Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
BS-N4A
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Verapamil HCL
Verapamil inhibits
entry of calcium ions
into arterial smooth
muscle cells as well as
the myocytes and
conducting tissue.
These actions lead to
reversal and
preventions of
coronary artery spasm,
reduction in afterload
through peripheral
vasodilatation and
reduction in ventricular
rate in patients with
chronic atrial flutter or
fibrillation and
reduction in the
occurrence of
paroxysmal
supraventricular
tachycardia
Calcium channelblocker
Antianginal
Antiarrhythmic
Antihypertensive
Pregnancy
Category C
Contraindication
Cardiogenic shock,
severe bradycardia,
severe left ventricular
dysfunction,
uncompensatedheart
failure, hypotension
(systolic pressure
fast, slow, or
irregular
heartbeats;
shortness of
breath (even with
mild exertion),
swelling, rapid
weight gain;
a light-headed
feeling, like you
might pass out;
anxiety,
sweating, pale skin,
wheezing, gasping
for breath, cough
with foamy mucus,
chest pain;
flu symptoms
(fever, chills, body
aches, vomiting,
diarrhea); or
feeling like
you might pass out.
constipation;
headache;
dizziness; or
stuffy nose,
sinus pain, sore
throat.
Nursing
Responsibilities
Ensure that
patient swallows
SR tablets
whole; patient
should not cut,
crush, or chew
them.
Monitor BP very
carefully with
concurrent
doses of
antihypertensiv
es.
Monitor cardiac
rhythm regularly
during
stabilization of
dosage and
periodically
during longterm therapy.
Administer SR
form in the
morning with
food to
decrease GI
upset.
Protect IV
solution from
light.
Monitor patients
with renal or
hepatic
impairment.
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Norepinephrine
Restoration of
BP in certain
Hypovolemic states,
except temporarily until
Nursing
Responsibilities
Hypotension;
Advise
patient to notify
acute
hypotensive
states; adjunct
in treatment of
cardiac arrest
and profound
hypotension.
blood volume
replacement is
accomplished;
mesenteric or peripheral
vascular thrombosis,
unless essential;
generally contraindicated
during cyclopropane and
halothane anesthesia;
profound hypoxia or
hypercarbia.
increased peripheral
vascular resistance;
decreased carbon
monoxide; precordial
pain; ventricular
arrhythmias; reflex
bradycardia.
Headache;
dizziness; tremor;
insomnia; anxiety.
Metabolic acidosis;
hyperglycemia.
Respiratory
difficulties.
Gangrene (when
infused into small
vein); thyroid
enlargement;
irritation from
extravasation;
decreased urinary
output.
nurse if IV site
feels cool or
painful.
Instruct
patient to report
the following
symptoms to
health care
provider:
dizziness,
nausea, syncope,
abdominal pain,
chest pain or
confusion.
Caution
patient to avoid
sudden position
changes to
prevent
orthostatic
hypotension.
Mechanism of
Action
Isosorbide
Dinitrate
Isordil relaxes
vascular smooth
muscle with a
resultant
decrease in
venous return
and decrease in
arterial BP,
which reduces
left ventricular
workload and
decreases
myocardial
oxygen
consumption.
Antianginal
Nitrate
Vasodilator
Pregnancy
Category C
Indication
Dinitrate:
Treatment and
prevention of
angina pectoris
Mononitrate:
Prevention of
angina pectoris
Unlabeled use
(dinitrate):
Used
with hydralazine in
patients with
advanced CHF
Contraindication
Contraindicated
with allergy
to nitrates, severe
anemia, head
trauma, cerebral
hemorrhage,
hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy,
narrow-angle
glaucoma, postural
hypotension
Use cautiously
with pregnancy,
lactation, acute MI,
CHF.
CNS: Headache,
apprehension,
restlessness,
weakness, vertigo,
dizziness, faintness
CV: Tachycardia,
retrosternal
discomfort,
palpitations,
hypotension,
syncope, collapse,
orthostatic
hypotension, angina,
rebound
hypertension, atrial
fibrillation, postural
hypertension
Dermatologic: Rash,
exfoliative dermatitis,
cutaneous
vasodilation with
flushing
GI: Nausea, vomiting,
incontinence of urine
and feces, abdominal
pain, diarrhea
GU: Dysuria,
impotence, urinary
frequency
Other: Muscle
twitching, pallor,
perspiration, cold
sweat, arthralgia,
bronchitis
Nursing
Responsibilities
Give sublingual
preparations
under the tongue
or in the buccal
pouch;
discourage the
patient from
swallowing.
