Name: Omeprazole

Classification: Antacids, Antireflux Agents & Antiulcerants

MOA: inhibits acid pump and binds to hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase on
secretory surface of gastric parietal cells to block formation of gastric acid.
Side Effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash and dizziness. Nervousness,
abnormal heartbeat, muscle pain, weakness, leg cramps, and water retention occur
infrequently.
Adverse Reaction: abdominal pain, flatulence, upper respiratory infection, acid
regurgitation, constipation, cough, fracture of bone, osteoporosis, hepatotoxicity,
anorexia, gastric polyps, hip fracture, alopecia, pancreatitis, abnormal dreams.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's condition before starting therapy and regularly thereafter to monitor
drug's effectiveness.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- If adverse GI reaction occurs, monitor patient's hydration.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Mannitol
Classification: Osmotic Diuretic
MOA: increases urinary output by inhibiting tubular reabsorption of water and
electrolytes. It raises the osmotic pressure of the plasma allowing water to be drawn out
of the body.
Side Effects: Chest discomfort, cough, difficult or labored breathing, runny nose,
shortness of breathing, sore throat, tightness in the pain, troubled breathing, vomiting,
wheezing
Adverse Reaction: headache, confusion, tachycardia, heart failure, blurred vision,
rhinitis, thirst, nausea, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, cellular dehydration, urine
retention.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's condition before therapy and regularly thereafter to monitor drug's
effectiveness.
- Monitor vital signs, central venous pressure, and fluid intake and output hourly.
- Monitor weight and kidney function, as well as serum and urine sodium and potassium
level, daily.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Name: Furosemide
Classification: loop diuretic
MOA: inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption at proximal and distal tubules and
ascending loop of henle.
Side Effects: chest pain, chills, cough, fever, headache, weakness, lower back or side
pain, painful or difficulty urination, shortness of breath, sore throat, swollen or painful

glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness, wheezing

Adverse Reaction: vertigo, dizziness, restlessness, blurred or yellow vision, anorexia,
abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, nocturia, polyuria,
anemia, muscle spasm, dermatitis, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, fluid and electrolyte
imbalances

Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's underlying condition before starting therapy
- Monitor weight, peripheral edema, breath sounds, blood pressure, fluid intake and
output, electrolyte, glucose, BUN, and carbon dioxide level.
- Monitor uric acid level, especially if patient has a history of gout.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Diazepam
Classification: benzodiazepine; anxiolytic, skeletal muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant,
sedative-hypnotic
MOA: may depress CNS at limbic and subcortical levels of brain; suppresses spread of
seizure activity produces by epileptogenic foci in cortex, thalamus, and limbic system.
Side Effects: shakiness or unsteady walk, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems
with muscle control or coordination, abdominal or stomach pain, anxiety, blurred vision,
chills, confusion, cough, dark urine, fast heartbeat.
Adverse Reaction: anterograde amnesia, depression, drowsiness, fainting, hangover,
headache, insomnia, lethargy, pain, restlessness, slurred speech, tremors, bradycardia,
nystagmus, abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, incontinence, urine
retention, respiratory depression, rash.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain history of patient's underlying condition before therapy, and reassess regularly
thereafter.
- Periodically monitor liver, kidney, and hematopoietic function studies in patient
receiving repeated or prolonged therapy.
- Look for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Levofloxacin
Classification: fluorinated carboxyquinolone; broad-spectrum antibiotic
MOA: inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and prevents DNA replication, transcription, repair,
and recombination in susceptible bacteria.
Side Effects: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, blisters, confusion, fever, redness or swelling
of the skins, skin rash, trembling, unusual behavior, blurred vision, dark-colored urine.
Adverse Reaction: headache, insomnia, dizziness, pain, seizures, chest pain,
palpitations, vasodilation, abnormal ECG, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal

pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, vaginitis, hypoglycemia, back pain, tendon rupture.

Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests before starting therapy and as needed
to detect bacterial resistance. Therapy may begin pending results.
- Obtain history of seizures disorder or other CNS diseases, such as cerebral
arteriosclerosis, before starting therapy.
- Monitor glucose level and renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic blood studies.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Sodium Bicarbonate
Classification: alkalinizer; oral antacid
MOA: restores body's buffering capacity and neutralizes excess acid.
Side Effects: frequent urge to urinate, headache, loss of appetite, mood or mental
changes, muscle pain or twitching, nausea or vomiting, nervousness or restlessness, slow
breathing, unpleasant taste, unusual tiredness or weakness.
Adverse Reaction: gastric distention, belching, flatulence, metabolic alkalosis,
hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperosmolarity, pain and irritation at injection site.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's condition before starting therapy, and regularly thereafter to monitor the
drug's effectiveness.
- To avoid risk of alkalosis, obtain blood pH, and electrolyte levels.
- If sodium bicarbonate is being used to produce alkaline urine, monitor urine pH every
4-6 hours.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Budesonide (inhalation)
Classification: glucocorticoid; anti-inflammatory
MOA: decreases nasal and pulmonary inflammation, mainly by inhibiting activities of
specific cells and mediators involved in allergic response.
Side Effects: bruising, chills, colds, cough, fever, flu-like symptoms, sneezing, sore
throat, abdominal pain, bladder pain.
Adverse Reaction: nervousness, headache, facial edema, nasal irritation, nasal pain,
sinusitis, weight gain, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, bad taste, vomiting, wheezing,
dyspnea, rash, contact dermatitis.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain history of patient's condition before therapy and reassess regularly thereafter.
- Be alert for adverse reactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Sodium Chloride
Classification: sodium and chloride replacement

MOA: replaces and maintain sodium and chloride levels.

Side Effects: excessive blood loss, fever, anxiety, chest pain (severe), chills, confusion,
seizures, cough, dizziness, headache, nervousness, numbness of fingers, ringing in the
ears, shortness of breath, sweating, vision problems.
Adverse Reaction: aggravation of heart failure, hypernatremia, electrolyte disturbances,
hypokalemia, pulmonary edema, local tenderness, tissue necrosis at injection site.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain history of patient's sodium and chloride levels before starting therapy, and
reassess regularly thereafter to monitor the drug's effectiveness.
- Monitor other electrolyte levels.
- Assess patient's fluid status.
- Be alert for adverse reactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.

Name: Hydrocortisone
Classification: adrenocortical steroid; glucocorticoid
MOA: may stabilize leukocyte lysosomal membranes, suppress immune response,
stimulate bone marrow, and influence nutrient metabolism.
Side Effects: skin rash, stinging, cough, dry skin, fever, chills, painful urination.
Adverse Reaction: insomnia, seizures, heart failure, hypertension, edema, arrhythmias,
cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulceration, GI irritation, increased appetite, hypokalemia,
hyperglycemia, carbohydrate intolerance, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, easy bruising
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's condition before starting therapy and.regularly thereafter.
- Monitor patient's weight, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels.
- Monitor patient for stress. Fever, trauma, surgery, and emotional problems may increase
adrenal insufficiency.
- Periodically measure growth and development during high-dosage or prolonged therapy
in infants and children.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Metronidazole
Classification: antibacterial, anti protozoal, amebicide
MOA: direct acting trichomonacide and amebicide that works at both intestinal and
extra-intestinal sites.
Side Effects: back pain, blindness, blurred vision, changes in speech pattern, confusion,
convulsions, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, eye pain, fever, hallucinations, headache,
irritability, nausea, seizures, vomiting, weakness.

Adverse Reaction: vertigo, ataxia, incoordination, fatigue, insomnia, flushing, edema,

flattened T wave, eye tearing, abdominal cramping, stomatitis, anorexia, diarrhea,
constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, darkened urine, polyuria, incontinence, rash, dry
skin.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's infection before therapy and regularly thereafter to monitor the drug's
effectiveness.
- Watch carefully for edema, especially in patients also receiving corticosteroids.
- Record number and character of stool when used in amebiasis.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- IV infusion may cause thrombophlebitis at site; observe closely.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Digoxin
Classification: antiarrhythmic; inotropic
MOA: inhibits sodium-potassium activated adenosine triphosphatase, thereby promoting
movement of calcium from extracellular to intracellular cytoplasm and strengthening
myocardial contraction.
Side Effects: dizziness, fainting, fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat or pulse, slow
heartbeat, bleeding gums, blood vomit, blood in the urine and stool.

