pharmacology summary

cardiovascular system Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations

beta -olol Lowers bp Bronchospasm Contraindicated
Blocks the effect of Hypotension among asthmatic pts.
blockers -lol epinephrine at receptor Bradycardia Monitor BP, P,
site Hypoglycemia Glucose

ca channel -pine
Lowers bp Orthostatic Monitor BP, P
Prevent Ca movement hypotension Patient education to
-amil Dizziness change position
blocker -zem
across myocardial cell
membrane Bradycardia slowly
Lowers bp Angioedema
ace Cough Monitor SE
-pril Prevent conversion of
Increase K Monitor K+ level
inhibitor angiotensin I to
angiotensin II. Hypotension Monitor BP + Pulse

-semide Lowers bp + edema Electrolyte

Monitor EKGs
Monitor Electrolyte
Diuretics -thiazide Promote diuresis
Lowers BP: Na and fluid
Imbalance levels
Hypotension
-ACTONE loss Monitor BP + P
dissolve clots Monitor for signs of
thrombo- -ase Activates plasminogen Bleeding bleeding
lytics -teplase that forms plasmin. Monitor coagulation
studies
lower LDL levels Myopathy Contraindicated
statins -statins Inhibiting enzyme
converting HMG-CoA
Muscle among patients with
reductase weakness liver disease

gastrointestinal
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
reduce stomach acid Abdominal Administer drug
proton pump before meals
-zole Suppress the secretion Pain
Educate patient to
inhibitor of HCL Nausea,
Vomiting not crush or chew
promotes ulcer healing
h2 receptor -dine Dizziness Antacid can decrease
the absorption of
Blocks the action of Drowsiness
antagonist -tidine histamine Headaches cimetidine
 pharmacology summary
analgesics/antipyretic/NSAIDS/opioids
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
pain relief Respiratory Monitor respiratory
OPIOIDS -ONE Suppresses pain depression status
-DONE impulses. Constipation Antidote: nalaxone

pain, inflammation, fever When used

nsaids -profen NSAIDs inhibits Nephrotoxic chronically, it can be
nephrotoxic.
prostaglandin synthesis

pain, inflammation, fever Monitor for bleeding

aspirin aspirin Inhibit synthesis of Bleeding Contraindicated
prostaglandin + among children
antiplatelet
pain and fever
aceta- -aceta Inhibits prostaglandin Hepatoxic
Antidote
acetylcysteine
minophen minophen synthesis

antibiotics/antivirals Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
bacterial infection GI upset Encourage fluid
sulfonamides sulf- Inhibit folic acid Photosensitivi
ty
intake
Use of sunscreen
synthesis
Crystalluria
bacterial infection GI upset
fluoro Photosensitivit
-FLOXACIN Interfere with DNA y Use of sunscreen
quinolones gryase needed by the Risk: tendonitis
bacteria
GI upset: History of med
bacterial infection nausea, allergy
penicillin -cillin Inhibit bacterial cell wall vomiting,
Assess culture and
synthesis diarrhea, abd
pain sensitivity report
bacterial infection GI upset History of med
cephalosporin CEF/CEPH- inhibit bacterial wall
synthesis
Nephrotoxicity allergy
Monitor for IV site
Superinfections
thrombopheblitis
 pharmacology summary
antibiotics/antivirals
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
bacterial infection GI Do not administer
Tetracycline -cycline Inhibits protein synthesis
-inability for bacterial
upset/distrub
ance
tetracycline to
children under 8
growth
bacterial infection Monitor renal and
amino- Ototoxicity
-mycin Inhibit bacteria protein Nephrotoxicity
hepatic function
glycoside synthesis. Edu pt to report
tinnitus

treat viral infections GI Monitor renal

function tests
antiviral -vir Inhibiting different
stages of viral
upset/disturba
nce Ensure good
replication. hydration

neurological Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations

anti-seizure Sedation, Phenobarbital: 10-40
drowsiness
Barbiturates -arbital Stimulates the inhibitory
neurotransmitter system Respiratory
mcg/mL
Monitor: liver and
(GABA) in the brain. depression renal function test
anti-seizure Sedation, Antidote: flumazenil
Benzo- -pam, Benzodiazepines enhance drowsiness Pt education: Caution
diazepines -lam the effect of GABA Respiratory
depression
when performing
activities that
requires alertness