acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Functional class: antipyretic, nonopioid analgesic
Uses: mild to moderate pain/ fever
Side Effects: anemia, rash, nausea, vomiting
Contraindications:
Assess: hepatic toxicity, allergic reaction, chronic poisoning
albuterol
Functional Class: bronchodilation, sympathomimetic, adrenergic b2agonist
Uses: prevention of asthma, acute bronchospasm, bronchitis
Side Effects: tremors, anxiety, restlessness, bronchospasm
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to sympathominmetrics,
tachydysrhythmias, severe cardiac disease, heart block.
Assess: respiratory function, allergic reactions, bronchospasm
alprazolam (Xanax)
Functional class: anti – anxiety
Uses: anxiety, panic disorders, depression
Side Effects: dizziness, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, blurred
vision, tachycardia
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, addiction
Assess: mental status, hepatic blood studies, physical dependency
amoxicillin (Amoxill)
Functional Class: antiinfective, antiulcer
Uses: skin, respiratory, GI, GU, ear infections
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow depression
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to penicillin
Assess:
teaching: report sore throat, fever, fatigue
Benadryl
Functional class: antihistamine
Uses: allergy symptoms, rhinitis, motion sickness, nighttime sedation,
infant colic, non-productive cough, insomnia in children
Side Effects: Dizziness, Drowsiness, urinary retention, anemia,
anaphylaxis
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to H1-receptor antagonist, acute
asthma attack, lower respiratory tract disease, neonates
Assess: Respiratory status
bisacodyl
Functional Class: Laxative, stimulant
Uses: short-term treatment of constipation, bowel or rectal prep. for
surgery
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, cramps, tetany
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, rectal fissures, abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, appendicitis, acute surgical absess, ulcerated
hemorrhoids, acute hepatitis, fecal impaction
Assess:
buPROPion (Wellbutrin)
Functional Class: antidepressant
Uses: depression, smoking cessation, seasonal affective disorder
Side Effects: Headaches, agitation, dizziness, seizures, insomnia,
sedation
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, eating disorders, seizure disorders
Assess: hepatic/ renal function, mental status/ mood, seizure risk
cefazolin sodium (Ancef)
Functional Class: Anti-infective
Uses: gram-negative bacilli
Side Effects: seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, anorexia, dizziness,
weakness
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to chephalo sporins, infants < 1
month
Assess: Nephrotoxicity, Anaphylaxis, overgrowth of infection
ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Functional Class: Broad-spectrum antibiotic
Uses: gram-negative bacilli, gram-positive organisms
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, seizures, heart
failure, bleeding
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, infants < 1 month
Assess: nephrotoxicity, anaphylaxis, overgrowth of infection
Teach: to report sore throat, bruising, bleeding, joint pain, diarrhea with
mucus
diazepam (Valium)
Functional Class: antianxiety, anti-convulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant
Uses: anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal, adjunct in seizure disorders.
