Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: Anti arrhythmic Digoxin
Generic: digoxin Common Side Effects: Dizziness, orthostatic
Trade: Digitek, Lanoxin hypotension, blurred or yellow vision, headache,
fatigue, N.V.D.
Action: CHF – increases contractility
Arrhythmias – Slows AV node impulse
Uses: Congestive heart failure, decreases Nursing Implications: Check apical pulse before
arrhythmias and tachycardia. administration, monitor B/P, instruct patients to
notify physician if experiencing side effects.
Dosage Range: Oral- 0.125 mg – 0.5 mg
I.V. or I.M.- 0.1 mg – 0.4 mg
Drug Interactions: Benzos, Quinidine, various
Route: Capsule, I.V. or I.M. antibiotics can increase level of digoxin. Loop
diuretics can cause dig toxicity.
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 1-2 hr
(I.M.) 5-30 min
Peak- (PO) 2-8 hr.
(I.V) 1-4 hr
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: Loop Diuretic Lasix
Generic: furosemide Common Side Effects: N.V.D., orthostatic
Trade: Lasix hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, electrolyte
imbalance.
Action: Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and
chloride in ascending loop of Henle, increasing
excretion of water, sodium, magnesium, and
calcium. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
electrolyte levels, and monitor for hearing
Uses: Edema r/t CHF or renal disease, problems (I.V. and parenteral).
management of HTN.
Dosage Range: Oral- 20-80mg/day – increase Drug Interactions: Can cause hypokalemic
slowly to desired range. 2X daily for edema. digoxin toxicity, hypotension with
antihypertensives, salicylates (high dose) toxicity.
Route: Tablet, PO solution , I.V. or I.M.
Pharmacodynamics: Duration- 12-24 hr.
,Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Generic: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Common Side Effects: N.V.D., orthostatic
Trade: Aquazide H, Hydrocot, Oretic, Microzide hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, electrolyte
imbalance.
Action: Inhibits sodium reabsorption, increasing
excretion of sodium, water, and potassium.
Uses: mild HTN, edema in renal failure and CHF. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
electrolyte levels, interactions with digoxin..
Dosage Range: Oral- 25-100mg/day
max:200mg/day
Drug Interactions: Can cause hypokalemic
digoxin toxicity, hypotension with
Route: Capsule, tablet antihypertensives, NSAIDs can reduce efficacy.
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 2 hr.
Peak- (PO) 4 hr.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: Thyroid agent levothyroxine
Generic: levothyroxine Common Side Effects: elevated B/P, tachycardia,
Trade: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid arrhythmia, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite,
decreased bone density, diaphoresis, heat
Action: Elevates metabolic activity by acting as a intolerance.
replacement thyroid hormone.
Uses: Hypothyroidism, pituitary TSH suppression.
Nursing Implications: I.V. Form must be
Dosage Range: Oral- 1.7 mcg/kg/day prepared immediately before administration.
I.V./I.M. 50% of oral dose Monitor TSH levels, B/P, heart rate, and other side
effects.
Route: injection, powder for re-constitution,
tablet. Drug Interactions: Iron decreases absorption,
may have interactions with antidiabetic agents,
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 3-5 days Ketamine may cause marked HTN, tricyclics
(I.V./I.M.) 6-8 hr. change therapeutic index for both drugs.
Peak- 4-6 weeks to see
effective action for each dose.
,Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: ACE inhibitor Vasotec
Generic: enalapril Common Side Effects: orthostatic hypotension,
Trade: Vasotec headache, dizziness, fatigue, N.V.D. Anorexia.
Action: Prevents angiotensin 1 conversion to
angiotensin 2, reduces aldosterone secretion,
ultimately lowering blood pressure. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
possible depression, angioedema, instruct patients
Uses: Mild to severe HTN, diabetic nephropathy, not to stop abruptly..
CHF..
Dosage Range: Oral- 2.5 mg - 5 mg/day then Drug Interactions: insulin causes possible
increase as required. hypoglycemia, aspirin dulls effects, lithium
I.V.- 1.25 mg/q6hr. toxicity increases, increased risk of hyperkalemia
with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Route: injection, tablet
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 1 hr.
Peak- (PO) 4-8 hr.
Duration-(PO) 12-24 hr.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Generic: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim Common Side Effects: N.V. Anorexia, urticaria.
