You are SO moody.
Used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, this powerful benzodiazepine can also cause paranoia and suicidal ideation. Can be deadly if combined with other substances such as alcohol!
What is Alprazolam (Xanax)
Side effects include libido changes, drowsiness, impaired judgement impaired memory, and decreased coordination.
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....
This medication is helpful when irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flares up!
What is diphenoxylate/atropine, better known as Lomotil?
Used to treat or prevent osteoporosis, this medication works by binding to crystals within the bone, thereby leading to a reduction in bone matrix breakdown.
What is alendronate (Fosamax)?
The patient should be educated to watch out for severe bone and muscle pain. Alendronate can also lower calcium levels.
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 corticosteroid woks on the immune system to relieve swelling and inflammation. It is sometimes prescribed to treat Addison's disease but watch out for nasty side effects.
What is dexamethasone?
Can cause conjunctival hemorrhage, hypertension, impaired wound healing, GI upset, elevation in blood glucose, and more
This drug stimulates the body to make white blood cells.
What is filgastim (Neupogen)?
HINT: Notice the suffix is "stim", for 'stimulate'.
Under the brand name Norvasc, this calcium channel blocker is used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
What is amlodipine?
Your patient's mood will improve quickly if prescribed this medication to relieve painful gout attacks!
What is colchicine?
This is an anti-inflammatory that works to counter the severe pain in one or more joints caused by abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood, otherwise known as gout.
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 is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic is used to treat cellulitis, urinary tract infections (UTI), and pneumonia.
What is cephazolin?
If nursing school is causing you some heartburn and indigestion, perhaps you need a bit of this medication. See your healthcare provider first.
What is famotidine?
Trade names: Zantac, Pepcid, and others.
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?
This drug interferes with the body's blood clotting process, preventing clots from forming. It is a natural inhibitor of thrombin. It will not break down clots that have already formed, however.
What is heparin?