CARDIAC DRUGS ATROPINE SULFATE Isopto Atropine Classification

Anticholinergics Dosage Bradycardia: 0.5 mg IV every 3-5 mins, max of 0.04 mg/kg
Cardiac Arrest: 1 mg every 3-5 mins Nerve and Organophosphate symptoms: may
repeat in 2 mg increments q 3 mins titrated to relief symptoms Indication Pre-op
meds/pre-anesthetic meds To restore cardiac rate and arterial pressure during
anesthesia when vagal To lessen the degree of A-V heart block To overcome severe
carotid sinus reflex Antidote for cholinergic toxicity Side effects y CNS: restlessness,
ataxia, disorientation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, insomnia, agitation, confusion.
y CV: tachycardia, angina, arrhythmias, flushing. y EENT: photophobia, blurred
vision, mydriasis. y GI: dry mouth, constipation, vomiting. y GU: urine retention. y
Hematologic: leukocytosis y Other: anaphylaxis Adverse effects CNS: headache,
excitement. CV: palpitations GI: thirst, nausea Contraindications Hypersensitivity
With acute angle closure glaucoma, obstructive uropathy, obstructive disease of GI
tract, paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon, intestinal atony, unstable CV status in acute
hemorrhage, asthma, or myasthenia gravis. Pregnant women.

NITROGLYCERINE Nitrostat Classification Antianginal Nitrate

Vasodilator,/Coronary Dosage 0.3-0.4 mg SL q 5 min, max 3 doses. Every 6 hrs
except for midnight (cream) Wear 12 hrs a day for skin patch Action Relaxes the
vascular smooth system Reduces myocardial oxygen consumption Reduces left
ventricular workload Reduces arterial BP Reduces venous return Indication Angina
pectoris CHF associated with AMI Cardiac load reducing agent Hypertensive Crisis
Side effects CNS: headache, throbbing, dizziness, weakness. GI: nausea, vomiting
Skin: Rash Adverse Reactions CV: orthostatic hypotension, flushing, fainting. EENT:
sublingual burning. Skin: Cutaneous vasodilation, contact dermatitis (patch)
Contraindications Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to nitrates With early MI.
(S.L. form), severe anemia, increase ICP angle-closure glaucoma, IV nitroglycerine is
contraindicated in patients with hypovolemia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension,
cardiac tamponade restrictive cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis. Nursing
Management Record characteristics and precipitating factors of anginal pain. Monitor
BP and apical pulse before administration and periodically after dose. Have client sit
or lie down if taking drug for the first time. Client must have continuing EKG
monitoring for IV administration Cardioverter/ defibrillator must not be discharged
through paddle electrode overlying Nitro-Bid ointment or the Transderm-Nitro Patch.
Assist with ambulating if dizzy. Instruct to take at first sign of anginal pain. May be
repeated q 5 minutes to max. of 3 doses. If the client doesn¶t experience relief, advise
to seek medical assistance immediately. Keep in a dark colored container

MORPHINE SULFATE Immediate-release tablets: MSIR Timed-release: Kadian, M-

Eslon (CAN), MS Contin, Oramorph SR Oral solution: MSIR, Rescudose, Roxanol,
Roxanol T Rectal suppositories: RMS Injection: Astramorph PF, Duramorph,
Epimorph (CAN) Classification Opioid Agonist Analgesic Dosage Oral: 10±30 mg q
4 hr PO. Controlledrelease: 30 mg q 8±12 hr PO or as directed by physician; Kadian:
20±100 mg PO daily±24-hr release system; MS Contin: 200 mg PO q 12 hr. SC and
IM:10 mg (5±20 mg)/70 kg q 4 hr or as directed by physician. IV:2.5±15 mg/70 kg of
body weight in 4±5 mL water for injection administered over 4±5 min, or as directed
by physician. Continuous IV infusion: 0.1± 1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose in water by
controlled infusion device. Rectal:10±30 mg q 4 hr or as directed by physician.
Action Acts as agonist at specific opioid receptors in the CNS to produce analgesia,
euphoria, sedation Indication Relief of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain
Preoperative medication Analgesic adjunct during anesthesia Component of most
preparations that are referred to as Brompton's cocktail or mixture Intraspinal use with
microinfusion devices for the relief of intractable pain Unlabeled use: Dyspnea
associated with acute left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema Side Effects GI:
dry mouth, constipation. Skin: Tissue irritation and induration (SC injection). Other:
sweating,physical tolerance and dependence, psychological dependence Adverse
Effects CNS: Light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, euphoria, dysphoria, delirium,
insomnia, agitation, anxiety, fear, hallucinations, disorientation, drowsiness, lethargy,
impaired mental and physical performance, coma, mood changes, weakness,
headache,

