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149 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

Four Drug Sources

Plants, Animals, Minerals, Chemicals (Synthetic)

Chemical Name

Describes chemical composition


ie. N-acetyl-para-aminophenol

Generic Name

Name used in official drug compendiums to list drugs


ie. Acetaminophen

Trade Name

Drug has a registered trade mark and official owner


ie. Tylenol

Pharmacokinetics


  • The study of drug distribution rates between various body compartments after a drug has entered the body
  • Includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

Absorption


  • The movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream for distribution to the tissues
  • Factors that affect - route, food or fluids, dosage, rate of blood flow to the small intestines, acidity in the stomach, status of GI motility

First Pass Effect


  • Reduces bioavailability to less than 100%
  • A PO drug that is absorbed from the intestine must pass through the liver before it reaches systemic circulation
  • If the drug is metabolized in the liver, some of the active drug will be inactivated before it can reach circulation and its site of action
  • This happens every time the pt takes the meds
  • IV route is 100% bioavailable

Routes

Enteral, Parenteral, Topical, Transdermal, Inhalation

Enteral


  • Oral ingestion of the drug
  • Also includes sublingual (under the tongue) and buccal (cheek/gums)

Parenteral

  • By injection
  • Fastest route
  • Also includes subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, and intravenous


Topical

Application of medications to the body surfaces

Transdermal

Drug patch

Inhalation

Delivered to the lungs as tiny drug particles

Distribution


  • The transport of a drug in the body by the bloodstream to its site of action
  • Once it has entered the bloodstream (circulation), it's distributed throughout and also begins to be eliminated by the organs that metabolize and excrete (liver, kidneys)
  • Highly vascularized areas receive drug first (heart, liver, kidneys, brain)
  • Areas of slower distribution are muscles, skin, fat

Drug-Drug Interaction


  • When one drug decreases or increases the response of another concurrently given drug
  • Includes OTC medications

Metabolism


  • The biological transformation of a drug into an inactive metabolite (a more soluble compound)
  • - also known as biotransformation
  • Primary organ responsible is the liver
  • Factors that can alter metabolism are genetics, diseases, the concurrent use of other meds, age

Excretion

  • The process of elimination of drugs from the body
  • Primary organ responsible is the kidney (also liver and bowel)
  • Most are excreted through urine but also from the lungs, salivary and mammary glands, skin, sweat, and intestinal tract


Factors Affecting Drug Action

Dosage


Route


Drug-Drug Int.


Pathology


Genetics


Age


Weight


Gender


Ethnicity


Activity Level

Drug Action

Refers to the chemical changes the drug produces

Drug Effect

Combination of biological, physical, and psychological changes that take place in the body as a result of the drug action

Therapeutic Effect

Desired effect, or reason the drug was administered

Side Effects

Additional effects on the body that are not part of the goal of the drug therapy




Can be harmless, mildly annoying, or dangerous

Requirements for Proper Administration


  1. Knowledge of drug effects
  2. Observation of the results in the pt

Drug Allergy


  • An abnormal response that occurs because a person has developed antibodies against a particular drug
  • Histamine is released and is responsible for the symptoms we can see
  • Milk reactions can occur immediately, hours, days or weeks after a drug is administered
  • Severe reactions (can be fatal) usually begin within minutes and require immediate attention

Toxicity

  • The drugs ability to poison the body
  • An overdose of medication - the amount given was too great for size, age, condition





Adverse Reactions

Unexpected, unintended, and undesired responses to drugs

Idiosyncratic Reaction


  • Abnormal or peculiar reactions to certain drugs
  • Thought to be caused by an abnormal metabolism of drugs as a result of enzyme deficiency
  • Pt may over or under react

Tolerance

The need for increasingly larger doses of a drug to produce the same effects


ie. opiates, alcohol, tobacco

Synergism

When two drugs given together produce a more powerful response than each given seperately

Potentiation

One drug increases the effect of the other drug


ie. sedatives + alcohol = sedatives stronger possibly fatal

Antagonism

Two drugs inhibit or cancel each other out


ie. Maalox should not be given with oral tetracycline

Onset

The time it takes for the drug to elicit a therapeutic response

Peak Effect

The time it takes for a drug to reach its maximum therapeutic response

Duration of Action

The length of time that a drug concentration is enough to elicit a therapeutic response

