TOP 30 NCLEX Meds

Ace Inhibitors

PRIL" Captopril, Enalapril, Afosiopril
Decreases BP, Sodium and fluid loss.
Check BP before giving (hypotension)
Avoid salt substitutes (hyperkalemia)
Take on empty stomach
*Orthostatic Hypotension

Beta Blockers

***
DO NOT give with ASTHMA, BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTIVE DISEASE!!!
*** EXCEPTION: CAN USE METOPROLOL
"LOL" Antenolol, metoprolol. labetolol
Antihypertensive. Lowers BP.
Check BP before giving (hypotension)
*Orthostatic Hypotension
* Do not D/C abruptly (2wks)

Calcium Channel Blocker

CA" Calan, Procardia, Cardizem, Nifedipine
Slow the HR and decrease BP (check HR and BP before).
SE: Constipation
Procardia sometimes causes peripheral edema

A-fib

Dofetilide

Cardiac meds used for shock

Intropin, dopamine

Hydralazine hydrochloride

Used to tx autonomic dysreflexia

Diuretics

-K+ and NA+ follows the walter --> electrolytes imbalances
-Thiazide/Loop: Watch for hypokalemia.
-Loop diuretics CI with use with digoxin and vancomycin (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide)

Furosemide

AE: Ototoxic

Potassium Chloride

Check labs before giving, Never give IV PUSH
No faster than 10 mEq/hr through central venous line
Avoid adding lidocaine
Give with FOOD (GI distresss))
Extreme caution if pt. receiving potassium-sparing diuretic.
NOT for pts with RENAL DISEASE.

Antiemetics

Pro" Prochlorperazine, promethazine, trimethobenzamide

Morphine

IV for chest pain
Check Respirations

Other narcotics

Butorphanol, meperidine

Methadone

Used for pain/detox in narcotic addicts

Naloxone

Counteracts Morphine - opioid narcotics.

Atropine (Caridiac Use)

Tx Heart Blocks (increase HR), reduce secretions
4D's:
Dry Mouth, Dry Stool, Dilated Pupils, Dilated Bladder (urinary retention)

Digoxin

Strengthens cardiac muscle contraction
Antiarrhythmic
CANT MIX WITH ANYTHING
TOXICITY:
Pulse (slows - Check Apical Pulse before giving)
Photosensitivity
Puke (vomiting, nausea)
Yellow-Green Halos
Light Flashes

Lidocaine

Decrease cardiac irritability
Titate IV
Use with V. TACH

Nitro

Vasodilator
Angina (1 tab 3x, 5 min apart)
Keep med dry, cool, only effective for 6 mo. (Tingling under tongue = good)
Hold when BP <90/60
ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

Aminophylline

Bronchodilator - Decreases SOB
Therapeutic levels 10-20 mcg/dl
TOXIC > 20
CANT MIX WITH ANYTHING

Amphotericin B

Antifungal
IVPB SLOW - 2+ hrs
Hydrate pt - very toxic to kidneys, monitor BUN.
Check Hearing
Check K+ levels (causes hypokalemia)

Aminoglycosides

Gentamycin, Kanamycin sulfate, Neomycin sulate, Steptomycin Sulfate; Everything _mycin except erythromycin
OTOTOXICITY
KIDNEY DAMAGE

Bronchodilators

Epinephrine (adrenalin)
Careful with Cardiac Pts

Anticoagulants

Heparin (Antecdote - Protamine Sulfate)
Warfarin (Antecdote - Vit K.); avoid foods high in K (spinach, pork)
Bleeding precautions
PPT - Heparin
PT/INR - Warfarin

Cholesterol meds

-Gemfibrozil, atorvostatin, lovastatin
-Monitor LFTs
-Use alt protection (contraceptives < effective)
-Avoid grapefruit juice/colchicine

Cholestyramine

Interacts with digoxin and hydrochlorothiazide

Anticholinergics

Atropine, benztropine, antihistamines
"red as a beet, mad as a hatter, dry as bones, blind as a bat, hot as a hare"
GI - Slows motility, spasm
Eyes - Dilates pupils
DO NOT GIVE TO GLAUCOMA PTS
Heart - Increase HR
Resp - bronchodilator (Atrovent)