tremor, seizures, miosis, visual disturbances, suppression of cough reflex CV: Facial
flushing, peripheral circulatory collapse, tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia,
palpitations, chest wall rigidity, hypertension, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension,
syncope Dermatologic: Pruritus, urticaria, Respiratory: laryngospasm, bronchospasm,
edema GI: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, biliary tract spasm; increased colonic motility
in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis GU: Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical
sphincters, urinary retention or hesitancy, oliguria, antidiuretic effect, reduced libido
or potency Respiratory:Respiratory depression, apnea, circulatory depression,
respiratory arrest, shock, cardiac arrest Contraindications Hypersensitivity to opioid
Diarrhea caused by poisoning until toxins are eliminated During labor or delivery of a
premature infant After biliary tract surgery or following surgical anastomosis
Pregnancy Labor Nursing Management Interventions Caution patient not to chew or
crush controlled-release preparations. Dilute and administer slowly Tell patient to lie
down during IV administration. Keep opioid antagonist and facilities for assisted or
controlled respiration readily available during IV administration. Use caution when
injecting SC or IM into chilled areas or in patients with hypotension or in shock
Reassure patients that they are unlikely to become addicted Teaching points Take this
drug exactly as prescribed. Avoid alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers,
over-the-counter drugs. Swallow controlled-release preparation (MS Contin,
Oramorph SR) whole; do not cut, crush, or chew them. Do not take leftover
medication for other disorders, and do not let anyone else take your prescription.
These side effects may occur: Nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, dizziness,
sedation, drowsiness, impaired visual acuity Report severe nausea, vomiting,
constipation, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, rash.

Nursing Management Monitor VS. Report HR Monitor for constipation, oliguria.

Instruct to take 30 mins before meals Eat foods high in fiber and drink plenty fluids.
Can cause photophobia Instruct client not to drive a motor vehicle or participate in
activities requiring alertness. Advise to use hard candy, ice chips, etc. for dry mouth.
VERAPAMIL Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, Covera HS Classification Anti-anginal Anti-
arrhythmics Anti-hypertensive Vascular headache suppressants Dosage PO 80-120
mg 3x daily, increases as needed Action Inhibits calcium transport into myocardial
smooth muscle cells Decreases SA and AV conduction and prolongs AV node
refractory period in conduction tissue Indication Hypertension Angina Pectoris
Supraventricular Arrhythmia Atrial flutter/fibrillation Side Effects and Adverse
Reactions CNS:abnormal dreams, anxiety, confusion, dizziness and headache EENT:
blurred vision, epistaxis and tinnitus CV: arrhythmia, CHF, chest pain, bradycardia,
hypotension and palpitations GU: dysuria, nocturia and polyuria GI: abnormal liver
function, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting Contraindications
Hypersensitivity Sick sinus syndrome nd rd 2 or 3 degree AV block CHF Cardiogenic
shock Concurrent IV beta-blocker Nursing Management Monitor BP and pulse before
therapy, during titration and therapy Monitor ECG, I&O, serum potassium and
weight. Assess for CHF

Dosage i PO: 30-120 mg, 3-4x daily or 60-120 mg twice daily as SR capsules IV:
0.25 mg/kg i Action i
i Indication i i i i

iii

Anesthesia Arrhythmias Control of Status epilepticus refractory to other treatments

