NCLEX-PN Pharmacology Review 2026 | Medications,
Side Effects, Labs & Nursing Interventions (A+ Verified)
Nifedipine
Causes vasodilation, lowering BP
Signs of allergic reaction
hypotension, pruritus, flushing, wheezing
Eplerenone
Antihypertensive that blocks aldosterone. Used after a heart attack for congestive heart failure.
Adverse effects: diarrhea, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia
Hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide diuretic, can cause hypokalemia (potassium waster)
Pioglitazone
Oral antidiabetic that increases insulin sensitivity
Acarbose
oral antidiabetic agent that postpones the absorption of glucose
Glipizide
oral antidiabetic agent that stimulates insulin secretion
Timolol eyedrops
Beta blocker to treat glaucoma. Press the nasolacrimal duct. Can cause bradycardia.
Magnesium sulfate
depresses neuromuscular activity, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis
Magnesium toxicity
bradycardia, hyporeflexia, low urine output (30ml or less), hypopnea (less than 12/min)
Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV2)
3 doses over 6 months
Baclofen
, antispasmodic for MS (can cause urinary retention, drowsiness in early phase of therapy,
hypotension)
CD4 (T-cell) count
AIDS
Bethanechol
Treats urinary retention; increases GI motility, leading to abdominal cramps and diarrhea
Varicella vaccine contraindicated if patient has hypersensitivity to:
neomycin
Risperidone risk (for schizophrenia)
diabetes (obtain fasting glucose baseline prior to first dose, again 12 weeks later, then annually)
Benzodiazepines
Treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, or sleep disorders. They may also be used as a muscle
relaxant, during alcohol withdrawal, or before surgery for relaxation.
Benzodiazepine (Lorazepam) withdrawal
tremors and dizziness
Metoprolol
Beta blocker: Slows conduction through AV node (contraindicated in patient who has AV block
greater than first degree) (caution with diabetics because it can mask the manifestations of
hypoglycemia)
Captopril
hypertension (greatest risk to patient is infection from neutropenia)
Tolbutamide
diabetes (contraindicated in patient with hypersensitivity to sulfonamide antibiotics)
Isotretinoin patient teaching
monitor triglycerides, may cause nosebleeds, severe birth defects (patient will need two
negative pregnancy tests prior to starting medication)
Gemfibrozil
Treats high serum triglycerides; can cause myopathy (report muscle weakness or tenderness)
Side Effects, Labs & Nursing Interventions (A+ Verified)
Nifedipine
Causes vasodilation, lowering BP
Signs of allergic reaction
hypotension, pruritus, flushing, wheezing
Eplerenone
Antihypertensive that blocks aldosterone. Used after a heart attack for congestive heart failure.
Adverse effects: diarrhea, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia
Hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide diuretic, can cause hypokalemia (potassium waster)
Pioglitazone
Oral antidiabetic that increases insulin sensitivity
Acarbose
oral antidiabetic agent that postpones the absorption of glucose
Glipizide
oral antidiabetic agent that stimulates insulin secretion
Timolol eyedrops
Beta blocker to treat glaucoma. Press the nasolacrimal duct. Can cause bradycardia.
Magnesium sulfate
depresses neuromuscular activity, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis
Magnesium toxicity
bradycardia, hyporeflexia, low urine output (30ml or less), hypopnea (less than 12/min)
Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV2)
3 doses over 6 months
Baclofen
, antispasmodic for MS (can cause urinary retention, drowsiness in early phase of therapy,
hypotension)
CD4 (T-cell) count
AIDS
Bethanechol
Treats urinary retention; increases GI motility, leading to abdominal cramps and diarrhea
Varicella vaccine contraindicated if patient has hypersensitivity to:
neomycin
Risperidone risk (for schizophrenia)
diabetes (obtain fasting glucose baseline prior to first dose, again 12 weeks later, then annually)
Benzodiazepines
Treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, or sleep disorders. They may also be used as a muscle
relaxant, during alcohol withdrawal, or before surgery for relaxation.
Benzodiazepine (Lorazepam) withdrawal
tremors and dizziness
Metoprolol
Beta blocker: Slows conduction through AV node (contraindicated in patient who has AV block
greater than first degree) (caution with diabetics because it can mask the manifestations of
hypoglycemia)
Captopril
hypertension (greatest risk to patient is infection from neutropenia)
Tolbutamide
diabetes (contraindicated in patient with hypersensitivity to sulfonamide antibiotics)
Isotretinoin patient teaching
monitor triglycerides, may cause nosebleeds, severe birth defects (patient will need two
negative pregnancy tests prior to starting medication)
Gemfibrozil
Treats high serum triglycerides; can cause myopathy (report muscle weakness or tenderness)