Cancer Drugs

Wear gloves, mask when preparing or giving. Can be absorbed throught skin

Sulfa Drugs

Drink lots of fluids
Can cause blood dyscrasias - REPORT SORE THROAT, RASH IMMEDIATELY.
UTI (Sulamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, sulfisoxazole)
Ulcerative colitis (Sulfasalazine)

Urinary Antispasmodics

Phenazopyridine (cystitis) - Orange/Red urine

Penicillins

Take all 10 days

Cortisone (Steroids)

Wt gain, Na+ retention, K+ Loss
NEVER STOP SUDDENLY

Phenytoin

Anti-convolsant
Therapeutic level 10-20 (same as amminophylline)
Toxicity > 20
Causes hyperplasia of gums - bleeding gums
Give extra VIT. D

Tylenol

Bad for Liver - DO NOT GIVE TO ALCOHOLICS

Conjugated estrogen

1. Hormone Replacement - Estrogen
Tx Menopause Sxs, Vascular Headaches
Periods continue
2. Conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate
No periods

Allupurinol

G - Gulp 3L fluid per day
O - (NO) Organ Meats
U - Output up to 2 L/day
T - Teach

Miotics

CONSTRICT (Pilocarpine)
For glaucoma - eyedrops

Mydriatics

DILATES (Atropine)
Dont use in pts with gaucoma (build up IOP)

Timolol

Eyedrops to tx glaucoma

Acetazolamid

Glaucoma
CI in sulfa allergies

Antacids

Aluminum - Causes Constipation
Magnesium - Causes diarrhea Diarrhea

Lithium

Bipolar Disorder
Decrease Na+ (hyponatremia - risk of toxicity)
Increase Na+ levels (causes sodium diuresis)
Toxic Level > 2 mEq/L

Chloriazepoxide and Diazepam

To prevent DT's in acute alcohol withdrwal
Can produce physical dependency.

Direct - Acting Vasodilator

Hydralazine
Relaxes smooth muscle of blood vessels, lowing peripheral resistance.
Teach pt to check pulse d/t change in C.O.
If HR <60 Contact physician.

Clozapine

Atypical antipsychotic
AE: Agranulocytosis - need WBC checked; discontinue if <2000

Caridopa-Levodopa

Parkinson disease
CI: Glaucoma
Avoid vitamin B6 and MAOIs

Chlorpromazine

Schizophrenia
AE: Leukopenia - lab work needed

Otoxic NSAIDs

Indomethacin, aspirin

Aspirin

Avoid if allergy to tartrazine

Bismuth subsalicylate

Diarrhea med
Affects absorption of PO meds - sep administration

Ranitidine

Histamine blocker
May cause false negatives on allergy tests
Avoid all NSAIDs

Aluminum hydroxide suspension

Antacid
Take 1-3 hours after meal

Cimetidine

Antacid
Careful with use in elderly
Interacts w/ a lot of foods/meds
Take 1 hr apart from other antacids

Pentamidine Isethionate

Anti-protozoal prevent PCP
AE: Leukemia, thrombocytopenia

Oseltamivir

Tx flu
Capsules may be opened/mixed w/ food
Take w/ food

Zidovudine

HIV med
AE: Bone marrow suppression and anemia - check CBC

Rimantadine, Zanamivir

Antivirals
CI to receive flu vaccine. OK w/ acyclovir

TB drugs

Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, streptomycin
SE: Red/orange tears/urine; contraceptives don't work well
Liver toxicity (avoid in Hep B pts)

Ciprofloxacin

Ab
Increase fluid intake
Avoid milk/yogurt, multivitamin (w/in 6 hrs)

Cephalexin

Ab
Yogurt ad acidophilus milk help maintain normal flora

Neostigmine

Myasthenia Gravis
Take 45 mins before eating

Succinylcholine

Used for intubation/ECT

Gout meds

Allopurinol, colchicine, probenecid
No Vit C w/ allopurinol

Antidote tylenol

n-Acetylcysteine

Antidote magnesium sulfate

Calcium gluconate

Antidote TPA

Aminocaproic acid

Antidote pancuronium bromide

Neostigmine/atropine

Antidote dig toxicity

Digoxin immube fab

Antidote iron

Deferoxamine

Antidote ammonia

Lactulose

Alendronate

Oral biphosphate
Take in AM 30 mins before anything on empty stomach followed by 8 oz water. Wait 30 mins to eat anything
Sit upright/ambulate for 30 mins after taking