Inhibits calcium transport into myocardial smooth muscle cells Systemic and coronary
vasodilation Hypertension Angina Pectoris Supraventricular Arrhythmia Atrial
flutter/fibrillation

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions GI disturbances, bradycardia, hypotension,

convulsion, numbness of tongue, muscle twitching, restlessness, nervousness,
dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, fetal intoxication, light headedness, drowsiness,
apprehension, euphoria, vomiting, sensation of heat, respiratory arrest and CV
collapse Contraindications i Hypersensitivity i Heart block i Hypovolemia i Adams
stroke syndromes i Infection at site of injection Nursing Management i Assess pt
before and after therapy i Pts infusion must be on cardiac monitor i Monitor ECG, if
QT or QRS increases by 50% or more, withhold the drug i Monitor BP, check for
rebound HPN after 1-2 hrs i Assess respiratory status, oxygenation and pulse deficits i
Assess renal and liver function i Monitor CNS symptoms i Monitor blood levels

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of arrhythmias, bradycardia, SA

node dysfunction, heart block, sinus arrest; flushing, fatigue, malaise, abnormal
involuntary movements, ataxia, dizziness, paresthesia, decreased libido, insomnia,
headache, sleep disturbances, visual impairment, blindness, corneal microdeposits,
photophobia, abnormal taste, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, abdominal
pain, abnormal salivation, coagulation abnormalities, non-specific hepatic disorders,
pulmonary inflammation, dyspnea, toxicosis, death, edema, hypo and
hyperthyroidism Contraindications i Severe sinus node dysfunction nd rd i 2 or 3
degree AV block i Hypersensitivity Nursing Management i Assess cardiovascular
status before therapy i Assess pulmonary, hepatic and thyroid function before and
during therapy i Monitor fluid and electrolytes, I&O, K, Na and Cl Monitor ECG, BP
i i Assess vision
Side Effects and Adverse and Reactions i CNS:abnormal dreams, anxiety, confusion,
dizziness and headache i EENT: blurred vision, epistaxis and tinnitus i CV:
arrhythmia, CHF, chest pain, bradycardia, hypotension and palpitations i GU: dysuria,
nocturia and polyuria i GI: abnormal liver function, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea,
nausea and vomiting Contraindications i Hypersensitivity i Sick sinus syndrome nd rd
2 or 3 degree AV block i i CHF i Cardiogenic shock i Concurrent IV beta-blocker
Nursing Management i Monitor BP and pulse before therapy, during titration and
therapy i Monitor I&O and weight i Assess for CHF i Routine serum digoxin
monitoring

PROCAINAMIDE Pronestyl, Procan-SR, Procanbid Classification Antiarrhythmics

Dosage Arrhythmias: 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses 3-6 hourly Action Blocks open
Na channels and prolongs the cardiac action potential. This results in slowed
conduction and ultimately the decreased rate of rise of the action potential may result
on the widening of QRS on ECG Indication i Supraventricular and ventricular
arrhythmias. i Treatment of Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome Side Effects and
Adverse Reactions i Severe hypotension, ventricular fibrillation and asystole. i Drug
induced SLE syndrome, blood disorders, fever, myocardial depression, heart failure,
agrunulocytosis, psychosis, angioedema, hepatomegaly, skin irritation,
hypergammaglobulinemia, GI and CNS effects Contraindications Heart block i

AMIODARONE Cordarone Classification Anti-arrhythmics Dosage Recurrent

ventricular arrhythmias: i PO 800-1600 mg/day for 1-2 wks i PSVT, symptomatic
atrial flutter: PO 600-800 mg/day for 1 month i Arrhythmias with CHF: 200 mg/day i
Ventricular dysrrhythmias: 150 st mg over the 1 10 mins then slow 360 mg over the
next 6 hrs Action i Blocks Na channels, prolonging myocardial cell action potential
and refractory period i Non competitive alpha and beta adrenergic blockage Indication
i Life threatening recurrent arrhythmias i Ventricular fibrillation i Ventricular
tachycardia

