Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use

Cholinergic Agonist Bethanechol Urecholine To Treat Urinary

Retention; GERD

Cholinergic Agonist Pilocarpine Glaucoma

Cholinergic Agonist Acetylcholine Miochol-E Rapid Miosis, Pupil
Constriction
Cholinergic Agonist Cevimeline Evoxac Xerostomia/Dry Mouth

Anticholinergic Atropine Increase HR (main

usage); decrease gland
secretions, relaxation of
bronchi, decrease tone
of bladder & GI tract,
Mydriasis

Anticholinergic Scopolamine Motion Sickness

Anticholinergic Ipratropium Bromide Atrovent Maintenance of COPD ad
asthma, short onset &
long action
Anticholinergic Dicyclomine Spastic Colon
Anticholinergic Oxybutynin Ditropan OAB
Anticholinergic Darifenacin Enablex OAB
Anticholinergic Tolterodine Detrol OAB
Anticholinergic Solifenacin Vesicare OAB

Acetylcholinesterase Physostigmine Treatment of

Inhibitor anticholinergic overdose

Neuromuscular Blocking Tubocurarine - Long Conjunction with

Agent Acting ventilatory support
Neuromuscular Blocking Pancuronium - Pavulon Prior to intubation
Agent Intermediate
Neuromuscular Blocking Vecuronium - Norcuron Muscle relaxation during
Agent Intermediate surgery

Neuromuscular Blocking Succinylcholine - Ultra Anectine Electroshock Therapy

Agent Short Acting
Alpha 1 Agonist See Neurotransmitters Treatment of
Below Hypotension, production
of hemostasis, reduce
nasal congestion (by
vasoconstricting dilated
blood vessels in the
nose) and treatment of
Miosis

Alpha 2 Agonist Clonidine Catapres Weekly Transdermal

Patch - HTN

Alpha 2 Agonist Guanabenz Wytensin HTN

Alpha 2 Agonist Guanfacine Tenex HTN

 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
Alpha 2 Agonist Methldopa Aldomet HTN

Adrenergic Antagonist - Pentolamine Tx of

Alpha Blocker (ARB) Pheochromocytoma
Adrenergic Antagonist - Phenoxybenzamine Tx of
Alpha Blocker (ARB) pheochromocytoma
Adrenergic Antagonist - Doxazosin Cardura BPH/HTN
Alpha Blocker (ARB)
Adrenergic Antagonist - Prazosin Minipress BPH/HTN
Alpha Blocker (ARB)
Adrenergic Antagonist - Terazosin Hytrin BPH/HTN
Alpha Blocker (ARB)
Adrenergic Antagonist - Tamsulosin Flomax BPH
Alpha Blocker (ARB)
Beta1 Adrenergic Agonist See Neurotransmitters Primary use is during
Below Cardiac Arrest - Beta1
activation increases HR.
Also used in Heart
Failure, Shock & AV
block
Beta 2 Adrenergic Albuterol - DOC Proventil, Ventolin Tx of bronchospasm
Agonist associated with asthma,
Beta 2 Adrenergic Metaproterenol Metaprel Bronchitis and COPD
Agonist
Beta 2 Adrenergic Maxair Inhaler
Agonist
Beta 2 Adrenergic Serevent Inhaler Long Acting Inhaler - 12
Agonist hr - treats allergen,
exercise or histamine
induced bronchospasms
Beta 2 Adrenergic Terbutaline Brethine Inhibits Uterine
Agonist Contractions
1st Generation Non Nadolol Corgard HTN, Angina, Cardiac
Selective Beta Blockers Dysrhythmias & MI

1st Generation Non Pindolol Visken Heart Failure, Migraine,

Selective Beta Blockers Stage Fright,
Pheochromocytoma,
Glaucoma
1st Generation Non Propanolol Inderal
Selective Beta Blockers
1st Generation Non Timolol Blocadren
Selective Beta Blockers
****Blocks both Beta1 &
Beta 2***
 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
2nd Generation Selective Atenolol Tenormin HTN, Angina, MI
Beta 1 Blocker prophylaxis (prevention)

2nd Generation Selective Betaxolol Kerlone

Beta 1 Blocker
2nd Generation Selective Esmolol Brevibloc
Beta 1 Blocker
2nd Generation Selective Acebutolol Sectral
Beta 1 Blocker

2nd Generation Selective Metoprolol Lopressor

Beta 1 Blocker
3rd Generation Beta Nebivolol Bystolic Vasodilation - HTN with
Blockers dilation of blood vessels