Vincristine

Leaukemia
IV ony

Asparaginase

ALL, AML, non-HL
Test for hypersensitivity before admin

Cyclophosphamide

Leukemia/lymphoma
SE: Alopecia

Diabetes meds

-Surgery: Hold rapid-acting/intermediate morning of surgery. Provide regular on sliding scale.
-Oral hypoglycemics: AE - rash, photosensitivity

Rapid acting insulin

Lispro, aspart, glulisine
Onset: 10-30 mins
Peak: 30-3 hrs

Short acting insulin

Regular
Onset: 30-60 mins
Peak: 2-5 hrs

Intermediate acting insulin

NPH
Onset: 2-4 hrs
Peak: 6-12 hrs

Long-acting insulin

Glargine
Continuous effect w/ no peak

Herbal meds

St John's wort: CI with digoxin, nifedipine, simvastatin, escitalopram (SSRI). OK w/ hydrochlorothiazide and metformin
Gingko: Antiplatelet. Avoid w/ NSAIDs. OK w/ digoxin.

Epoetin

Anemia w/ CKD
SE: Hypokalemia, HTN, DVT

Hydroxyurea

Sickle cell disease
Report GI symptoms immediately

Cyclosporine

Immunosuppressive drug
Stored at room temp in closed container
Take w/ meals
Avoid grape fruit juice

Rhogam

Rh- mother, negative Coombs test
28 weeks, 72 hrs PP

Terbutaline

Tocolytic/bronchodilator use din preg breathing problems
Hold if pulse high

Ritodrine HCl

Reduce intensity/freq of contrations

Onabotulinumtoxina

Nystagmus in peds
Patch good eye so weaker eye gets strog

Radioactive iodine

-3-4 L/day x 2 days
-Flush toilet 2x after use for 2 ays
-Contact only 30 mins/day
-No preg people or kids

Ace Inhibitors

PRIL" Captopril, Enalapril, Afosiopril
Decreases BP, Sodium and fluid loss.
Check BP before giving (hypotension)
Avoid salt substitutes (hyperkalemia)
Take on empty stomach
*Orthostatic Hypotension

Beta Blockers

***
DO NOT give with ASTHMA, BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTIVE DISEASE!!!
*** EXCEPTION: CAN USE METOPROLOL
"LOL" Antenolol, metoprolol. labetolol
Antihypertensive. Lowers BP.
Check BP before giving (hypotension)
*Orthostatic Hypotension
* Do not D/C abruptly (2wks)

Calcium Channel Blocker

CA" Calan, Procardia, Cardizem, Nifedipine
Slow the HR and decrease BP (check HR and BP before).
SE: Constipation
Procardia sometimes causes peripheral edema

A-fib

Dofetilide

Cardiac meds used for shock

Intropin, dopamine

Hydralazine hydrochloride

Used to tx autonomic dysreflexia

Diuretics

-K+ and NA+ follows the walter --> electrolytes imbalances
-Thiazide/Loop: Watch for hypokalemia.
-Loop diuretics CI with use with digoxin and vancomycin (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide)

Furosemide

AE: Ototoxic

Potassium Chloride

Check labs before giving, Never give IV PUSH
No faster than 10 mEq/hr through central venous line
Avoid adding lidocaine
Give with FOOD (GI distresss))
Extreme caution if pt. receiving potassium-sparing diuretic.
NOT for pts with RENAL DISEASE.

Antiemetics

Pro" Prochlorperazine, promethazine, trimethobenzamide

Morphine

IV for chest pain
Check Respirations

Other narcotics

Butorphanol, meperidine

Methadone

Used for pain/detox in narcotic addicts

Naloxone

Counteracts Morphine - opioid narcotics.

