Pharmacology Notes: High-Alert Drugs & Drug Class Summary
NCLEX & Nursing Exam Review Notes
Introduction to Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their actions, uses, side effects, and nursing
responsibilities. Nurses must understand medications to ensure safe administration and
patient care.
Important Drug Classifications:
Drug Class Main Use Example
Antibiotics Treat infections
e.g.Amoxicilin, Ciprofloxacin
Antihypertensives Lower blood pressure e.g. Lisinopril, Amlodipine
Anticoagulants Prevent blood clots e.g. Heparin, Warfarin
Antidiabetics Control blood glucose
e.g.Metformin, Insulin
Analgesics Relieve pain
e.g. Paracetamol, Morphine
Diuretics Remove excess fluid
e.g. Furosemide
CNS Drugs Affect brain/nervous system e.g. Diazepam, Fluoxetine
1. Antibiotics
Purpose: Used to treat bacterial infections.
Common Examples:
•Amoxicillin
•Azithromycin
•Ciprofloxacin
Common Side Effects:
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
•Allergic reactions
, •Yeast infections
Nursing Considerations:
•Complete full course
•Assess allergies before administration
•Monitor for diarrhea
•Teach patient not to skip doses
Memory Tip:
“Anti-BIOTICS fight bacteria.”
2. Antihypertensive Drugs
Purpose: Lower high blood pressure.
Common Examples:
•Lisinopril
•Amlodipine
•Losartan
Side Effects:
•Dizziness
•Hypotension
•Dry cough (ACE inhibitors)
Nursing Responsibilities:
•Check blood pressure before giving
•Teach patient to rise slowly
NCLEX & Nursing Exam Review Notes
Introduction to Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their actions, uses, side effects, and nursing
responsibilities. Nurses must understand medications to ensure safe administration and
patient care.
Important Drug Classifications:
Drug Class Main Use Example
Antibiotics Treat infections
e.g.Amoxicilin, Ciprofloxacin
Antihypertensives Lower blood pressure e.g. Lisinopril, Amlodipine
Anticoagulants Prevent blood clots e.g. Heparin, Warfarin
Antidiabetics Control blood glucose
e.g.Metformin, Insulin
Analgesics Relieve pain
e.g. Paracetamol, Morphine
Diuretics Remove excess fluid
e.g. Furosemide
CNS Drugs Affect brain/nervous system e.g. Diazepam, Fluoxetine
1. Antibiotics
Purpose: Used to treat bacterial infections.
Common Examples:
•Amoxicillin
•Azithromycin
•Ciprofloxacin
Common Side Effects:
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
•Allergic reactions
, •Yeast infections
Nursing Considerations:
•Complete full course
•Assess allergies before administration
•Monitor for diarrhea
•Teach patient not to skip doses
Memory Tip:
“Anti-BIOTICS fight bacteria.”
2. Antihypertensive Drugs
Purpose: Lower high blood pressure.
Common Examples:
•Lisinopril
•Amlodipine
•Losartan
Side Effects:
•Dizziness
•Hypotension
•Dry cough (ACE inhibitors)
Nursing Responsibilities:
•Check blood pressure before giving
•Teach patient to rise slowly