Trade: Bactrim, Septra
Action: Inhibits bacterial synthesis and growth
(bacteriostatic). Nursing Implications: Not for I.M. Injection,
must dilute well, take with water on empty
Uses: oral treatment of UTIs, acute exacerbations stomach, maintain adequate fluid intake to ease
of chronic bronchitis, enteritis from Shigella. I.V. strain on kidneys.
treatment of typhoid, PCP (yeast-like fungus that
causes pneumonia.) in immuno-compromised
patients. Drug Interactions: may increase hyperkalemia
with ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing
Dosage Range: Oral- one 800/600mg tab qd x12d diuretics, may potentiate Warfarin, increase
I.V.- 8-10mg/kg/day x 12 days toxicity of methotrexate.
Route: injection, oral suspension, tablet & double
strength tablet.
Pharmacodynamics: N/A
, Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic, PCN amoxicillin
Generic: amoxicillin Common Side Effects: N.V.D. Dermatitis,
Trade: Trimox possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome, possible
behavioral changes.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis, and
eventually lyses them. (Bacteriocidal)
Uses: treatment of ear, sinus, skin, urinary, and Nursing Implications: Assess for infection
respiratory infections, prophylaxis for surgery, during regimen, monitor for anyphylaxis, C&S
part of multi-drug regimen for H. pylori. before first dose, administer round the clock,
instead of just daylight hours, S&S of infection
Dosage Range: Oral- (typical) 500mg q12hr should disappear within 1-2 days.
Route: capsule, oral suspension, tablet, chewable
Drug Interactions: may decrease efficacy of oral
Pharmacodynamics: N/A contraceptives, may increase effects of warfarin.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic vancomycin
Generic: vancomycin Common Side Effects: N.V. Stomatitis, chills,
Trade: Vancocin hypotension, rash.
Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis of bacteria.
Uses: MRSA, meningitis, C. difficile Nursing Implications: P&T drawn, slow infusion
rate if rash appears, dosage modification for renal
Dosage Range: Oral- 125mg qid x 10d impairment, do no give I.M., do not administer
I.V.- 10-15mg/kg or 1G q12hr anti-diarrheal products for patients on oral
vancomycin.
Route: injection, capsule, infusion
Pharmacodynamics: N/A Drug Interactions: increased toxicity in:
anesthetic agents and/or other ototoxic or
nephrotoxic agents.
CLASS: Anti arrhythmic Digoxin
Generic: digoxin Common Side Effects: Dizziness, orthostatic
Trade: Digitek, Lanoxin hypotension, blurred or yellow vision, headache,
fatigue, N.V.D.
Action: CHF – increases contractility
Arrhythmias – Slows AV node impulse
Uses: Congestive heart failure, decreases Nursing Implications: Check apical pulse before
arrhythmias and tachycardia. administration, monitor B/P, instruct patients to
notify physician if experiencing side effects.
Dosage Range: Oral- 0.125 mg – 0.5 mg
I.V. or I.M.- 0.1 mg – 0.4 mg
Drug Interactions: Benzos, Quinidine, various
Route: Capsule, I.V. or I.M. antibiotics can increase level of digoxin. Loop
diuretics can cause dig toxicity.
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 1-2 hr
(I.M.) 5-30 min
Peak- (PO) 2-8 hr.
(I.V) 1-4 hr
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: Loop Diuretic Lasix
Generic: furosemide Common Side Effects: N.V.D., orthostatic
Trade: Lasix hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, electrolyte
imbalance.
Action: Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and
chloride in ascending loop of Henle, increasing
excretion of water, sodium, magnesium, and
calcium. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
electrolyte levels, and monitor for hearing
Uses: Edema r/t CHF or renal disease, problems (I.V. and parenteral).
management of HTN.
Dosage Range: Oral- 20-80mg/day – increase Drug Interactions: Can cause hypokalemic
slowly to desired range. 2X daily for edema. digoxin toxicity, hypotension with
antihypertensives, salicylates (high dose) toxicity.
Route: Tablet, PO solution , I.V. or I.M.
Pharmacodynamics: Duration- 12-24 hr.
,Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Generic: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Common Side Effects: N.V.D., orthostatic
Trade: Aquazide H, Hydrocot, Oretic, Microzide hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, electrolyte
imbalance.
Action: Inhibits sodium reabsorption, increasing
excretion of sodium, water, and potassium.
Uses: mild HTN, edema in renal failure and CHF. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
electrolyte levels, interactions with digoxin..
Dosage Range: Oral- 25-100mg/day
max:200mg/day
Drug Interactions: Can cause hypokalemic
digoxin toxicity, hypotension with
Route: Capsule, tablet antihypertensives, NSAIDs can reduce efficacy.
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 2 hr.