Create a nitratefree period to
minimize
tolerance.
Give chewable
tablets slowly,
only 5 mg
initially, because
severe
hypotension can
occur; ensure
that patient does
not chew or
crush sustainedrelease
preparations.Giv
e oral
preparations on
an empty
stomach, 1 hr
before or 2 hr
after meals
Drug
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Citicholine
Citicoline
increases blood
flow and O2
consumption in
the brain. It is
also involved in
the biosynthesis
action.
Citicoline is indicated
in CVD in acute
recovery phase in
severe s/sx of
cerebrovascular
insufficiency and incranial traumatism and
their sequellae.
Citicoline in CVA,
stimulates brain
function.
Zynapse,
Somazina,
Cholinerv
CNS
Stimulant
Nootropics
Contraindication
Any allergy or
hypersensitivity to the
Fleeting and
Nursing Responsibilities
discrete
drug
hypotension
Hypertonia of the
effect, increased
parasympathetic nervous
parasympatheti
system
prescribed
blood pressure
Take Citicoline on
time
c effects, low
Take Citicoline as
Monitor patients
neurologic status
Itching or hives,
signs of slurring
swelling in face
of speech
or hands, chest
damage
tightness,
tingling in mouth
and throat
Titer medication
when
discontinuing
Teach patient on
how to take the
drug
Arrange for
regular follow-ups
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Calcium
Gluconate
Calcium Gluconate
acts like digitalis on the
heart, increasing
cardiac muscle tone
and force of systolic
contractions(positive
inotropic effect)Rapidly
and effectively restores
serum calcium levels in
acute hypocalcemia
of various origins; also
effective as a cardiac
stabilizer under
conditions of
hyperkalemia or
resuscitation.
Negative calcium
balance (As in
neonatal tetany,
hypoparathyroidism,
vitamin D deficiency,
alkalosis). Also to
overcome cardiac
toxicity
of hyperkalemia,
for cardiopulmonary
resuscitation,
to prevent
hypocalcemia during
transfusion of
citrated blood. Also
as antidote for
magnesium sulfate,
for acute symptoms
of lead colic, to
decrease capillary
permeability in
sensitivity reactions,
and to relieve
muscle cramps from
insect bites or stings.
Oral calcium may be
used to maintain
normal calcium
balance during
pregnancy, lactation,
and childhood
growthand to prevent
Ventricular fibrillation,
metastatic bone disease,
injection into myocardium;
renal calculi,
hypercalcemia, predispositio
n to hypercalcemia
(hyperparathyroidism, certain
malignancies);digitalis
toxicity.
Calgonate
Electrolyte
and Water
Balance
Nursing
Responsibilities
Assess for
cutaneous burning
sensations
and peripheral
vasodilation with
moderate fall in BP,
during direct IV
injection.
Monitor ECG during
IV administration to
detect evidence
of hypercalcemia:
decreased QT
interval associated
with inverted T-wave.
Lab tests: determine
levels of calcium
and phosphorus and
magnesium
frequently, during
sustained therapy.
Deficiencies and
other ions, particularly
magnesium,
frequently coexist
with calcium ion
depletion
Drug
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Nursing
Responsibilities
Epinephrine
Naturally occurring
catecholamine obtained
from animal adrenal
glands; also prepared
synthetically. Acts
directly on both alpha
and beta receptors; the
most potent activator
of alpha receptors.
Strengthens myocardial
contraction; increasin
g systolic but may
decrease diastolic
blood pressure;
increases cardiac rate
and cardiac output.
Temporary relief of
bronchospasm, acute
asthmatic attack,
mucosal congestion,
hypersensitivity and
anaphylactic reactions,
syncope due to heart
block or carotid sinus
hypersensitivity, and to
restore cardiac rhythm
in cardiac arrest.
Ophthalmic preparatio
n is used in
management
of simple (open-angle)
glaucoma, generally
as an adjunct to
topical miotics and
oral carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors;
also used
asophthalmic
decongestant.
