OTC
A common fever reducer whose max daily dosage is 4 grams
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Frequently used to treat fluid overload, this diuretic can decrease both blood pressure and potassium
furosemide (Lasix)
A short acting beta 1 agonist that is used as a “rescue inhaler” in asthma attacks
albuterol
This class of medication is used as first line treatment for depression
SSRIs
Anticoagulant whose monitoring requires keeping the INR between 2-3 to ensure a therapeutic dose
warfarin (Coumadin)
Class of pain medication that can increase the risk of stroke and MI, with long term use potentially leading to kidney damage
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
A versatile diuretic medication that is used to treat fluid build-up in HF, cirrhosis, or kidney disease, it can cause low blood pressure and increases in serum potassium; additionally, it can be used to treat acne, PCOS, and hirsutism
spironolactone (Aldactone)
A long-acting muscarinic antagonist that is used in the management of COPD and asthma
tiotropium bromide (Spiriva)
Anticonvulsant medication that is more often used to treat peripheral neuropathy
gabapentin (Neurontin)
Use as an antidiarrheal, the nurse must ensure the patient does not have a c. difficile infection prior to giving this medication
loperamide (Imodium)
Cough medication that helps loose phlegm and thin bronchial secretions
guaifenesin (Robitussin)
This class of medications are used to lower blood pressure but can result in a dry cough.
Ace inhibitors
Oral steroid medication used to treat COPD and asthma flares, it causes increased levels of both WBCs and glucose
prednisone
A strong opiate used to treat both chronic and acute pain, it can result in respiratory depression, low BP, or nausea.
*hint: derived from opium found in the poppy plant
Used in the hospital for its short half life, this anticoagulant’s therapeutic range is measured by the aptt
heparin
A stool softener that allows more intestinal water to combine with the stool, decreasing the strain and discomfort of constipation.
docusate (Colace)
A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that can result in lower extremity edema
amlodipine (Norvasc)
A short acting insulin whose onset of action is 15 minutes
Insulin lispro (Humalog)
A synthetic opioid used to treat pain, it is 50x more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine
fentanyl
This antiemetic is frequently used for chemo-induced nausea but can lengthen the QT interval of the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias.
ondansetron (Zofran)
This class of medication is used to treat GERD by irreversibly blocking the secretion of acid from gastric parietal cells.
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole)
This medication works on the beta 2 receptors of the heart and comes in both a short (tartrate) and long acting (succinate) form
metoprolol
This medication is used to treat hypothyroidism and must be given by itself on an empty stomach for proper absorption.
levothyroxine (Synthroid)
This benzodiazepine has many uses including treatment for alcohol withdrawal, active seizure, and general anxiety
lorazepam (Ativan)
This factor Xa inhibitor works to thin the blood and is used in patients with afib or DVTs
apixaban (Eliquis)