Peak- (PO) 4 hr.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: Thyroid agent levothyroxine
Generic: levothyroxine Common Side Effects: elevated B/P, tachycardia,
Trade: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid arrhythmia, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite,
decreased bone density, diaphoresis, heat
Action: Elevates metabolic activity by acting as a intolerance.
replacement thyroid hormone.
Uses: Hypothyroidism, pituitary TSH suppression.
Nursing Implications: I.V. Form must be
Dosage Range: Oral- 1.7 mcg/kg/day prepared immediately before administration.
I.V./I.M. 50% of oral dose Monitor TSH levels, B/P, heart rate, and other side
effects.
Route: injection, powder for re-constitution,
tablet. Drug Interactions: Iron decreases absorption,
may have interactions with antidiabetic agents,
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 3-5 days Ketamine may cause marked HTN, tricyclics
(I.V./I.M.) 6-8 hr. change therapeutic index for both drugs.
Peak- 4-6 weeks to see
effective action for each dose.
,Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: ACE inhibitor Vasotec
Generic: enalapril Common Side Effects: orthostatic hypotension,
Trade: Vasotec headache, dizziness, fatigue, N.V.D. Anorexia.
Action: Prevents angiotensin 1 conversion to
angiotensin 2, reduces aldosterone secretion,
ultimately lowering blood pressure. Nursing Implications: Monitor B/P, orthostasis,
possible depression, angioedema, instruct patients
Uses: Mild to severe HTN, diabetic nephropathy, not to stop abruptly..
CHF..
Dosage Range: Oral- 2.5 mg - 5 mg/day then Drug Interactions: insulin causes possible
increase as required. hypoglycemia, aspirin dulls effects, lithium
I.V.- 1.25 mg/q6hr. toxicity increases, increased risk of hyperkalemia
with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Route: injection, tablet
Pharmacodynamics: Onset- (PO.) 1 hr.
Peak- (PO) 4-8 hr.
Duration-(PO) 12-24 hr.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Generic: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim Common Side Effects: N.V. Anorexia, urticaria.
Trade: Bactrim, Septra
Action: Inhibits bacterial synthesis and growth
(bacteriostatic). Nursing Implications: Not for I.M. Injection,
must dilute well, take with water on empty
Uses: oral treatment of UTIs, acute exacerbations stomach, maintain adequate fluid intake to ease
of chronic bronchitis, enteritis from Shigella. I.V. strain on kidneys.
treatment of typhoid, PCP (yeast-like fungus that
causes pneumonia.) in immuno-compromised
patients. Drug Interactions: may increase hyperkalemia
with ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing
Dosage Range: Oral- one 800/600mg tab qd x12d diuretics, may potentiate Warfarin, increase
I.V.- 8-10mg/kg/day x 12 days toxicity of methotrexate.
Route: injection, oral suspension, tablet & double
strength tablet.
Pharmacodynamics: N/A
, Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic, PCN amoxicillin
Generic: amoxicillin Common Side Effects: N.V.D. Dermatitis,
Trade: Trimox possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome, possible
behavioral changes.
Action: Inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis, and
eventually lyses them. (Bacteriocidal)
Uses: treatment of ear, sinus, skin, urinary, and Nursing Implications: Assess for infection
respiratory infections, prophylaxis for surgery, during regimen, monitor for anyphylaxis, C&S
part of multi-drug regimen for H. pylori. before first dose, administer round the clock,
instead of just daylight hours, S&S of infection
Dosage Range: Oral- (typical) 500mg q12hr should disappear within 1-2 days.
Route: capsule, oral suspension, tablet, chewable
Drug Interactions: may decrease efficacy of oral
Pharmacodynamics: N/A contraceptives, may increase effects of warfarin.
Andy Samelson's Drug Cards Andy Samelson's Drug Cards
CLASS: antibiotic vancomycin
Generic: vancomycin Common Side Effects: N.V. Stomatitis, chills,
Trade: Vancocin hypotension, rash.
Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis of bacteria.
Uses: MRSA, meningitis, C. difficile Nursing Implications: P&T drawn, slow infusion
rate if rash appears, dosage modification for renal
Dosage Range: Oral- 125mg qid x 10d impairment, do no give I.M., do not administer
I.V.- 10-15mg/kg or 1G q12hr anti-diarrheal products for patients on oral
vancomycin.
Route: injection, capsule, infusion
Pharmacodynamics: N/A Drug Interactions: increased toxicity in:
anesthetic agents and/or other ototoxic or
nephrotoxic agents.