Relaxes myometrium
and inhibits
uterinecontractions
Autonomic
nervoussystem
agent
alpha and beta
adrenergic
agonist
bronchodilator
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Nursing
Responsibilities
Heparin
Prevention and
treatment of venous
thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism
Treatment of atrial
fibrillation with
embolization
Diagnosis and
treatment of DIC
Prevention of
clotting in blood
samples and heparin
lock sets and during
dialysis procedures
Unlabeled
uses: Adjunct in
therapy of coronary
occlusion with acute
MI, prevention of left
ventricular thrombi
and CVA post-MI,
prevention of
cerebral thrombosis
in the evolving CVA
Patients predisposed to
active bleeding including
thrombocytopenia, peptic
ulcer disease,
cerebrovascular disorders,
haemorrhagic blood
disorders, bacterial
endocarditis, severe
hypertension, oesophageal
varices.
Anticoagulant
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindic
ation
METFORMIN
(Insulin)
Acute or
chronic
metabolic
acidosisAbnormal
hepatic
functionDehydration
and
lactationPregnancy
category B
Hypoglycemia,
diarrhea, N&V,
asthenia, flatulence,
headache, abdominal
pain/discomfort.
Fortamet,
Glucophage,
Glumetza, Riomet
Antidiabetic
Nursing
Responsibilities
Individualiz
e dosage
based on
tolerance
and
effectivenes
s.
Give with
meals
starting at a
low dose
with gradual
escalation
Inform
client that it
may cause
a metallic
taste;
should
subside.
Mechanism of
Action
Attenuates phase 4
diastolic
depolarization,
decreases
automaticity,
decreases action
potential duration,
and raises ventricular
fibrillation threshold;
inhibits conduction of
nerve impulses from
sensory nerves.
Indication
Acute management of
ventricular
arrhythmias; topical
anesthesia in local
skin disorders; local
anesthesia of
accessible mucous
membranes; topical
anesthesia prior to
venipuncture or
peripheral IV
cannulation; ocular
surface anesthesia
during ophthalmic
procedures.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to
amide local anesthetics;
Stokes-Adams
syndrome; WolffParkinson-White
syndrome; severe
degrees of sinoatrial,
AV, or intraventricular
block in absence of
pacemaker.
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Nursing
Responsibilities
Emphasize
importance of not allowing
topical solution to come in
contact with eyes or broken
skin.
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Sodium
bicarbonate
raises blood
and urinary pH
by dissociation
to provide
bicarbonate
ions, which
neutralizes the
hydrogen ion
concentration. It
also neutralizes
gastric acid via
production of
carbon dioxide.
Urine
alkalinisation. To
prevent
development of
uric-acid renal
calculi in the
initial stages of
urico suric
therapy for
hyperuricaemia
in chronic gout.
(pulmonary
edema), congestive
heart failure, severe
kidney disease (e.g.,
inability to make urine),
severe liver disease
(e.g., ascites, cirrhosis),
high sodium
levels, swollen
ankles/legs/feet due to
retaining water
(peripheral edema).
low calcium levels, high
blood
pressure, heart problem
s (e.g., irregular
heartbeat), kidney
disease.
Electrolytes
Metabolic alkalosis
mood changes
tiredness
shortness of breath
muscle weakness
irregular heartbeat
muscle hypertonicity
twitching,
tetany
hypernatremia
hyperosmolality
hypocalcaemia
hypokalemia
stomach cramps
flatulence
Tissue necrosis at injection
site.
Nursing
Responsibilities
Assess the
clients fluid
balance
throughout the
therapy. This
assessment
includes intake
and output, daily
weight, edema
and lung sounds.
Symptoms of
fluid overload
should be
reported such as
hypertension,
edema, difficulty
breathing or
dyspnea, rales or
crackles and
frothy sputum.
IV sites should
be observed
closely.
Extravasation
should be
avoided as tissue
irritation or
cellulitis may
occur when
taking sodium
bicarbonate.
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Dopamine
(Intropin)
Stimulates beta-1
receptors in the
heart, causing more
complete and
forceful contractions
(inotropy). Also acts
on alpha receptors
(dose dependent)
and has
dopaminergic
effects.
Correction of
hemodynamic
imbalances present in
shock syndrome after
MI, trauma, endotoxic
septicemia, open heart
surgery, and renal
failure or chronic
cardiac
decompensation (eg,
CHF).