LIDOCAINE Xylocaine Classification i i CV drugs: Anti-arrhythmics Anesthetic

DILTIAZEM Cardizem, Dilacor, Novo-Diltiazem, Tiamate and Tiazac Classification

i Anti-anginals i Antiarrhythmics Antihypertensive i i Ca channel blocker

Dosage Arrhythmia: i IV: 0.7-1.4 mg/kg body weight. No more than 200 mg within 1
hour period i IM: 4-5 mg/kg body weight Action Increases electrical stimulation of
ventricle and His-purkinje system by direct action on tissues, resulting to decrease
depolarization, automaticity and excitability in ventricles during diastolic phase

Indication
iiiii

Heart failure Hypotension Myesthenia gravis Digoxin toxicity Lactation

nervousness, tremor, vertigo, pain, widened pulse pressure, hypertension nausea

Adverse Effects: headache Contraindications With angle-closure glaucoma, shock
(other than anaphylactic shock), organic brain damage, cardiac dilation, arrhythmias,
coronary insufficiency, or cerebral arteriosclerosis. Also contraindicated in patient
receiving general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane and in
patients in labor (may delay second stage) In conjunction with local anesthesia,
epinephrine is contraindicated for use in finger, toes, ears, nose, and genitalia. In
pregnant woman, drug is contraindicated. In breast feeding do not use the drug or stop
breast feeding. Nursing Management 1. Monitor V/S. and check for cardiac
dysrrhythmias 2. Drug increases rigidity and tremor in patients with Parkinson¶s
disease 3. Epinephrine therapy interferes with tests for urinary catecholamine 4.
Avoid IM use of parenteral suspension into buttocks. Gas gangrene may occur 5.
Massage site after IM injection to counteract possible vasoconstriction. 6. Observe
patient closely for adverse reactions. Notify doctor if adverse reaction develop 7. If
blood pressure increases sharply, rapid-acting vasodilators such as nitrates or alpha
blockers can be given to counteract

Esophageal varices

Nursing Management i Assess cardiovascular status before therapy i Assess

pulmonary, hepatic and thyroid function before and during therapy i Monitor fluid
and electrolytes, I&O, K, Na and Cl i Monitor ECG, BP Assess vision i

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions i CNS: tremor, headache, vertigo i CV:
vasoconstriction, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, myocardial ischemia, circumollar pallor,
decreased CO, angina i GI: abdominal cramps i GU:uterine cramps i Respi:
bronchoconstriction i Skin: diaphoresis, gangrene and urticaria Contraindications i
With chronic nephritis and nitrogen retention i Hypersensitivity Nursing Management
i Give 1-2 glass of H20 to reduce adverse reactions and improve therapeutic response
i Warm vasopressin in your hands and mixed until it is distributed evenly in the
solution i Monitor urine Sp. Gravity and I&O to aid evaluation of drug effectiveness

ii

Monitor I&O. make sure urine output is 100 ml or more in 4 hrs pd before each dose
Take appropriate seizure precautions Keep IV Ca gluconate at bedside

Na HCO3 Arm and Hammer; Baking Soda Classification Alkalinizers Dosage i

Metabolic Acidosis: Usually 2-5 meq/kg IV infuse over 4-8 hr period Cardiac Arrest:
1 meq/kg IV of 7.5 or i 8.4% sol, then 0.5 meq/kg IV q 10 mins depending on ABG
Action Restore buffering capacity of the body and neutralizes excessive acid
Indication i Metabolic Acidosis i Cardiac Arrest Side Effects/Adverse Reactions i
CNS: tetany i CV: edema GI: gastric distention, belching and i flatulence Metabolic:
hypokalemia, metabolic i alkalosis, hypernatremia, hyperosmolarity with overdose
Skin: pain @ injection site i Contraindications Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis i i
Pt losing Cl because of vomiting or continuous GI suction or those receiving diuretics
that produces hypochloremic alkalosis Nursing Management Obtain blood pH, PaO2,
PaCo2 i and electrolyte levels SIVP i

