Pharmacology Nursing Drugs To Know 2026
amoxicillin
Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. influenzae, E. coli, and N.
Gonorrhoeae. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for
Staphylococcus.
atropine
muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used for mydriases (eye
exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to muscarinic poisoning
(rx, shrooms)
amphotericin B
broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of choice for systemic mycoses,
despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to treating progressive and
potentially fatal infections. Adverse effects include infusion reactions,
nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
aspirin
A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis,
stroke, or MI. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is an NSAID
that works by inhibiting platelet COX, COX-1, and COX-2.
,albuterol
(SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for bronchospasm, acute
symptoms of asthma
acetaminophen
centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and antipyretic properties; no
antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
acyclovir
Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus & Varicella-Zoster Virus
Infections;
MOAs: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis
of viral DNA, resistance.
amiodarone
Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
beclomethasone
, inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway inflammation in asthma
bethanechol
muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
buproprion
(DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache, serotonin syndrome (see
laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
captopril
ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating a patient with heart
failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles and veins, and
decreases release of aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects of hypotension,
hyperkalemia, or persistant cough, CARDIAC REMODELING
carbenicillin
"Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins), which has the same spectrum
of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus treatment of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
cefotaxime
"Third generation cephalosporin with activity against meningitis and nosocomial
infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has greater activity against Gram
amoxicillin
Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. influenzae, E. coli, and N.
Gonorrhoeae. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for
Staphylococcus.
atropine
muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used for mydriases (eye
exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to muscarinic poisoning
(rx, shrooms)
amphotericin B
broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of choice for systemic mycoses,
despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to treating progressive and
potentially fatal infections. Adverse effects include infusion reactions,
nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
aspirin
A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis,
stroke, or MI. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is an NSAID
that works by inhibiting platelet COX, COX-1, and COX-2.
,albuterol
(SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for bronchospasm, acute
symptoms of asthma
acetaminophen
centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and antipyretic properties; no
antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
acyclovir
Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus & Varicella-Zoster Virus
Infections;
MOAs: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis
of viral DNA, resistance.
amiodarone
Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
beclomethasone
, inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway inflammation in asthma
bethanechol
muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
buproprion
(DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache, serotonin syndrome (see
laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
captopril
ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating a patient with heart
failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles and veins, and
decreases release of aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects of hypotension,
hyperkalemia, or persistant cough, CARDIAC REMODELING
carbenicillin
"Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins), which has the same spectrum
of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus treatment of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
cefotaxime
"Third generation cephalosporin with activity against meningitis and nosocomial
infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has greater activity against Gram
