Meds Flashcards

Question

what is the class of Risedronate? indication? 3 common side effects?

Answer 1

Class: Bisphosphonate (a class of drugs that slow down or prevent bone loss) Indications: Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis (especially postmenopausal osteoporosis) Treatment of Paget’s disease of bone Sometimes used to treat osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use Common Side Effects: Gastrointestinal issues: esophageal irritation, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain Musculoskeletal pain (bone, joint, or muscle pain) Headache Rare but serious: osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femur fractures (usually with long-term use)

Answer 2

Here’s the info on **Haldol (haloperidol):** Class: Typical antipsychotic (first-generation antipsychotic) Butyrophenone derivative / for psychosis Indications: * Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders * Acute psychosis * Tourette’s syndrome (to control tics) * Severe behavioral problems (e.g., agitation, delirium) Common Side Effects: * Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) — like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, dystonia * Sedation * Dry mouth * Blurred vision * Constipation * Orthostatic hypotension * Weight gain (less common than with atypical antipsychotics) BIG RISK FOR NMS: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare but serious) (very high temp, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction) older adults have to take HALF the dose so they dont develop this syndrome

Answer 3

Here’s a quick breakdown of **Venlafaxine**: Class: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (**SNRI**) / antidepresssant **Indications: Major depressive disorder * Generalized anxiety disorder * Social anxiety disorder * Panic disorder **Common Side Effects (6):** 1. Nausea 2. Headache 3. Dizziness 4. Insomnia or sleep disturbances 5. Dry mouth 6. Increased blood pressure (especially at higher doses) If you want, I can also explain how it works or what to watch for with this medication!

Answer 4

Class: Mood stabilizer (a type of **alkali metal** used in psychiatry) ; an electrolyte **Indications:** * Bipolar disorder (especially for manic and mixed episodes) * Maintenance treatment to prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder * Sometimes used as augmentation in depression **Common Side Effects (6):** 1. Tremor (fine hand tremors) 2. Increased thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia) 3. Weight gain 4. GI upset (nausea, diarrhea) 5. Cognitive dulling or mild memory issues 6. Hypothyroidism (with long-term use) Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, monitoring blood levels is essential to avoid toxicity. Want me to explain signs of lithium toxicity or monitoring guidelines?

Answer 5

anticoagulant , stops vitamin k from activating adverse affects; bleeding DRUG INTERACTIONS: OTHER ANTIPLATELT AND ANTICOAGULANTS , VITAMIN K

Answer 6

Class: Antimetabolite, Folate antagonist, Also classified as an immunosuppressant Indications: Cancer treatment:** Leukemias, lymphomas, breast cancer, etc. * **Autoimmune conditions:** * Rheumatoid arthritis * Psoriasis * Crohn’s disease (off-label) * Lupus (off-label) * **Ectopic pregnancy** (to terminate early pregnancy non-surgically) - Common Side Effects: 1. **Nausea and vomiting** 2. **Mouth sores (stomatitis)** 3. **Fatigue** 4. **Hair thinning/loss** 5. **Liver toxicity (↑ LFTs)** 6. **Bone marrow suppression** (↓ WBCs, RBCs, platelets — risk of infection, anemia, bleeding) --- 📝 **Important Note:** * **Folic acid** is often given alongside methotrexate (except in cancer treatment) to reduce side effects. * Methotrexate is **teratogenic** — never to be used in pregnancy unless for ectopic pregnancy under medical supervision. Let me know if you want a quick mnemonic or study tip to help remember it