EPINEPHRINE Injection, OTC nasal solution: Adrenalin Chloride Ophthalmic

solution: Epifrin, Glaucon Insect sting emergencies: EpiPen Auto-Injector (delivers
0.3 mg IM adult dose), EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector (delivers 0.15 mg IM for children)
OTC solutions for Nebulization: AsthmaNefrin, microNefrin, Nephron, S2
Classification Beta2 Adrenergic Agonists Dosage Cardiac arrest: 1 mg IV of 1:10,000
solution q 3-5 min; double dose if administering via ET tube Anaphylaxis: 0.1- 1 mg
SQ or IM of 1:1000 solution. Asthma: 0.1-0.3 mg SQ or IM of 1:10,000 solution
Refractory bradycardia and hypotension: 2-10ug/min Action Stimulates beta receptors
in lung. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. Increases vital capacity Increases BP, HR,
PR Decreases airway resistance. Indication Asthma Bronchitis Emphysema All
cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis Used for symptomatic bradycardia. Relief of
bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia Exercised-induced bronchospasm

MAGNESIUM SO4 Classification i Anti-convulsant Anti-arrhythmics i Dosage

Arrhythmia: IV 1-6 grams over several minutes, then continuous IV infusion 320
mg/min for 5-48 hours. Action Decreased acetylcholine released

VASOPRESSIN Pitressin Classification Pituitary Hormones ADH Dosage Prevent

and treat abdominal distention: initially 5 units IM gives subsequent injections q3-4
hours increasing to 10 units if needed. Action Increase permeability of renal tubular
epithelium to adenosine monophosphate and water, the epithelium promotes
reabsorption of water and concentrated urine Indication

Indication i i

Mg replacement Arrhythmia

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions i CNS: drowsiness, depressed reflexes, flaccid
paralysis, hypothermia i CV: hypotension, flushing, bradycardia, circulatory collapse,
depressed cardiac function EENT: diplopia i Respiratory: respiratory paralysis i i
Metabolic: hypocalcemia i Skin: diaphoresis Contraindications i Heart block and
myocardial damage i Toxemia of pregnancy Nursing Management

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS Na NITROPRUSSIDE Nittropress Classification

Antihypertensive, Vasodilator Dosage 0.25-0.3 mcg/kg/minute Action

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions Side Effects:

iii

Diabetes Insipidus Abdominal Distention GI bleeding

Relaxes arteriolar and venous smooth muscle Indication Hypertensive crisis To
produce controlled hypotension during anesthesia To reduce preload and afterload in
cardiogenic shock Side Effects/Adverse Reactions Headache, dizziness, increased
ICP, loss of consciousness, restlessness, bradycardia, nausea, abdominal pain,
methemoglodinemia, muscle twitching, pink-colored rash, irritation at infusion site
Contraindications Hypersensitivity Compensatory hypotension Inadequate cerebral
circulation Acute heart failure with reduced PVR Congenital optic atrophy Tobacco-
induced ambylopia Nursing Management 1. Obtain VS before giving the drug 2.
Place pt in supine 3. Giving excessive doses of 500 mcg/kg delivered faster than 2
mcg/kg/min or using max infusion rate of 10 mcg/kg/min for more than 10 mins can
cause cyanide toxicity

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Monitor wt., BP and PR Monitor fluid, I&O, electrolyte, BUN and CO2 levels
frequently WOF signs of hypokalemia Monitor uric acid levels Monitor glucose
levels esp in DM pts

NEUROSURGICAL DRUGS
MANNITOL Osmitrol Classification Diuretics Dosage i

i Skin: local pain i Others: chill Contraindications i Hypersensitivity i Anuria, severe

pulmonary congestion, frank pulmonary edema, active intracranial bleeding during
craniotomy, severe dehydration, metabolic edema, progressive heart failure or
pulmonary congestion after drug