Peak Level

Highest blood level of a drug

Trough Level

Lowest blood level of a drug

Plateau or Steady State

State in which the amount of drug removed by elimination is equal to the amount absorbed with each dose

Half-Life


  • The time it takes for one half of the original amount of a drug in the body to be removed and is a measure of the rate at which drugs are removed from the body
  • After about 5 half-lives the drug is considered removed from the body

Absorption and Distribution changes with aging:


  1. Slower blood circulation
  2. Slower absorption or oral meds through intestines

Factors related to Aging

  • Heart pumps less efficiently
  • Stomach and intestines have fewer digestive enzymes
  • Peristalsis is weaker
  • Heart and brain compete for blood supply causing more drugs to end up there which can lead to abnormal reactions
  • Metabolism is affected because of reduced capacity of the liver
  • Drugs tend to stay in effect longer and can build up causing a cumulative effect (toxic)
  • Excretion affected by reduced blood circulation to the kidneys which can cause build ups
  • Body looses its ability to balance the systems
  • Usually meds are prescribed in lower doses and less frequently to prevent toxicity
  • Disease affact drug actions

Acute Therapy

Intensive drug therapy; short period of time

Maintenance Therapy

Does not eradicate problems but prevents progression

Supplemental Therapy

Something the body requires but cannot make itself


ie. insulin administration

Palliative Therapy

Goal is to make pt as comfortable as possible

Supportive Therapy

Providing fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration for a pt with influenza

Prophylactic Therapy

Antibiotics given prior to surgery to prevent post op infection




Preventative measures

Pregnancy Considerations


  • First trimester is the period of greatest danger for all drug-induced developmental defects
  • Drugs diffuse across the placenta
  • There are Pregnancy Safe categories

Breastfeeding

Infants are at risk for exposure to drugs consumed by the mother

Pediatric Considerations

  • Absorption - gastric pH is less acidic and emptying is slowed; topical is faster through the skin; IM is faster and irregular
  • Skin is thin and permeable
  • Stomach lacks acid to kill bacteria
  • Lungs lack mucus barriers
  • Body temps are poorly regulated and dehydration occurs easily
  • Liver and kidneys are immature, impairing drug metabolism and excretion

Geriatric Considerations


  • Use of OTC meds - if their doc does not "listen" or "believe" they stop telling them what they are taking
  • Polypharmacy - the use of four or more meds

Drug Regulations


  • Regulated by the Canadian Food and Drug Inspection Agency (FDA)
  • Narcotics are under RCMP jurisdiction
  • Only licensed pharmacists can dispense meds
  • Only physicians, dentists, and NPs can prescribe meds

Analgesics


  • Meds that relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness
  • Also referred to as "painkillers"

Pain

  • Pain is whatever the pt says it is
  • It exists whenever the pt says it does
  • It is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage
  • Pain is a personal and individual experience
  • Tissue injury causes release of substances that stimulate nerve endings, starting the pain process

Acute Pain


  • Sudden onset
  • Usually subsides once treated

Chronic Pain

  • Lasting more than 6 months
  • Persistent or recurring
  • Often difficult to treat

Analgesics

Interfere with the process of pain transmission and recognition

Analgesic Action

Either effect the brain itself or interfere with the ability of pain receptors around the body to send pain messages to the brain

Analgesic Antipyretics

  • Some analgesics also have anti-fever properties
  • They are often combines with narcotic analgesics or sedatives in prescription pain relievers
  • ie. Tylenol with codeine

Narcotics

  • A large group of analgesics
  • Along with pain relief, bring a euphoria, a sense of calm, and therefore are often abused
  • ie. Morphine, Demerol, Codeine, Oxycodone

Opioid Analgesics

  • Very strong pain relievers that contain opium, derived from the opium poppy or chemically related to opium
  • 20 different alkaloids available from the opium plant but only 3 are useful clinically:

  1. Morphine (pain reliever)
  2. Codeine (pain reliever)
  3. Papaverine (muscle relaxant)

  • The body has its own natural pain relievers that stimulate opioid receptors known as endorphins (endogenous morphine)