Side Effects: dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, orthostatic hypotension,
ECG changes
Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines,
closed-angle glaucoma, coma, myasthenia gravis, ethanol intoxication,
hepatic disease, sleep apnea
Assess: BP- sitting, lying, standing
digoxin (Lanoxin)
Functional Class: cardiac glycoside, inotropic, antidysrhythmic
Uses: heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia,
cardiogenic shock, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, rapid digitalization
Side Effects: headache, hypotension, dysrhythmias, drowsiness
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to digoxin, ventricular fibrillation,
ventricular tachycardia, carotid sinus syndrome, 2nd/ 3rd degree heart
block
Assess: Apical pulse for 1 min. before giving
diltiazem
Functional Class: calcium channel blocker, antiarrhythmic class IV,
antihypertensive
Uses: angina pectoris due to coronary artery spasm, hypertension, atrial
fibrillation, flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Side Effects: headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, edema, dysrhythmias, CHF
Contraindications: sick sinus syndrome, AV heart block, hypotension < 90
mmHg systolic, acute MI, pulmonary congestion, cardiogenic shock
Assess:
Teach: report dizziness, SOB, palpitations
docusate sodium (Colace)
Functional Class: laxative, emollient stool softener
Uses: prevention of dry, hard stools
Side Effects: bitter taste, throat irritation, nausea, anorexia, cramps,
Rash
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, obstruction, fecal impaction,
nausea/vomiting
Assess: cause of constipation
enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Functional Class: Anticoagulant, antithrombotic
Uses: prevention of DVT, PE in hip and knee replacements
Side Effects: fever, confusion, nausea, hemorrhage, bleeding
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to this product, benzyl alcohol,
heparin, or pork
** DO NOT INTERCHANGE WITH HEPARIN OR LMWHS
epoetin (Epogen)
Functional Class: anti-anemic, biologic modifier hormone
Uses: anemia caused by reduced endogenous erythropoietin production
Side Effects: seizures, HTN, coldness, sweating, CHF, DVT
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to mammalian cell
Assess: blood studies, PRCA
famotidine (Pepcid)
Functional Class: H2- histamine receptor antagonist
Uses: short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer, maintenance
therapy for duodenal ulcers
Side Effects: headache, dizziness, paresthesia, seizures, dysrhythmias,
seizures, constipation
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: blood counts
fentanyl transdermal (Duragesic)
Functional Class: opioid analgesic
Uses: controls moderate to severe pain, adjunct to general anesthesia
(conscious sedation)
Side Effects: dizziness, delirium, euphoria, bradycardia
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to opiates, myasthenia gravis
** Black Box Warning: children. accidental exposure, ambient
temperature increase, fever, opioid-naïve patients, skin abrasion,
substance abuse, respiratory depression
furosemide (Lasix)
Functional Class: Loop Diuretic
Uses: pulmonary edema, edema in CHF, hepatic disease, nephrotic
syndrome, ascites, HTN
Side Effects: hypokalemia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypomagnesemai,
hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, renal failure, circulatory collapse
Contraindications: breastfeeding, infants, hypersensitivity to
sulfonamides, anuria, hypovolemia, electrolyte depletion
gentamicin (Garamycin)
Functional Class: Anitinfective
Uses: severe systemic infections of CNS, UTI, bone, skin
Side Effects: deafness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, seizures,
neurotoxicity
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to this or other aminoglycosides,
fungal/viral/mycobacterial infection
** BLACK BOX WARNING: pregnancy, severe renal disease, mild renal
disease, hearing deficits, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease
glipizide (Glucotrol)
Functional Class: Antidiabetic
Uses: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Side Effects: headache, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, hypoglycemia
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to sulforylureas, type 1 diabetes,
diabetic ketoacidosis
Assess: Hypo/hyperglycemic reaction that can occur soon after meals,
CBC baseline/ throughout treatment
glyBURIDE
Functional Class: Antidiabetic
Uses: Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects: Headache, weakness, hypoglycemia, nausea
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas, type 1 diabetes,
diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure
haloperidol (Haldol)
Functional Class: Antipsychotic, neuroleptic
Uses: psychotic disorders, control of tics, short term treatment of hyperactive
children showing excessive motor activity
