Uses & Actions
This medication class treats asthma exacerbations and adrenal insufficiency by suppressing inflammation
What are corticosteroids?
Moon face, buffalo hump, and central obesity result from long‑term suppression of this body system
What is adrenal gland suppression / Cushing’s syndrome?
Live virus vaccines are contraindicated in patients receiving this drug class
What are corticosteroids?
This electrolyte must be monitored closely due to steroid‑induced losses
What is potassium?
Patients must never stop this medication abruptly and should taper slowly
What are corticosteroids? (prednisone)
This drug class decreases osteoclast activity to slow bone resorption in osteoporosis
What are bisphosphonates?
Painful swallowing and esophageal irritation are common with improper administration of this medication
What are bisphosphonates?
Patients who cannot sit upright for 30 minutes should not take this medication
What are bisphosphonates? (alendronate)
Bone density scans are recommended every 12–18 months for patients on this medication
What are bisphosphonates? (alendronate)
This medication must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
What is levothyroxine?
This hormone replacement increases metabolism, cardiac output, and oxygen use.
What is levothyroxine?
Tachycardia, tremors, heat intolerance, and weight loss indicate overtreatment with this medication
What is thyrotoxicosis?
This condition absolutely contraindicates insulin administration
What is hypoglycemia?
This lab should be reassessed 6–8 weeks after starting thyroid hormone therapy
What is TSH?
Patients using this medication must rotate injection sites within one general body area
What is insulin?
This injectable medication lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells
What is insulin?
Diaphoresis, tachycardia, confusion, and shakiness indicate this insulin‑related emergency
What is hypoglycemia?
Alcohol can cause a disulfiram‑like reaction with this diabetes medication
What are sulfonylureas? (glipizide)
This value reflects long‑term glycemic control and should be below 7%
What is HbA1C?
This medication should be taken 30 minutes before breakfast and withheld if the patient cannot eat
What are sulfonylureas? (glipizide)
This oral antidiabetic drug decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity
What is metformin (a biguanide)?
Hyperventilation, myalgia, and somnolence indicate this serious adverse effect of metformin
What is lactic acidosis?
Iodinated contrast media must be avoided with this drug due to kidney failure risk
What is metformin?
Hemodialysis is the definitive treatment for this medication complication
What is lactic acidosis from metformin?
This medication must be stopped 24–48 hours before procedures using contrast dye
What is metformin?