Antifungals
Immunosuppressant; inhibits helper T cells, less toxic to bone marrow cells; prevents organ transplant rejection
cyclosporine
natural cell well inhibitor; preferred drug against streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci; anaphylaxis is the most serious adv. effect, caution in pts w/ CKD.
penicillin
protein pump inhibitor; binds to enzyme H+, K+-ATPase, blocking acid secretion in the stomach; treatment for GERD, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
omeprazole
Cholinesterase inhibitor; improves memory in cases of mild memory of Alzheimer's dementia; takes up to 6 months before maximum benefits of therapy can be assessed;
donepezil
Thyroid hormone replacement; preferred drug for replacement therapy for pts w/ low thyroid function; serum TSH levels should be monitored regularly when using this drug; black box: the use of this drug for weight loss is contraindicated
levothyroxine
superficial antifungal; binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, weakening it; treat Candida infections, NOT effective against systemic reactions
nystatin
1st gen cephalosporin; prophylactic treatment for bacterial infections (gram positive); usually well tolerated, rash and diarrhea are common adv. effects, superinfection as well with prolonged use.
cefazolin
antacid; neutralizes stomach acid by increasing pH of stomach contents; interferes with the absorption of other drugs (and iron), should be given alone
aluminium hydroxide
benztropine
human regular insulin
antiviral for herpesviruses; interferes with DNA synthesis and inhibits viral multiplication; nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are possible when given drug is given IV
acyclovir
2nd gen. fluoroquinolone; inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis, effective against gram-negative bacteria; black box: associated w/ potential tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy and CNS effects
ciprofloxacin
H2 receptor antagonist; decreases stomach acid production; treats active PUD, active gastric ulcer, GERD; confusion in older adults; reduction in WBC, RBC, platelets (rare)
famotidine
dopamine enhancing drug; restores dopamine in the extrapyramidal areas of the brain, relieving some Parkinson symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity); Overdose treatment includes gastric lavage, IV fluids and airway maintenance.
levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone (Stalevo)
Antidiabetic drug; reduces fasting and post meal glucose levels by decreasing glucose's hepatic production (gluconeogenesis); does not promote insulin release from the pancreas; black box: lactic acidosis is a rare adverse effect, pts w/ CKD are at an increased risk
metformin
systemic antifungal; binds to sterols in the fungal membrane, weakening it; risk for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity when using this drug
aminoglycoside; acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; broad spectrum, bactericidal, neurotoxicity is possible, especially in pts w/ CKD.
gentamicin
antiemetic; blocks serotonin receptors in GI tract, caution in patients with cardiac anomalies
ondansetron
cyclobenzaprine
corticosteroid; first-line drug for treating adrenocortical insufficiency; used to treat inflammation, allergic disorders; contraindicated in pts w/ hypersensitivity and in pts w/ known infections
hydrocortisone
azole; interferes with ergosterol synthesis; able to reach infections in CNS; caution in patients with chronic kidney disease; hepatotoxicity is a rare adverse effect.
fluconazole
protein synthesis inhibitor; one of the broadest of ranges in antibiotics; commonly given in combination w/ other drugs to treat PUD caused by H. pylori.; short half-life, may be given 4 times a day; may cause superinfections
tetracycline
bulk type laxative; less cramping than stimulant-type laxatives, if taken with insufficient water, may swell in esophagus and cause in obstruction
psyllium
Direct acting antispasmodic; relaxes muscle spasms by blocking the release of calcium from the skeletal muscle cells (does not effect cardiac or smooth muscle); black box: hepatitis and liver failure associated w/ this drug
dantrolene
methimazole