Answer 7

Here’s a quick breakdown of **Adenosine**: --- **Class:** * **Antiarrhythmic** (Class V — miscellaneous) --- **Indication:** Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) (Specifically to **convert PSVT to normal sinus rhythm**) * Used diagnostically during stress testing or to identify certain arrhythmias --- **Common Side Effects:** 1. **Flushing** 2. **Chest discomfort or pain** 3. **Shortness of breath or dyspnea** 4. **Bradycardia or transient asystole** (very brief!) 5. **Lightheadedness or dizziness** 6. **Feeling of impending doom** (yes, this is a known side effect!) --- 📝 **Important Notes:** * It has an **extremely short half-life** (\~10 seconds), so side effects are brief. * Always given **rapid IV push**, followed by a saline flush. * Patient should be monitored on **cardiac monitor** during administration. Let me know if you want a quick trick for remembering when and how it’s used! Here’s a quick breakdown of **Adenosine**:

Answer 8

Here’s a quick breakdown of **atropine**: 📘 **Class:** * **Anticholinergic** (specifically, **antimuscarinic** agent) 💉 **Indications:** * **Bradycardia** (to increase heart rate) * **Preoperative medication** (to reduce salivation and secretions) * **Organophosphate poisoning** (as an antidote) * **Ophthalmic use** (to dilate pupils during eye exams or procedures) ⚠️ **Common Side Effects:** * **Dry mouth** * **Blurred vision** * **Photophobia** (light sensitivity) * **Tachycardia** (fast heart rate) * **Urinary retention** * **Constipation** * **Confusion**, especially in older adults Let me know if you need this in a table or flashcard format!

Answer 9

Here’s a breakdown of **amiodarone**: 📘 **Class:** * **Antiarrhythmic** agent — **Class III** (potassium channel blocker) *(though it has properties of all 4 Vaughan-Williams classes)* --- 💉 **Indications:** * **Ventricular arrhythmias** (e.g. ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) * **Atrial fibrillation** (especially for rhythm control) --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects:** * **Pulmonary toxicity** (e.g. interstitial pneumonitis → can be life-threatening) * **Thyroid dysfunction** (either hypo- or hyperthyroidism — contains iodine) * **Hepatotoxicity** (liver damage) * **Photosensitivity** and **blue-gray skin discoloration** (especially with long-term use) * **Corneal deposits** (usually asymptomatic) * **Bradycardia and hypotension** (especially with IV use) * **GI upset** (nausea, constipation) --- Let me know if you want an easy mnemonic for this drug — it's high-yield for NCLEX and clinical practice.

Answer 10

Here’s a breakdown of **aminophylline**: --- 📘 **Class:** * **Bronchodilator** * Specifically, a **methylxanthine derivative** (related to **theophylline** — aminophylline is actually a compound of theophylline + ethylenediamine) --- 💉 **Indications:** * **Reversible airway obstruction** due to: * **Asthma** * **Chronic bronchitis** * **Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)** * Sometimes used in **neonatal apnea** (off-label or historically) --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects:** * **Nausea and vomiting** * **Restlessness**, **irritability** * **Insomnia** * **Tachycardia** * **Tremors** * **Headache** 🚨 **Toxicity risk** is **high** with narrow therapeutic index — signs of toxicity can include: * Severe arrhythmias * Seizures * Hypotension --- Let me know if you want a cheat sheet comparing aminophylline vs theophylline!

Answer 11

cardizem, because it slows down the heart rate and convert back to sinus rhythm

Answer 12

**Digoxin** is a **cardiac glycoside**. --- ✅ **Class**: * **Cardiac glycoside** * Also considered a **positive inotrope** and **antiarrhythmic agent** (Class V) --- 🩺 **Indications**: * **Heart failure** (especially with reduced ejection fraction) * **Atrial fibrillation** (to control ventricular rate) --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Bradycardia** * **Nausea/vomiting** * **Anorexia** * **Fatigue/weakness** * **Blurred or yellow vision** (xanthopsia) * **Arrhythmias** (especially with toxicity) --- 💡 Nursing Tip: * **Check apical pulse for 1 full minute** before administration — hold if HR < 60 bpm in adults. * Monitor **digoxin levels** (therapeutic: \~0.5–2.0 ng/mL). * Increased risk of toxicity with **hypokalemia**, **hypomagnesemia**, or **renal dysfunction**. Let me know if you want a memory trick to remember its signs of toxicity!

