Drug Classification Flashcards
6. Recognize the classification for the drug examples given (28 cards)
Classification: Analgesics (Narcotics)
Action: Changing the brain’s perception of pain
Uses: To relieve pain after surgery, chronic conditions, acute pain, or injury.
Side effects/adverse reactions: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Assess pain level using a pain scale.
Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
lab tests: Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases)
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for potential adverse effects such as leukopenia or thrombocytopenia.
Urinalysis to check for signs of urinary retention or kidney damage.
Drug examples: Morphine sulfate
Codeine
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Fentanyl
Classification: Anti-Inflammatory
Action: reduce pain, fever and other types of inflammation
Uses: to manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders
Side effects/adverse reactions: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver or kidneys, Heart problems, Nausea, upset stomach or heartburn, Stomach ulcers, and trouble forming clots in the blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Assess pain and inflammation using a pain scale and physical examination.
Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal irritation such as abdominal pain, nausea, or black, tarry stools.
Monitor for signs of fluid retention such as edema or weight gain.
Assess for signs of allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for signs of infection or blood dyscrasias.
Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases) to monitor for potential hepatotoxicity.
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine) to monitor for potential nephrotoxicity.
Drug examples Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Celecoxib
Diclofenac
Meloxicam
Classification: Antipyretics
Action: prevents or reduces fever by lowering the body temperature from a raised state
Uses: to reduce body temperature in fever
Side effects/adverse reactions: Nausea, Vomiting, rashes, and Liver damage
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Assess the patient’s temperature regularly using a thermometer.
Monitor for signs of fever such as flushed skin, increased heart rate, and malaise.
Encourage adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Drug examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Aspirin (Bayer)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Paracetamol
Classification: Antacids
Action: neutralizing excess hydrochloric acid (HCl) in gastric juice and inhibit the proteolytic enzyme pepsin
Uses: to relieve indigestion and heartburn
Side effects/adverse reactions: Constipation or diarrhea, Gas, Headache, Nausea and vomiting, Stomach cramps or pain in the abdomen.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Assess the patient’s symptoms of heartburn or indigestion.
Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood.
Drug examples : Calcium carbonate (Tums)
Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta)
Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)
Classification: Anti-Coagulants
Action: interrupting the process involved in the formation of blood clots
Uses: help prevent blood clots
Side effects/adverse reactions: indigestion, dizziness, headache, excessive bleeding
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Assess for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in urine or stool.
Monitor vital signs, especially blood pressure, and pulse rate.
Drug examples
Classification: Anti-diarrheal
Action: decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel and slowing down the movement of the bowel to decrease the number of bowel movements
Uses: slowing motility and allowing more time for absorption
Side effects/adverse reactions: Constipation, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Palpitations, Chest pain
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Prothrombin Time (PT) to assess clotting time.
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) to monitor heparin therapy.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for signs of bleeding or thrombocytopenia.
Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases) to monitor for potential hepatotoxicity, especially with long-term use of certain anticoagulants.
Drug examples: Warfarin (Coumadin)
Heparin (unfractionated heparin)
Low molecular weight heparins (e.g., enoxaparin, dalteparin)
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban
Fondaparinux
Classification: Antiarrhythmics
Action: slow down the electrical impulses in your heart so it can beat regularly again
Uses: used to terminate the abnormal rhythm, prevent it happening or slow the heart rate during the abnormal rhythm to make it more tolerable
Side effects/adverse reactions: Constipation, Dizziness, Excessive thirst, Skin changes (for example, red or dry skin), Headache, Nausea.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously via telemetry or ECG.
Assess vital signs frequently, particularly heart rate and blood pressure.
Monitor for signs of arrhythmia recurrence or worsening symptoms, such as dizziness, palpitations, or syncope.
Electrolyte panel (potassium, magnesium) to monitor for imbalances that may affect cardiac function.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for potential adverse effects on blood cell counts.
Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases) to monitor for potential hepatotoxicity with certain antiarrhythmic medications.
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) may be ordered if thyroid dysfunction is suspected as a cause of arrhythmias.
Cardiac enzyme tests (e.g., troponin) if there are concerns about myocardial damage or infarction.
Drug examples
Amiodarone
Lidocaine
Flecainide
Sotalol
Propafenone
Classification: Anticholinergics
Action: reduce tremor by blocking acetylcholine
Uses: to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder
Side effects/adverse reactions: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and decreased sweating
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Monitor for anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.
Assess baseline vital signs and monitor for changes, particularly changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Drug examples: Atropine
Scopolamine
Oxybutynin
Tolterodine
Benztropine
Classification: Antihistamine
Action: Antihistamines block the effects of a substance called histamine in your body. Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection
Uses: to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings
Side effects/adverse reactions: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Blurred vision, Headache, Nausea, Diarrhea
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Assess the patient’s allergy symptoms and severity.
Monitor for drowsiness or sedation, especially with first-generation antihistamines.
