immunodeficiency Virus depression
Give the drug around
the clock
Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) Antibiotic: used as a (-) Infection Best taken with meals Report blood in the Discontinue
treatment for ulcerative to decrease GI upset urine, rash, ringing in immediately if
colitis the ears, sorethroat hypersensitivity occurs
Wear protective increase fluid intake
clothing, the drug
causes
photosensitivity, turns
the urine orange –
yellow
Bactrim (Co – trimoxazole) Antibiotic (-) Infection Best taken before Changes the color of Assess for signs and
meals the urine to red orange symptoms of
Report the Nephrotoxicity
development of rash
BAL (Dimercaprol) Antidote; used in the Increased lead Drug is only given per Treatment may need to Monitor for irregular
treatment of lead excretion in the feces IM be continued for 2 – 10 heartbeat
poisoning and urine days Monitor BP
Administer deep IM
Assess for allergy
Benadryl Anticholinergic/ (-) Allergy Best taken with food if Avoid Alcohol Administer syrup form
(diphenhydramine HCL) Antiparkinsonian/ GI upset occurs Report difficulty of if patient is unable to
Antihistamine breathing take tablets
Assess for allergy
Ca Edta (Edetate Calcium Antidote in lead Increased urinary No specific Report pain at injection Monitor BUN levels,
Disodium) poisoning excretion of lead site can damage the
kidneys
Keep the patient supine
Cadizem (diltiazem HCL) Antihypertensive Decreased BP No specific Nausea and vomiting Monitor BP, cardiac
Antianginal (-) Anginal pain may occur output
Celestone Steroid; stimulates lung (-) Respiratory distress Given with food to Report signs of Monitor the weight
(betamethasone) development in in premature infant reduce GI irritation infection Give once – daily dose
premature infant in the morning to
prevent insomnia
Given 48 hours before
delivery of premature
infant to promote fetal
lung maturity
Cephalic (lactulose) Laxative; ammonia Decreased serum No specific Report diarrhea Monitor serum
reduction agent amonia ammonia levels
Administer with juice to
disguise the taste
Chloromycetin Antibiotic (-) Infection Best taken on an Report sore throat and Antagonizes the
(Chloramphenicol) empty stomach tiredness bacterial action of
penicillin
The drug may depress
the bone marrow
Clozanil (Clozapine) Antipsychotic Decreased delusions, Best taken after meals Report sore throat and Check the BP the drug
Hallucinations, and avoid exposure to causes hypotension
looseness of sunlight Assess for Akathisia,
association usually described by
patients as “I feel as if I
have ants in my pants”
 Assess for tardive
dyskinesia initially
manifested by tongue
twitching or lip
smacking
Codeine Phosphate Ant-tussive Relief of pain No specific, given to It can cause Use laxative to
Narcotic – antagonist lactating women 4 – 6 constipation counteract constipation
Analgesic hours before feeding Avoid driving Raise the side-rails, it
to minimize drug in may cause drowsiness
milk
Cogentin (Benztropine Antiparkinsonian Muscles becomes less Best taken after meals Avoid alcohol The drug causes
Mesylate) stiff report difficult hypotension, so check
urination the BP
Evaluate the effect of
the drug after several
days
Coumadin (Warfarin Anticoagulant; prevents (-) Thrombus No specific Avoid green leafy Assess for any sign of
Sodium) thrombus formation, it vegetables as the bleeding.
does not dissolve clots Vitamin K content of Keep vitamin K at the
these vegetables bedside.
interfere with the Do not give patient any
absorption of the drug IM injection.
Avoid contact sports Many factors (diet,
fever, environment)
may change the body’s
response to the drug
Cytotec (Misoprostol) Synthetic prostaglandin (+) cervical ripening Given in early labor Report uterine Prepare terbutaline at
Produces cervical hyperstimulation, the bedside, it
dilation nausea, diarrhea, counteracts uterine
flatulence and hyperstiumlation
headache. Have an IV line
Assess for presence of Oxytocin induction can
asthma, glaucoma, be started 6 to 12 hours
renal or cardiovascular after the last
disease prostaglandin dose.
Prostaglandin gel is
applied to the interior
surface of the cervix by
a catheter or
 suppository or to the
external surface by the
use of a diaphragm.