Pheochromocytoma;
uncorrected
tachyarrhythmias;
ventricular
fibrillation; allergy to
corn/corn products
(dextrose solutions).
Vasopressor
Half-life:
approximately 2
min.
Elimination:
Approximately
80% excreted in
the urine within 24
h as metabolites;
a very small
amount excreted
unchanged.
Onset:
Within 5 min.
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Duration:
Less than 10 min.
chest pain
fast, slow, or
pounding
heartbeats;
painful or
difficult
urination,
blood in your
urine;
weakness,
confusion,
swelling in
your feet or
ankles,
urinating less
than usual or
not at all;
weak or
shallow
breathing;
feeling like
you might
pass out, even
while lying
down;
burning, pain
Nursing Responsibilities
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Amiodaron
e
Structurally related to
thyroxine. Class III
antiarrhythmic; also has
antianginal and
antiadrenergic
properties. Totally
unrelated to other
antiarrhythmics. Acts
directly on all cardiac
tissues. Prolongs
duration of action
potential and refractory
period without
significantly affecting
resting membrane
potential.
Indication
Prophylaxis and
treatment of lifethreatening
ventricular
arrhythmias and
supraventricular
arrhythmias,
particularly with
atrial fibrillation.
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Nursing Responsibilities
Hypersensitivity to
amiodarone, or benzyl
alcohol; cardiogenic shock,
severe sinus bradycardia,
advanced AV block unless
a pacemaker is available,
severe sinus-node
dysfunction or sick sinus
syndrome, bradycardia,
congenital or acquired QR
prolongation syndromes, or
history of torsade de
pointes; severe liver
disease, children. Safety
during pregnancy (category
D) or lactation is not
established.
G.I: Nausea,
vomiting,
constipation, loss of
appetite, anorexia
Monitor BP carefully
during infusion and slow
the infusion if significant
hypotension occurs;
bradycardia should be
treated by slowing the
infusion or discontinuing if
necessary. Monitor heart
rate and rhythm and BP
until drug response has
stabilized; report promptly
symptomatic bradycardia.
Sustained monitoring is
essential because drug
has an unusually long halflife.
CNS: loss of
coordination,
tingling/numbness of
the hands or feet,
uncontrolled
movements, vision
changes
INTEG: rash,
itching/swelling
CV: ventricular
arrhythmias,
bradycardia
Hepatic: Abnormal
liver-function tests.
RESP: Pulmonary
inflammation or
fibrosis
amiodarone therapy is
started); drug-induced
hypothyroidism or
hyperthyroidism (see
Appendix F), especially
during early treatment
period; pulmonary toxicity
(progressive dyspnea,
fatigue, cough, pleuritic
pain, fever) throughout
therapy.
Lab tests: Baseline and
periodic assessments
should be made of liver,
lung, thyroid, neurologic,
and GI function. Drug may
cause thyroid function test
abnormalities in the
absence of thyroid
function impairment.
Monitor for elevations of
AST and ALT. If elevations
persist or if they are 23
times above normal
baseline readings, reduce
dosage or withdraw drug
promptly to prevent
hepatotoxicity and liver
damage.
Auscultate chest
periodically or when
patient complains of
respiratory symptoms.
Check for diminished
breath sounds, rales,
pleuritic friction rub;
observe breathing pattern.
Drug-induced pulmonary
function problems must be
distinguished from CHF or
pneumonia. Keep
physician informed.
Drug
Atropine
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Acts by selectively
blocking all
muscarinic
responses to
acetylcholine (ACh),
whether excitatory or
Hypersensitivity to
belladonna alkaloids
synechial; angle-closure
glaucoma; parotitis;
obstructive uropathy, e.g.,
bladder neck obstruction
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
CV: tachycardia,
palpitation
G.I: Constipation
Nursing
Responsibilities
inhibitory. Selective
depression of CNS
relieves rigidity and
tremor of
Parkinson's
syndrome.