Atropine (Caridiac Use)

Tx Heart Blocks (increase HR), reduce secretions
4D's:
Dry Mouth, Dry Stool, Dilated Pupils, Dilated Bladder (urinary retention)

Digoxin

Strengthens cardiac muscle contraction
Antiarrhythmic
CANT MIX WITH ANYTHING
TOXICITY:
Pulse (slows - Check Apical Pulse before giving)
Photosensitivity
Puke (vomiting, nausea)
Yellow-Green Halos
Light Flashes

Lidocaine

Decrease cardiac irritability
Titate IV
Use with V. TACH

Nitro

Vasodilator
Angina (1 tab 3x, 5 min apart)
Keep med dry, cool, only effective for 6 mo. (Tingling under tongue = good)
Hold when BP <90/60
ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

Aminophylline

Bronchodilator - Decreases SOB
Therapeutic levels 10-20 mcg/dl
TOXIC > 20
CANT MIX WITH ANYTHING

Amphotericin B

Antifungal
IVPB SLOW - 2+ hrs
Hydrate pt - very toxic to kidneys, monitor BUN.
Check Hearing
Check K+ levels (causes hypokalemia)

Aminoglycosides

Gentamycin, Kanamycin sulfate, Neomycin sulate, Steptomycin Sulfate; Everything _mycin except erythromycin
OTOTOXICITY
KIDNEY DAMAGE

Bronchodilators

Epinephrine (adrenalin)
Careful with Cardiac Pts

Anticoagulants

Heparin (Antecdote - Protamine Sulfate)
Warfarin (Antecdote - Vit K.); avoid foods high in K (spinach, pork)
Bleeding precautions
PPT - Heparin
PT/INR - Warfarin

Cholesterol meds

-Gemfibrozil, atorvostatin, lovastatin
-Monitor LFTs
-Use alt protection (contraceptives < effective)
-Avoid grapefruit juice/colchicine

Cholestyramine

Interacts with digoxin and hydrochlorothiazide

Anticholinergics

Atropine, benztropine, antihistamines
"red as a beet, mad as a hatter, dry as bones, blind as a bat, hot as a hare"
GI - Slows motility, spasm
Eyes - Dilates pupils
DO NOT GIVE TO GLAUCOMA PTS
Heart - Increase HR
Resp - bronchodilator (Atrovent)

Cancer Drugs

Wear gloves, mask when preparing or giving. Can be absorbed throught skin

Sulfa Drugs

Drink lots of fluids
Can cause blood dyscrasias - REPORT SORE THROAT, RASH IMMEDIATELY.
UTI (Sulamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, sulfisoxazole)
Ulcerative colitis (Sulfasalazine)

Urinary Antispasmodics

Phenazopyridine (cystitis) - Orange/Red urine

Penicillins

Take all 10 days

Cortisone (Steroids)

Wt gain, Na+ retention, K+ Loss
NEVER STOP SUDDENLY

Phenytoin

Anti-convolsant
Therapeutic level 10-20 (same as amminophylline)
Toxicity > 20
Causes hyperplasia of gums - bleeding gums
Give extra VIT. D

Tylenol

Bad for Liver - DO NOT GIVE TO ALCOHOLICS

Conjugated estrogen

1. Hormone Replacement - Estrogen
Tx Menopause Sxs, Vascular Headaches
Periods continue
2. Conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate
No periods

Allupurinol

G - Gulp 3L fluid per day
O - (NO) Organ Meats
U - Output up to 2 L/day
T - Teach

Miotics

CONSTRICT (Pilocarpine)
For glaucoma - eyedrops

Mydriatics

DILATES (Atropine)
Dont use in pts with gaucoma (build up IOP)

Timolol

Eyedrops to tx glaucoma

Acetazolamid

Glaucoma
CI in sulfa allergies

Antacids

Aluminum - Causes Constipation
Magnesium - Causes diarrhea Diarrhea

Lithium

Bipolar Disorder
Decrease Na+ (hyponatremia - risk of toxicity)
Increase Na+ levels (causes sodium diuresis)
Toxic Level > 2 mEq/L

Chloriazepoxide and Diazepam

To prevent DT's in acute alcohol withdrwal
Can produce physical dependency.

Direct - Acting Vasodilator

Hydralazine
Relaxes smooth muscle of blood vessels, lowing peripheral resistance.
Teach pt to check pulse d/t change in C.O.
If HR <60 Contact physician.