Side Effects: drowsiness, headaches, orthostatic hypotension, nausea,
vomiting, seizures
Contraindications: children < 3 years, hypersensitivity, coma, brain damage,
bone marrow depression, alcohol and barbiturate withdrawal, Parkinson’s
Disease, angina, epilepsy, urinary retention, closed-angle glaucoma
Assess: neuroleptic malignant syndrome, hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered
mental status, increased CPK, hyper/hypotension, tachycardia
heparin (Hep-lock)
Functional Class: Anticoagulant, antithrombotic
Uses: prevention of DVTs, PE, MI, open heart surgery, disseminated intravascular
clotting syndrome, atrial fibrillation with embolization, as an anticoagulant in
transfusion and dialysis procedures, to maintain patency of IV’s
Side Effects: fever, rash, chills, hematuria, hemorrhage
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, hemophilia, leukemia, peptic ulcer disease, severe
renal/hepatic disease, severe HTN, subacute bacterial endocarditis, nephritis
Assess: bleeding gums, petechiae, ecchymosis, black tarry stools, hematuria, epistaxis,
decrease in Hct, BP
hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)
Functional Class: Thiazide diuretic, anti-hypertensive
Uses: edema, hypertension, diuresis, CHF, estrogen, NSAIDS, idiopathic
lower extremity edema
Side Effects: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, glucosuria
Contraindications:
hydrocodone ASA
Functional Class: antitussive opioid analgesic/ nonopioid analgesic
Uses: hyperactive and nonproductive cough, mild-moderate pain
Side Effects: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation,
respiratory depression
Contraindications: acne rosacea/ vulgaris, Cushing’s, measles, perioral
dermatitis, varicella, abrupt discontinuation, hypersensitivity to this
product, or benzyl hypersensitivity
Assess: pain, CNS changes, allergic reactions
hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Functional Class: opiate analgesic
Uses: moderate to severe pain, non-productive cough
Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, sedation, seizures,
respiratory depression
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: respiratory depression, allergic reactions, pain control
** BLACK BOX WARNING: respiratory depression, opioid-naïve patients,
substance abuse
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Functional Class: NSAID, antipyretic nonopioid analgesic
Uses: Rheumatiod arthritis, osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, gout, dental
pain, musculoskeletal disorders, fever, migraine
Side Effects: headache, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, MI, Stroke
Contraindications: pregnancy 3rd trimester, hypersensitivity, asthma, severe
renal/hepatic disease
Assess: renal, pain, audiometric, ophthalmic, infection, cardiac
** BLACK BOX WARNING: Perioperative pain in CABG, GI bleeding, MI, Stroke
Insulins (Novolog, Humulin, Regular, Lantus, Levemir,
Apidra)
Functional Class: anti-diabetic, pancreatic hormone
Uses: type 1 & 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, insulin lispro may be
used in combination with sulfonylureas in children > 3 yr.
Side Effects: lipodystrophy, hypoglycemia, peripheral edema,
anaphhlaxis
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to protamine, creosol
Assess: fasting blood glucose, A1c too identify effectiveness of
treatment, urine ketones during illness
ketorolac (Toradol)
Functional Class: NSAID/ nonopioid analgesic
Uses: mild to moderate pain, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Side Effects: drowsiness, seizures, HTN, cramps, dry mouth
Contraindications: pregnancy 3rd trimester, hypersensitivity, asthma, hepatic
disease, peptic ulcer, CV bleeding
Assess: hepatic dysfunction: jaundice, yellow sclera and skin, clay-colored
stools, for CV thrombotic events: MI, stroke
** BLACK BOX WARNING: breastfeeding, renal disease, L&D, perioperative pain
in CABG, prior to major surgery, epidural/intrathecal administration, GI
bleeding, hypovolemia, children, geriatric patients, bleeding, MI, stroke
levothyroxine (T4)
Functional Class: Thyroid Hormone
Uses: hypothyroidism, myxedema, coma, thyroid hormone, replacement,
thyrotoxicosis, congenital hypothyroidism, some types of thyroid cancer,
pituitary TSH suppression
Side Effects: anxiety, insomnia, tremors, tachycardia, cardiac arrest
Contraindications: adrenal insufficiency, recent MI, thyrotoxicosis,
hypersensitivity to beef, alcohol intolerance
Assess: BP, weight, bleeding, bruising, cardiac
** BLACK BOX WARNING: obesity treatment
lisinopril (Prinivil)
Functional Class: antihypertensive, ACE inhibitor
Uses: mild to moderate hypertension, adjunctive therapy of systolic
CHF, acute MI
Side Effects: vertigo, fatigue, stroke, diarrhea
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, angioedema
Assess: blood studies, platelets; WBC with differential baseline and
periodically q3 mo.
