Medication List

***Look up the following medications. For each, you should be familiar with the
following information:
• Classification and action
• Dosage and route
• Indications for use
• Adverse effects (not necessarily ALL, but major negative reactions)
• Nursing Considerations

** Students are responsible for medications from previous lectures

FLUIDS & ELECTROLYTES

Loop Diuretics – inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of
Henle – promotes the excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium and water.
• furosemide
• Bumetanide

Thiazide and Thiazidelike Diuretics – promotes the excretion of sodium, chloride,

potassium and water by decreasing absorption in the distal tubule.
• chlorothiazide
• hydrochlorothiazide, (*HCTZ - not an acceptable abbreviation)

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics – promotes excretion of sodium and water by

inhibiting sodium-potassium exchange in the distal tubule. 1. spironolactone

Potassium Sources – rapidly absorbed in GI tract

• potassium chloride
• potassium gluconate

Hyperkalemia – Cation-Exchange Resin – exchanges sodium or calcium for potassium

in the large intestines
• sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
• sorbital – given with sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate to promote bowel
elimination

Calcium Sources – in the presence of Vitamin D is well absorbed in GI tract.

• calcium gluconate
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium carbonate

Hypercalcemia – lower serum calcium levels

1. calcitonin – promotes uptake of calcium into bones
SHOCK
Adrenergics (Sympathomimetics) – selectively stimulates alpha-adrenergic and
betaadrenergic receptors.
 • Vasoconstrictors
• norepinephrine

• Inotropes – increases force and rate of myocardial contraction

• dopamine
• dobutamine
• isoproterernol

Vasodilators – drugs that cause vasodilatation by acting directly on smooth muscles

affecting both arterioles and veins.

• nitroglycerin
• nitroprusside

BURNS
1. Topical Anti-microbial Agents
• silversulfadiazine Cream
• silver nitrate solution
• bacitracin ointment
• gentamycin sulfate cream

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Anti-Tuberculosis Medications
• isoniazid - inhibits cell wall synthesis and interfers with metabolism
• rifampin - inhibits RNA synthesis
• pyrazinamide -
• ethambutol - inhibits growth of mycobacteria
• streptomycin

Asthma/COPD

• Adrenergic Stimulants – affect sympathetic receptors in respiratory tract,

resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.
• epinephrine
• isoproternol
• metaproternol
• albuterol
• pirbuterol
• salmeterol

• Methylxanthines – relaxes bronchial smooth muscle

• theophylline
• aminophylline

• Anticholinergics – bronchodilator that blocks the input from parasympathetic

nervous system
 • ipratropiium bromide
• atropine sulfate

• Corticosteroids – Anti-inflammatory
• budesonide
• beclomethasone dipropionate
• truancubakibe acetibude
• flunisolide
• fluticasone
• dexamethasone sodium phosphate
• prednisone
• cortisone acetate
• hydrocortisone

• Mast Cell Stabilizers – Inhibit inflammation by blocking early and late

responses to inhaled antigens.
• cromolyn sodium

• Leukotriene Modifiers – interferes with the inflammatory process in the

airways.
• Montelukast
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

• Mucolytic Agents – decreases viscosity of mucous and facilitate expectoration

• acetylcysteine

• Antibiotics
• Penicillins – bactericidal and interfere with cell wall synthesis
• Penicillin G ii. Penicillin V
• ampicillin sodium
• amoxicillin
• amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate
• nafcillin

• Cephalosporins – inhibit cell wall synthesis.

• 1st Generation
• cephalexin
• cefazolin
nd
• 2 Generation
• cefaclor
• cefuroxime
• 3rd Generation
• ceftriaxone

• Aminoglycosides – interferes with protein synthesis in the pathogen.

• gentamicin ii. streptomycin

• Fluroquinolones – interferes with DNA replication preventing cell

 reproduction.
• ciprofloxacin
• levofloxacin

• Tetracyclines – interferes with microbial protein synthesis.

• tetracycline HCL

• Macrolides –bacteriosidal in susceptible bacteria.

• erythromycin ii. azithromycin

• Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim – effective against most gram-positive

and many gram-negative organisms.
I. sulfamethoxazole with Trimethoprim

• Antiprotozoal – disrupts DNA or RNA synthesis in protozoa.