Antisecretory action
(vagolytic effect)
suppresses
sweating,
lacrimation,
salivation, and
secretions from
nose, mouth,
pharynx, and
bronchi. Blocks
vagal impulses to
heart with resulting
decrease in AV
conduction time,
increase in heart
rate and cardiac
output, and
shortened PR
interval.
caused by prostatic
hypertrophy; intestinal
atony, paralytic ileus,
obstructive diseases of GI
tract, severe ulcerative
colitis, toxic megacolon;
tachycardia secondary to
cardiac insufficiency or
thyrotoxicosis; acute
hemorrhage; myasthenia
gravis. Safety during
pregnancy (category C) or
lactation is not established.
chamber should be
determined before and
during therapy with
ophthalmic preparations
to avoid glaucoma
attacks (ophthalmic
solutions and ointments
are available in various
strengths)
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Digitali
s
Rapid
digitalization and
for maintenance
therapy in CHF,
atrial fibrillation,
atrial flutter,
paroxysmal
atrial
tachycardia.
Digitalis hypersensitivity,
ventricular fibrillation,
ventricular tachycardia
unless due to CHF. Full
digitalizing dose not given
if patient has received
digoxin during previous
week or if slowly excreted
cardiotonic glycoside has
been given during previous
2 wk.
CNS: visual
disturbances (blurred
or yellow vision),
headache, weakness,
dizziness, apathy,
confusion and mental
disturbances
G.I: anorexia, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea
CV: ; atrial tachycardia
with block, AV
dissociation;
accelerated junctional
(nodal) rhythm;
Nursing Responsibilities
unifocal or multiform
ventricular premature
contractions
(especially bigeminy or
trigeminy), ventricular
tachycardia; and
ventricular fibrillation.
70/min in children).
3. Be familiar with
patient's baseline
data (e.g., quality of
peripheral pulses,
blood pressure,
clinical symptoms,
serum electrolytes,
creatinine clearance)
as a foundation for
making
assessments.
4. Lab tests: Baseline
and periodic serum
digoxin, potassium,
magnesium, and
calcium. Draw blood
samples for
determining plasma
digoxin levels at
least 6 h after daily
dose and preferably
just before next
scheduled daily
dose.
5. Monitor for S&S of
drug toxicity: In
children, cardiac
arrhythmias are
usually reliable signs
tablet is replaced by
elixir potential for
toxicity increases
since 30% of drug
is absorbed
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Isupre
l
Synthetic
sympathomimetic
amine. Acts directly on
beta1-adrenergic
receptors with little or no
effect on alphaadrenoceptors. Drug
induced stimulation of
beta1-adrenergic
receptors results in
increased cardiac output
and cardiac work by
increasing strength of
contraction and, to a
slight degree, rate of
contraction of the heart.
Produces slight increase
in systolic BP and
decrease in diastolic
pressure.
Bronchodilator in
treatment of bronchial
asthma and reversible
bronchospasm
induced by anesthesia.
Also used as cardiac
stimulant in cardiac
arrest, carotid sinus
hypersensitivity,
cardiogenic and
bacteremic shock,
Adams-Stokes
syndrome, or
ventricular
arrhythmias. Used in
treatment of shock that
persists after
replacement of blood
volume.
Preexisting cardiac
arrhythmias associated
with tachycardia;
tachycardia caused by
digitalis intoxication,
central hyperexcitability,
cardiogenic shock
secondary to coronary
artery occlusion and MI;
simultaneous
administration with
epinephrine. Safe use
during pregnancy
(category C) or lactation
is not established.
CNS: Nervousness,
headache,
dizziness, nausea,
visual blurring.
CV: Tachycardia,
palpitations, angina,
Adams-Stokes
attacks,pulmonary
edema,
hypertension,
hypotension,
ventricular
arrhythmias,
tachyarrhythmias.
RESP:dyspnea.
Nursing Responsibilities
imbalance.
2. Note: Tolerance to
bronchodilating effect
and cardiac stimulant
effect may develop
with prolonged use.
3. Discontinue drug if
parotid swelling
occurs; has been
reported after
prolonged use.
4. Note: Once tolerance
has developed,
continued use can
result in serious
adverse effects
including rebound
bronchospasm.
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Niprid
e
Acts directly on
vascular smooth
muscle to produce
Short-term, rapid
reduction of BP in
hypertensive
Compensatory
hypertension, as in
atriovenous shunt or
CV: Bradycardia,
electrocardiographic
changes, tachycardia
Nursing Responsibilities
1. Monitor constantly to
titrate IV infusion rate to
peripheral vasodilation,
with consequent
marked lowering of
arterial BP, associated
with slight increase in
heart rate, mild
decrease in cardiac
output, and moderate
lowering of peripheral
vascular resistance.
