GENERIC NAME:

 EPINEPHRINE

BRAND NAME:

 Ana-guard, Epipen, Epipen Jr, Sus-phrine

ROUTE:

 SC, IM

GENERAL ACTION:

 Sympathomimetic, direct -acting

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

 Causes marked stimulation of alpha,beta-1, and beta-2 receptors, causing

sympathomimetic stimulation, pressor effects, cardiac stimulation, bronchodilation, and
decongestion. It crosses the placenta but not the blood-brain barrier.

CONTRAINDICATION:

 Narrow-angle glaucoma. Use when wearing soft contact lenses( may discolor lenses),
Aphakia, Lactation

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

 Briskly massage site of SC or IM injection to hasten the drug action. Do not expose drug
to heat, light or air as this causes deterioration.

 Discard solution if reddish brown and after expiration date.

 Do not use the topical preparation in children under 6 years of age.

 Ophthalmic use may result in discomfort, which decreases over time.

 Never administer 1:100 solution IV: use the 1:1000 solution.

 Use tuberculin syringe to measure. Parenteral doses are small and drug is potent, thus
errors in measurement may b
GENERIC NAME:

 DOBUTAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

BRAND NAME:

 Dobutamine hydrochloride

ROUTE: IV

GENERAL ACTION:

 Sympathomimetic, direct -acting

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

 Stimlates beta-1 receptors( in the heart), increasing cardiac function, CO, and SV, with
minor effects on HR. decreases after load reduction although SBP and pulse pressure may
remain unchanged or increase (due to increased CO). Also decreases elevated ventricular
filling pressure and helps AV node conduction.

CONTRAINDICATION:

 Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

 During acute use: monitor CVP to assess vascular volume and cardiac pumping
efficiency.

 Monitor ECG and BP continuously during drug administration.

 Record I&O

 Monitor glucose in diabetics: increased insulin may be needed.

GENERIC NAME:

 ACETAMINOPHEN(APAP, PARACETAMOL)

BRAND NAME:

 Dapacin, atasol, anacin

ROUTE: PO

GENERAL ACTION:

 Non-narcotic analgesic

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

 Decreases fever by a hypothalamic effect leading to sweating and vasodilation and

inhibits the effect of pyrogens on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers. May cause
analgesia by inhibiting CNS prostaglandin synthesis; however, due to minimal effects on
peripheral prostaglandin synthesis, acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory or uricosuric
effects.

CONTRAINDICATION:

 Renal insufficiency, anemia. Clients with cardiac or pulmonary disease are more
susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

 Do not exceed 5g/24hr in adults and 75 mg/kg/day in children.

 Do not take for >5 days for pain in children, 10 days for pain in adults, or more than 3
days for fever in adults or children without consulting provider.

 Store suppositories below 28C.

 Take ER product with water; do not crush, chew, or dissolve before swallowing.

 Bubble gum flavored OTC pediatric products(liquid and chewable

tablets)are available to treat fever and/ pain.
GENERIC NAME;

 OXYTOCIN, PARENTERAL

BRAND NAME:

 Pitocin, syntocinon

ROUTE: IM

GENERAL ACTION:

 Oxytocic drug

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

 Acts as smooth muscle of the uterus to stimulate contractions; response depends on the
uterine threshold of excitability. Is selective for the uterus, especially toward the end of
pregnancy, during labor, and immediately following delivery. Oxytocin stimulates
rhythmic contractions of the uterus, increases the frequency of existing contractions, and
raises the tone of uterine musculature.

CONTRAINDICATION:

 Hypersensitivity to drug. Significant cephalopelvic disproportion; unfavorable fetal

positions or presentations that are undeliverable without conversation prior to delivery.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

 Before initiating therapy, inform client of rationale for using oxytocic agents and reassure
that this procedure is not unusual.

 Remain with client during induction period and throughout the stimulation of labor.

 Note resting uterine tone and assess contractions for frequency, duration, and strength.

 Monitor V/S and check I/Oq 15 min.

GENERIC NAME:

 Nitroglycerin sublingual

BRAND NAME:

 Nitro quick, nitrostat, nitro tab

ROUTE: PO

GENERAL ACTION:

 Vasodilator, coronary

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

 Sublingual. Onset: 1-3 min; duration; 30-60 min

CONTRAINDICATION:

 Dosage has not been established in children.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

 Note indications for therapy, characteristics of s&s, and cardiac history or assessments

 Sit down and place sublingual tablet under the tongue and allow to dissolved; do not
swallow until entirely dissolved.

 Take before stressful activity

 Report immediately if pain is not controlled with prescribed dosage

 Date sublingual container upon opening. Store in original container at room temperature
protected from moisture. Discard unused tablets if 6 months has elapsed since the original
container was opened.