Adverse Medication Effects

Front 1

Adverse effects

Back 1

Central nervous system effects
• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• Anticholinergic
• Cardiovascular
• Gastrointestinal
• Hematologic
• Hepatotoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Toxicity
• Allergic reactions
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Immunosuppression

Front 2

Adverse effects

Back 2

CNS stimulation
– Risk for seizures
• CNS depression
– Limit activities
– Client should not drive
– Respiratory depression

Front 3

Adverse Effects: Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPSs)

Back 3

• Involuntary fine motor tremors
• Rigidity
• Uncontrollable restlessness
• Acute dystonias
– Spastic movements of head, neck, eyes, facial area, and limbs
• Common with psychotropic medications.
• Observe for these effects and notify the provider if noted.

Front 4

Adverse Effects: Anticholinergic Effects

Back 4

• Muscarinic receptor blockade effects smooth muscle, eyes, exocrine
glands, and heart rate.
• Mnemonic
– “Can’t see, can’t pee, no stool, no drool.”
• Advise clients on how to relieve dry mouth.
• Sunglasses for photophobia.
• Void before taking medication to avoid urine retention.

Front 5

Adverse Effects continued

Back 5

• Cardiovascular effects
– Blood vessel
– Heart rate
– Rhythm effects
• Gastrointestinal effects
– Irritation of GI tract
– Stimulation of the vomiting center
– Increased peristalsis
– GI ulceration
– GI bleeding
– Constipation
– Diarrhea

Front 6

Adverse Effects: Hematologic Effects

Back 6

• Potentially life-threatening
• Bone marrow depression/suppression
• Hemorrhage
• Teach client manifestations of bleeding and to notify the provider.
– Bruises
– Discolored urine, stool
– Petechiae
– Bleeding from gums

Front 7

Hepatotoxicity

Back 7

– Liver damage from medications.
– Impairs medication metabolism.
– Can cause medication toxicity due to medication accumulation.

Front 8

Nephrotoxicity

Back 8

– Damage to the kidneys interferes with medication excretion and
causes medication toxicity

Front 9

Toxicity

Back 9

– Severe or life-threatening.
– Adverse effects can be due to excessive dosing or therapeutic dose.

Front 10

Adverse effects

Back 10

• Allergic reactions
– Immune response to medication can range from mild (skin rash) to
life-threatening anaphylaxis.
– Screen for medication allergies prior to drug administration.
• Immunosuppression
– Decreased or absent immune response.