Monitor FHR for 30
minutes after each
application
Cytoxan Antineoplastic Decreased tumor size Best given in the Alopecia is temporary, Monitor CBC
(cyclophosphamide) morning to prevent report sore throat, Increase fluid intake
hemorrhagic cystitis report hematuria Assess for signs and
dysuria immediately symptoms of
nephrotoxicity
Dalmane (Flurazepam Anti – anxiety Decreased anxiety, Best taken before Causes mental Raise bedside rails
adequate sleep meals confusion, Assess hepatic or renal
hallucination and function
ataxia. Avoid alcohol it
increased CNS
depression. Avoid
caffeine containing
foods, it counter acts
the effect of the drug
Deltasone (Prednisone) Glucocorticoid (-) Inflammation Best given after meals, Weight gain and Check serum K level,
Anti – inflammatory administer once a day increased appetite are may cause
doses before 9 AM to common side effects hyperkalemia
mimic normal peak Treatment is lifelong if Do not give live virus
corticosteroid blood used in Addison’s vaccines (OPV, MMR)
level disease. with
Avoid exposure to immunosuppressive
infection doses of corticosteroids
Report unusual
swelling
Demerol (Meperidine HCL) Narcotic Analgesic; (-) Pain No specific Avoid activities that Keep the antidote,
used to relieve requires alertness naloxone HCL at the
Avoid alcohol bedside
It may cause facial
flushing
Dexasone Glucocorticoid; used in (-) Inflammation No specific Avoid exposure to Do not stop abruptly
(Dexamethasone) the treatment of infection Assess for fluid and
adrenal insufficiency Report unusual weight electrolyte imbalance
gain; sore throat
Diabinase Antidiabetic agent; Blood sugar level Best given in the Take weight daily Assess for signs and
(Chlorpropamide) stimulates pancreas to within normal range morning with food, so Protect the skin from symptoms of
secret insulin sleep will not be exposure to the sun hypoglycemia like
distributed by drowsiness,
increased urination diaphoresis, and
dizziness
Diamox (Acetazolamide) Anticoagulant, Diuretic, Increase urine output, Best taken in the Avoid driving Assess for unusual
Antiepileptic; used to decreased vertigo in morning with meals Avoid exposure to bleeding
lessen the signs and meniere’s disease sunlight
symptoms of meniere’s
disease
Digoxin (Lanoxin) Cardiac glycoside; Normal heart rate in No specific Report greenish vision, Assess the patient’s
increase force of cardia patient with atrial sign of toxicity heartrate, it causes
contraction fibrillation Take pulse everyday bradycardia
Assess for sign of
toxicity (Nausea,
Anorexia, Vomiting, and
Diarrhea)
Monitor serum K level
Dilantin (Phenytoin) Anti – convulsant (-) Seizure Best taken with food to Massage the gums, it Monitor for signs and
enhance absorption causes hypertrophy symptoms of bone
May turn the urine marrow depression
pink, red or reddish Do not discontinue
brown abruptly
Use saline flush before
and after IV
administration
Duril (Chlorothiazide) Diuretic Increased urine output Best taken with food Protect the skin from Monitor weight
early in the day, so exposure to the sun
sleep will not be Muscle weakness in
disrupted by increased the lower extremities
urination indicate hypokalemia
Increase K in the diet
Elavil (Amitriptyline) Tricyclic anti – Increased appetite Best given after meals Therapeutic effects Check the BP, it causes
depressant; prevents adequate sleep may become evident hypotension
the reuptake of only after 2 – 3 weeks Check the heartrate, it
norepinephrine of intake causes cardiac
arrythmias
Erythrocin (Erythromycin) Antibiotic (-) infection Best taken on an Report development of Monitor liver function
empty stomach rash Administer around the
clock
Assess for sign and
symptoms of secondary
infection
Ferrous SO4 Iron preparation; used ( - ) Pallor Best taken on an Avoid milk, coffee and Keep the antidote,
in the prevention and empty stomach tea, this decrease deferoxamine
treatment of Iron absorption mesylate, at the