3rd Generation Beta Darvedilol Coreg

Blockers

3rd Generation Beta Labetalol Normodyne

Blockers
Neurotransmitter Epinephrine Adrenalin Treats Hypotension,
Causes Mydriasis,
causes bronchodilation,
is used in conjunction
with local anesthetics &
in the case of
anaphylactic shock

Neurotransmitter Norepinephrine Levophed Utilized with cardiac

arrest, AV block,
hypotension and
decreased organ
perfusion

Neurotransmitter Dopamine Primarily for shock - at

moderate doses can
activate Beta1 which
increases cardiac output
& increases tissue
perfusion and increases
urine output. Also used
in heart failure and
acute renal failure
 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
Neurotransmitter Dobutamine Used primarily for heart
failure

Nicotine Treatment of addiction -

Patches (contraindicated
with HTN, HG, PVD -
usually works best with
behavior mod Tx); Gum -
park & chew; Nicotine
Inhaler; Nasal spray

Meds for Parkinson's Levodopa Dopar, Larodopa Parkinsons

Disease

Meds for Parkinson's Levodopa plus Carbidopa Sinemet Parkinsons

Disease

Dopamine Agonist Ropinirole Requip Parkinsons

Dopamine Agonist Bromocriptine Parlodel Parkinsons

Cholinesterase Inhibitor Donepezil Aricept Alzheimers
Memantine Namenda Alzheimers

NSAID Treatment Ibuprofen, Alzheimers

Naproxyn
ASA Treatment Alzheimers
 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
Anticonvulsant Phenytoin Dilantin Epilepsy - often used for
Grand Mal

Barbituate Phenobarbital Luminal Epilepsy

Benzodiazepines Clonazepam Klonopin Epilepsy

Benzodiazepines Diazepam Valium Epilepsy - Main Tx for
status epilepticus and
for severe recurrent
convulsive seizures

Succinimides Ethosuximide Zarontin Epilepsy - DOC for

absence seizures

Anticonvulsant Carbamazepine Tegretol & Epilepsy - effective with

Carbatrol partial seizures &
tonic/clonic seizures
Anticonvulsant Valproic Acid Depakene, All forms of seizures +
Depakote Migraine therapy

Anticonvulsant Lamotrigine Lamictal Seizure

Anticonvulsant Gabapentin Neurontin Seizure
Magnesium Sulfate Seizures in Pregnancy -
preeclampsia, eclampsia

Anticonvulsant General Nursing

Considerations

Inhalation Anesthetic Nitrous Oxide Laughing Gas Dental Procedures,

minor surgeries
Inhalation Anesthetic Halothane Fluothane
 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
IV Anesthetic - Short Sodium pentathol
Acting Barbituate
IV Anesthetic - Diazepam Valium Antianxiety
Benzodiazepine
IV Anesthetic - Midazolam Versed Antianxiety
Benzodiazepine
IV Anesthetic - Ativan
Benzodiazepine
IV Anesthetic - Propofol Diprivan
sedative/hypnotic
Narcotic Analgesics Morphine, Pre-Anesthetic
Demerol adjunctive - reduce
anxiety & pain
Anti-Nausea Phenergen Nausea
Neuromuscular Blocking Succinylcholine - Ultra Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Agent Short Acting
Local Anesthetic Procaine Novocain

Local Anesthetic Lidocaine Xylocaine

Injectible Anesthesia Conduction Block

Injectible Anesthesia Epidural Block Causes loss of sensation

- keeps motor skills
intact
Injectible Anesthesia Spinal Block Causes pain & motor
function to cease

Opioid Agonist Analgesic Morphine - main drug in Indicated for severe

class cardiac pain - Utilized in
cardiac pt due to
vasodilation properties
Opioid Agonist Analgesic Meperidine Demerol This helps decrease
heart's workload
Opioid Agonist Analgesic Methadone Dolophine and increase oxygen
available

Opioid Agonist Analgesic Fentanyl Sublimaze,

Duragesic

Opioid Agonist Analgesic Hydromorphone Dilaudid

Opioid Agonist- Pentazocine Talwin Pain
Antagonist
Opioid Agonist- Butorphanol Stadol Pain
Antagonist
 Class of Drug Generic Drug Name Brand Name Use
Opioid Antagonist Naloxone Narcan OD/Suicide attempts, to
reverse post-op effects
of analgesice, to reverse
potentially life
threatening AR's
Non-Opioid Analgesic Tramadol Ultram Mild to moderate pain;
used for acute/chronic
pain