• metronidazole
• pentamidine

DVT/Pulmonary Emboli

1. Anti-coagulants
• heparin sodium
• warfarin
• enoxaparin

Anticoagulant Antedotes

• protamine sulfate
• phytonadione (Coumadin antagonist)

CARDIAC DISORDERS
Anteanememic Drug
1. Ferrous sulfate

Anti-hyperetensive Drugs

• Loop Diuretics

• Thiazide and Thiazidelike Diuretics

3. Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

• Beta Blockers – decreases cardiac workload by blocking beta receptors on heart

muscle.
• atenolol
 • metoprolol
• propranolol
• nadolol

• Calcium Channel Blockers – blocks the entry of calcium into cells, increase
myocardial oxygen supply by dilating the coronary arteries and lower vascular
resistance and oxygen demand.
• nifedipine
• diltiazem
• verapamil
• amlodipine

• Ace Inhibitors – prevents conversion of angiotension I to angiotension II (most

powerful vasoconstrictor in body.)
• captopril
• enalpril
• lisinopril

• Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists – selectively blocks the binding of

angiotensin II in the vascular and adrenal tissues by competing directly with
angiotensin II but not inhibiting ACE.
• iosartan

• Central Acting Sympatholytics – acts on central nervous system preventing

reuptake of norepinephrine thus lowering peripheral vascular resistance.
• clonidine
• methyldopa

• Vasodilators – relaxes vascular smooth muscle tone thus reducing total

peripheral resistance.
• hydralazine

10. Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists

• doxazosin
• terazosin

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

• Statins – inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, lowering LDL
synthesis and serum levels
• prevastin
• simvastatin
• atrovastatin

• Bile Acid Sequestrants – lower LDL levels by binding bile acids in the intestine,
reducing its reabsorption and cholesterol production in the liver.
• cholestyramine

• Nicotinic Acid – lowers total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
 • niacin

• Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor – inhibits absorption of cholesterol

by the small intestine
• Ezetimibe

• Fibric Acic Derivates – lowers serum triglyceride levels; have only slight to
modest effect on LDL.
• gemfibrozil
• fenofibrate

Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Hemorheologic Agents – increases flexibility of RBCs & decreases blood viscosity
by inhibiting platelet aggregation
• pentioxifylline

• Antiplatelet Medications
• clopidogrel
• acetylsalicylic acid

Anti-anginal Medications

1. Organic Nitrates – dilates arterial and venous vessels

a. isosorbide dinitrate

Thrombolytic Therapy – dissolves thrombi in coronary arteries and restores myocardial

blood flow.
1. Fibrinolytics
• streptokinase
• tissue plasminogen Activators
• tenecteplase

Cardiac Glycosides – enhances contractility and slows heart rate (positive inotrope
and negative chronotrope) 1. digoxin

Antidysrhythmic Drugs

• atropine sulfate
• epinephrine
• quinidine sulfate
• lidocaine
• amiodarone hydrochloride

Gastrointestinal/Pancreatic/Liver Disorders
Antiemetics

• trimethobenzamide
 • metoclopramide hydrochloride

Antacids
• aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide
• aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone
• aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate
• aluminum hydroxide gel - promotes excretion of phosphorus.

Histamine Receptor Antagonists

• cimetidine
• rantidine
• famotidine
• nizatidine

Proton Pump Inhibitors. – inhibits gastric acid secretions by blocking final transport of
hydrogen ions into the gastric lumen
• omerprazole
• lansoprazole
• pantoprazole sodium
• esomeprazole magnesium

Cytoprotective Agents
1. Prostaglandin analogs – inhibits secretion of gastric acid
• sucralfate
• bismuth subsalicylte

Stool Softeners/ Laxatives

• docusate sodium
• lactulose
• polyethylene glycol solution
• Bulk forming
a. psyllium

Antidirrheal Agents
• lopermide
• attapulgite
• diphenoxyzate and atropine

Antispasmodic Agents
• dicyclomine hydrochloride
• propantheline bromide

Salicylate Compounds/GI Anti-inflammatories – inhibits prostagladin production in

bowel
• sulfasalazine
• mesalamine

Antimicrobial Agents
1. neomycin Sulfate
Pancreatic Enzymes
• pancreatin
• pancrelipase

Peri-Operative
Anti-pyretic/Analgesic
• acetaminophen
• NSAIDS – inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the inflammatory and pain
response.
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• ketoralac
• Opoids –
• codeine
• hydrocodone
• oxycodone & Aspirin
• oxycodone & Acetamophen
• mepheridine
• morphine sulfate
• hydromorphone hydrochloride

Sedation
• midazolam
• diazepam
• lorazepam
• ketamine
• fentanyl

Antispasmotics
• dantrolene sodium

Antihistamines
• diphenhydramine

ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
• Pituitary
• bromocriptine – decreases prolactin levels, suppresses somatropin
(growth hormone) secretion.
• vasopressin – synthetic anti-diuretic hormone (ADH).
• chlorpropamide – stimulates release of ADH from posterior pituitary and
enhances its actions on renal tubules.