deficiency anemia Take the drug with bedside
orange juice to
promote absorption

Flagyl (Metronidazole) Antihelmintic (-) helminths Best taken with food Avoid alcohol; report Interacts with Antabuse
severe GI upset, turns to cause a psychotic
the urine browns reaction
The drug is teratogenic
Instruct patient t take
entire recommended
dose
Garamycin (Gentamicin) Aminoglycoside, ( - ) Infection No specific Increase Fluid intake Monitor for signs and
bactericidal Tinnitus indicates symptoms of
ototoxicity ototoxicity,
nephrotoxicity and
neurotoxicity
Haldol (Haloperidol) Antipsychotic, Major Decreased delusions, Best taken after meals Avoid exposure to Monitor BP, it causes
tranquilizer hallucinations, sunlight hypotension
looseness of The long acting type
association (Haloperidol
Decanoate) is given
once a month
Heparin Anticoagulant; used to Prolonged PTT No specific Report signs and Monitor the patient
prevent clot symptoms of bleeding partial thromboplastin
enlargement time
Keep protamine SO4
(antidote) at the
bedside
 Do not give IM
injection
Inderal (Propanolol Antianginal, Decreased BP Best taken with meals Avoid driving do not Check the BP, it may
Hydrochloride) Antiarrythmic, discontinue abruptly cause hypotension
Antihypertensive;
reduces portal pressure
and decreases the risk
of bleeding from
esophageal varices
INH (Isoniazid) Antituberculous agent ( - ) Infection Best taken on an Report tingling Liver functions studies
empty stomach sensation in the lower should before the start
extremities, it indicates of therapy
peripheral neuropathy Therapeutic effects
Avoid alcohol generally occur in 2 – 3
weeks
Administer with
Vitamin B6 to prevent
peripheral neropathy
Insulin (NPH, regular) Hypoglycemic agent Normal blood sugar Best given before Report signs and Serve meals on time to
level breakfast symptoms of prevent hypoglycemia
hypoglycemia
(tremors, nervousness)
Isordil (Isosorbide Antianginal; relaxes Decreased BP Best take on an empty Change positions Check the BP
Dinitrate) smooth muscles stomach slowly; may cause frequently
facial flushing Instruct the patient not
to chew the sustained
release form
Isuprel (Isoproterenol Bronchodilator; Anti – Relief of No specific Avoid driving Assess the heart rate, it
hydrochloride) asthmatic bronchospasm causes tachycardia
Kayexalate (Sodium Potassium removing Decreased serum No specific May cause If given as an anemia,
Polysterene Sulfonate) resin; promotes potassium levels constipation have the patient
potassium excretion assume a knee – chest
position or retain the
solution for 30 – 60
minutes.
Monitor serum
potassium
Kefzol (Cefazolin Sodium) Antibiotic ( - ) Infection Best taken with food Avoid alcohol Assess for severe
diarrhea, difficulty of
breathing
Kwell (Lindane) Pediculicide/Scabicicde Effective if there are Applied twice; May be administered Use gloves to remove
no lice in the hair and immediately after to all individuals living nits by using a fine-
there no eggs attached diagnosis and a week in the house toothed comb rinsed in
to hair shafts after Do not apply to face vinegar
Larodopa (Levodopa) Antiparkinsonism Muscles become less Best taken with meals Avoid foods containing Ensure that the patient
stiff vitamin B6 or protein voids before receiving
rich foods since it dose, it may cause
decreases the urinary retention
absorption of the drug
Lasix (Furosemide) Diuretic Increased urine output Best given in the Eat bananas and citrus Monitor serum
morning fruits because they are potassium levels, it can
good sources of cause hypokalemia
potassium
Lithium Carbonate Antimanic Decreased Best taken after meals Increase fluid intake (3 It takes 10 – 14 days
hyperactivity L/day) and sodium before therapeutic
intake (3 gm/day) effect becomes evident
Avoid activities that Antipsychotic is
increase perspiration administered during
the first two weeks to
manage the acute
symptoms of mania
until lithium takes
effect
Monitor serum level,
normal is 0.5 – 1.5
meq/L.