Opioids - Main Use

  • To alleviate moderate to severe pain
  • Often given with adjuvant analgesic agents to assist the primary agents with pain relief
  • NSAIDs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids

NARCAN


  • Naloxone Hydrochloride
  • Used for complete or partial reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression
  • Works as a blocking agent to the opioid drugs
  • Also used in suspected overdose

Opioid - Other Indications

Opioids are also used for:


  • Couch center suppression
  • Treatment of diarrhea
  • Balanced anethesia

Opioid - Contraindications

  • Known drug allergy
  • Severe asthma or other respiratory insufficiency
  • Elevated intracranial pressure
  • Pregnancy

Opioid - Side Effects

  • Euphoria
  • CNS depression
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Respiratory depression
  • Urinary retention
  • Diaphoresis and flushing
  • Pupil constriction (miosis)
  • Constipation
  • Itching

Opioid Tolerance

  • A common physiologic result of chronic opioid treatment
  • Results in larger dose of opioid required to maintain the same level of pain control or relief
  • Is expected with long-term opioid treatment and should not be confused with psychological dependence/addiction

Opioid Physical Dependence

  • The physiologic adaptation of the body to the presence of an opioid
  • With physical dependence, when the drug is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms may result such as increased pulse, rebound pain, hypertension, and mental agitation
  • Is expected with long-term opioid treatment and should not be confused with psychological dependence/addiction

Opioid Psychological Dependence

A pattern of compulsive drug use characterized by a continued craving for an opioid and the need to use the opioid for effects other than pain relief (feeling/euphoria)

Opioids - Nursing Implications

  • Oral forms should be taken with food to minimize gastric upset
  • Withhold dose and contact Dr if there is a decline in the pts conditions or if VS are abnormal, especially if respiratory rate is less than 12 BPM
  • Constipation is common and may be prevented with adequate fluid and fiber intake
  • Instruct pt to follow directions for admin carefully, and to keep a record of their pain experience and response to treatments
  • Pts should be instructed to change positions slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension

Non-Opioid Analgesics

Acetaminophen - most common
  • Analgesic and antipyretic effects
  • Available OTC and in combination products with opioids
  • Causes pain impulses to be blocked
  • Indicated for mild to moderate pain, fever, and as an alternative for those who cannot take aspirin products
  • Maximum daily dose for healthy adults is 4000 mg/day
  • Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other meds taken by pt (ie. Neocitrin)
  • Dangerous interactions may occur is taken with alcohol
  • Should not be taken if pt has liver dysfunction or possible liver failure

Analgesics Nursing Implications

  • Before beginning therapy, perform a thorough history regarding allergies and use of other meds, including alcohol, health history, and medical history - presence of liver disease
  • Obtain baseline vitals and I&O
  • Assess for potential contraindications and drug interactions
  • Perform a thorough pain assessment, including pain intensity and character, onset, location, description, precipitating and relieving factors, type, remedies, and other pain treatments
  • Assessment of pain is considered a "fifth vital sign"
  • Be sure to medicate pts before the pain gets severe to provide adequate analgesic and pain control
  • Have pt rate pain using a pain scale 30 mins before and after pain meds
  • Pain management includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches; be sure to include other interventions
  • Pts should not take other meds or OTC meds without checking with their Dr
  • Instruct pt to notify Dr for signs of allergic reaction or adverse effects
  • Advise overdose/overuse/misuse can cause liver damage

NSAIDs

Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs



  • Large and chemically diverse group of drugs with the following properties:

  1. Analgesic
  2. Anti-inflammatory
  3. Antipyretic
  4. Anti-rheumatic

  • Salicylates also have antiplatelet activity (inhibit platelet aggregation/clotting)
  • They relieve pain, headache, and inflammation by blocking the chemical activity of enzymes
  • Blocking this chemical activity limits inflammatory effects

NSAIDs Indications


  • Analgesia (mild to moderate)
  • Antigout effects - acute gout (Gout-uric acid crystals in blood)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Antipyretic effects
  • Relief of vascular headaches
  • Platelet inhibition (ASA)
  • Osteoarthritis, RA, Juvenile RA
  • Various bone, joint, and muscle pain
  • Dysmenorrhea (difficult periods)