Non-Opioid Analgesic Clonidine Duraclon

Benzodiazepines Lorazepam Ativan Main indications:

anxiety, disorders,
Benzodiazepines Temazepam Restoril alcohol withdrawal, pre-
Benzodiazepines Alprazolam Xanax op sedation, insomnia,
Benzodiazepines Triazolam Halcion seizure disorders &
Benzodiazepines Diazepam Valium neuromuscular
Benzodiazepines Midazolam Versed diseases
Benzodiazepines Clonazepam Klonopin
Benzodiazepine-like Zolpiden Ambien Insomnia
Antianxiety,
SSRI's Fluoxetine Prozac Antidepression
Antianxiety,
SSRI's Setraline Zoloft Antidepression
Antianxiety,
SSRI's Paroxetine Paxil Antidepression
Antianxiety,
SSRI's Citalopram Celexa Antidepression
Barbituates Pentobarbital Nembutal Adjunctive therapy to
anesthesia to hep relax
Barbituates Secobarbital Seconal pre-op. Seizure
disorders. Insomnia
Barbituates Phenobarbital (benzos have replaced in
most cases).
Anxiety/nervousness -
produce drowsiness in
most cases
Atypical Agents Clozapine Clozaril Schizophrenia
Atypical Agents Risperidone Risperdal Schizophrenia
Atypical Agents Olanzapine Zyprexa Schizophrenia
Atypical Agents Quetiapine Seroquel Schizophrenia
Atypical Agents Ziprasidone Geodon Schizophrenia
Atypical Agents Aripiprazole Abilify Schizophrenia
Typical Agent Haloperidol Haldol Schizophrenia
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations
Increases urinary Take HR before admin; Drug will
excretion - have bedpan Decrease BP
ready
Raise pt head when treating GERD HR, increases exocrine gland secretion
With eyedrops, press down on tear (sweating, salivation), increases bronchial
duct for absorption
Keep atropine on hand when using contraction (constriction of bronchi,
Cholinergic Agonists; record fluid increased tone/motility of GI smooth muscle
intake/output; identify high risk
patients - contraindication with
PUD, urinary tract and GI
obstruction, hypotension, asthma,
hyperthroidism
Dry mouth, blurred Atropine is the antidote to the
vision, elevated cholinergics; it is the main drug in action of acetylcholine at the muscarinic
intraocular pressure, the anticholinergic class, kept on
urinary retention, crash cart; contraindicated in pt
constipation, tachycardia, with glaucoma, urinary tract
asthma exacerbation obstruction and tachycardia.
Use with caution in asthma
Side effects of the anticholinergics
are also found in antihistimines,
antipsychotics, tricyclic anti-
depressants, urinary bladder
retention drugs & GI
antispasmodics
Physostigmine causes the build up
of Ach - this counteracts the
poisoning which comes from a lack
of Ach - can also use activated
charcoal
Prolonged Apnea, Pt is awake but cannot
Malignant Hyperthermia move/breath
Post-op pain; Sedative needs to be given as well
Hyperkalemia
Respiratory Never give these meds without
Depression/Arrest, intubation. Never give off the
Hypotension surgical or IC floor.
Bradycardia, Cardiac
Arrest
Profuse body-wide
vasoconstriction
(increases BP,
constriction of blood
vessels). Produces
Mydriasis (can see
far/not near)
Side effects for the group Nonselective - class has been
are centrally acting- replaced with Beta Blockers and
depression Alpha 1 Blockers
Less side effects and more
selective
Other Comments
The muscarinic receptors are located in the Yes
sweat glands, blood vessels & all organs
regulated by the PSNS. Activation reduces
Yes
Yes
secretions, produces smooth muscle
Yes
& bladder) and causes Miosis/Cxn of the
ciliary muscles
Muscarinic Antagonists - these will block the Yes
sites. They have the opposite effect of
muscarinic agonists
Yes
Treatment includes IBS, PUD, Parkinson's, Yes
Antispasmodic, motion sickness with N/V &
OAB
Yes
Also used to treat gastritis, diverticulitic Yes
ulcerative colitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis No
Parkinson's disease No
No
Treatment of antimuscarinic poisoning - Yes
anticholinergic OD - minimize absorption of
agent & administer an antidote…use charcoal
These block acetylcholine from activating No
Nicotinicm receptors. The result is profuse
body-wide smooth muscle relaxation Yes
(paralysis) and hypotension
No
Yes
Alpha 2 stimulated in the periphery has Yes
minimal consenquences. Alpha 2 stimulated
in the CNs will lead to a reduction of
sympathetic outflow to the heart and blood No
vessels. This ill lead to a blockage of Alpha1
stimulation & will result in VASODILATION No
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
Methyldopa specific - in the periphery…The end result is Yes
depression, drowsiness, Hypotension, Analgesia (pain relief -
severe hypotension, produced by dilation of blood vessels in the
hepatotoxicity, anemia, brain)
hepatic necrosis
This class treats essential This class is utilized primarily to block No
hypertension, pheochromocytoma Alpha1 response or to cause vasodilation.
Raynaud's disease & BPH Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Increase HR & Strength of Cardiac