Lopid (Gemfibrozil) Antihyperlipidemic Normal triglyceride Best taken with meals Report severe stomach Arrange for check – up
levels or milk pain with nausea, including CBC, blood
vomiting, fever chills or glucose, lipids,
sore-throat severe especially during long –
headache, vision term therapy
changes
Lovenox (Enoxaparin) Antithrombotic: ( - ) thrombosis Usually given as soon Use soft toothbrush Administered by deep
prevents the formation as possible or as and electric razor to SC injection; NOT given
of clots ordered after hip prevent bleeding by IM
surgery
 Have periodic blood Abdominal fat roll is the
tests best site
Reports signs of Check the patient for
bleeding (nose signs of bleeding
bleeding, bleeding Alert the patient for
gums, black or tarry signs of bleeding
stools) Alert all health care
providers that the
patient is on
Enoxaparin
Keep protamine
sulfate, the antidote, at
the bedside
Monitor the patients’
partial thromboplastin
time
Magnesium SO4 Anticonvulsant; ( - ) Convulsion No specific Diarrhea is a side effect Keep the antidote,
tocolytic calcium gluconate at
the bedside
assess the patient’s
respiratory rate (should
be at least 12/min)
deep tendon reflex and
urine output (should be
at least 30 mL/hr)
Mannitol Diuretic; used to treat Increased urine output Best given in the Avoid alcohol and Monitor BP and serum
cerebral edema morning prolonged exposure to potassium
sunlight
Mefoxin (Cefoxitin Na) Antibiotic ( - ) Infection No specific Report the Probenecid may inhibit
development of rash excretion of the drug
Monitor renal status: I
and O, serum creatinine
Mestinon (Pyridostigmine) Cholinesterase Increased muscle Usually administered Report the Monitor for muscle
inhibitor; used as strength before meals development of rash, weakness
treatment for the drug increase Keep the antidote,
myasthenia gravis peristalsis atropine SO4 at the
bedside
Methergin Oxytocic; used as a firmly contracted No specific Report difficulty of Monitor the BP, it
(Methylergonovine treatment for uterus breathing cause hypertension
Maleate) postpartum atony and
hemorrhage
Methotrexate Antineoplastic Evaluate tumor size No specific Avoid alcohol Keep the antidote,
Report black tarry leucovorine at the
stool and sore – throat bedside
May cause birth
defects
Administer antiemetic
to counteract nausea
and vomiting
The drug depresses the
bone marrow
Monoamine Oxidase Antidepressant Increased appetite Best taken after meals Report headache; it Monitor the BP
Inhibitor (MAOI) adequate sleep indicates hypertension
crisis
Avoid tyramine
containing foods like:
A – vocado
B – anana
C – heddar and aged
cheese
S – oysauce and
preserved foods
Morphine SO4 Narcotic agonist, Relief of pain Best taken with food Avoid driving, Keep Naloxone HCL
Analgesic; given to Report severe nausea (antidote) at the
decrease anxiety in a and vomiting bedside
patient with pulmonary Instruct the patient to
edema; promotes lie down during IV
venous pooling of blood administration
in the periphery, so it Morphine causes more
decreases venous pain in pancreatitis
return to the heart because it increases the
spasm of the sphincter
of oddi, so avoid giving
it
Nardil (Phenelzine) Antidepressant MAO Increase appetite; Best taken after meals Report headache, it Monitor BP
inhibitor adequate sleep indicates hypertensive There should be at least
crisis two – week interval
Avoid tyramine when shifting from one
containing foods like: anti – depressant to
A – vocado another
B – anana
C – heddar and aged
cheese
S – oysauce and
preserved foods
It takes 2 – 3 week
before initial
therapeutic effects
become noticeable
Nitroglycerin Antianginal; causes Relief of chest pain Best taken before any Place a tablet under Monitor the BP and
generalized strenuous activity the tongue at the first heart rate
vasodilation which sign of chest pain
promotes blood flow to “Burning sensation”
the heart muscles under the tongue is a
sign of potency of the
drug. Facial flushing is
a side effect
Do not chew the tablet
Keep the tablets in a
dark container
Oncovin (vincristine) Antineoplastic Evaluate Tumor size No specific May cause alopecia, Instruct the patient hat
nausea, vomiting and the drug is not taken
constipation during pregnancy
Use birth control, it is
teratogenic
Pancrease Pancreatic enzyme; Absence of fat in stool Administer with each Do not chew enteric Assess the patients’
(Pancreatin/Pancrealipase) helps in the digestion of meal and snack coated capsules stool
fats in patients with The drug may cause
cystic fibrosis and abdominal discomfort
pancreatitis or diarrhea
Pavabid (Papaverine HCl) Peripheral vasodilator; (-) Intermittent Best taken with meals Report severe Monitor the BP, it
improves blood claudication; (-) leg or antacids headache, chest pain, causes orthostatic
cramps shortness of breath, hypotension