** BLACK BOX WARNING: pregnancy
lorazepam (Ativan)
Functional Class: sedative, hypnotic, antianxiety
Uses: anxiety, irritability in psychiatric or organic disorders,
preoperatively, insomnia, adjunct in endoscopic procedures
Side Effects: dizziness, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, apnea,
cardiac arrest
Contraindications: pregnancy, breast feeding, hypersensitivity to
benzodiazepine, benzyl alcohol, sleep apnea, closed-angle glaucoma,
psychosis, history of drug abuse, COPD
Assess: suicidal tendencies
metoprolol (Toprol XL)
Functional Class: Antihypertensive, anti-anginal
Uses: mild to moderate hypertension, acute MI to reduce cardiovascular
mortality, angina pectoris, NVHA class II, III, heart failure
Side Effects: insomnia, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
hiccups, chest pain, peripheral edema
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to b-blockers, cardiogenic shock, heart block
(2nd, 3rd degree), sinus bradycardia, pheochromocytoma, sick sinus syndrome
Assess: apical pulse before administration
** BLACK BOX WARNING: abrupt discontinuation
metronidazole (Flagyl)
Functional Class: anti-infective, miscellaneous
Uses: intestinal amebiasis, amebic abscess, trichomoniasis, refractory
trichomoniasis, bacterial anaerobic infections, giardiasis, septicemia,
endocarditis, bone, joint infections, lower respiratory tract infections, rosacea
Side Effects: headaches, dizziness, seizures, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Contraindications: pregnancy 1st trimester, breast feeding hypersensitivity to
this product, GI/ renal/hepatic disease, contracted visual/ color fields, CNS
disorders
Assess: neurotoxicity
**BLACK BOX WARNING: secondary malignancy
Morphine Sulfate
Functional Class: opioid analgesic
Uses: moderate to severe pain
Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, seizures, bradycardia
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, addiction, hemorrhage, bronchial asthma,
increased intracranial pressure
Assess: pain, bowels, I&O, BP, P, Respirations, CNS changes, allergy , respiratory
depression
** BLACK BOX WARNING: respiratory depression, abrupt discontinuation,
accidental exposure, epidural/intrathecal administration, opioid-naïve patients,
substance abuse
nalbuphine (Nubain)
Functional Class: opioid analgesic
Uses: moderate to severe pain
Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting,
constipation, cardiac arrest
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, addiction
Assess: withdrawal reactions, PE, vascular occlusion, abscesses,
ulcerations, nausea, vomiting, seizures.
omeprazole (Prilosec)
Functional Class: antiulcer, proton pump inhibitor
Uses: GERD, esophagitis, systematic mastocytosis
Side Effects: headaches, dizziness, asthenia, heart failure
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: GI system, hepatic enzymes
ondansetron (Zofran)
Functional Class: antiemetic
Uses: nausea, vomiting
Side Effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea,
constipation, bronchospasm
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: hypersensitivity reaction, rash, bronchospasm
naloxone (Narcan)
Functional Class: opioid antagonist, antidote
Uses: respiratory depression induced by opioids, pentazocine,
propoxyphene, refractory circulatory shock, asphyxia neonatorum,
coma, hypotension
Side Effects: drowsy, nervous, seizures, rapid pulse
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: withdrawal, respiratory dysfunction, pain
pantoprazole (Protonix)
Functional Class: proton pump inhibitor
Uses: GERD, esophagitis, maintenance
Side Effects: headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, pneumonia
Contraindications: hypersensitivity
Assess: GI, hepatic studies
oxycodone (Percocet)
Functional Class: opiate analgesic
Uses: moderate to severe pain
Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea,
vomiting, respiratory depression
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, addiction, asthma, ileus
Assess: I&O, CNS, allergy, respiratory depression, pain
**BLACK BOX WARNING: respiratory depression, opioid
piperacillin, tazobactam (Zosyn)
Functional Class: broad spectrum anti-infective
Uses: moderated to severe infections
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, renal failure
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to penicillin, neonates, carbapenem