NSAIDs - Salicylates

Aspirin


Antithrombotic Effect: used in the treatment of MI and other clotting disorders

NSAIDs - Antigout

Gout: condition that results from inappropriate uric acid metabolism



  • Uric acid crystals are deposited in tissues and joints resulting in pain
  • Allopurinol, Colchicine, Probenecid

NSAIDs - Side Effects

Gastrointestinal



  • Heartburn, epigastric distress, nausea
  • GI bleeding
  • Mucosal lesions (erosions or ulcerations)
Renal
  • Reductions in creatinine clearance
  • May result in renal failure
Cardiovascular
  • Pulmonary edema

NSAIDs - Salicylate Toxicity

Adults: tinnitus and hearing loss


Children: hyperventilation and CNS effects; arise when serum levels exceed 300 mcg/mL




Tinnitis (ringing in the ears) is a classic sign of aspirin toxicity

NSAIDs - Nursing Implications

  • Before beginning therapy, assess for conditions that may be contraindications to therapy, especially GI lesions or peptic ulcer disease and bleeding disorders
  • Perform lab studies as ordered (cardiac, renal, liver studies, CBC, platelet count)
  • Perform a med history to assess for potential drug interactions (alcohol, heparin, etc)
  • Salicylates are NOT to be given to children under age 12 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome (a serious illness the can affect the brain and liver)
  • Often better tolerated with food, milk, or an antacid to avoid stomach irritation
  • Explain to pts that therapeutic effects may not be seen for 3-4 weeks
  • Pts should watch closely for occurrence of any unusual bleeding, such as in the stool
  • Enteric coated tablets should not be crushed or chewed

Cholinergics


  • Drugs that stimulate the PNS
  • AKA parasympthomimetics

Anticholinergics

Drugs that oppose the action of the PNS

Adrenergics


  • Drugs that stimulate the SNS
  • Either promote the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline or mimic their effects

Sympatholytics


  • Drugs that lyse or inhibit the SNS
  • AKA beta-blockers

Cholinergic Drug Uses

  • Reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in pts with glaucoma
  • Treat GI and bladder disorders, Alzheimer's, and excessive dry mouth
  • Used to stimulate the intestine and bladder

Cholinergic Drug Contraindications

  • GI or GU tract obstruction
  • Bradycardia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson's
  • Hypotension
  • COPD

Cholinergic Drug Side Effects

  • Over stimulation of the PNS could result in bradycardia, headache, dizziness, convulsions, increased secretions, N&V, bronchospasms
  • SLUDGE: salivation, lacrimation (tears), urinary incontinence, diarrhea, GI cramps, emesis

Cholinergic Drug Nursing Implications

  • Watch for GI upset
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased pulse
  • Low BP
  • SOB (shortness of breath)
  • Urinary frequency
  • VS and I&O

Cholinergic Drug Teaching

  • Take as ordered
  • Space doses evenly
  • Call Dr is increased muscle weakness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dyspnea
  • Do not break, crush, or chew sustained release tabs
  • Change position slowly, wear med alert

Anticholinergics Action

  • Cholinergic blockers
  • Action: they block a cholinergic effect which allows the SNS to dominate (blocks actions of Acetylcholine)
  • May have similar effects as adrenergics
  • Major Action Sites: respiratory tract, heart, GI tract, bladder, eye and exocrine glands

Anticholinergics Use

  • Decrease intraocular pressure (IOP)
  • Increase bladder tone and peristalsis
  • Promote muscle contractions
  • Mild dementia

Anticholinergics Contradictions

  • Anesthetics
  • Opioids
  • Some antibiotics
  • Magnesium
  • Anti-arythmias or corticosteroids
  • History of benign hypertrophic prostate
  • Glaucoma
  • Tachycardia
  • MI, heart failure
  • Hiatal hernia
  • GI/GU obstruction
  • Under 3 years of age

Anticholinergics Nursing Implications

  • Watch for toxicity, myasthenic crisis (muscular debility or crisis - can lead to resp. failure), and respiratory difficulties
  • Monitor VS and I&O
  • SOme ppl are very susceptible to the effects of these drugs: infants, elderly, fair skinned, children with Down's syndrome, spastic paralysis, or brain damage

