1) AMINOPHYLLINE
Brand Names: Phil Pharmawealth/Atlantic Aminophylline amp Theofil amp
Classification: Antiasthmatic & COPD Preparations
Dosage: Initial: 225-450 mg twice daily, increased if needed. IV Acute severe bronchospasm. Loading dose: 5 mg/kg (ideal body wt). Maintenance: 0.5 mg/kg/hr. Rate should not exceed 25 mg/min.
Indication: PO Chronic bronchospasm as hydrate
Action: Increases the level of cAMP resulting in bronchodilation
Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness; tremor, palpitations. Potentially Fatal: Convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension and sudden death after too rapid IV injection.
Nursing Measures:
• Administer to pregnant patients only when clearly needed—neonatal tachycardia, jitteriness, and withdrawal apnea observed when mothers received xanthines up until delivery.
• Caution patient not to chew or crush enteric-coated timed-release forms.
• Give immediate-release, liquid dosage forms with food if GI effects occur.
• Do not give timed-release forms with food; these should be given on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
• Maintain adequate hydration.
• Monitor results of serum theophylline levels carefully, and arrange for reduced dosage if serum levels exceed therapeutic range of 10–20 mcg/mL.
• Take serum samples to determine peak theophylline concentration drawn 15–30 min after an IV loading dose.
• Monitor for clinical signs of adverse effects, particularly if serum theophylline levels are not available.
• Ensure that diazepam is readily available to treat seizures.
• Take this drug exactly as prescribed; if a timed-release product is prescribed, take this drug on an empty stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
• Do not to chew or crush timed-release preparations.
• Administer rectal solution or suppositories after emptying the rectum.
• It may be necessary to take this drug around the clock for adequate control of asthma attacks.
• Avoid excessive intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, cola beverages, chocolate.
• Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products impacts the drug's effectiveness. Try not to smoke. Notify the care provider if smoking habits change while taking this drug.
• Frequent blood tests may be necessary to monitor the effect of this drug and to ensure safe and effective dosage; keep all appointments for blood tests and other monitoring.
• These side effects may occur: Nausea, loss of appetite (taking this drug with food may help if taking the immediate-release or liquid dosage forms); difficulty sleeping, depression, emotional lability (reversible).
• Report nausea, vomiting, severe GI pain, restlessness, seizures, irregular heartbeat
2) AMIODARONE HYDROCHLORIDE
Brand Names: Anoion tab Cordarone Cordarone inj Sandoz Amiodarone HCl tab
Classification: Cardiac Drugs
Dosage: PO Initial: 200 mg 3 times/day for 1 wk, reduce to 200 mg twice daily for a further wk. Maintenance: 200 mg/day or lowest effective dose. IV Initial: 5 mg/kg infusion via central venous catheter. Max: 1.2 g/24 hr.
Indication: Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.
Action: Blocks potassium chloride leading to prolongation of action potential duration.
Adverse Reactions: Blue-grey discoloration of skin, photosensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, paraesthesia, myopathy, ataxia, tremor, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, alopecia, sleep disturbances, corneal microdeposits, hot flushes, sweating. Heart block, bradycardia, sinus arrest, hepatotoxicity, heart failure. Potentially Fatal: Pulmonary toxicity including pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity, thyrotoxicity. Ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary alveolitis, exacerbation of arrhythmias and rare serious liver injury. Generally in patients with high doses and having preexisting abnormalities of diffusion capacity.
Nursing Measures:
• Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously.
• Monitor for an extended period when dosage adjustments are made.
• Monitor for safe and effective serum levels (0.5–2.5 mcg/mL).
• Doses of digoxin, quinidine, procainamide, phenytoin, and warfarin may need to be reduced one-third to one-half when amiodarone is started.
• Give drug with meals to decrease GI problems.
• Arrange for ophthalmologic exams; reevaluate at any sign of optic neuropathy.
• Arrange for periodic chest x-ray to evaluate pulmonary status (every 3–6 mo).
• Arrange for regular periodic blood tests for liver enzymes, thyroid hormone levels.
• Drug dosage will be changed in relation to response of arrhythmias; you will need to be hospitalized during initiation of drug therapy; you will be closely monitored when dosage is changed.
• Have regular medical follow-up, monitoring of cardiac rhythm, chest x-ray, eye exam, blood tests.
