Medications-Classification Groups

Front 1

Androgens

Back 1

end with -terone
ie testosterone (Androderm, Testoderm)

Front 2

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Back 2

end with -pril
ie enalapril (Vasotec)

Tx: Primary/secondary hypertension

SE/AR: Hypotension, hacking cough, N/V, rashes, angioedema

NI: monitor vital signs frequently, WBC count, potassium and creatinine levels, electrolyte levels

Front 3

Antidiuretic Hormones

Back 3

end with -pressin
ie desmopressin (DDAVP)

Front 4

Antilipemic Medications

Back 4

ends with -statin
ie atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Front 5

Antiviral Medications

Back 5

Treats: Inhibit viral growth

Ends with -vir
ie ritonavir (Norvir)


SE/AR: proteinuria, severe sudden anemia, vaginitis

CNS SE: confusion, seizures

Nursing interventions: rash= sign of allergic reaction, watch for signs of infection, monitor creatinine level, liver profile, bowel pattern

Front 6

Benzodiazepines

Back 6

ends with -pam/pate/lam
ie alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium)

or ends with: -azo/aze

Treats: antianxiety or anticonvulsants

SE/AR: Drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, depression, restlessness, slurred speech, bradycardia, hypotension, diplopia, nystagmus, N/V, constipation, incontinence, urinary retention, rash, urticaria

NI: monitor respirations, liver function, kidney function, bone marrow function, signs of chemical abuse

Front 7

Beta-Adregenic Blockers

Back 7

Tx: lower BP, P, and cardiac output, prevent MIs

ends with -olol
ie atenolol (Tenormin)

SE/AR: orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, N/V, may mask hypoglycemia

NI: monitor BP, P, rhythm, signs of edema, assess lung sounds, lab values that indicate nephritic syndrome, teach client to rise slowly, report bradycardia, dizziness, depression, fever, taper off medication

Front 8

Calcium Channel Blockers

Back 8

ends with -pine
ie amlodipine (Norvasc)

some exceptions are diltiazem (Cardizem (SR)) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)

Front 9

Anit-Infectives (Aminoglycosides)

Back 9

Tx: bactericidals and bacteriostatics; interfere with protein synthesis

ends with -cin or -mycin

SE/AR: ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, seizures, blood dyscrasias (leukemia, hemophilia), hypotension, rash

NI: monitor for allergies, I & Os, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, VS during IV infusion, and for changes in urinary elimination

Front 10

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

Back 10

Tx: block vasoconstrictor angiotensin II

ends with -sartan
ie losarton (Cozaar)
SE/AR: dizziness, insomnia, N/V/D, muscle cramps, neutropenia, cough, impotence, depression

NI: monitor BP, BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, hydration status, teach the client to check for edema

Front 11

Anticoagulants

Back 11

Tx: thrombolytic disease, pulmonary emboli, MI, DVT, after coronary artery bypass surgery

ends with -parin
ie heparin (Heparin)

SE/AR: pruritis, hematuria, bleeding, fever, stomatitis, alopecia, dermatitis, diarrhea

NI: monitor PTT (heparin therapeutic levels are 1.5-2.0 times the control), platelet count, signs of bleeding and infection

Front 12

Cholesterol Lowering Agents

Back 12

Tx: to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

ends with -vastatin
ie simvastatin (Zocor)

SE/AR: reash, alopecia, dyspepsia, liver dysfunction, muscle weakness, headach

NI: diet low in cholesterol and fat, monitor cholesterol levels, liver profile, renal function, muscle pain, and weakness

Front 13

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Back 13

end with -mide
ie acetazolamide (Diamox)

Front 14

Estrogens

Back 14

contains est in name
ie estrogen (Premarin)

Front 15

Glucocorticoids and Corticosteriods

Back 15

ends with -sone or -cort
ie prednisone (Deltasone)

Tx: Supress the immune system or decrease inflammatory response

SE/AR: acne, poor wound healing, leukocytosis, ecchymosis, depression, flushing, sweating, mood changes, hypertension, osteoporisis, diarrhea, hemorrhage

NI: monitor glucose levels, BP, and for signs infection, daily weight

Front 16

Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists

Back 16

Tx: GERD, acid reflux, and gastric ulcers

ends with -tidine
ie cimetidine (Tagamet)

SE/AR: confusion, rash, bradycardia/tachycardia, alopecia, diarrhea, agranulocytosis, psychosis, seizures, gynecomastia (excessive male breasts), galactorrhea (milk flow other than nursing)

NI: Monitor BUN levels, administer med w/ meals, antacids must be taken 1 hour before/after taking these drugs, cimetidine can be prescribed in 1 large dose before bedtime, sucralfate decreases effects of these drugs

Front 17

Nitrates

Back 17

contain -nitr
ie nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

Front 18

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacements

Back 18

contain -pancre
ie pancrelipase (Pancrease)

Front 19

Phenothiazines

Back 19

Tx: Antiemetics or neuroliptics

end with -zine
ie chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

SE/AR: extrapyramidal effects, drowsiness, sedation, orthostatics hypotension, dry mouth, agranulocytosis, photo sensitivity, neuroleptic malignant syndrome

NI: protection from light, don't mix porlixin w/ any beverage that contains caffeine, tannates, or pectin, monitor liver enzymes and renal function, use Z-track method for IM injections, teach client not to get overexposure from the sun

Front 20

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Back 20

Tx: gastric ulcers, indigestion, and GERD

ends with -prazole
ie lansoprazole (Prevacid)

SE/AR: headache, insomnia, diarrhea, flatulence, rash, hyperglycemia

NI: give before meals, do NOT crush pantoprazole; use a filter when administering IV, advise to take before meals for best absorption, monitor liver function

Front 21

Sulfonamides

Back 21

contain -sulf
ie sulfasalzine (Azulfidine)

Front 22

Sulfonylureas

Back 22

ends with -mide
ie chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Front 23

Thiazide Diuretics

Back 23

ends with -zide
ie hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)

Front 24

Thrombolytic Medications

Back 24

end in -ase
ie altepase (Activase)

Front 25

Thyroid Hormones

Back 25

contain -thy
levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Front 26

Xanthine Bronchodilators

Back 26

end in -line
ie aminophylline (Phyllocontin )