 circulation in the lower numbness tingling in
extremities the lower extremities
Penicillin Antibacterial (-) Infection Best taken on an Report the Keep the antidote,
empty stomach with a development of rash epinephrine at the
full glass of water bedside
Phenergan (Promethazine Antihistamine (-) Allergy No specific Avoid alcohol and Do not administer SC,
Hydrochloride) prolonged exposure to tissue necrosis may
sunlight occur
Ptocin (Oxytocin) Oxytocic; used to Family contracted No specific Report the Monitor the BP
induce labor after uterus development of brash Discontinue if
artificial rupture of the hypertension develops
membranes
Pneumovax Vaccine; stimulate (-) Pneumonia No specific Report the presence of Administer SC, or IM
(Pneumococcal vaccine) immunity through erythema, induration, only preferably in the
antipneumococcal soreness at injection deltoid muscle or
antibody production site, fever, myalgia, and lateral mid-thigh
rash Refrigerate vials, do not
dilute
Do not administer less
than 10 days prior to or
during treatment for
hodgkins disease
Have epinephrine
1;1,000 available at the
bedside
Indicated for patients’
at risk for
pneumococcal
prneumonia (children
over 2-year-old, adult
with chronic illness,
elderly)
Povan (Pyrvinium Antihelminthic (-) Pinworm No specific The drug may discolor Assess the patient
pamoate) the stool discolor the stool
Assess for the common
side effects; nausea,
anorexia
Probenecid (Benemid) Antigout; used as a Decreased uric acid Best taken with meals Change position slowly Increase fluid intake
uricosoric ddrug in levels
 gouty arthritis; delays
the excretion of
penicillin
Prostigmin (Neostigmine) Cholinesterase Increased muscle No specific Report diarrhea, Keep the antidote,
inhibitor; strength abdominal pain and pralidoxime chloride
Antimyasthenic agent muscle weakness (PAM) or atropine at
Avoid hot and the bedside
excessively humid
environment
PTU (Propylthioutacil) Antithyroid; inhibits Decreased bheart rate; Take the drug around Treatment is lifelong Monitor the heart rate,
synthesis of thyroid adequate sleep the clock at 8 hour Report the it causes tachycardia
hormone interval development of sore- contraindicated in
throat, it indicates pregnant patients
agranulocytosis
Pyridium (Phenazopyridine Urinary analgesic (-) Pain Best taken after meals Inform the patient that Assess for jaundice
Hydrochloride) to decrease GI upset the drug colors the
urine orange or red
Radioactive Iodine Antithyroid; limits Normal heart rate; Instruct patient to fast It will take several Urine and saliva are
thyroid hormone adequate sleep overnight before weeks (usually 6 slightly radioactive for
secretion administration; food weeks) before 24 hours after
delays absorption therapeutic effects administration
become noticeable
Reserpine (Serpasil) Antihypertensive Decreased BP Best taken with meals Avoid sudden position Monitor BP and heart
changes rate
RhoGAM (Rho Immune Prevents sensitization (-) Erythroblastosis Administer with 72 Report pain and Given to Rh (-), Coombs
Globulin) to the Rho factor Fetalis hours after Rh soreness at injection (-) mother with an Rh
incompatible delivery site (+), Coombs (-) Baby
Rifabutin (Mycobutin) Antibiotic; used in the (-) Infection No specific Report nausea, Monitor CBC, it may
prevention of vomiting, diarrhea cause bone marrow
disseminated Body fluids may turn depression
mycobacterium avium reddish – orange,
complex (MAX) disease contact lenses may be
in patients with stained
advanced HIV infection
Rifadin (Rifampin) Antituberculous (-) Infection Best taken on an May cause body fluid Monitor liver or renal
empty stomach discoloration (reddish function tests, CBC,
orange urine or ophthalmologic exam
sputum)
Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Stimulant; used to Decreased Best given after meals May cause growth Monitor growth and
increase attention span Hyperactivity because it suppresses retardation development
in a child with attention the appetite if given
deficit hyperactivity before meals
disorder Give it in the morning
or at least 6 hours
before bedtime since it
causes insomnia
Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Skeletal muscle relaxant Relief of muscle spasm No specific Report skin rash Keep epeniphrine at
Avoid alcohol the bedside
Urine may turn brown,
black or green in color
Rocephin (Ceftriaxone Antibiotic (-) Infection No specific Avoid alcohol Discontinue if
sodium) Stomach upset and/ or hypersensitivity
diarrhea may occur
Streptomycin Aminoglycoside; used (-) Infection Best taken after meals, Report oliguria, it Increase fluids
to destroy the decrease GI upset indicates Monitor
vestibular apparatus to nephrotoxicity
decrease vertigo in a
patient with meniere’s
disease
Sudafed Antihistamine, (-) Allergy; relieves Best taken in the Avoid taking the drug Monitor BP and pulse