• These side effects may occur: Changes in vision (halos, dry eyes, sensitivity to light; wear sunglasses, monitor light exposure); nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite (take with meals; eat small, frequent meals); sensitivity to the sun (use a sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors); constipation (a laxative may be ordered); tremors, twitching, dizziness, loss of coordination (do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or undertake tasks that require coordination until drug effects stabilize and your body adjusts to it).
• Report unusual bleeding or bruising; fever, chills; intolerance to heat or cold; shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough; swelling of ankles or fingers; palpitations; difficulty with vision.
3) ATROPINE SULFATE
Brand Names: Anespin amp Atropol amp Euro-Med Atropine Sulfate amp Isopto Atropine eye drops Phil Pharmawealth/Atlantic Atropine amp
Classification: Other Cardiovascular Drugs, Muscle Relaxants, Mydriatic Drugs, Antidotes, Detoxifying Agents & Drugs Used in Substance Dependence
Indication/Dosage: IV Bradycardia 500 mcg every 3-5 mins. Total: 3 mg. IV/IM Organophosphorus poisoning 2 mg every 10-30 mins until muscarinic effects disappear or atropine toxicity appears. IM/SC Premed in anesth 300-600 mcg 30-60 mins before anesth. IV/IM/SC Overdosage w/ other compd having muscarinic actions 0.6-1 mg, repeat 2 hrly. Ophth Inflammatory eye disorders As 0.5-1% soln: 1-2 drops 4 times/day. Eye refraction As 1% soln: 1 drop twice daily for 1-2 days before procedure.
Action: An anti-cholinergic that inhibits acetylcholine at the parasympathetic neuroeffector junction, enhances the conduction of AV node and increases heart rate
Adverse Reactions: Dry mouth, dysphagia, constipation, flushing and dryness of skin, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, mydriasis, photophobia, cycloplegia, raised intraocular pressure. Toxic doses cause tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, restlessness, confusion, excitement, hallucinations, delirium and may progress to circulatory failure and respiratory depression. Eye drops: Systemic toxicity especially in children, on prolonged use may lead to irritation, hyperemia, edema and conjunctivitis. Increased intraocular pressure. Inhalation: Dryness of mouth, throat. Potentially Fatal: Atrial arrhythmias, AV dissociation, multiple ventricular ectopics.
Nursing Measures:
• Ensure adequate hydration; provide environmental control (temperature) to prevent hyperpyrexia.
• Have patient void before taking medication if urinary retention is a problem.
• When used preoperatively or in other acute situations, incorporate teaching about the drug with teaching about the procedure; the ophthalmic solution is used mainly acutely and will not be self-administered by the patient; the following apply to oral medication for outpatients:
• Take as prescribed, 30 min before meals; avoid excessive dosage.
• Avoid hot environments; you will be heat intolerant, and dangerous reactions may occur.
• These side effects may occur: Dizziness, confusion (use caution driving or performing hazardous tasks); constipation (ensure adequate fluid intake, proper diet); dry mouth (suck sugarless lozenges; perform frequent mouth care; may be transient); blurred vision, sensitivity to light (reversible; avoid tasks that require acute vision; wear sunglasses in bright light); impotence (reversible); difficulty in urination (empty the bladder prior to taking drug).
• Report rash; flushing; eye pain; difficulty breathing; tremors, loss of coordination; irregular heartbeat, palpitations; headache; abdominal distention; hallucinations; severe or persistent dry mouth; difficulty swallowing; difficulty in urination; constipation; sensitivity to light.
4) BUMETANIDE
Brand Names: Burinex amp Burinex tab
Classification: Sulfonamide Diuretics
Indication/Dosage: PO edema 1 mg once daily, 2nd dose 6-8 hr later if needed. Refractory edema Initial: 5 mg/day, may increase dose depending on response. Max: 10 mg/day. HTN 0.5-1 mg/day. Max: 5 mg/day. IV Pulmonary edema 1-2 mg, repeat 20 mins. later if needed. IV/IM Emergency edema 0.5-1 mg, then adjust according to response.
Action: inhibits Sodium and Chloride reabsorption at the ascending loop of Henle
Adverse Reactions: Muscle cramps, dizziness, hypotension, headache, nausea, impaired hearing, pruritus, ECG changes, musculoskeletal pain, rash, chest discomfort, renal failure, premature ejaculation, thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesaemia, hyponatremia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hypocalcaemia.