Contractions

Many forms - less side effects -
Nebulizer - breathing Tx
Beta 2 activation - dilation of bronchial Yes
smooth muscle; relaxation of uterine
muscle; activation of glycogenolysis - Yes
primarily used for asthma & delay of
preterm labor….Inhaled delivery systems Yes
include Aerochamber, InsirEase & Rotohaler
Yes

Yes

Adverse Effects of Beta 1 -Administer cautiously in patients Therapeutic effects come from blockade of Yes
Bradycardia, Reduced with DM, CHF or COPD…Administer Beta1 receptors in heart - adverse effects
CO, Precipitation of HF, carefully in pt with HB - hold dose come from blockage of both Beta 1 & Beta 2
AV Heart Block & & notify MD with HR<60 or
Rebound Cardiac SBP<90
Excitation
Adverse Effects of Beta 2 -Pt should avoid abrupt stoppage of Yes
Bronchoconstriction, Beta-Blockers
Inhibition of
Glycogenolysis
Serum glucose effects, No
respiratory effects
Primary drug class of choice for treating No
HTN. Tx is primarily due to Beta1 blockade
which reduces HR; reduces force of
Cx;reduces velocity of impulse conduction
through the atrioventricular node. Beta
Blockers are useful in a variety of CV
disorders
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
Bradycardia, reduced CO, Administer cautiously in pt with Primary drug class of choice for treating Yes
AV heart block, rebound CHF or COPD - pt should avoid HTN. Tx is primarily due to Beta1 blockade
cardiac excitation; does abrupt stoppage of Beta Blockers which reduces HR; reduces force of
not cause Cx;reduces velocity of impulse conduction
bronchoconstriction or thru the AV Node. Useful for a variety of CV
glycogenolyis so DOC in disorders
asthmatics and diabetics

No

No

Because of Selectivity from Beta 2 blockers - Yes

not likely to cause glycogenolysis or
bronchoconstriction
By blocking renal Beta 1 receptorc, causes Yes
suppression of secretion of Renin
Cardiac failure, severe Administer cautiously in pt with Third generation beta blockers cause Yes
bradycardia, heart block, CHF or COPD - pt should avoid vasodilation - they block Beta1, Beta2 and
acute angina attacks, abrupt stoppage of Beta Blockers Alpha 1 receptors
myocardial infarction,
PVD, elevated LDL &
triglyceride levels
Fatigue, sexual Yes
dysfunction, OD, suicide
attempts, respiratory
effects
Yes