BP response.
INTEG: rash
ENDO:
Hypothyroidism
HEMA: Decreased
platelet aggregation
CNS: Increased
intracranial pressure.
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Nursing Responsibilities
Nitroglyceri
n
Prophylaxis,
treatment, and
management of
angina pectoris. IV
nitroglycerin is used to
control BP in
perioperative
hypertension, CHF
associated with acute
MI; to produce
controlled hypotension
during surgical
procedures, and to
treat angina pectoris in
patients who have not
responded to nitrate or
beta-blocker therapy.
Hypersensitivity,
idiosyncrasy, or tolerance
to nitrates; severe
anemia; head trauma,
increased ICP; glaucoma
(sustained-release
forms). Also (IV
nitroglycerin):
hypotension, uncorrected
hypovolemia, constrictive
pericarditis, pericardial
tamponade; pregnancy
(category C), lactation.
CNS: Headache,
Transient
episodes of
lightheadedness,
syncope
Administer IV nitroglycerin
with extreme caution to
patients with hypotension
or hypovolemia since the IV
drug may precipitate a
severe hypotensive state.
CV: BP changes,
hypotension,
tachycardia
INTEG: contact
dermatitis
immediately with
discontinuation of drug
administration.
Be aware that moisture on
sublingual tissue is
required for dissolution of
sublingual tablet. However,
because chest pain
typically leads to dry
mouth, a patient may be
unresponsive to sublingual
nitroglycerin.
Assess for headaches.
Approximately 50% of all
patients experience mild to
severe headaches
following nitroglycerin.
Transient headache usually
lasts about 5 min after
sublingual administration
and seldom longer than 20
min. Assess degree of
severity and consult as
needed with physician
about analgesics and
dosage adjustment.
Supervise ambulation as
needed, especially with
older adult or debilitated
patients. Postural
Drug
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Procainamid
e
Amide analog of
procaine
hydrochloride with
cardiac actions
similar to those of
quinine. Class IA
antiarrhythmic agent.
Depresses
excitability of
myocardium to
electrical stimulation,
reduces conduction
velocity in atria,
ventricles, and HisPurkinje system.
Increases duration of
refractory period,
especially in the
atria.
Prophylactically to
maintain normal sinus
rhythm following
conversion of atrial
flutter or fibrillation by
other methods. Also to
prevent recurrence of
paroxysmal atrial
fibrillation and
tachycardia,
paroxysmal AV
junctional rhythm,
ventricular tachycardia,
ventricular and atrial
premature contractions.
Also cardiac
arrhythmias associated
with surgery and
anesthesia
Myasthenia gravis;
hypersensitivity to
procainamide or
procaine; blood
dyscrasias; complete
AV block, second
and third degree AV
block unassisted by
pacemaker.
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Hema:
Neutropenia,
thrombocytopenia,
or hemolytic
anemia
Integ: edema,
urticaria, pruritus,
flushing, and
maculopapular rash
G.I: Anorexia,
nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain,
bitter taste, or
diarrhea
CNS: Dizziness or
giddiness,
weakness, mental
depression, and
psychosis with
hallucinations
Nursing Responsibilities
prolonged, or (5) BP
drops 15 mm Hg or
more. Obtain rhythm
strip and notify
physician.
5. Ventricular
dysrhythmias are
usually abolished
within a few minutes
after IV dose and
within an hour after
PO or IM
administration.
6. Report promptly
complaints of chest
pain, dyspnea, and
anxiety. Digitalization
may have preceded
procainamide in
patients with atrial
arrhythmias.
Cardiotonic glycosides
may induce sufficient
increase in atrial
contraction to dislodge
atrial mural emboli,
with subsequent
pulmonary embolism.
7. Therapeutic
procainamide blood
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Furosemid
e
Rapid-acting potent
sulfonamide "loop"
diuretic and
antihypertensive with
pharmacologic effects
Treatment of edema
associated with CHF,
cirrhosis of liver, and
kidney disease, including
nephrotic syndrome. May
History of
hypersensitivity to
furosemide or
sulfonamides;
increasing oliguria,
G.I:vomiting, nausea,
constipation,
diarrhea, cramping,
oral and gastric
irritation, anorexia,
Nursing
Responsibilities
Observe patients
receiving parenteral
drug carefully; closely
monitor BP and vital
signs. Sudden death
increased liver
enzymes, jaundice,
pancreatitis
CNS: tinnitus and
hearing loss,
paresthesias, vertigo,
dizziness, headache,
blurred vision
Hema: aplastic
anemia,
thrombocytopenia,
agranulocytosis,
leukopenia, anemia
Monitor BP during
periods of diuresis and
through period of
dosage adjustment.
