GI / GU Medications
This PPI decreases gastric acid secretion and is taken before meals, usually in the morning.
What is omeprazole (Prilosec)?
This glaucoma medication can cause systemic bradycardia and must be applied using punctal occlusion.
What is timolol (Betimol)?
This medication requires monitoring of serum sodium, as low sodium can lead to toxicity.
What is lithium (Lithobid)?
This benzodiazepine enhances GABA activity and is used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
What is diazepam (Valium)?
This dementia medication may cause bradycardia and vivid dreams and is usually taken at bedtime.
What is donepezil (Aricept)?
This medication forms a protective barrier over ulcers and must be taken on an empty stomach.
What is sucralfate (Carafate)?
This NSAID can cause tinnitus, GI irritation, and increased bleeding risk when taken frequently.
What is ibuprofen?
This medication’s therapeutic level should remain between 10–20 mcg/mL.
What is phenytoin (Dilantin)?
This antidepressant also treats neuropathic pain but causes strong anticholinergic effects.
What is amitriptyline (Elavil)?
These medication requires teaching about avoiding tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
What are MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil)?
This medication is given with meals and snacks for pancreatic insufficiency, and capsules must not be crushed.
What are pancreatic enzymes (pancrelipase)?
This antiseizure medication used for neuropathic pain may cause sedation, dizziness, and ataxia.
What is gabapentin (Neurontin)?
This medication requires blood levels to be monitored after gastric surgery or in patients with Crohn's disease because absorption may be impaired.
What is vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)?
This atypical antipsychotic can cause weight gain and metabolic syndrome; patients must monitor diet and exercise.
What is risperidone (Risperdal)?
This sudden onset EPS involves severe muscle spasms, often of the neck, jaw, or eyes, and may be life-threatening if the airway is involved.
What is acute dystonia?
This medication improves urine flow in BPH by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck but may cause orthostatic hypotension.
What is tamsulosin (Flomax)?
This antiepileptic may cause gingival hyperplasia and hirsutism.
What is phenytoin (Dilantin)?
This corticosteroid requires monitoring for hyperglycemia, fluid retention, and leukocytosis.
What is prednisone?
This class of medications is considered first-line treatment for anxiety and OCD because it increases serotonin levels in the brain.
What are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
Patients taking SSRIs or SNRIs should be taught to report these symptoms immediately, which include agitation, confusion, tremors, sweating, fever, and diarrhea.
What are the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
This 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor shrinks the prostate over months and is teratogenic, meaning pregnant women should avoid handling crushed tablets.
What is finasteride (Proscar)?
This cholinesterase inhibitor is used to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
What is donepezil (Aricept)?
This opioid analgesic is 10× stronger than morphine and requires monitoring for respiratory depression.
What is hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
This antipsychotic blocks dopamine receptors and can cause EPS, NMS, and severe sedation.
What is haloperidol (Haldol)?
All antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs, carry this. Patients and families should be taught to watch for worsening mood, agitation, or self-harm thoughts.
What is the black box warning for antidepressants?