Hypertensive Crisis, Use Epi with great caution in Stimulates Alpha1, Alpha2, Beta1, Beta2 Yes
cardiac dysrhythmias, patients with cardiac
angina pectoris, dysrhythmias, heart disease,
hyperglycemia, necrosis angina, diabetes & HTN. Drug
via extravasation (due to interactions include
impact of antidepressants & anesthetics.
vasoconstriction) Double check strength of Epi
according to indication for use.
Monitor CV status continuously
Similar to epinephrine Stimulates Alpha1, Alpha2, Beta1 - similar to Yes
but does not cause epinephrine but does not stimulate Beta2
hyperglycemia - can (which is responsible for the fight/flight
cause loss of peripheral syndrome) - uses are due to the profuse
limb due to profuse vasoconstriction that results
vasoconstriction
Full assessment of cardiac Stimulates Dopaminergic, Beta1, Alpha1 - at Yes
hemodynamic & renal status. low doses acts on dopamine receptors only
Monitor continuously throughout (renal perfusion), at moderate doses acts of
treatment. Therapeutic goal is to dopamine & Beta1 receptors & at high
imrove hemodynamic status in pt dosages Alpha1 is added to the mix.
with shock or heart failure. Low dose=0.5mcg-2mcg; Moderate dose=2-
Dopamine is contraindicated with 10 mcg; High dose>10mcg
tachydysrhythmias & ventricular
fibrillation. Use with caution in pt
with angina, antidepressents and
general anesthetics. Use IV set to
control flow rate
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
Tachycardia & Full assessment of cardiac Activates Beta1 Yes
Exacerbation of heart hemodynamic & renal
failure status…monitor continuously
throughout treatment. Use with
caution in pt with angina,
antidepressants & general
anesthetics. Adjust infusion rate
based on CV response
Increases HR, BP, Cardiac Chantix can also be used - it Activates nicotinic receptors at low doses Yes
work. GI - increases contains no nicotine & is the most (smoking) & blocks nicotinic receptors at
gastric secretions, tone & effective pharmacologic aid to high doses. Area of absorption depends on
motility of GI smooth smoking cessation delivery system - smoking=pulmonary; cigar
muscle. Can promote & smokeless tobacco=oral cavity. Nicotine
vomiting. CNS effects - crosses cell membranes & is easily
CNS stimulant - termors, distributed throughout the body. Crosses
alertness, facilitates placental & mammary barriers & can be fatal
memory, improves to fetus & harmful to child - causes
cognitive function, rapid/profuse release of norepinephrine
reduces aggression & throughout the body.
suppresses appetite

N/V, Dyskinesias, DOC - 65% experience a 50% reduction in No

Postural Hopotension S&S…A Dx of PD should ? If a positive
(can be helped by response to this drug is not shown.
increase in Na & H20 Complete effect may take several months &
intake), Psychosis (20%), only lasts a few years. Decline in functioning
Dark Sweat & Urine. is usually due to progression of PD & not a
With LT usage there may tolerance to the med
be an increase in SE with
a noted decrease in
therapeutic effect taking
pt off med for a few days
may alleviate this
problem but carries risk.
Contraindicated for pt
with malignant
melanoma

NV, Dyskinesias, 1st generation antipsychotics
Dysrhythmias, should be avoided but 2nd
Orthostatic Hypotension, generation can minimize
Psychosis psychosis, high protein meals
should be avoided
Carbidopa enhances effects of levodopa - Yes
makes it more available within CNS. Most
effective drug therapy today. Dosage can be
reduced which may decrease some side
effect but enhance others
The Dopamine agonists directly activate the
dopamine receptors - used primarily in pt
with mild to moderate S&S - Considered the
1st line med but less effective than
Levodopa but without the bad side effects
No
Yes
Used for moderate to severe AD - helps the Yes
effects of glutamate (a CNS excitatory
transmitter) which can enhance learning and
memory
Possible protective mechanisms - studies No
ongoing
Gound to be effective yet not as great as No
NSAIDs
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
CNS SE/AR - sedation, Many med interactions exist - a Method of Action - Suppression of Na influx Yes
nystagmus, ataxia thorough med history is
(staggered gate) Diplopia imperitive. Suspension form must
(double vision), Cognitive be shaken vigorously - The
impairment. Gum expected outcome is no or greatly
(gingival) hyperplasia - reduced frequency of seizure
swelling, tenderness, activity. Patient Education - do
bleeding of gums - not double up on dose, do not stop
occurs in 20% of pt; med abruptly, call MD if rash
Skin Rash develops, Do not operate heavy
machinery, elderly may require
smaller doses due to slower
hepatic matabolism
Do not operate heavy machinery, No
lower doses at extreme ages, oral
BC pill may be rendered
ineffective, dosage should be as
low as possible
Benzodiazepines appear to work by Yes
Can cross placental Do not withdraw abruptly suppressing seizure activity Yes
barrier (causes cleft lip).
Caution with heavy
activities due to CNS
depression
Drowsiness, fatigue, Monitor for blood dyscrasias Works by increasing seizure threshold & Yes
dizziness, tongue edema, (breakdown of blood cells), hepatic decreasing nerve impulses
psychosis and renal functioning. Never
withdraw suddenly. Call physician
if rash develops
Not effective with absence seizures Works by suppressing high-frequency Yes
- petit mal neuronal discharge