Anticholinergics Side Effects

  • Increased heart rate
  • CNS excitation
  • Dysrhythmias
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased IOP
  • Decrease in: salivation, gastric secretions, motility, sweating, bronchial secretions, urinary retention

Anticholinergics Teaching

  • Overdose can be life threatening
  • Good oral care for dry mouth
  • Safety in regards to blurred vision, driving, strenuous activity
  • Dark glasses for light sensitivity
  • Caution with OTC meds
  • Elderly at risk for heat stroke
  • Adequate fluid and salt intake

Alpha Adrenergic Action

Alpha 1 adrenergic receptors are located on the tissue, muscle, or organ that the nerve stimulates (postsynaptic effector cells)




Alpha 2 adrenergic receptors are located on the actual nerves (presynaptic nerve terminals)




Basic response is vasoconstriction and CNS stimilation

Beta Adrenergic Action

Beta 1 adrenergic receptors are located primarily in the heart (beta 1 = you have 1 heart)




Beta 2 adrenergic receptors are located primarily in the smooth muscle of the bronchioles (beta 2 = you have 2 lungs), arterioles, and visceral organs




Results in bronchial, GI, and uterine relaxation; Glycogenolysis (conversion of glycogen into glucose); and heart stimulation

Adrenergic Agent Indicatons

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Causes relief of nasal congestion
  • Conjunctival congestion
  • Dilates pupiles
  • Supports CV system during cardiac failure or shock (epinephrine)

Adrenergic Agent Contraindications/Interactions

  • Contraindicated with known drug allergy and severe hypertension
  • Interactions with anesthetics, antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensices

Alpha Adrenergic Agent Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Restlessness
  • Excitement
  • Insomnia
  • Euphoria
  • Hypertension
  • Tachycardia
  • Palpitations
  • Anorexia - loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • N&V

Beta Adrenergic Agent Side Effects

  • Stimulate CNS causing mild tremors
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Increased pulse
  • Sweating
  • N&V
  • Muscle cramps

Adrenergic Agent Teaching

  • Gice pt instructions for proper use on inhalers including spacers if used to inhaled meds
  • Overdosing leads to tachycardia and palpitations
  • Inform Dr of respiratory difficulties
  • May cause sputum to turn pink
  • Rinse mouth after if given sublingual (under the tongue)

Scopolamine

Anticholinergic Agent



  • Preop control of secretions
  • Motion sickness

Detrol

Anticholinergic Agent



  • AKA tolterodine
  • overactive bladder

Adrenergic Blocking Agents - Alpha Blockers

Action: block stimulation of the SNS


Leads to:



  • Vasodilation
  • Decreased BP
  • Miosis (pupil constriction)
  • Suppressed ejaculation




  • Some alpha blockers are used for their vasoconstriction properties to treat migraines
  • Other alpha blockers cause vasodilation and treat high BP
  • Both are alpha blockers but attract to different sites and cause different results

Alpha Blocker Indications

  • Migraines - constrict dilated arterioles
  • Post Partum Bleeding - stimulate the uterus to contract and cause vasoconstriction
  • Hypertension
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - reduces urinary obstruction by reducing small muscle contraction of the bladder and prostate
  • Raynaud's Disease - an exaggerated response to cold or emotions where fingers go white (pallor), then blue (cyanosis), then red (hyperemia) as blood flow returns
  • Frostbite
  • Adrenal Gland Turmor

Alpha Blocker Contraindications

  • PVD (peripheral vascular disease)
  • Hepatic and renal disease
  • CAD (coronary artery disease)
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Sepsis

Alpha Blocker Side Effects

  • Palpitations
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Tachycardia
  • Edema
  • Dysrythmias
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Vertigo
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Fatigue
  • N&V
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Incontinence
  • Tinnitus
  • Dry mouth
  • Epistaxis (nose bleed)

Alpha Blocker Nursing Implimentation

  • Avoid caffeine and stimulants due to irritability
  • Safety with rising due to orthostatic hypotension

Adrenergic Blocking Agents - Beta Blockers

Cardioselective or Beta 1 Blockers

Action:
  • Reduces myocardial stimulation
  • Reduces heart rate
  • Slows conduction through AV node
  • Decreased myocardial oxygen demand