Nursing Measures:
• Give with food or milk to prevent GI upset.
• Mark calendars or use reminders if intermittent therapy is best for treating edema.
• Give single dose early in day so increased urination will not disturb sleep.
• Avoid IV use if oral use is possible.
• Arrange to monitor serum electrolytes, hydration, liver function during long-term therapy.
• Provide diet rich in potassium or supplemental potassium.
• Record alternate day or intermittent therapy on a calendar or dated envelopes.
• Take the drug early in day so increased urination will not disturb sleep; take with food or meals to prevent GI upset.
• Weigh yourself on a regular basis, at the same time, and in the same clothing; record the weight on your calendar.
• These side effects may occur: Increased volume and frequency of urination; dizziness, feeling faint on arising, drowsiness (avoid rapid position changes; hazardous activities, such as driving; and alcohol consumption); sensitivity to sunlight (use sunglasses, sunscreen, wear protective clothing); increased thirst (suck sugarless lozenges; use frequent mouth care); loss of body potassium (a potassium-rich diet, or supplement will be needed).
• Report weight change of more than 3 lb in 1 day; swelling in ankles or fingers; unusual bleeding or bruising; nausea, dizziness, trembling, numbness, fatigue; muscle weakness or cramps.
5) CALCIUM GLUCONATE
Brand Names: Phil Pharmawealth/Harson Calcium Gluconate amp
Classification: Electrolytes
Indication/Dosage: PO Hypocalcaemia 10-50 mmol/day. IV Hypocalcaemic tetany 2.25 mmol via slow inj , then 58-77 mL of 10% soln diluted and administered as a continuous IV infusion. Antidote in severe hypermagnesaemia; Severe hyperkalaemia 10 mL of 10% soln, repeat every 10 mins if needed.
Action: replaces Calcium and maintains Calcium level
Adverse Reactions: GI irritation; soft-tissue calcification, skin sloughing or necrosis after IM/SC inj. Hypercalcaemia characterised by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, mental disturbances, polydipsia, polyuria, nephrocalcinosis, renal calculi; chalky taste, hot flushes and peripheral vasodilation. Potentially Fatal: Cardiac arrhythmias and coma.
Nursing Measures:
• Make sure prescriber specifies form of calcium to be given; crash carts may contain both calcium gluconate and calcium chloride.
• Tell patient to take oral calcium 1 to 11/2 hours after meals if GI upset occurs.
• Give I.M. injection in gluteal region in adults and in lateral thigh in infants. Use I.M. route only in emergencies when no I.V. route is available bec. of irritation of tissue by calcium salts.
• Tell patient to take oral calcium with a full glass of water.
• Monitor calcium levels frequently. Hypercalcemia may result after large doses in chronic renal failure. Report abnormalities.
6) CAPTOPRIL
Brand Names: Ace-Bloc tab Capomed tab Capotec tab Capoten tab Captor tab Captril tab Cardiovaz tab Conamid tab Hartylox tab Normil tab Phil Pharmawealth/Panion & BF Captopril tab Prelat tab Primace tab Retensin tab Spec-Ace tab Tensoril tab Unihype tab Vasostad tab
Classification: ACE Inhibitors
Indication/Dosage: PO HTN Initial: 12.5 mg twice daily. Maintenance: 25-50 mg twice daily. Max: 50 mg 3 times/day. Heart failure Initial: 6.25-12.5 mg 2-3 times/day. Max: 50 mg 3 times/day. Post MI Start 3 days after MI. Initial: 6.25 mg/day, may increase after several wk to 150 mg/day in divided doses if needed and tolerated. HTN in diabetic nephropathy 75-100 mg/day in divided doses.
Action: inhibits ACE, reduces Sodium and water retention, lowers blood pressure
Adverse Reactions: Hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain, palpitations, pruritus, hyperkalaemia. Proteinuria; angioedema, skin rashes; taste disturbance, nonproductive cough, headache. Potentially Fatal: Neutropenia, usually occurs within 3 mth of starting therapy especially in patients with renal dysfunction or collagen diseases. Hyperkalaemia. Anaphylactic reactions.