Adverse Reaction: fatigue, generalized muscle weakness, hallucinations, headache,

malaise, stupor, vertigo, heart failure, hypotension, blurred vision, light flashes,
photophobia, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain history of patient's underlying condition before therapy, and reassess regularly
thereafter.
- Monitor effectiveness by taking apical pulse for 1 full minute before giving a dose.
Evaluate ECG, and regularly assess patient's cardiopulmonary condition for signs of
improvement.
- Monitor drug level.
- Monitor potassium level carefully.
- Periodically monitor liver, kidney, and hematopoietic function studies in patient
receiving repeated or prolonged therapy.
- Look for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Clindamycin
Classification: antibiotic
MOA: inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50S subunit of ribosome.
Side Effects: abdominal cramps (severe), abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, fever, sore
throat, rash.
Adverse Reaction: headache, thrombophlebitis, anorexia, bloody or tarry stool,
constipation, dysphagia, flatulence, nausea, unpleasant or bitter taste, vomiting, UTI, pain

(IV site), erythema.

Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's infection before and regularly throughout therapy.
- Before giving first dose, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests. Begin therapy
pending results.
- Monitor renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic functions during prolonged therapy.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- If adverse GI reactions occur, monitor patient's hydration.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Isosorbide
Classification: antianginal, vasodilator
MOA: may reduce cardiac oxygen demand by decreasing left ventricular end diastolic
pressure (preload) and to a lesser extent, systemic vascular resistance (afterload). May
increase blood flow through collateral coronary vessels.
Side Effects: bluish-colored lips, fingernails and palms; dark urine, difficulty in
breathing, dizziness, fever, headache, pale skin, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sore
throat.
Adverse Reaction: weakness, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, ankle
edema, fainting, flushing, nausea, vomiting, cutaneous vasodilation, hypersensitivity
reactions
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's angina before starting therapy and regularly thereafter.
- Monitor blood pressure,heart rate and rhythm, and intensity and duration of drug
response.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.

Name: Lactulose
Classification: Laxative
MOA: produces osmotic effect in colon. Resulting distention promotes peristalsis.
Decreased blood ammonia build-up that causes hepatic encephalopathy, probably as
result of bacterial degradation, which lowers pH of colon contents.
Side Effects: belching, gas, stomach cramps.
Adverse Reaction: abdominal cramps, belching, diarrhea, distention, flatulence, nausea,
vomiting.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's condition before starting therapy, and regularly thereafter to monitor the
drug's effectiveness.
- Monitor patient's electrolyte levels during long-term use.

- Monitor ammonia levels in patient with hepatic disease.

- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Losartan Potassium
Classification: Antihypertensive
MOA: inhibits vasoconstriction and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by
selectively blocking binding of angiotensin II to receptor sites in many tissue, including
vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands.
Side Effects: abdominal pain, anxiety, bladder pain, bloody or cloudy urine, blurred
vision, chills, cold sweats, coma, confusion, cool, pale skin; depression, difficult
breathing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased hunger, irregular heartbeat,
nausea, vomiting, nightmares, pale skin, seizures, shakiness, slurred speech.
Adverse Reaction: fatigue, insomnia, edema, chest pain, nasal congestion, sinusitis,
sinus disorder, diarrhea, dyspepsia, muscle cramps, back or leg pain, cough, upper
respiratory tract infection, fever, hypotension, cataract, bronchitis.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's blood pressure before starting therapy and regularly thereafter to
monitor drug's effectiveness.
- Regularly assess creatinine and BUN levels to check kidney function.
- Be alert for adverse reactions.
- If patient is taking a diuretic, monitor him for symptomatic hypotension.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Dexamethasone
Classification: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant
MOA: may stabilize leukocyte lysosomal membranes, stimulate bone marrow, and
influence protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
Side Effects: aggression, anxiety, blurred vision, dizziness, headache, irritability, mood
changes, nervousness, pounding in the ears, weight gain, shortness of breath.
Adverse Reaction: euphoria, insomnia, seizures, arrhythmias, edema, heart failure,
hypertension, glaucoma, GI irritation, increased appetite, peptic ulceration, muscle
weakness, osteoporosis, skin eruptions.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Obtain history of patient's underlying condition before therapy.
- Monitor patient's weight, blood pressure, glucose level, and electrolyte levels.
- Look for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Watch for depression or psychotic episodes, especially in high-dose therapy.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Cefuroxime
Classification: second gen cephalosporin; antibiotic