(Pseudoephedrine) Decongestant congestion in a patient morning, to prevent near bedtime rate
with otitis media insomnia
Suifamylon (Mafenide) Anti-infective (-) Infection No specific Cover burns at all time Apply to debrided
with the drug wound with gloved
hands
Bathe the patient in a
whirlpool daily to aid
debridement

Symmetrel (Amantadine) Antiparkinsonian, Muscles become less No specific Report swelling of Do not discontinue
Dopaminergic, Antiviral stiff fingers abruptly
Synthroid (Levothyroxine Thyroid hormone Normal T4 levels, in Best taken in the Treatment is lifelong Monitor BP and pulse
Sodium) supplement female patients there morning, to prevent
will be resumption of insomnia
menstruation
Tagamet (Cimetidine) Histamine antagonist; Relief of symptoms of Best given with food, Avoid smoking, it Administer IM dose
inhibits gastric acid heartburn, acid when administering it decreases drug efficacy undiluted deep into
secretion indigestion with an antacid, give large muscle
the antacid one hour Infusion should be
before cimetidine diluted in at least 50 cc
of D5W
Tamofen (Tamoxifen) Antiestrogen Decreased tumor size Usually taken twice in Avoid driving, it causes Not given during
the morning and in the corneal opacity pregnancy
evening have small frequent
meals, it causes nausea
and vomiting
stay in cool
environment, it causes
hot flashes
Thorazine Antipsychotic; Decreased Best given after meals Avoid exposure to Monitor the BP, it can
(Chlorpromazine antiemetic hallucinations, sunlight cause hypotension
Hydrochloride) delusions and
looseness of
association
Timolol Maleate (Timoptic) Antihypertensive, Decreased BP; IOP No specific Avoid driving Administer ophthalmic
Antiglaucoma eye drops in the lower
conjunctival sac
The drug may cause
hyperglycemia or
hypoglycemia
Tofranil (Imipramine) Tricyclic antidepressant Increased appetite; Best taken after meals Change position slowly Monitor the heart rate,
adequate sleep it may cause
palpitations or cardiac
arrhythmias
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Analgesic; Antipyretic Relief of pain, Fever Take with food if GI It can cause Keep acetylcysteine
upset is noted hepatoxicity (antidote) at the
bedside
Assess for allergy
Tylenol with Codeine Live attenuated virus (-) Measles, polio MMR is given at 12 Have a written record Before administering
vaccines months; OPV of the vaccines the vaccines, ask the
beginning at 2 months parent if they are living
with an
immunosuppressed
individual (those with
 AIDS), undergoing
chemotherapy, taking
steroid)
Keep the vaccines
refrigerated
Valium (Diazepam) Antianxiety; given as a Decreased anxiety,; Best taken before Avoid driving, intake of Administer it
muscle relaxant to adequate sleep meals, food in the alcohol and caffeine separately, it is
patients’ in traction stomach delays containing foods since incompatible with any
absorption it alters the effect of drug
the drug
Vancovin (Vancomycin Antibiotic; drug of (-) Infection No specific Report ringing in the Dilute the contents of
HCl) choice for methicillin ears, difficulty voiding, 500 mg vial for
resistant rash and flushing injection, in 30 ml of
staphylococcus aureus May cause nausea and water for oral or
hypotension nasogastric tube
administration
Monitor renal function
tests with prolonged
therapy
Monitor the patient for
signs of “red neck) or
“red man syndrome”
(sudden and profound
fall in BP, fever, chills,
paresthesias, erythema
of the neck and back)
Vitamin K Antidote, promotes (-) Bleeding No specific Report the Monitor prothrombin
formation of development of Rash time, to determine
prothrombin, given in dosage efffectiveness
neonates to prevent
bleeding
Xylocaine (Lidocaine) Antiarrhythmic, Normal heart rate No specific Tennitus is a side effect Monitor BP and serum
Anesthetic; used to electrolytes
treat premature Convulsion is the first
ventricular contraction sign of toxicity
Yutopar (Ritodrine) Tocolytic, used to treat Relaxed uterus No specific Report increase in Contraindicated before
pre-term labor by pulse rate, it causes 20th week or pregnancy,
decreasing the intensity palpitation in patients with
hemorrhage,
 and frequency of hypertension, infection,
uterine contractions bleeding disorders and
spontaneous abortion
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) Antigout; used to Decreased uric acid Best taken with food Instruct the patient to Increased fluid intake
prevent or treat attacks levels report sore-throat, it to facilitate excretion f
of gout signals the uric acid crystals
development of Avoid over the counter
agranulocystosis medications, most of
these contain vitamin C
which can increase the
likelihood of renal
stone formation

N.B.
To facilitate easier recall, the Brand names of the drugs were written ahead of the Generic name.