Nursing Measures:
• Administer 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
• Alert surgeon and mark patient's chart with notice that captopril is being taken; the angiotensin II formation subsequent to compensatory renin release during surgery will be blocked; hypotension may be reversed with volume expansion.
• Monitor patient closely for fall in BP secondary to reduction in fluid volume (excessive perspiration and dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea); excessive hypotension may occur.
• Reduce dosage in patients with impaired renal function.
• Take drug 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals; do not take with food. Do not stop without consulting your health care provider.
• Be careful of drop in blood pressure (occurs most often with diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, dehydration); if light-headedness or dizziness occurs, consult your health care provider.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications, especially cough, cold, allergy medications that may contain ingredients that will interact with ACE inhibitors. Consult your health care provider.
• These side effects may occur: GI upset, loss of appetite, change in taste perception (limited effects, will pass); mouth sores (perform frequent mouth care); rash; fast heart rate; dizziness, light-headedness (usually passes after the first few days; change position slowly, and limit your activities to those that do not require alertness and precision).
• Report mouth sores; sore throat, fever, chills; swelling of the hands, feet; irregular heartbeat, chest pains; swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing.
7) CLONIDINE
Brand Names: Catapin amp Catapres amp Catapres tab
Classification: Other Antihypertensives
Indication/Dosage: PO HTN Initial: 50-100 mcg 3 times/day. Max: 2,400 mcg/day. Menopausal flushing; Migraine prophylaxis 50 mcg twice daily, up to 75 mg twice daily. IV Hypertensive crisis 150-300 mcg via slow inj. Max: 750 mcg over 24 hr. Epidural Severe cancer pain Initial: 30 mcg/hr as continuous infusion in combination w/ an opioid. Transdermal HTN As patch releasing 100-300 mcg clonidine base/day at constant rate: Apply once wkly.
Action: stimulates alpha 2 receptors and inhibits central vasomotor centers, lowers peripheral vascular resistance, blood pressure, and heart rate
Adverse Reactions: Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, impotence, vivid dreams, urinary retention; dry, itching, burning sensation in the eye; fluid or electrolyte imbalance, GI upset, paralytic ileus, orthostatic hypotension, weakness, sedation, pruritus, myalgia, urticaria, nausea, insomnia, arrhythmias, agitation. Reduced GI motility at times may cause paralytic ileus. Potentially Fatal: Transient hypertension or profound hypotension, respiratory depression, convulsion. Clonidine withdrawal syndrome could be life threatening. Bradycardia, coma and disturbances in conduction (in individuals with preexisting diseases of SA/AV nodes, overdose or on digitalis).
Nursing Measures:
• Take drug 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals; do not take with food. Do not stop without consulting your health care provider.
• Be careful of drop in blood pressure (occurs most often with diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, dehydration); if light-headedness or dizziness occurs, consult your health care provider.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications, especially cough, cold, allergy medications that may contain ingredients that will interact with ACE inhibitors. Consult your health care provider.
• These side effects may occur: GI upset, loss of appetite, change in taste perception (limited effects, will pass); mouth sores (perform frequent mouth care); rash; fast heart rate; dizziness, light-headedness (usually passes after the first few days; change position slowly, and limit your activities to those that do not require alertness and precision).
• Report mouth sores; sore throat, fever, chills; swelling of the hands, feet; irregular heartbeat, chest pains; swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing.
• Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not miss doses. Do not discontinue the drug unless so instructed. Do not discontinue abruptly; life-threatening adverse effects may occur. If you travel, take an adequate supply of drug.
• Use the transdermal system as prescribed; refer to directions in package insert, or contact your health care provider with questions. Be sure to remove old systems before applying new ones.
• Attempt lifestyle changes that will reduce your BP: stop smoking and using alcohol; lose weight; restrict intake of sodium (salt); exercise regularly.
• Use caution with alcohol. Your sensitivity may increase while using this drug.
• These side effects may occur: Drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, headache, weakness (often transient; observe caution driving or performing other tasks that require alertness or physical dexterity); dry mouth (suck on sugarless lozenges or ice chips); GI upset (eat small, frequent meals); dreams, nightmares (reversible); dizziness, light-headedness when you change position (get up slowly; use caution climbing stairs); impotence, other sexual dysfunction, decreased libido (discuss with care providers); breast enlargement, sore breasts; palpitations.