Nonselective or Beta 2 Blockers


Action:



  • Same as above as well as block receptors on the bronchioles causing airways to narrow = SOB (shortness of breath)

Beta Blocker Indications

  • Angina
  • MI
  • HTN
  • Irregular heart beats or dysrhythmias
  • Migraine headaches
  • Glaucoma

Beta Blocker Contraindications

  • Known drug allergies
  • Heart failure
  • Heart block; bradycardia
  • Pregnancy
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Raynaud's Disease

Adrenergic Blocking Agent Adverse Effects

  • Most are mild and diminish with time but can be serious if they are caused by abrupt withdrawal of the drug
  • Can cause increased angina, MI, and may alter insulin requirements

Adrenergic Blocking Agent Nursing Implications


  • Watch VS, GI upset, rash, larynx spasms, respiratory distress
  • Never abruptly stop meds
  • Avoid OTCs
  • Avoid sudden changes in position

Antibiotics

  • Medications used to treat bacterial infections
  • A culture should be obtained to identify the organism to assist in antibiotic selection

Empirical Therapy

Treatment of an infection before specific culture information has been reported or obtained

Subtherapeutic Response

Signs and symptoms of infection do not improve


Superinfections


  • A secondary infection that occurs in addition to an earlier primary infection
  • Usually due to a weak immune system
  • ie. yeast infections

Bactericidal

Kill bacteria

Bacteriostatic


  • Inhibit growth of susceptible bacteria, rather than killing them immediately
  • Will eventually lead to bacterial death

Sulfonamide

One of the first groups of antibiotics


Action:



  • Bacteriostatic - inhibits bacteria growth to kill
  • Does not affect human cells or certain bacteria


Sulfonamide Indications

  • Treatment of UTIs
  • Pneumonia
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Otis media


Sulfonamide Side Effects

  • Blood - Anemia
  • Integumentary - Photosensitivity, dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • GI - N&V, diarrhea, pancreatitis
  • Other - Convulsions, nephrosis (kidney diease), headache, urticaria (skin rash)

Sulfonamide Nursing Implications

  • Should be taken with at least 2000 mL of fluid per day unless contraindicated
  • Due to photosensitivity, avoid sunlight and tanning beds
  • These agents reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
  • Oral forms should be taken with food or milk to reduce GI upset

Penicillin

Introduced in the 40s
Action:
  • Bacterialcidal - inhibits bacteria growth to kill
  • Effective on a wide variety of bacteria
  • Enter bacteria and attach to them
  • Once attached, normal cell wall synthesis is disrupted
  • Results in bacteria cell death
  • Do not kill other cells in the body

Penicillin Indications

  • Prevention and treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria such as gram-positive bacteria, Strepococcus, Enterococcus, Staphlyococcus

Penicillin Adverse & Side Effects

  • Allergic reactions occur in a small percentage of cases causing urticaria (hives), pruritus (itchiness)
  • 10% of allergic reactions are life threatening and 10% of these are fatal
  • Common side effects are N&V, diarrhea, abdominal pain

Penicillin Nursing Implications

  • Any pt taking a penicillin should be carefully monitored for an allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after it's administered
  • The effectiveness of oral penicillin is decreased when taken with caffeine, citrus fruit, cola, fruit, and tomato juice

Cephalosporins

  • Derived from a fungus
  • Structurally and pharmacologically related to penicillins - careful with allergies
  • Bactericidal action
  • Broad spectrum
  • Divided into groups according to their antimicrobial activity

Cephalosporins Use

  • Used for surgical prophylaxis (preventative)
  • Upper respiratory infections (URIs)
  • Otitis media
  • Most have good gram-positive coverage
  • Some have good gram-negative coverage
  • Some are used to treat difficult organisms

Cephalosporins Side Effects

Similar to penicillin

Cephalosporins Nursing Implications

  • PO forms should be given with food to decrease GI upset - even though this will delay absorption
  • Some of these agents may cause a reaction when taken with alcohol

Carbapenems

  • Very broad spectrum antibacterial action
  • Reserved for complicated body cavity and connective tissue infections
  • May cause drug-induced seizure activity
  • Used for treatment of bone, joint, skin, and soft tissue infections among others

