meds

• prednisone: steroid (anti-inflammatory)
• prednisone reduces inflammation and used for COPD or other lung issues
• what should you watch for with prednisone?

  immunosuppression, fluid retention, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and poor wound healing
• albuterol: bronchodilator
• indication for albuterol: treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in asthma or COPD (rapid relief)
• adverse effects of albuterol: chest pain, palpations, restlessness, tremor
• what should you watch for with albuterol?

  tremors, tachycardia, wheezing
• isoniazid: bactericidal and inhibits growth of mycobacteria; first line therapy of active TB
• what should you watch out for with isoniazid?

  hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity (give medication with B6 to prevent), and liver function
• isoniazid should be taken on an empty stomach and advise pt to avoid use of alcohol while on the medication
• rifampin: bacteriostatic and bactericidal; TB medication
• urine will be orange on rifampin
• what should you watch for on rifampin?

  hepatotoxicity and liver function
• morphine: opioid; used for severe, acute pain
• aspirin: NSAID; used for mild to moderate pain
• adverse effects of aspirin: GI bleeding, nausea
• what should you monitor with aspirin?

  platelet counts, signs of bleeding, liver function
• ibuprofen: NSAID; used for mild to moderate pain (decreases pain and inflammation)
• adverse effects of ibuprofen: constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, GI bleeding
• what should you monitor with ibuprofen?

  signs of GI bleeding (black tarry stools), BUN, creatinine, AST and ALT (kidney function)
• acetaminophen: used for mild pain and fever; antipyretic
• what should you monitor with acetaminophen?

  AST and ALT, bilirubin, dark urine, BUN
• gabapentin: anticonvulsant; used for neuropathic pain
• adverse effects of gabapentin: ataxia, confusion, depression, dizziness, drowsiness
• what should you monitor with gabapentin?

  notable changes in behavior, if given with opioids then respiratory depression