Drug examples
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Classification: Antihypertensives
Action: These drugs block the effects of angiotensin, a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow
Uses: Treat high blood pressure
Side effects/adverse reactions: Diarrhea, Feeling tired, weak, drowsy, or a lack of energy, Headache, Nausea or vomiting.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Monitor blood pressure regularly to assess the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication.
Assess for signs and symptoms of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Electrolyte panel (potassium, sodium) to monitor for electrolyte imbalances, especially with diuretic therapy.
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) to monitor kidney function and assess for potential renal complications.
Lipid profile to monitor lipid levels, as hypertension is often associated with dyslipidemia.
Drug examples
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan, valsartan)
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem)
Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, carvedilol)
Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
Classification: Antilipemic
Action: reduce the level of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood
Uses: used for controlling high cholesterol (anticholesteremic) and triacylglyceride levels in the blood
Side effects/adverse reactions: constipation, stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, indigestion, and upset stomach
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Monitor lipid levels regularly to assess the effectiveness of the antilipemic medication.
Assess for signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Lipid profile to monitor lipid levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases, bilirubin) to monitor for potential hepatotoxicity.
Creatine kinase (CK) levels to monitor for myopathy or muscle damage, particularly with statin use.
Blood glucose levels to monitor for potential hyperglycemia, especially with certain antilipemic medications.
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) to monitor kidney function and assess for potential renal complications.
Drug examples
Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin)
Niacin (nicotinic acid)
Fibric acid derivatives (e.g., fenofibrate, gemfibrozil)
Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colesevelam)
PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., evolocumab, alirocumab)
Classification: Antineoplastic
Action: targeting and killing rapidly dividing cancerous cells
Uses: to treat cancer
Side effects/adverse reactions: Nausea, Hair loss, Loss of appetite, Back pain, Fever, Skin rash, Mouth sores, Shortness of breath, Insomnia
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Drug examples
Classification: Antiretrovirals
Action: Antiretroviral drugs act by interfering with vital viral replication processes
Uses: treatment for people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Side effects/adverse reactions: nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, appetite loss
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor for signs and symptoms of chemotherapy-induced side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and bone marrow suppression.
Assess for signs of infection or neutropenia, such as fever, chills, or sore throat.
Monitor vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
Complete blood count (CBC) with differential to monitor for changes in white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts.
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) to assess kidney function and monitor for potential nephrotoxicity.
Liver function tests (e.g., serum transaminases, bilirubin) to assess liver function and monitor for potential hepatotoxicity.
Electrolyte panel to monitor for electrolyte imbalances, especially with certain chemotherapeutic agents.
Tumor markers specific to the type of cancer being treated, to assess response to therapy.
Drug examples
Cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin
Paclitaxel
Cisplatin
Methotrexate
Classification: Antiplatelet
Action: stopping your platelets from sticking together and decrease your body’s ability to form blood clots
Uses: to treat, and may help prevent, heart attack and stroke
Side effects/adverse reactions: Stomach pain, Blood in your stools, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Unusual bruising, Blood in the urine, Heavy periods, Shortness of breath
Nursing implications and lab test/s required: Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in urine or stool.
Assess for signs of thrombosis or ischemia, depending on the patient’s condition.
Platelet count to monitor for potential thrombocytopenia or changes in platelet function.
Bleeding time or platelet function assays to assess platelet function and response to antiplatelet therapy.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for changes in white blood cell and red blood cell counts, which may indicate bone marrow suppression.
Drug examples
Aspirin
Clopidogrel
Ticagrelor
Prasugrel
Dipyridamole
Classification: Diuretics
Action: diminishing sodium reabsorption at different sites in the nephron, thereby increasing urinary sodium and water losses
Uses: help reduce fluid buildup in the body
Side effects/adverse reactions: Muscle cramps, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Weakness, frequent urination
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Nursing Interventions:
Monitor fluid balance, including intake and output, weight, and signs of dehydration or fluid overload.
Assess electrolyte levels, especially potassium, sodium, and magnesium, to monitor for imbalances.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Electrolyte panel to monitor electrolyte levels.
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) to assess kidney function.
Drug Examples:
Furosemide
Hydrochlorothiazide
Spironolactone
Bumetanide
Chlorthalidone
Classification: Anti-emetics
Action: Antiemetic agents bind to the receptors in the vomiting center of the brain stem and block their signaling pathways
Uses: reducing the nausea sensation
Side effects/adverse reactions: headache, dizziness, and constipation.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Nursing Interventions:
Assess the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting.
Monitor for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and complications such as aspiration.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Electrolyte panel to assess for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Liver function tests if there are concerns about underlying liver dysfunction.
Drug Examples:
Ondansetron
Metoclopramide
Prochlorperazine
Dimenhydrinate
Promethazine
Classification: Anti-infectants
Action: Blocking vital processes in bacteria. They kill the bacteria or stop it from spreading
Uses: To treat or prevent infections
Side effects/adverse reactions: rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infections
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection.
Assess the effectiveness of the anti-infectant therapy in treating the infection.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative organism and determine antibiotic susceptibility.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for changes in white blood cell count.