Answer 13

**Fentanyl** is a **potent opioid analgesic**. --- ✅ **Class**: * **Opioid agonist** * Specifically, a **Schedule II controlled substance** --- 🩺 **Indications**: * **Severe pain**, especially in: * Cancer patients (chronic pain management) * Postoperative settings * Anesthesia adjunct * **Breakthrough pain** in opioid-tolerant patients --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Respiratory depression** (most serious) * **Sedation** * **Constipation** * **Nausea/vomiting** * **Bradycardia** * **Hypotension** * **Confusion** or dizziness * **Tolerance/dependence** --- 💡 Nursing Tips: * **Monitor respiratory rate** closely (hold if RR < 12/min). * **Use naloxone (Narcan)** as an antidote for overdose. * When using patches: **apply to non-irritated skin**, rotate sites, and dispose of properly (fold and flush). Let me know if you want to compare it with morphine or other opioids!

Answer 14

**Vancomycin** is a **glycopeptide antibiotic**. --- ✅ **Class**: * **Glycopeptide antibiotic** --- 🩺 **Indications**: * Serious **Gram-positive bacterial infections**, including: * **MRSA** (methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus*) * **C. difficile colitis** (oral vancomycin) * **Endocarditis** * **Osteomyelitis** * **Pneumonia** and **skin/soft tissue infections** caused by resistant organisms --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Nephrotoxicity** * **Ototoxicity** (especially with high levels or rapid infusion) * **“Red man syndrome”** – flushing, rash, hypotension (from rapid IV infusion) * **Thrombophlebitis** at IV site * **Neutropenia or eosinophilia** (less common) --- 💡 Nursing Tips: * **Infuse slowly** (over at least 60 minutes) to prevent red man syndrome. * Monitor **trough levels** (usually before 4th dose) — target: 10–20 mcg/mL. * Assess **renal function** (BUN, creatinine) regularly. * Ensure **peak/trough levels** are drawn correctly if ordered. Let me know if you want a quick chart of high-risk antibiotics or how to remember red man syndrome!

Answer 15

**Methylprednisolone** is a **corticosteroid** (specifically, a **glucocorticoid**). --- Class: Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid --- 🩺 **Indications**: Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions**, such as: * Asthma or COPD exacerbations * Rheumatoid arthritis * Lupus (SLE) * Allergic reactions * Multiple sclerosis flare-ups * Certain cancers * **Immunosuppression** (e.g., after transplant) * **Cerebral edema** or spinal cord injury (IV form) --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Hyperglycemia** * **Increased risk of infection** * **GI upset** (nausea, peptic ulcers) * **Insomnia** * **Mood changes** (euphoria, irritability, anxiety) * **Fluid retention** → edema, hypertension * **Osteoporosis** (with long-term use) * **Cushingoid appearance** (moon face, buffalo hump, weight gain) --- 💡 Nursing Tips: * Give **with food** to reduce GI upset. * Monitor **blood glucose**, especially in diabetics. * **Taper slowly** if used long-term to avoid adrenal insufficiency. * Monitor for **signs of infection** (can be masked). * Avoid live vaccines while on high-dose steroids. Let me know if you’d like a mnemonic for corticosteroid side effects!

Answer 16

**Sertraline** is a **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)**. --- ✅ **Class**: * **SSRI antidepressant** --- 🩺 **Indications**: * **Major depressive disorder (MDD)** * **Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)** * **Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)** * **Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)** * **Panic disorder** * **Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)** * **Social anxiety disorder** --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Nausea** * **Headache** * **Insomnia** or drowsiness * **Sexual dysfunction** (decreased libido, delayed orgasm) * **Increased sweating** * **Dry mouth** * **Weight changes (usually mild)** * **GI upset** (diarrhea or constipation) --- 🚨 **Serious Side Effects** (though less common): * **Serotonin syndrome** (especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs) * Symptoms: agitation, confusion, sweating, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever * **Suicidal thoughts/behaviors** (especially in adolescents/young adults) * **Withdrawal symptoms** if stopped abruptly (dizziness, irritability, flu-like symptoms) --- 💡 Nursing Tips: * Takes **4–6 weeks** to reach full effect. * Best taken **in the morning** if it causes insomnia. * **Do not stop abruptly** — taper under medical supervision. * Educate patients about **delayed onset** and **watching for mood changes**. Let me know if you’d like a chart comparing SSRIs!