• Report urinary retention, changes in vision, blanching of fingers, rash.
8) DIAZEPAM
Brand name: Valium
Classification: Anxiolytics
Dosage: 10mg/2ml
Indication: relief of anxiety, agitation & tension due to psychoneurotic states & transient situational disturbances
Action: a benzodiazepine that probably potentiates the effects of GABA, depresses the CNS & suppresses the spread of seizure activity
Adverse Reaction: drowsiness,dysarthria, slurred speech, tremor, transient amnesia, fatigue, ataxia, headache, insomnia, paradoxical anxiety, hallucination
Nursing Measures:
• Do not administer intra-arterially; may produce arteriospasm, gangrene.
• Change from IV therapy to oral therapy as soon as possible.
• Do not use small veins (dorsum of hand or wrist) for IV injection.
• Reduce dose of narcotic analgesics with IV diazepam; dose should be reduced by at least one-third or eliminated.
• Carefully monitor P, BP, respiration during IV administration.
• Maintain patients receiving parenteral benzodiazepines in bed for 3 hr; do not permit ambulatory patients to operate a vehicle following an injection.
• Monitor EEG in patients treated for status epilepticus; seizures may recur after initial control, presumably because of short duration of drug effect.
• Monitor liver and kidney function, CBC during long-term therapy.
• Taper dosage gradually after long-term therapy, especially in epileptic patients.
• Arrange for epileptic patients to wear medical alert ID indicating that they are epileptics taking this medication.
• Discuss risk of fetal abnormalities with patients desiring to become pregnant.
9) DIGOXIN
Brand name: Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin, Novo-Digoxin (CAN)
Classification: Inotropics
Dosage: 5mg/2ml
Indication: Cardiac failure accompanied by atrial fibrillation; management of chronic cardiac failure where systolic dysfunction or ventricular dilatation is dominant; management of certain supraventricular arrhythmias, particularly chronic atrial flutter & fibrillation.
Action: inhibits sodium-potassium activated adenosine triphosphate, promoting movement of calcium from extracellular to intra-cytoplasm and strengthening myocardial contraction, also acts on CNS to enhance vagal tone
Adverse Reaction: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache, facial pain, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, bad dreams, convulsions
Nursing Measures:
• Monitor apical pulse for 1 min before administering; hold dose if pulse < 60 in adult or < 90 in infant; retake pulse in 1 hr. If adult pulse remains < 60 or infant < 90, hold drug and notify prescriber. Note any change from baseline rhythm or rate.
• Check dosage and preparation carefully.
• Avoid IM injections, which may be very painful.
• Follow diluting instructions carefully, and use diluted solution promptly.
• Avoid giving with meals; this will delay absorption.
• Have emergency equipment ready; have K+ salts, lidocaine, phenytoin, atropine, cardiac monitor on standby in case toxicity develops.
• Monitor for therapeutic drug levels: 0.5–2 ng/mL.
10) DIPENHYDRAMINE
Brand name: Benadryl
Classification: antihistamine
Dosage: 50mg/ml
Indication: Hay fever, urticaria, vasomotor rhinitis, angioneurotic edema, drug sensitization, serum & penicillin reaction, contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, other allergic dermatoses, pruritus, food sensitivity, parkinsonism, motion sickness.
Action: prevents histamine mediated responses, drug provides local anesthesia and suppresses cough reflex
Adverse Reaction: CV and CNS effects, blood disorders, GI disturbances, anti-muscarinic effects and allergic reactions.
Nursing Measures:
• Monitor carefully, assess for confusion, delirium, other anticholinergic side effects and fall risk. Institute measures to prevent falls.
• Assess movement disorder before and after administration.
• Caution patient not to use oral OTC diphenhydramine products with any other product containing diphenhydramine, including products used topically.
• It can cause excitation in children. Caution parents or caregivers about proper dose calculation; overdosage, especially in infants and children, can cause hallucinations, seizures or death Inform patient that this drug may cause dry mouth. Frequent oral rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize this effect. Notify dentist if dry mouth persists for more than 2 weeks.