Works by suppressing neuronal firing by Yes

blocking sodium channels, suppressing
calcium influx & may help promote GABA
influence
Yes
Yes
Crosses placental varrier Should not be used in presence of Works to stop premature labor by acting as a Yes
& reduces reflexes - can heart block, heart damage, renal uterine agent
cause respiratory failure. Do not use within 2 hours
depression of birth unless absolutely
necessary
Use holistic approach,
Continuously monitor effectiveness
& SE, Continuously monitor for
frequency, duration & intensity of
seizures, encourage a stress free
environment, monitor plasma drug
levels as needed - ensure
adequate seizure coverage
Only gas in use Yes

May sensitize Volatile liquid Yes

myocardium, therefore
intra-op and post-op
monitor for cardiac
dysrhythmias
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
Recovery may result with Rapid Onset No
shivering/trembling
A non-barbituate anesthetic Yes

hiccups Yes

Mild Yes

Respiratory depression, Can cause bacterial infection No

hypotension
Yes

Yes
Yes

With enough absorption
into systemic circulation -
can cause CNS
delays/problems -
respiratory depression,
bradycardia, heart block,
hopotension & allergic
reaction
Assess for local irritation,
systemic toxicity, CV
effects & CNS problems
Local anesthetics are often given
with vasoconstrictor (epinephrine)
to help decrease local blood flow &
delay system absorption of
anesthetic. Local anesthetics can
be injected, applied topically or
inhaled
Nurse should assess patient for
past responses to anesthetic.
Continuously assess pain,
consciousness & ABCs. Use
minimal amounts to achieve
anesthesia. Have resuscitative
equipment nearby at all times.
Local anesthetics are injected into tissue to Yes
produce an immediate localized effect. May
be injected in/around nerve to effect larger
region of body (epidural, spinal). Stop
axonal conduction by blocking sodium
channels.
Local anesthetics are nonselective - they can Yes
block both sensory & motor neurons
Injected into vicinity of nerve trunk to inhibit
conduction of impulses to/from area supplied
by nerve
Injected into epidural space (lies just outside
sub-arachnoid space)

Produced by gravity drainage - if Injected into sub-arachnoid space

med reaches top of head, a severe
HA, N&V & backache postop

Seizures, Pruritus, Skin Can be administered orally, IM, IV, Yes

rash, Facial edema, SQ, Epidurally, Intrathecally,
Breathing difficulties, rectally. Baseline assessment of
Respiratory depression, pain level before admin and one
Confusion, Tachycardia, hour later. Determine location, Need to know them all-they are all Yes
Vertigo, faintness, time of onset & quality of pain. commonly used
light-headedness, Assess for factors that can Yes
Fatigue, sleepiness, increase pain; depression &
anxiety. Measure respiratory rate
N&V, increased sweating, blood pressure, pulse. Dose is Yes
constipation & adjusted per Physician's order to
hypotension meet individual needs.
Yes
Most patient's are taking an OTC This class will bind with kappa receptors and Yes
analgesic for everyday problems. therefore produce analgesic relief that will
Make sure you check for OD not be as strong as the opiod agonists. No
possibilities due to combinations & SE/AR are not as strong along with addictive
adverse drug reactions properties.
 SE/AR Nursing Considerations Other Comments
Can precipitate withdrawal The antidote No
symptoms in pt who is physically
dependent on opioid. In adults for
OD, give .4-2 mg IV q2-3" up to
10 mg then reevaluate the pt
Do not cause respiratory depression, Yes
dependence or abuse. They are not
controlled under the Controlled Substance
Act.
Can cause CNS A2 No
stimulation - possible
hypotension
drowsiness, hiccups Older adults should be monitored Careful titration to meet the needs of each Yes
(Versed), loss of for paradoxical reactions - client. If depression accompanies anxiety,
dexterity, dry mouth, increased excitability, rage, renal function closely. Watch for S/S Yes
N&V, HA, constipation, hostility, confusion & of tolerance, dependency & withdrawal Yes
dizziness. Be hallucinations problems Yes
cautious with any Yes
other CNS depressant Yes
Yes
Well tolerated Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
Ataxia, drowsiness, Monitor for potential dependence, Effect varies from mild sedation to deep
dizziness, hangover tolerance, abuse or misuse. anesthesia No
effect, N&V, insomnia, Assess sleeping pattern. Review Not utilized as analgesics - don't assume
constipation, mental current meds to watch for they will produce restful sleep No
depression, heavy interactions. Continuously monitor Large doses will depress motor cortex of
sedation, night terrors, for SE/Adverse reactions. brain & depress respiratory & vasomotor
Stevens-Johnson's Education for beginning problems centers
syndrome, confusion, with usage.
disorientation

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes