Pharmacology Medication List
Medication
Name:
Brand
Tylenol
Medication Name:
Generic
Classification
Action
Adverse Effects
Nursing Process
Considerations
Acetaminophen
Non opioid
Fever; management
of mild pain
Rash; Steven
Johnson Syndrome
Proventil;
Ventolin;
ProAir
Albuterol
Bronchodilator:
Beta 2 Agonist
Treatment or
prevention of
bronchospasm in
obstructive airway
disease
Tremor,
nervousness,
insomnia, nausea,
headache, cough
Limit to <4g/day in
adults; Avoid use with
renal and liver
impairment;
consumption of alcohol
with administration
increases liver damage
risk potential
Decrease of serum
digoxin levels; caution
with MAOI and Tricyclic
Antidepressant admin
Fosamax
Alendronate
Biphosphate
Osteoporosis; Paget
Disease
Norvasc
Amlodipine
Anti – Anginal:
Calcium channel
blocker
HTN; CAD; Angina
Edema; pulmonary
edema; headache,
fatigue
Patient education: take
only in AM with full
glass of water; Do not
chew tablet; Do not lie
down for 30 minutes
post administration
Monitor for
symptomatic
hypotension/peripheral
edema; use with
caution with hepatic
impairment
Other
Teach patient to
rinse mouth after
use
If diet intake is
inadequate:
consider vitamin
D and calcium
supplement
Aspirin –
ASA
Aspirin
Non opioid;
Anti-platelet
Pain; Fever; acute
coronary syndrome
Tenormin
Atenolol
Beta Blocker:
Beta 1 selective
Lipitor
Atorvastatin
Statin: lipid
lowering agent
HTN; angina
pectoris; post MI;
alcohol withdrawal
syndrome;
thyrotoxicosis
Hypercholesteremia
Altreza;
atropine PO;
SalTropine
Atropine
Anticholinergic;
anti-spasmodic
Spastic conditions of
GI tract
Cipro
Ciprofloxacin
Infection
Decadron
Dexamethasone
Antibiotic:
Fluroquinolone
Glucocorticoid;
Antiinflammatory
Inflammation,
cerebral edema,
allergic conditions
Hepatotoxicity;
hearing loss;
tinnitus; platelet
aggregation
inhibition
Fatigue;
hypotension; cold
extremities;
postural
hypotension
Diarrhea;
nasopharyngitis;
arthralgia; UTI;
nausea
Headache;
tachycardia;
arrhythmia;
flushing; dizziness
Nausea, abdominal
pain, diarrhea,
Bradycardia, dry
skin, rash,
decreased glucose
tolerance, Cushing
Syndrome, CHF in
susceptible patients
Discontinue if tinnitus
occurs; Avoid in
pediatrics due to Reyes
syndrome
Should be taken
with food or full
glass of water to
avoid GI upset
Ischemic heart disease
can be exacerbated
with abrupt
discontinue;
Must be weaned
off under MD
supervision
Risk or myopathy in
elderly; elevated blood
sugars; reversible
cognitive effects
Contraindicated in
narrow angle
glaucoma; use with
caution with open
angle glaucoma; BPH;
CVD; hepatic/renal
impairment
May exacerbate
myasthenia gravis
Impaired wound
healing; elevated BP
and blood sugars; fluid
retention
Monitor for rash
Lanoxin
Digoxin
Antidysrhythmics;
inotropic agent
Heart Failure
Dizziness; mental
disturbance;
diarrhea; n/v; rash
Benadryl
Diphenhydramine
Antihistamine
Allergic reaction,
insomnia, motion
sickness,
parkinsonism
Sedation,
confusion,
anticholinergic
effects
Colace
Docusate sodium
Stool softener;
laxative
Constipation
Aricept
Donepezil
Cholinesterase
inhibitor
Dementia;
Alzheimer’s Disease
Abdominal
cramping, diarrhea,
intestinal
obstruction, throat
irritation
Nausea; diarrhea;
insomnia; infection;
headache; fatigue;
anorexia; abnormal
dreams
Lovenox
Enoxaparin
Anti-coagulant
DVT; abdominal
surgery; knee/hip
replacement surgery
Hemorrhage;
thrombocytopenia
Use with caution:
myocarditis; severe
bradycardia, severe
pulmonary disease,
thyroid disease, renal