Assess respiratory status frequently Respiratory rate increases within 1-2 mins

IPECAC SYRUP Classification Antidote Dosage 25-30 ml followed immediately by

H2O Action Irritates the stomach lining and stimulate the vomiting center Indication
Poisoning Overdose Side Effects Diarrhea, drowsiness, stomach cramps, vomiting,
itching, DOB, swelling of the mouth, rash and hives Contraindications
Hypersensitivity Given activated charcoal Unconcious Drowsy Severely drunk
Having seizures With no gag reflex Nursing Management 1. Don¶t administer to
unconscious 2. Pt should kept active and moving ff administration nd 3. If vomiting
does not occur after 2 dose, gastric lavage may be considered to remove ingested
substance ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Classification Antidote Dosage 30-100 g with
at least 8 oz of water Action Inhibits GI absorption of toxic substances or irritants
Hyperosmolarity Indication Poisoning Side Effects Pain, melena, diarrhea, vomiting
and constipation Contraindications

Nursing Management i Monitor VS,CVP,I&O, renal function fluid balance and urine
K levels daily. i Drug can be used to measure GFR i Do not give electrolyte free
solutions with blood. If blood id given simultaneously, add at least 200 meq of NaCL
to each liter

ii

FUROSEMIDE Lasix Classification Loop Diuretics Dosage Pulmonary edema: 40

mg IV Edema: 20 to 80 mg PO every day in the morning HPN: 40 mg PO bid.
Dosage adjusted based on response Action Inhibits Na and Cl reabsorption at the
proximal and distal tubules and in the ascending loop of Henle Indication Acute
pulmonary edema Edema Hypertension Side Effects/Adverse Reactions Signs of
hypotension, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia Contraindications Hypersensitivity
Anuria Nursing Management

ii

Test dose for marked oliguria or suspected inadequate renal function: 200 mg/kg or
12.5 gram as a 15% to 20% IV solution over 3-5 mins response is adequate if 30-50
ml of urine/hr is adequate, a second dose is nd given if still no response after 2 dose
stop the drug Oliguria: 50 over 90 mins to several hrs To induced intraocular or
intracranial pressure: 1.5-2 gram/kg as a 15 % to 20% IV solution over 3060 min
Diuresis in drug intoxication: 12.5% to 10% solutions up to 200 g IV Irrigating
solution during TURP: 2.55%

POISONING
NALOXONE HCL Narcan Classification Miscellaneous antagonists and antidotes
Dosage For suspected opioid induced respiratory depression: 0.4 to 2 mg IV, IM and
SQ. repeat doses q 2-3 mins PRN For postoperative opiod depression: 0.01 to 0.2 mg
IV q 2-3 mins, PRN. Repeat dose within 1-2 hr, if needed. Action Reverse the effects
of opiods, psychotomimetic and dysphoric effects of agonist-antagonists Indication

Action Increases osmotic pressure of glomerular filtrate, inhibiting tubular

reabsorption of water and electrolytes; drug elevates plasma osmolarity, increasing
water flow into extracellular fluid Indication Test dose for marked oliguria or
suspected inadequate renal function i Oliguria To induced intraocular or i intracranial
pressure Diuresis in drug intoxication i i Irrigating solution during TURP Side
Effects/Adverse Reactions CN: seizures, headache and fever i CV: edema,
thrombophlebitis, hypotension and heart failure i EENT: blurred vision and rhinitis i
GI: thirst, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea i GI: urine retention i Metabolic:
dehydration
i

For suspected opioid induced respiratory depression For postoperative opiod

depression Side Effects/Adverse Reactions CNS: seizures, tremors CV: ventricular
fibrillation, tachycardia, HPN with higher recommended doses, hypotension GI:
nausea and vomiting Respiratory: pulmonary edema Skin: diaphoresis
Contraindications Hypersensitivity Use cautious with cardiac irritability or opiod
addiction. Nursing Management
Cyanide, mineral acids, organic solvents, intestinal obstruction, bleeding with fructose
intolerance, broken GI tract, concomitant use of charcoal with sorbitol Nursing
Management Do not mix with chocolate and together with ipecac syrup Notify doctor
if caused swelling or pain in the stomach