Note: Excessive
dehydration is most
likely to occur in older
adults, those with
chronic cardiac disease
on prolonged salt
restriction, or those
receiving sympatholytic
agents.
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Nicardipin
e
Indicated for
the short-term
treatment of
hypertension
Side
Effects/
Adverse
Effects
Nursing Responsibilities
CV: fast or
irregular
heartbeat,
palpitations
Resp:
shortness of
breath
2. Monitor BP during
initiation and titration of
dosage carefully.
Hypotension with or
G.I: Nausea
without an increase in
heart rate may occur,
especially in patients who
are hypertensive or who
are already taking
antihypertensive
medication.
3. Avoid too rapid reduction
in either systolic or
diastolic pressure during
parenteral administration.
4. Discontinue IV infusion if
hypotension or
tachycardia develop.
5. Observe for large peak
and trough differences in
BP. Initially, measure BP
at peak effect
Drug
Mechanism of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Side Effects/
Nursing Responsibilities
Adverse Effects
Diphenhydramin
e
Diphenhydramine
competes with free
histamine for binding
at HA-receptor sites.
This antagonizes the
effects of histamine on
HA-receptors, leading
to a reduction of the
negative symptoms
brought on by
histamine HA-receptor
binding.
Increased Pressure in
the Eye, Closed Angle
Glaucoma, Chronic
Difficulty having a
Bowel Movement, High
Blood Pressure,
Stenosing Peptic Ulcer,
Blockage of Urinary
Bladder, Enlarged
Prostate, Cannot
Empty Bladder,
Overactive Thyroid
Gland
CNS: Drowsiness,
dizziness, blurred
vision
G.I: constipation,
stomach upset,, or
dry
mouth/nose/throat
1. Monitor
cardiovascular
status especially
with pre-existing
cardiovascular
disease.
2. Monitor for adverse
effects especially in
children and the
older adult.
3. Supervise
ambulation and use
side-rails as
necessary.
Drowsiness is most
prominent during
the first few days of
therapy and often
disappears with
continued therapy.
Older adults are
especially likely to
manifest dizziness,
sedation, and
hypotension.
Drug
Mechanism of
Action
Indication
Contraindication
Nursing Responsibilities
Produces inotropic
effect by acting on beta
receptors and primarily
on myocardial alphaadrenergic receptors.
Increases cardiac
output and decreases
pulmonary wedge
pressure and total
systemic vascular
resistance with
comparatively little or
no effect on BP. Also
increases conduction
through AV node.
Inotropic support
in short-term
treatment of
adults with
cardiac
decompensation
due to depressed
myocardial
contractility
(cardiogenic
shock) resulting
from either
organic heart
disease or from
cardiac surgery.
History of hypersensitivity to
other sympathomimetic
amines, ventricular
tachycardia, idiopathic
hypertrophic subaortic
stenosis. Safe use during
pregnancy (category C),
lactation, children, or
following acute MI is not
established.
CV: hypotension
INTEG: phlebitis,
cutaneous necrosis
CNS: headache
G.I: nausea
RESP: shortness of breath
HEME: thrombocytopenia
Correct hypovolemia by
administration of appropriate
volume expanders prior to initiation
of therapy.
Monitor therapeutic effectiveness.
At any given dosage level, drug
takes 1020 min to produce peak
effects.
Monitor ECG and BP continuously
during administration.
Note: Marked increases in blood
pressure (systolic pressure is the
most likely to be affected) and heart
rate, or the appearance of
arrhythmias or other adverse
cardiac effects are usually reversed
promptly by reduction in dosage.
Observe patients with preexisting
hypertension closely for
exaggerated pressor response.
Note: Tolerance has been observed
with continuous or prolonged
infusions; adverse reactions are no
different than those seen with
shorter infusions.
Monitor I&O ratio and pattern. Urine
output and sodium excretion
generally increase because of
improved cardiac output and renal
perfusion.