allergy
Assess: compromised renal system, toxicity
potassium Cl
Functional Class: electrolyte, mineral replacement
Uses: prevention / treatment of hypokalemia
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, cardiac depression
Contraindications: renal disease, hemolytic disease, Addison’s,
hyperkalemia, dehydration, tissue breakdown
Assess: ECG, K+ levels, I&O, cardiac status
prednisone (PredniSONE)
Functional Class: Corticosteroid
Uses: severe inflammation, immune suppression, neoplasms, MS, collagen
disorders, dermatologic disorders
Side Effects: depression, flushing, mood changes, circulatory collapse
Contraindications: child < 2 yr. , psychosis, hypersensitivity, AIDs, idiopathic
thrombocytopenia, glomerulonephritis, amebiasis, fungal infection, TB,
measles
Assess:
** DO NOT DISCONTINUE ABRUPTLY, MAY CAUSE ADRENAL CRISIS
promethazine (Phenergan)
Functional Class: antihistamine, H1-receptor antagonist
Uses: motion sickness, rhinitis, allergy symptoms, sedation, nausea,
preoperative/ postoperative sedation
Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, urinary retention, neuroleptic
malignant syndrome
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, breast feeding, agranulocytosis, bone
marrow suppression, coma, jaundice, Reye’s syndrome
Assess: CBC
**BLACK BOX WARNING: infants, neonates, children, intra-arterial
administration, SUBCT administration, IV use
sertraline (Zoloft)
Functional Class: Anti-depressant
Uses: Major depressive disorder, OCD, PTSD, panic disorders, social
anxiety, PMDD
Side Effects: insomnia, agitation, dizziness, fatigue, seizures
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to this product and SSRIs
Assess: mental status, BP, urinary retention
spironolactone (Aldactone)
Functional Class: Potassium-sparing diuretic
Uses: edema of CHF, HTN, diuretic induced hypokalemia cirrhosis of
liver with ascites
Side Effects: headache, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperkalemia, bleeding
Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity, anuria, severe renal
disease, hyperkalemia
Assess: Electrolytes, weight, I&O
**BLACK BOX WARNING: Secondary malignancy
transdermal (Transderm-Nitro)
Functional Class: coronary vasodilator, antianginal
Uses: chronic stable angina pectoris, prophylaxis of angina pain, CHF
associated with acute MI, controlled hypotension in surgical procedures
Side Effects: headache, flushing, dizziness, postural hypotension,
collapse
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to this product or nitrites, severe
anemia, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral hemorrhage, closedangle glaucoma, cardiac tamponade, cardiomyopathy, constrictive
pericarditis
Assess: pain, orthostatic BP, tolerance, headache
warfarin (Coumadin)
Functional Class: anticoagulant
Uses: antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, arterial thromboembolism
prophylaxis, DVT, MI, prophylaxis, post MI, stroke prophylaxis
Side Effects: fever, diarrhea, rash, hematuria
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypersens, hemophilia,
ulcers, bleeding, eclampsia, CNS surgery, etc.
Assess: blood studies, INR, bleeding gums, petechiae, hematuria, fever,
rash, urticarial
**BLACK BOX WARNING: bleeding
azithromycin (Zithromax)
Functional Class: Antiinfective
Uses: Mild to moderate infections of the respiratory tract, and
uncomplicated skin infections.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, jaundice
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to macrolides
Assess: I&O, hepatic/ renal studies, super-infections.
Teach: report sore throat, fever, fatigue, severe diarrhea, or genital
itching (May indicate super-infection). Also report severe abdominal
pain, dark urine, or yellow discoloration of eyes and skin.
influenza virus vaccine
Trade names: Afluria, FluMist, Fluogen, Flu-Shield, Fluvirin,
Fluzone, trivalent
Uses: Prevention of Russian, Chilean, or Philippian influenza
Route: IM
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, active infection, chicken egg
allergy, active neurologic disorders
Tetanus (Dt)
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, adsorbed
Uses: Induces antitoxoids to provide immunity to
diphtheria and tetanus
Route: IM
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to mercury,
thimerosal, immunocompromised patients, radiation,
corticosteroids, and acute illness