(medications to control blood glucose levels)
This fast-acting medication begins to exert its effects within 15 minutes of subcutaneous administration and peak levels occur 30-90 minutes after administration.
What is Lispro insulin (Humalog)?
Duration of activity is less than five (5) hours.
What is zidovudine?
Also known as AZT. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs to treat, but not cure, HIV.
This medication might be prescribed if the body's "K" level drops below 5.2 mEq/L.
What is potassium chloride (KCl)?
Normal serum potassium (K) is 3.5-5.2 mEq/L
When given at night, this medication's peak drug level will then match the onset of symptoms in the morning.
What is montelukast (Singulair)?
What is levothyroxine?
Sad but true. Take levythyroxine first thing in the morning but not with coffee.
Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the management of type 2 diabetes, this oral medication stimulates insulin release from functioning beta cells in the pancreas and has a one hour onset.
What is glyburide?
This drug belongs to a group of antibiotics used to treat several types of bacteria, including tuberculosis (TB) which can be latent in persons with HIV.
What is rifampin?
This uric acid reducer quickly relieves gout but can also mess up your kidneys! Look for signs and symptoms (drowsiness, difficulty urinating, leg edema) but also check BUN, creatinine, and electrolytes.
What is allopurinol?
Very effective in treating and preventing bronchospasm, side effects of this inhaled therapy include tremors, headache, dry mouth, and can raise blood pressure.
What is albuterol?
Used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy, this drug is also used before medical procedures to relieve anxiety.
What is lorrazepam (Ativan)?
This is a controlled substance and can cause paranoia or suicidal ideation. VERY serious drug.
This type of intermediate-acting insulin can last throughout the day, lasting longer in the body than natural insulin does.
What is Humulin N, or Novolin N, or NPH?
This hormone is produced in the kidney. If the kidneys are sick (eg: Advanced kidney disease), then the patient might require a weekly SQ injection of this drug to stimulate red blood cell production.
What is erythropoietin?
(EPO, epoetin)
Don't forget the kidneys have a role in red blood cell production!
Although this over-the-counter medication works quickly to lower acid in the stomach, it can also bind to phosphate in the gut, causing low phosphate levels.
What is magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide?
A beta-2 agonist, this drug has a rapid onset and an extended duration of action up to 10-12 hours, making it very effective for COPD management.
What is formoterol (trade names include Oxeze, Foradil)?
Beta-2 agonists work by relaxing smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation.
What is naloxone?
The client is demonstrating signs of opioid overdose.
This oral medication used in patients with type 2 diabetes must be held prior to the patient receiving iodinated contrast for radiographic imaging, in order to avoid kidney damage.
What is metformin (glucophage)?
This bone marrow stimulant helps the body make white blood cells. This might be needed after the person has received chemotherapy or had radiation exposure.
What is filgastrim (Neupogen)?
Because of this bone marrow stimulation, some patients experience mild to moderate bone pain.
This salt (CCaO3) has a role as an antacid, a food coloring, and a fertilizer!
What is calcium carbonate?
If I want symptom relief during the Fall cold and flu season, this over-the-counter medication will relieve my cough but not treat the cause.
What is dextromethorphan?
Used to control seizures, this medication can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
What is phenytoin?
This is the reason why glargine (Lantus) must be given at bedtime.
What is since this insulin lowers the blood glucose over 24 hours, it should only be injected daily at bedtime?This is only used in patients with type 2 diabetes. It reduces fasting blood glucose levels more efficiently and with less nocturnal hypoglycemic events when compared to NPH insulin.
This glucocorticoid is mostly used to suppress the immune system. Why, you ask?
Well to decrease inflammation in disorders such as asthma and rheumatologic diseases.
What is prednisone?
This can treat constipation and also remove toxins built up from liver disease (eg: ammonia levels). You sure "run" the risk of losing electrolytes with its side effects though.
What is lactulose?
Increased ammonia levels in a person with a diseased liver can result in the confusion and agitation you see with hepatic encephalopathy.
I will breathe easier knowing this anti-inflammatory agent will treat my gout!
What is colchicine?
Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the buildup of uric acid crystals.
This drug interferes with the body's blood clotting process, preventing clots from forming. It is a natural inhibitor of thrombin.
What is heparin?