11) EPINEPHRINE
Brand name:
Epinephrine Bitartrate
Aerosols: Primatene Mist
Epinephrine Borate
Ophthalmic solution: Epinal
Epinephrine Hydrochloride
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: Sympathomimetic, Alpha-adrenergic agonist, Beta1and beta2-adrenergic agonist, Cardiac stimulant, Vasopressor, Bronchodilator, Antasthmatic drug, Nasal decongestant, Mydriatic, Antiglaucoma drug
Dosage: 1mg/ml
Indication: Acute asthmatic attacks, Advanced cardiac life support
Action: Naturally occurring neurotransmitter, the effects of which are mediated by alpha or beta receptors in target organs. Effects on alpha receptors include vasoconstriction, contraction of dilator muscles of iris. Effects on beta receptors include positive chronotropic and inotropic effects on the heart (beta1 receptors); bronchodilation, vasodilation, and uterine relaxation (beta2 receptors); decreased production of aqueous humor.
Adverse Reaction: drowsiness, headache, nervousness, tremors, cerebral hemorrhage, dizziness, weakness, vertigo, pain
Nursing Measures:
• Monitor heart rate.
• Use extreme caution when calculating and preparing doses; epinephrine is a very potent drug; small errors in dosage can cause serious adverse effects. Double-check pediatric dosage.
• Use minimal doses for minimal periods of time; "epinephrine-fastness" (a form of drug tolerance) can occur with prolonged use.
• Protect drug solutions from light, extreme heat, and freezing; do not use pink or brown solutions. Drug solutions should be clear and colorless (does not apply to suspension for injection).
• Shake the suspension for injection well before withdrawing the dose.
• Rotate SC injection sites to prevent necrosis; monitor injection sites frequently.
• Keep a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocker (phentolamine) or a vasodilator (a nitrate) readily available in case of excessive hypertensive reaction.
• Have an alpha-adrenergic blocker or facilities for intermittent positive pressure breathing readily available in case pulmonary edema occurs.
• Keep a beta-adrenergic blocker (propranolol; a cardioselective beta-blocker, such as atenolol, should be used in patients with respiratory distress) readily available in case cardiac arrhythmias occur.
• Do not exceed recommended dosage of inhalation products; administer pressurized inhalation drug forms during second half of inspiration, because the airways are open wider and the aerosol distribution is more extensive. If a second inhalation is needed, administer at peak effect of previous dose, 3–5 min.
• Use topical nasal solutions only for acute states; do not use for longer than 3–5 days, and do not exceed recommended dosage. Rebound nasal congestion can occur after vasoconstriction subsides.
• Do not exceed recommended dosage; adverse effects or loss of effectiveness may result. Read the instructions that come with respiratory inhalant products, and consult your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• To give eye drops: Lie down or tilt head backward, and look up. Hold dropper above eye; drop medicine inside lower lid while looking up. Do not touch dropper to eye, fingers, or any surface. Release lower lid; keep eye open, and do not blink for at least 30 sec. Apply gentle pressure with fingers to inside corner of the eye for about 1 min; wait at least 5 min before using other eye drops.
• These side effects may occur: Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, apprehension (use caution if driving or performing tasks that require alertness); anxiety, emotional changes; nausea, vomiting, change in taste (eat frequent small meals); fast heart rate. Nasal solution may cause burning or stinging when first used (transient). Ophthalmic solution may cause slight stinging when first used (transient); headache or brow ache (only during the first few days).
• Report chest pain, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, tremor or irregular heart beat (respiratory inhalant, nasal solution), difficulty breathing, productive cough, failure to respond to usual dosage (respiratory inhalant), decrease in visual acuity (ophthalmic).
12) FUROSEMIDE
Brand name: Apo-Furosemide (CAN), Furoside (CAN), Lasix, Myrosemide (CAN)
Classification: loop diuretics
Dosage: 20mg/2ml
Indication: edema, hypertension
Action: inhibits Sodium and Chloride reabsorption at the proximal and distal tubules and the ascending loop of Henle
Adverse Reaction: vertigo, headache, dizziness, paresthesia, weakness, restlessness, fever, nocturia, oliguria, polyguria
Nursing Measures:
• Monitor BP after administration
• Administer with food or milk to prevent GI upset.
• Reduce dosage if given with other antihypertensives; readjust dosage gradually as BP responds.
• Give early in the day so that increased urination will not disturb sleep.
• Avoid IV use if oral use is at all possible.
• Do not mix parenteral solution with highly acidic solutions with pH below 3.5.
• Do not expose to light, may discolor tablet