Drug Examples:
Amoxicillin
Ciprofloxacin
Vancomycin
Azithromycin
Metronidazole
Classification: Anti-Fungal
Action: killing or stopping the growth of dangerous fungi in the body
Uses: Treat fungal infections
Side effects/adverse reactions: your face, neck or tongue may swell and you may have difficulty breathing. a severe skin reaction – such as peeling or blistering skin. liver damage , vomiting, nausea
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Nursing Interventions:
Monitor for signs and symptoms of fungal infection.
Assess the effectiveness of the antifungal therapy in treating the infection.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Fungal culture to identify the specific fungus causing the infection.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for changes in white blood cell count.
Drug Examples:
Fluconazole
Clotrimazole
Miconazole
Ketoconazole
Terbinafine
Classification: Cardiotonic/inotropic
Action: increase the force of the contraction of the muscle (myocardium) of the heart
Uses: help your heart beat with more force
Side effects/adverse reactions: dizziness, fatigue, headache, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, change in taste and blurred vision
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Nursing Interventions:
Monitor cardiac function, including heart rate, rhythm, and signs of cardiac output.
Assess for signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias.
Educate the patient about the purpose of the medication and potential side effects, such as dizziness or changes in heart rate.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess cardiac rhythm and function.
Serum electrolyte levels, especially potassium, to monitor for electrolyte imbalances that can affect cardiac function.
Drug Examples:
Digoxin
Dobutamine
Milrinone
Digitoxin
Amiodarone
Classification: Bronchodilators
Action: make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways
Uses: to treat long-term conditions where the airways may become narrow and inflamed, such as: asthma
Side effects/adverse reactions: headaches, a dry mouth, suddenly noticeable heartbeats, muscle cramps, a cough, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor respiratory status, including lung sounds and oxygen saturation.
Assess for signs and symptoms of bronchospasm or respiratory distress.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung function and response to bronchodilator therapy.
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to assess oxygenation and ventilation status, especially in patients with severe respiratory compromise.
Drug Examples:
Albuterol
Formoterol
Salmeterol
Ipratropium
Tiotropium
Classification: Antivirals
Action: inhibit target’s pathogens development
Uses: help your body fight off certain viruses that can cause disease
Side effects/adverse reactions: Hives, Headache, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Dizziness, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath, Decreased Urination, Pale skin
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor for signs and symptoms of viral infection.
Assess the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in treating the infection.
Educate the patient about proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of viral infections.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify the specific virus causing the infection.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for changes in white blood cell count, which may indicate response to infection.
Drug Examples:
Acyclovir
Oseltamivir
Ribavirin
Ganciclovir
Sofosbuvir
Classification: Corticosteroids
Action: to switch off multiple inflammatory genes that have been activated during the chronic inflammatory process.
Uses: reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system
Side effects/adverse reactions: High blood pressure, Weight gain
Mood Changes, Insomnia, Infection, Osteoporosis
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor for signs and symptoms of adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, or hyperglycemia.
Assess for signs of infection, as corticosteroids can mask symptoms of infection.
Educate the patient about the potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy and the importance of tapering off the medication as directed.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Blood glucose monitoring to assess for hyperglycemia, especially in patients with diabetes or prediabetes.
Bone mineral density (BMD) testing to assess for potential bone loss or osteoporosis with long-term corticosteroid use.
Drug Examples:
Prednisone
Dexamethasone
Hydrocortisone
Methylprednisolone
Fluticasone
Classification: Electrolytes
Action: maintaining electrical neutrality in cells and generating and conducting action potentials in the nerves and muscles
Uses: Balance the amount of water in your body.
Balance your body’s acid/base (pH) level.
Move nutrients into your cells.
Move wastes out of your cells.
Support your muscle and nerve function.
Keep your heart rate and rhythm steady.
Keep your blood pressure stable.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Diarrhea.
Cramps.
Gas formation.
Respiratory depression.
Flushing.
Significant decrease in blood pressure.
Sweating.
Alteration of consciousness.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Monitor electrolyte levels, especially sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Assess for signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalances, such as muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, or neurologic changes.
Lab Tests Required if Needed:
Serum electrolyte panel to assess levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium.
Urinalysis to assess for renal function and electrolyte excretion.
Drug Examples:
Potassium chloride
Sodium bicarbonate
Magnesium sulfate
Calcium gluconate
Zinc sulfate
Classification: Herbal Products
Action: antispasmodics, antimicrobials, carminitives, alteratives, adaptogens, demulcents, vulneraries, and so on. For example, individual antispasmodic herbs might be categorized as having an affinity for a certain organ system or being best suited for a particular quality of spasm.
Uses: treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing
Side effects/adverse reactions: allergic reactions and rashes.
asthma.
headaches.
nausea.
vomiting.
diarrhea.
Nursing implications and lab test/s required
Assess the patient’s use of herbal products and potential interactions with other medications.
Educate the patient about the potential benefits and risks of herbal products, including possible side effects and interactions with prescription medications.
Drug Examples:
Echinacea
Ginkgo biloba
St. John’s wort
Ginseng
Valerian root
