Summary Nursing Pharmacology Notes – Drug Classes, Mechanisms, Side Effects & Nursing Considerations (Comprehensive Study Guide)”

Pharmacology Notes – Drugs, Mechanisms & Nursing
Considerations
Nursing Pharmacology – Preview Page

1. Opioids

Common Drugs: Morphine, Pethidine, Fentanyl
Mechanism: Bind to opioid receptors → reduce pain perception
Side Effects: Respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, sedation
Nursing Considerations:

• Monitor respiratory rate & pain level
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation
• Educate patient on constipation prevention




2. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Common Drugs: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac
Mechanism: Inhibit COX enzymes → reduce inflammation & pain
Side Effects: GI bleeding, renal impairment, headache
Nursing Considerations:

• Take with food or milk
• Monitor kidney function & GI symptoms
• Avoid use in patients with ulcers




3. Antibiotics

Common Drugs: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin
Mechanism: Kill or inhibit bacterial growth
Side Effects: Diarrhea, allergic reactions, yeast infections
Nursing Considerations:

• Complete full course

, • Monitor for allergic reactions
• Educate on potential side effects

Nursing Pharmacology Notes
Drug Examples Mechanism of Action Side Effects Nursing
Class Considerations
Opioid Morphine, Bind to opioid Respiratory Monitor RR; prevent
Analges Pethidine, receptors (CNS) → depression, constipation; taper
ics Fentanyl, block pain perception constipation, slowly; educate on
Codeine nausea, addiction risk
sedation,
dependence
NSAIDs Ibuprofen, Inhibit COX enzymes → GI irritation, Give with food; avoid
Diclofenac, ↓ prostaglandins → ↓ bleeding, in ulcers/renal
Naproxen, pain/inflammation renal failure; monitor
Aspirin impairment, bleeding
tinnitus
(Aspirin)
Antibiot Amoxicillin, Kill/inhibit bacterial Diarrhea, Complete full
ics Ciprofloxacin, growth allergies, course; monitor for
Erythromycin, superinfectio allergies; educate
Doxycycline n, resistance patient
Anticoa Heparin, Inhibit clotting factors Bleeding, Monitor INR/aPTT;
gulants Warfarin bruising, avoid injury; teach
thrombocyto bleeding precautions
penia
Antiplat Aspirin (low Inhibit platelet GI upset, Monitor bleeding;
elets dose), aggregation bleeding avoid NSAID overuse;
Clopidogrel educate patient
Thromb Alteplase Dissolve clots Severe Monitor bleeding; use
olytics (tPA), (activate bleeding, within 4–6 hrs of
Streptokinase plasminogen) hypotension stroke/MI
Antihyp Beta-blockers Lower BP via ↓ HR, ↓ Hypotension, Monitor BP/HR; teach
ertensi (Propranolol), vasoconstriction, ↓ dizziness, slow position
ves ACEI RAAS cough (ACEI), changes; avoid
(Captopril), bradycardia abrupt stop
ARB
(Losartan),
CCB
(Amlodipine)