MOA: inhibits cell-wall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal.

Side Effects: chills, diarrhea, fever, headache, itching of the vagina, pain during sexual
intercourse, rigidity, sweating.
Adverse Reaction: dizziness, malaise, abdominal cramps, anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea,
vomiting, hemolytic anemia, dyspnea, pain.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's infection before therapy and regularly thereafter.
- Before giving first dose,obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests. Begin therapy
pending test result.
- Before giving first dose, ask patient about previous reactions to cephalosporins or
penicillin.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- If adverse GI reactions occur, monitor patient's hydration.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Ceftriaxone Sodium
Classification: 3rd generation cephalosporin; antibiotic
MOA: inhibits cell-wall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal.
Side Effects: black stool, chest pain, chills, cough, fever, painful or difficulty urination,
shortness of breath, sore throat, swollen glands, weakness.
Adverse Reaction: dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, phlebitis, rash,
hypersensitivity reaction, pain.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's infection before therapy and regularly thereafter.
- Before giving first dose, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests. Begin therapy
pending test results.
- Before giving first dose, ask patient about previous reactions to cephalosporins or
penicillin.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- If adverse GI reactions occur, monitor patient's hydration.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Ceftazidime
Classification: 3rd generation cephalosporin; antibiotic
MOA: inhibits cell-wall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal.
Side Effects: stomach cramps, bloating, bluish color, changes in skin color, diarrhea,
fever, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, pain, tenderness, unusual weight loss.
Adverse Reaction: dizziness, headache, seizures, abdominal cramps, thrombocytosis,
dyspnea, urticaria, hypersensitivity reaction.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's infection before therapy and regularly thereafter.

- Before giving first dose, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests. Begin therapy
pending test results.
- Before giving first dose, ask patient about previous reactions to cephalosporins or
penicillin.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- If adverse GI reactions occur, monitor patient's hydration.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Ketorolac Tromethamine
Classification: NSAID; analgesic, anti-inflammatory
MOA: may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.
Side Effects: swelling of face, fingers, lower legs, ankles, and/or feet; weight gain,
bruising, high blood pressure, skin rash or itching.
Adverse Reaction: drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, headache, edema, hypertension,
palpitations, keratitis, corneal edema, nausea, diarrhea, GI pain, dyspepsia, hematuria,
polyuria, renal failure, anemia, sweating, pain at injection site.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's pain before and after therapy
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.
Name: Captopril
Classification: ACE inhibitor; antihypertensive
MOA: thought to inhibit ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Reduced formation of angiotensin II decreases peripheral arterial resistance, thus
decreasing aldosterone secretion.
Side Effects: chest pain, cloudy urine, irregular heartbeat or pulse.
Adverse Reaction: dizziness, fainting, fever, heart failure, hypotension, tachycardia,
anorexia, renal impairment, nephrotic syndrome, hyperkalemia, cough.
Nursing Responsibilities:
- Assess patient's underlying condition before therapy and regularly thereafter.
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse rate often.
- Monitor WBC and differential counts before therapy
- Monitor potassium level and renal function.
- Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
- Assess patient's and family's knowledge of drug therapy.