This antihistamine can also be used with anesthesia before medical procedures (dries up secretions) and treats skin rashes. In addition to blocking histamine activity in the body, it also increases serotonin levels in the brain.
What is hydroxyzine?
Trade names: Atarax, Vistaril
This leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) works by blocking the action of substances that cause symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is administered as an oral pill given at bedtime; sold under the trade name Singulair.
What is montelucast?
HINT:
Look for the suffix: LU cast (the "lu" represents leukotriene)
This medication binds with and activates opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to produce euphoria and analgesia.
What is morphine sulfate?
Overproduction of a protein called 'tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) causes inflammation and damages tissues. This monoclonal antibody (MAB) binds with TNF-a to reduce the inflammation. It works to combat symptoms of ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders.
What is inflixamab (Remicade)?
Look at the suffix "mab"; this indicates Monoclonal AntiBody.
This hormone is prescribed for people with advanced kidney disease who experience anemia. The hormone would be naturally produced in the kidney to stimulate red blood cell production, but if the kidneys are too ill they cannot produce the hormone.
What is erythropoetin, or epo (Epogen)?
Remember that the kidneys have a role in red blood cell production in the body.
If you suffer from a certain type of anemia, this drug will make you feel better by replacing this ingredient missing from your hemoglobin and myoglobin.
What is ferrous sulfate?
This essential mineral is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Do NOT take unless you have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia; iron overdose is a serious matter.
This injection is a colony-stimulating factor that will increase survival in people who have life-threatening bone marrow depression secondary to radiation therapy.
What is filgastrim (Neupogen)?
Colony-stimulating factors stimulate the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow.
This opioid analgesic is combined with acetaminophen to enhance pain relief. The acetaminophen is thought to further block pain nerve impulses thereby providing more pain relief, but you run the risk of acetaminophen overdose.
What is hydrocodone/APAP, hydromorphone/APAP?
Trade names: Norco, Vicodin, Lortab....
The patient receiving this IV steroid to help improve an exacerbation of COPD, then experiences mood swings, depression, worry, agitation, restlessness....
What are mood-related side effects of methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol)?
This controlled substance is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, but use with caution! Do not combine with alcohol or other substances since that can slow breathing to a dangerous level.
What is alprazolam (Xanax)?
This antidepressant medication is also used in smoking cessation.
What is bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
Classified as an osmotic laxative, this medication's primary use is to treat constipation. It is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.
What is lactulose?
Increased ammonia levels in the blood cause encephalopathy (eg: alcoholic encephalopathy). Lactulose binds with the ammonia to get it out of the body. Expected side effect: diarrhea.
This opioid narcotic is thought to be ten times stronger than morphine and runs the risk of serious respiratory problems especially during the first 24-72 hours. It works directly on the central nervous system.
What is hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
This drug stimulates the body to make white blood cells.
What is filgastim (Neupogen)?
HINT: Notice the suffix is "stim", for 'stimulate'.
This anti-platelet medication is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It works to slow the blood's clotting action making platelets less sticky. It is MUCH stronger than aspirin alone.
What is clopidogrel (Plavix)?
The antidote for overuse of this benzodiazepine is FLUMAZENIL (Anexate), NOT naloxone.
What is diazepam (valium)
Naloxone reverses opioids.
Flumazenil reverses benzodiazipines.
For further information, contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357
These drugs are used in combination to treat HIV infection. There are several types of drugs in this general classification. They bind with reverse transcriptase, a HIV protein. The drug names often end with 'vir' , 'pine', or 'dine'.
What are:
fexofenadine
nevirapine
rifampin
zidovudine
Common side effects of this medication include heartburn and rash. Compared to other NSAIDs, there is increased risk of GI bleeding.
What is ibuprofen?
This quinolone antibiotic works to KILL bacteria. It is used to treat pneumonia and UTIs.
What is levofloxacin (Levaquin)?
This heart medication works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels (ie: calcium channel blocker), thus lowering blood pressure.
What is amlodipine (Norvasc)?
Most calcium channel blockers end in 'pine':
nicardipine, felodipine, nifedipine,......
This is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, OCD, and PTSD among other disorders.
What is sertraline (Zoloft)?
Also - fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro)
This ophthalmic beta-blocker works well to lower the pressure in your eye by reducing the build-up of fluid.
What is timolol?
Notice the suffix "olol". This lets you know it is likely a beta blocker. ALL beta blockers reduce pressure and are used in a variety of conditions: relieve migraine headaches, improve glaucoma, lower blood pressure, control pulse rate.
You would administer this medication if your patient arrives at the Emergency Department unresponsive, with pinpoint pupils, and respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute!
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
The patient is exhibiting signs of possible opioid overdose.
This medication works by calming down your body's immune response and is used to reduce pain, itching, and swelling. It can be available for administration via IV, IM, oral, or as a topical cream.
What is hydrocortisone?
Primarily used to treat high blood pressure, this beta blocker is also used to prevent angina and control heart rate. The nurse should always take the APICAL pulse and blood pressure before administering and consider holding this medication if heart rate is below 60 bpm and/or systolic blood pressure is below 90 mm Hg.
What is atenolol?
...or any beta blocker actually