Clozapine

Atypical antipsychotic
AE: Agranulocytosis - need WBC checked; discontinue if <2000

Caridopa-Levodopa

Parkinson disease
CI: Glaucoma
Avoid vitamin B6 and MAOIs

Chlorpromazine

Schizophrenia
AE: Leukopenia - lab work needed

Otoxic NSAIDs

Indomethacin, aspirin

Aspirin

Avoid if allergy to tartrazine

Bismuth subsalicylate

Diarrhea med
Affects absorption of PO meds - sep administration

Ranitidine

Histamine blocker
May cause false negatives on allergy tests
Avoid all NSAIDs

Aluminum hydroxide suspension

Antacid
Take 1-3 hours after meal

Cimetidine

Antacid
Careful with use in elderly
Interacts w/ a lot of foods/meds
Take 1 hr apart from other antacids

Pentamidine Isethionate

Anti-protozoal prevent PCP
AE: Leukemia, thrombocytopenia

Oseltamivir

Tx flu
Capsules may be opened/mixed w/ food
Take w/ food

Zidovudine

HIV med
AE: Bone marrow suppression and anemia - check CBC

Rimantadine, Zanamivir

Antivirals
CI to receive flu vaccine. OK w/ acyclovir

TB drugs

Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, streptomycin
SE: Red/orange tears/urine; contraceptives don't work well
Liver toxicity (avoid in Hep B pts)

Ciprofloxacin

Ab
Increase fluid intake
Avoid milk/yogurt, multivitamin (w/in 6 hrs)

Cephalexin

Ab
Yogurt ad acidophilus milk help maintain normal flora

Neostigmine

Myasthenia Gravis
Take 45 mins before eating

Succinylcholine

Used for intubation/ECT

Gout meds

Allopurinol, colchicine, probenecid
No Vit C w/ allopurinol

Antidote tylenol

n-Acetylcysteine

Antidote magnesium sulfate

Calcium gluconate

Antidote TPA

Aminocaproic acid

Antidote pancuronium bromide

Neostigmine/atropine

Antidote dig toxicity

Digoxin immube fab

Antidote iron

Deferoxamine

Antidote ammonia

Lactulose

Alendronate

Oral biphosphate
Take in AM 30 mins before anything on empty stomach followed by 8 oz water. Wait 30 mins to eat anything
Sit upright/ambulate for 30 mins after taking

Vincristine

Leaukemia
IV ony

Asparaginase

ALL, AML, non-HL
Test for hypersensitivity before admin

Cyclophosphamide

Leukemia/lymphoma
SE: Alopecia

Diabetes meds

-Surgery: Hold rapid-acting/intermediate morning of surgery. Provide regular on sliding scale.
-Oral hypoglycemics: AE - rash, photosensitivity

Rapid acting insulin

Lispro, aspart, glulisine
Onset: 10-30 mins
Peak: 30-3 hrs

Short acting insulin

Regular
Onset: 30-60 mins
Peak: 2-5 hrs

Intermediate acting insulin

NPH
Onset: 2-4 hrs
Peak: 6-12 hrs

Long-acting insulin

Glargine
Continuous effect w/ no peak

Herbal meds

St John's wort: CI with digoxin, nifedipine, simvastatin, escitalopram (SSRI). OK w/ hydrochlorothiazide and metformin
Gingko: Antiplatelet. Avoid w/ NSAIDs. OK w/ digoxin.

Epoetin

Anemia w/ CKD
SE: Hypokalemia, HTN, DVT

Hydroxyurea

Sickle cell disease
Report GI symptoms immediately

Cyclosporine

Immunosuppressive drug
Stored at room temp in closed container
Take w/ meals
Avoid grape fruit juice

Rhogam

Rh- mother, negative Coombs test
28 weeks, 72 hrs PP

Terbutaline

Tocolytic/bronchodilator use din preg breathing problems
Hold if pulse high

Ritodrine HCl

Reduce intensity/freq of contrations

Onabotulinumtoxina

Nystagmus in peds
Patch good eye so weaker eye gets strog

Radioactive iodine

-3-4 L/day x 2 days
-Flush toilet 2x after use for 2 ays
-Contact only 30 mins/day
-No preg people or kids