disease; caution with
diuretic administration
May cause sedation;
effects increased with
alcohol consumption;
use with caution in
angle closure
glaucoma, prostatic
hypertrophy, peptic
ulcer
Do not use for longer
than 7 days; excessive
use may result in
dependence; monitor
for bleeding
Risk for GI bleed; may
exaggerate muscle
relaxation during
surgery; use with
caution with history of
seizures
Monitor for
hematoma; monitor
for s/s of neuro
impairment
Therapeutic
range: 0.5-2
ng/ml
May decrease
cognitive function
in geriatric
patients
Iron: Feosol
Ferrous Sulfate
Iron product;
supplement
Iron deficiency
anemia
Constipation;
contact irritation;
nausea; tooth and
urine discoloration
Hypokalemia;
hyperuricemia;
dizziness; hearing
impairment;
hypotension;
muscle cramps
EPS symptoms;
dystonia; muscle
stiffness; tardive
dyskinesia;
sedation; weight
gain
Lasix
Furosemide
Diuretic: Loop
Edema; resistant
HTN; pulmonary
edema; increased
ICP;
hypermagnesemia
Haldol
Haloperidol
Anti-psychotic
Psychosis;
schizophrenia;
Tourette Disorder
Heparin
Heparin
Anti-coagulant
DVT; PE; Acute
coronary syndrome;
STEMI/NSTEMI;
catheter (IV/CVC)
patency
HIT (heparin
induced
thrombocytopenia);
hemorrhage
HCTZ
Hydrochlorothiazide
Diuretic:
thiazide
HTN; edema; HTN in
heart failure
Anorexia,
confusion, fatigue,
GI upset,
hepatoxicity,
hyperglycemia,
hypotension
Monitor for dark
stools; monitor for GI
hemorrhage and
irritation;
Monitor electrolyte
levels; monitor intake
and output; Food
delays absorption;
possibility of skin
sensitivity to sunlight
Use with caution with
dementia due to
increased mortality
with use; Monitor
cardiac rhythm; avoid
use in narrow angle
glaucoma and bone
marrow suppression
Do not use in DIC/HIT
patients; monitor
therapy with routine
PTT; cardiac
monitoring – may
prolong PT
Monitor: calcium,
potassium,
magnesium; use with
caution in DM and
severe renal disease
Lower dosing may
be needed in
geriatric patients
Vicodin,
hycet,
Lorcet,Norco
Hydrocodone
Opioid analgesic
Moderate to severe
pain
Sedation,
bradycardia,
dizziness, fatigue,
euphoria, mood
changes, stupor
Headache; flu like
symptoms;
dyspepsia;
hypokalemia;
peripheral edema
LFT increase;
appetite loss; n/v;
stomach pain;
fatigue;
hyperreflexia
Dizziness; flushing;
headache;
hypotension;
orthostatic
hypotension
Lantus
Insulin Glargine
Anti-diabetic:
long acting
insulin
DM: type 1 and 2
Isoniazid
Anti-TB
Active/latent TB
Imdur
Isosorbide
Anti-anginal
Angina Pectoris
Toradol
Ketorolac
Non opioid
analgesic:
NSAID
Moderate to severe
acute pain
Headache;
insomnia; GI pain;
nausea; dizziness;
increased
BUN/creatinine
Enulose;
Constulose;
Generiac
lactulose
Laxative
(osmotic);
ammonium
detoxicant
Constipation; portal
systemic
encephalopathy
Dehydration;
diarrhea;
hypernatremia;
hypokalemia; n/v
Monitor for respiratory
depression; use of
benzos/alcohol may
result in profound
sedation
Monitor for
hypoglycemia
Avoid alcohol/drug
use; Give with B6 in
pregnancy; alcohol will
decrease serum
medication levels
Do not use with acute
MI or heart failure;
monitor for CNS
depression;
discontinue with
blurred vision
May increase risk of
thrombotic cardia
event; May cause
serious GI events
(bleeding) with long
term use
Monitor for abdominal
cramping/distension;
monitor for electrolyte
imbalance
Consider what
may
increase/decrease
need for insulin
Patient education
needed on s/s of
hepatitis
Patient should not
change brands
Elderly patients at
increased risk for
bleeding
