neuro/mental health
Use: Anxiety and panic disorders
Class: Benzodiazepine
Key fact: Risk of dependence, do not stop taking suddenly
What is alprazolam?
Use: Bipolar disorder (mania), schizophrenia
Class: Mood stabilizer
Key fact: Narrow therapeutic range (0.6–1.2), avoid dehydration
What is lithium?
Use: Serious infections like endocarditis, MRSA, Clostridioides difficile, and respiratory/skin/bone infections
Class: Glycopeptide
Key fact: Monitor for vancomycin flushing syndrome (red man syndrome); monitor trough levels
What is vancomycin?
Use: Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Class: Uterotonic
Key fact: Avoid with hypertension
What is methylergonovine?
Use: Hypothyroidism
Class: Thyroid hormone
Key fact: Take on an empty stomach in the morning
What is levothyroxine?
Use: Mild to moderate dementia (Alzheimer disease)
Class: Acetylcholinseterase inhibitor
Key fact: Take at bedtime, may cause GI upset
What is donepezil?
Use: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression
Class: Atypical antipsychotic
Key fact: Watch for weight gain, metabolic syndrome
What is olanzapine?
Use: Anaerobic bacterial infections, Clostridioides difficile infection, acne rosacea
Class: Nitroimidizole
Key fact: NO alcohol; causes disulfiram-like reaction
What is metronidazole?
Use: Labor induction or prevention and treatment of postpartum bleeding
Class: Uterotonic (oxytocic agent)
Key fact: Monitor for uterine hyperstimulation, fetal intolerance
What is oxytocin?
Use: Anemia
Class: Biologic response modifier
Key fact: Stimulates RBCs; monitor Hgb; risk of hypertension
What is epoetin alfa?
Use: Depression, anxiety disorder
Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Key fact: Monitor for serotonin syndrome (fever, confusion); 4-6 weeks to take effect
What is fluoxetine?
Use: Moderate to severe dementia (Alzheimer disease)
Class: Acetylcholinseterase inhibitor
Key fact: May cause dizziness or rash
What is memantine?
Use: Serious infections including sepsis, MRSA, and endocarditis
Class: Aminoglycoside
Key fact: Watch for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
What is gentamicin?
given to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders.
What is Vitamin K?
Use: Hypokalemia
Class: Electrolyte replacement
Key fact: NEVER push IV; dilute to avoid phlebitis; monitor potassium levels and cardiac rhythm
What is potassium chloride?
Use: Seizure prophylaxis or neuropathic pain
Class: Anticonvulsant
Key fact: Taper off slowly; avoid alcohol
What is gabapentin?
Use: Seizures
Class: Anticonvulsant (hydantoin)
Key fact: Monitor therapeutic range (10-20 mcg/mL); watch for gingival hyperplasia
What is phenytoin?
Use: Respiratory, urinary, skin, eye, and ear infections
Class: Fluoroquinolone
Key fact: Risk of tendon rupture; avoid in pediatrics
What is ciprofloxacin?
Prevents bacterial infections of the eyes, known as neonatal conjunctivitis.
What is erythromycin ointment?
Use: RA, cancer
Class: Folic acid antagonist
Key fact: Avoid in pregnancy; monitor bone marrow suppression, liver function
What is methotrexate?
se: Acute psychosis, schizophrenia
Class: Neuroleptic (nonphenothiazine)
Key fact: Watch for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), QT prolongation, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
What is haloperidol?
Use: Insomnia
Class: Sedative-hypnotic (nonbenzodiazepine)
Key fact: Meant for short-term use; avoid other CNS depressants
What is zolpidem?
Use: Upper and lower respiratory, sexually transmitted, and skin infections
Class: Macrolide
Key fact: QT prolongation, take on an empty stomach
What is azithromycin?
Given to prevent Rh incompatibility in pregnant women who are RH-negative.
What is RhoGAM?
A non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abut and is derived from opium.
can cause constipation.
What is morphine?