• Thyroid
• levothyroxine– synthetic thyroxine
• Thiomides – inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis and blocks conversion of
T4 to T3.
 • propylthiouracil
• methimazole
• Saturated solution of potassium iodine

• Parathyroid

• Adrenals
• Glucocortisol Agents

• Mineralcorticol Agents
• fludrocortisone

Diabetes Mellitus
• Second Generation Sulfonylurea Agents – Directly stimulates pancreas to secrete
insulin, partially decreases post receptor defects in cells and increases the number of
insulin receptors
2nd generation:
• glipizide
• glyburide
• glimepride

• Biguanides - Facilitates insulin action on peripheral receptor sites & increases glucose
transport across the cell
a. metformin

• Thiazolidinediones - Enhances insulin action and increases Glucose utilization in

peripheral tissues – Insulin sensitizers
• pioglitazone
• rosiglitazone

• Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors – delays the digestion of ingested carbohydrates a.

acarbose
• miglitol

• Meglitinide Analogs - Rapid secretion of insulin to decrease post-parandial glucose

levels
a. repaglinide
b.nateglinide (amino acid derivative)

• Glucagon-Like Peptide -1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1) – enhances insulin secretion by

pancreatic beta cells and suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion.
• dulaglutide
• exenatide
 • Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor (SGLT2) -lowers blood glucose by
increasing urinary glucose secretion
• canagliflozin
• dapagiliflozin
• empagliflozin

• Dipeptidyl Peptidase –4 Inhibitor- (DPP-4) - increases insulin release and

decreases circulating glucose.
• sitagliptin
• alogliptin
• linagliptin

• Amylin Analogue/Aminomimetic -synthetic amylin hormone found in the beta

cells of pancreas. Suppresses glucagon secretion.
• pramlintide

Insulin Therapy

• Rapid acting
• humalog (Lispro)
• insulin glulisine (Apidra)
• insulin aspart (NovoLog)

• Short acting
• regular (Humulin R, Novolin R)

• Intermediate acting
• NPH (Humulin N, Novolin N)

• Long acting
• insulin glargine (Aventis, Lantus)
• insulin detemir (Levemir)

• Fixed Combination Insulin (short and intermediate)

• humulin 50/50
• humulin 70/30
• Humalog mix 75/25

• exenatide injection – enhances insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and suppresses
inappropriate glucagon secretion.
• Immediate release – taken before morning and evening meal
• Extended release – taken once a week

Pancreatics – hormone that stimulates hepatic production of glucose from glycogen stores
1. glucogon
URINARY/RENAL DISORDERS
Urinary Antiseptic
1. nitrofurantoin

Urinary Analgesic
1. phenazopyridime hydrochloride

Renal Failure
1. epogen – stimulates bone marrow to increase RBC production.

Immunosuppressants
1. cyclosporine – reduces T-lymphocyte production of cytokines

HIV/AIDS
Antiviral medications

• Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI) - interferes with

reverse transcriptase, thus inhibiting replication of the virus
• zidovudine –
• didanosine – inhibits replication of HIV within the cells
• lamivudine
• atacavir
• Non-Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) – inhibits
reverse transcriptase which results in disruption of DNA synthesis
• Efavirenz
• Neverapine
• Protease Inhibitors - prevents viral replication and release of viral particles by
inhibiting HIV protease enzyme
• indinavir
• nelfinavir
• saquinavir
Antiprotozoal – antiprotozal – effective against parasites
2. Pentamidine isoethionate

Antibiotics
• sulfamethoxazole with Trimethoprim
• ciprofloxacin

Antifungals
• metronidazole
• ketoconazole
• fluconazole
• amphotericin B
• acyclovir
Anti-Tuberculosis Medications
• isoniazid - inhibits cell wall synthesis and interfers with metabolism
• rifampin - inhibits RNA synthesis
• pyrazinamide-
• ethambutol - inhibits growth of mycobacteria
• streptomycin

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Osteomyelitis/Osteoporosis

• Calcium Supplements
• Biphosphates – inhibits bone resorption
• alendronate
• raloxifene
• ibandronate sodium

Revised May 22, 2011 /N21 Faculty

Revised 2/26/15, 9/5/16 /N21 Faculty