Decreased
response when
used with
antibiotics
Levaquin
levofloxacin
Antibiotic:
fluroquinolone
Infection
n/v; headache;
diarrhea; dizziness;
vaginitis
Synthroid
Levothyroxine
Thyroid
hormone
Hypothyroidism;
myxedema coma;
organ preservation
Prinvil;
Zestril
Lisinopril
Anti – HTN: ACE
Acute MI; HTN;
heart failure
Humalog
Lispro insulin
Anti-diabetic:
Insulin – rapid
acting
DM: type 1 and 2
Lomotil
Loperamide
Anti-diarrhea
Diarrhea
Ativan
Lorazepam
Benzodiazepine;
anti-convulsant
Anxiety; insomnia;
sedation; status
epilepticus
Angina pectoris;
arthralgia; CHF;
flushing; MI;
palpitations;
diarrhea; anxiety;
heat intolerance;
weight loss
Dizziness; cough;
headache;
hyperkalemia;
diarrhea;
hypotension;
fatigue; chest pain
Severe
hypoglycemia;
nasopharyngitis; flu
like symptoms;
headache; pain;
infection
Anticholinergic
effects; blurred
vision; sedation;
n/v
Sedation; fatigue;
confusion; SI;
vertigo; EPS
Monitor for allergic
reactions; monitor for
hepatoxicity; monitor
for peripheral
neuropathy
Routine lab monitoring
Monitor kidney and
liver enzymes
Monitor blood glucose;
monitor potassium
levels; s/s of
hypoglycemia
decreased with beta
blockers
Monitor for jaundice,
respiratory depression;
monitor electrolytes
Monitor for respiratory
depression
Less effective in
African American
population
Encourage
appropriate fluid
intake
Glucophage
Metformin
Anti-diabetic
DM type 2
Diarrhea; myalgia;
URI; GI upset; low
serum B12; n/v;
chest discomfort
Demerol
Meperidine
Opioid analgesic
Acute pain
Reglan
Metoclopramide
Anti-emetic
Flagyl
Metronidazole
Anti-parasitic
GERD; diabetic
gastroparesis;
chemo induced n/v;
post op n/v
Anaerobic bacterial
infection; STD;
bacterial vaginosis
Morphine;
MS Contin;
Duramorph
Morphine
Opioid analgesic
Acute and chronic
severe pain
Agitation; angina;
bradycardia; coma;
constipation;
dizziness; euphoria;
hypotension; MI;
n/v
Fatigue; sedation;
headache;
dizziness;
somnolence
Candidiasis;
appetite loss;
diarrhea; n/v;
ataxia; furry
tongue; metallic
taste
Urine retention;
pruritis; n/v;
somnolence;
constipation
Narcan
Naloxone
Opioid
antagonist;
opioid reversal
agent
Opioid overdose
Abrupt reversal
may cause n/v,
tachycardia,
increased BP;
shivering
Monitor for lactic
acidosis; avoid alcohol
consumption due to
increased lactate
metabolism
Monitor for respiratory
depression; Avoid
concurrent use with
MAO/alcohol/benzos
Use for acute pain
for less than 48
hours due to
neuro risks
Monitor for tardive
dyskinesia; do not use
in epilepsy patients
Increased risk for
mental
depression
Superinfection with
prolonged use; avoid
alcohol during and for
3 days post med
completion; may cause
gynecomastia
Monitor for respiratory
depression; alcohol
may increase sedation
Opioid withdrawal may
be life threatening
including arrest,
seizures, hyperactive
reflexes
Do not start in
patients 80 years
of age and older
Macrobid;
Macrodantin
Nitrofurantoin
Antibiotic:
UTI
Nitro Bid;
Nitro Dur;
Nitro Mist
Nitroglycerin
Anti-anginal:
nitrate
Angina Pectoris
(long term
prophylaxis); CHF
Humulin N;
Novolin N
NPH insulin
Anti-diabetic
DM: type 1 and 2
Prilosec
Omeprazole
PPI
Duodenal ulcer; H
pylori infection;
GERD; erosive
esophagitis
Zofran
Ondansetron
Anti-emetic
n/v; post op n/v;
post chemo and
radiation n/v
Pyridium
Phenazopyridine
Analgesic;
urinary
dysuria
Anorexia;
arthralgia; CDiff;
dizziness; fatigue;
chills; cough
Headache;
hypotension;
tachycardia;
dizziness;
xerostomia; n/v
Hypoglycemia;
hypokalemia;
muscle weakness;
edema; tremor;
hunger
Headache;
abdominal pain;
diarrhea; n/v; URI
Headache; fatigue;
malaise;
drowsiness;
diarrhea
Headache; vertigo;
pruritis; GI upset;
skin discoloring;
kidney stones;
hepatic/renal
toxicity
Avoid long term use in
the elderly; protect
from light
Discontinue with
blurred vision; protect
from light; avoid in
narrow angle glaucoma
and severe anemia
Monitor for
hypoglycemia;
Reduced dosage with
liver disease; increased
risk for CDiff,
salmonella, and
campylobacter;
monitor magnesium
levels
Monitor for
sedation/hypotension;
reduce dose with
hepatic impairment
Do not use for longer
than 2 days with
concurrent antibiotic
administration
Bacterial super
infections may
occur with long
term use
Treat headache
with ASA or
Tylenol
Consider what
may
increase/decrease
need for insulin
Stop if rash or
joint pain occurs
Give after food to
minimize GI
upset; education
about urine color
change
Dilantin
Phenytoin
Anti-epileptic
Seizures
Drowsiness;
Decreased bone
fatigue; ataxia;
density with long term
headache; slurred
use; routine drug level
speech; dysarthria;
monitoring; Monitor
gingival hyperplasia vitamin D, calcium, and
(peds); paresthesia
phosphorus levels
Asthma; ITP;
Fluid retention;
Prolonged use
arthritis; TB; Crohns;
electrolyte
associated with
autoimmune
imbalance;
infection; latent TB
hepatitis;
HTN/bradycardia;
may be reactivated;
inflammation
hiccups; increased
use methylprednisone
appetite and
with liver impairment
weight gain
GERD; benign
Headache;
Adjust dose with
gastric ulcer;
abdominal pain;
renal/hepatic
esophagitis;
alopecia; confusion;
impairment
hypersecretory
diarrhea; n/v;
conditions
anemia;
constipation
Prednisone
Glucocorticoid
Zantac
Rantidine
Histamine H2
antagonist
Humulin R,
Novolin R
Regular insulin
Anti-diabetic
DM: type 1 and 2
Headache; flu like
symptoms;
hypoglycemia;
dyspepsia;
diarrhea; back pain;
hypokalemia
Monitor for
hypoglycemia; monitor
potassium; routine
blood glucose
monitoring
Gas X;
mylicon;
phazyme
Simethicone
Anti-flatulent
Gas retention in GI
tract
Loose stools
May cause false
negative gastric guaiac
test
Therapeutic
range: 1020mcg/L (total)
Consider what
may
increase/decrease
need for insulin
Januvia
Sitagliptin
Anti-Diabetic
DM: type 2 only
Aldactone
Spironolactone
Diuretic
Diovan
Valsartan
Anti-HTN: ARB
Vanocin
Vancomycin
Antibiotic:
glycopeptide
Infection
Coumadin
Warfarin
Anti-coagulant
Venous thrombosis;
DVT; PE
Diarrhea;
headache;
constipation;
peripheral edema;
nausea; URI
Primary
Gastric bleeding;
hyperaldosteronism; ulceration; gastritis;
edema; essential
urticaria;
HTN; CHF;
hyperkalemia;
hypokalemia;
hyponatremia;
hirsutism
hypovolemia;
lethargy; mental
confusion
HTN; Heart failure; Dizziness; increased
Post MI;
BUN; hyperkalemia;
fatigue;
hypotension; viral
infection; vertigo
N/v; abdominal
pain; hypokalemia;
diarrhea; pyrexia;
UTI; peripheral
edema; fatigue;
ototoxicity
Hemorrhage; taste
disturbance;
anemia
Dose adjustment for
renal/hepatic
impairment;
Contraindicated for
type 1 DM; avoid in
patients with hx of
pancreatitis
Monitor electrolyte
levels; monitor for
sedation/confusion;
monitor for s/s of
bleeding
Monitor renal function
and electrolyte levels;
monitor for s/s of
hypotension; adjust
dose in CHF therapy
with use of diuretics
d/t hypotension risk
Monitor renal function;
avoid extravasation
(infiltration of IV);
monitor for
hypotension
Do not use in
pregnancy
Routine PT/INR
monitoring
Maintain INR of
2.0-3.0