SHOCK
DOPAMINE Intropine Classification Adrenergic drugs Dosage Initially 2-5
mcg/kg/min by IV Action Stimulates dopaminergic and alpha and beta receptors of
the sympathetic nervous system resulting in positive inotropic effect and increased
CO Indication To treat shock and correct hemodynamic imbalances To correct
hypotension To improve perfusion of vital organs To increase CO Side Effects CNS:
headache an anxiety CV: tachy, angina, palpitations and vasoconstriction GI: nausea
and vomiting Contraindications Hypersensitivity With uncorrect tachyarrhythmias
Pheochromocytoma Ventricular Fibrillation Nursing Management Most patients
received less than 20 mcg/kg/min Drugs isn¶t substitute for blood or fluid volume
deficit During infusion, monitor ECG, BP, CO, PR and color and temp of the limbs
Do not confuse dopamine to dobutamine Check urine output often

To increase CO Treatment of cardiac decompensation Side Effects CNS: headache

CV: HPN, tachycardia, palpitations and vasoconstriction GI: nausea and vomiting
Contraindications Hypersensitivity Use cautiously in pts with hx of HPN and AMI
Nursing Management Before starting therapy, give a plasma volume expander to
correct hypovolemia and a cardiac glycoside Monitor ECG, BP, pulmonary artery
wedge pressure and CO Monitor electrolyte levels Don¶t confuse dobutamine to
dopamine

Prevention of exercise induced spasms Side effects Palpitations Tachycardia GI upset

Nervousness Contraindications Hypersensitivity Nursing Management Monitor
therapeutic effectiveness Monitor HR, BP, ABG, s/sx of bronchospasm and CNS
stimulation Instruct on how to use inhaler properly Rinse mouth after use

FLUMAZENIL Romazicon Classification Benzodiazepine receptor antagonists

Dosage 2 ml IV given over 15 seconds Action Antagonizes the effects of
benzodiazepines Indication Benzodiazepine-induced depression of the ventilatory
responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia Side Effects Nausea, vomiting, palpitations,
sweating, flushing, dry mouth, tremors, insomnia, dyspnea, hyperventilation, blurred
vision, headache, pain at injection site Contraindications Control of ICP or status
epilepticus. Signs of serious cyclic antidepressant overdose Nursing Management 1.
Must individualize dosage. Give only smallest amount effective. 2. Give through
freely running IV infusion into large vein to minimize pain at injection site 3. Note
history of seizure or panic disorder 4. Assess evidence of increased ICP 5. Note
evidence of sedative and benzodiazepine dependence 6. Instruct to avoid alcohol and
nonprescription drugs for 1-24 hrs

DIPHENHYDRAMINE HCL Benadryl Classification Anti-histamine Dosage 25-50

mg PO, IV or IM bid-tid Action Blocks the effects Hi receptor sites Indication

GLUCAGON Classification Pancreatic Hormones Dosage 0.5-1 mg SQ, IV, IM,

repeat in 20 mins PRN Action Binds with glucagon receptor Indication Hypoglycemia
Allergic reactions Motion sickness Cough suppression Sedation Side Effects

Side Effects Nausea, vomiting, hypotension, tachycardia and hypertension

Contraindications Hypersensitivity Pheochromocytoma Insulinoma Nursing
Management Monitor V/S and blood sugar level Response within 20 mins after
injection

Xerostomia Urinary retention Sedation Contraindications Acute asthmatic attack

Nursing Management Risk for photosensitivity- use sunscreen

DOBUTAMINE Dobutrex Classification Adrenergic drugs Dosage 0.5-1 mcg/kg/min

IV infusion, titrating to optimum dosage of 2-20 mcg/kg/min 2.5 to 10 mcg/kg/min-
usual effective range to increase CO Action Stimulates heart beta receptors to increase
myocardial contractility and SV Indication ALBUTEROL Ventolin Classification
Bronchodilator, Adrenergic Dosage 2 inhalations reputed q 4-6 hrs via neb Action
Activation of beta adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle Indication Asthma