Monobactams

  • Primarily active against aerobic gram-negative bacteria
  • ie. E. coli, Pseudomonas
  • Bactericidal action
  • Used for severe systemic infections and UTIs

Macrolides Action

Prevent protein synthesis within bacterial cells causing bacteria to eventually die

Macrolides Indications

  • Strep infections
  • Mild to moderate URIs
  • Lyme disease
  • Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis

Macrolides Side Effects

  • GI effects - primarily with erythromycin
  • N&V, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity (chemical driven liver damage), flatulence, jaundice, anorexia (loss of appetite)
  • Newer agents have less side effects, longer duration of action, better efficacy, and better tissue penetration

Macrolides Nursing Implications

  • These agents are highly protein-bound and will cause severe interactions with other protein-bound drugs
  • The absorption of oral erythromycin is enhanced when taken on an empty stomach, but because of the high incidence of GI upset, many agents are taken after a meal or snack

Tetracyclines

Action: Bacteriostatic (inhibit growth leading to death)



  • Stop many essential function of the bacteria
  • Dairy, antacids, and iron salts reduce absorption of tetracyclines

Tetracyclines Indications

  • Wide spectrum
  • Gram-negative, gram-positive, protozoa
  • Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, syphilis, Lyme disease

Tetracyclines Side Effects

  • Watch calcium levels
  • Discoloration of permanent teeth and tooth enamel in children
  • May retard fetal skeletal development if taken during pregnancy
  • Alterations in intestinal flora may result in superinfection, diarrhea, colitis
  • May cause vaginal yeast infections, GI upset, entercolitis (intestinal inflammation), rash

Tetracyclines Nursing Imlications

  • Milk and dairy products, iron preparations, and antacids should be avoided
  • All meds should be taken with 6-8 oz of fluid, preferably water
  • Due to photosensitivity, avoid sunlight and tanning beds

Aminoglycosides


  • Poor oral absorption - no PO forms
  • Very potent antibiotics with serious toxicities
  • Bactericidal action
  • Kill mostly gram-negative - some gram-positive

Aminoglycosides Indications

  • Often used in combination with other antibiotics
  • Poorly absorbed through GI tract
  • Given parenterally
  • Exception: Neomycin - given PO or as an enema to decontaminate the GI tract before surgery

Aminoglycosides Side Effects

  • Cause serious toxicities
  • Headache, vertigo, paresthesia (pins & needles feeling)
  • Skin rash, superinfections
  • Fever, dizziness

Aminoglycosides Nursing Implications

  • Monitor peak and trough blood levels to prevent nephrotoxicity (kidneys) and ototoxicity (ear)
  • Symptoms of ototoxicity include dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss
  • Symptoms of nephrotoxicity include proteinuria (high protein content in urine), increased BUN (blood urine nitrogen) and serum creatinine levels

Quinolones

  • Excellent oral absorption but is reduced by antacids
  • First oral antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria
  • Action: bactericidal, alter DNA of bacteria causing death
  • Effective against gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms
  • Dose not affect human DNA

QuinolonesIndications

  • Lower respiratory tract infections
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Infectious diarrhea
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Skin infections
  • STIs
  • Anthrax

Quinolones Side Effects

  • CNS - headache, dizziness, fatigue, depression, restlessness
  • GI - N&V, diarrhea, constipation, thrush, increased liver function studies
  • Skin - rash, pruritus (severe itching), urticaria (hives), flushing, photosensitivity
  • Other - fever, chills, blurred vision, tinnitus

Quinolones Nursing Implications

  • Should be taken with at least L of fluid per day unless contraindicated
  • Intake of alkaline foods and drugs (antacids, dairy, peanuts, sodium bicarbonate) should be limited

Vancomycin

  • Natural bactericidal, destroys cell wall
  • Treatment of choice for MRSA, and other gram-positive infections
  • Must monitor blood levels to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity
  • May cause ototoxicity (ear) and nephrotoxicity (kidneys)
  • May cause Redman's Syndrome - decreased BP, flushing of neck and face
  • 2 L/day of fluid unless contraindicated