Answer 17

**Albuterol** is a **short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA).** --- ✅ **Class**: * **Beta-2 agonist** * Specifically, a **short-acting bronchodilator** --- 🩺 **Indications**: * **Bronchospasm relief** in: * **Asthma** * **Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)** * **Exercise-induced bronchospasm** --- ⚠️ **Common Side Effects**: * **Tremors** * **Tachycardia** * **Palpitations** * **Nervousness or anxiety** * **Headache** * **Dizziness** * **Throat irritation** or **dry mouth** --- 💡 Nursing Tips: * **Onset**: \~5 minutes; **duration**: 4–6 hours * Use **before** inhaled corticosteroids to open airways * Educate on **proper inhaler technique** * Monitor for **paradoxical bronchospasm** (rare but serious) * Overuse can lead to **reduced effectiveness** and increased side effects Let me know if you want a quick comparison between albuterol and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol!

Answer 18

digoxin 2. bradycardia fentanyl 5. drowsiness lithium - 4. paresthesia (feeling itching etc) (oocurs with ALL electrolyte imbalances) vancomycin - 3. "red man" syndrome ; facial flushing red rash , hypotension etc when infusing vanco methylprednisone - 4. hyperglycemia adenosine - 8. asystole (THEN SINUS NOTE PICKING BACK UP) sertraline - 6. xerostomia (dry mouth) MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF ANY PSYCH DRUG albuterol - 1. tachycardia

Answer 19

benzodiazapines - anti anxiety meds they are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures

Answer 20

anything over 2 meq/dL

Answer 21

anythign over 20 md/dL

Answer 22

anythign over 2 md/dL

Answer 23

anything over 20 mg/dL

Answer 24

potassium and norepinephere

Answer 25

Ataxia (clumsy movements) Tremor Hyperreflexia

Answer 26

antibiotic for moderate to severe infections Adverse effects: anaphylaxis— Cliff - diarrhea Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia (especially with prolonged use) Renal toxicity Seizures (rare, usually in patients with renal dysfunction or high doses)

Answer 27

Adverse affect, it can signal an allergic reaction

Answer 28

GI symptoms - N/V/D and headaches

Answer 29

smoking cessation aid side effects: Nausea (most common, dose-dependent) Headache Insomnia Abnormal/vivid dreams Constipation or gas adverse effects: Neuropsychiatric symptoms: mood changes, depression, suicidal thoughts/behavior Cardiovascular risk: slight concern in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (data mixed) Seizures (rare, more likely in patients with seizure history or certain risk factors) Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, angioedema (rare) Renally cleared – dosage adjustment needed in renal impairment

Answer 30

for an enlarged prostate Common Side Effects: Decreased libido Erectile dysfunction Ejaculation disorders (reduced volume or delay) Gynecomastia or breast tenderness adverse effects: sexual dysfunction prostate cancer DONT HANDLE IF PREGNANT

Answer 31

indication: erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension side effects that actually are: visual disturbances Adverse Effects / Warnings: Hypotension (especially if taken with nitrates — contraindicated due to risk of severe hypotension) Priapism (painful erection >4 hours — rare but medical emergency) Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — sudden vision loss (rare) Hearing loss (rare) Avoid with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide): severe hypotension risk Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disease Metabolized by CYP3A4 — interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)

Meds Flashcards

(56 cards)