Posted on June 10, 2025

Prepared by DFW Nurse Connect

Cardiovascular Medications

Beta Blockers – Metoprolol (-olol): Slow HR, lower BP.
Tip: Hold if HR < 60; monitor for fatigue and mask of hypoglycemia.

ACE Inhibitors – Lisinopril (-pril): Vasodilation, lowers BP.
Tip: Watch for dry cough, hyperkalemia; avoid potassium-rich foods.

Calcium Channel Blockers – Amlodipine: Relaxes vessels.
Tip: Monitor BP, HR; assess for edema and constipation.

Diuretics – Furosemide: Reduces fluid, BP.
Tip: Monitor potassium, I&O, give in the morning.

Statins – Atorvastatin (-statin): Lowers cholesterol.
Tip: Monitor liver enzymes, report muscle pain, take at night.

CNS & Psych Medications

Benzodiazepines – Lorazepam (-pam): Treat anxiety, seizures.
Tip: Short-term use, monitor respiratory rate, avoid alcohol.

SSRIs – Fluoxetine: Depression and anxiety.
Tip: Takes 4–6 weeks to work, monitor for suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome.

Antipsychotics – Risperidone: Treat schizophrenia.
Tip: Monitor for EPS, sedation, and blood sugar changes.

Anticonvulsants – Phenytoin: Prevents seizures.
Tip: Monitor levels, oral hygiene, report rash.

Endocrine & Metabolic Medications

Insulin – Lispro, Regular, NPH, Glargine: Lowers blood glucose.
Tip: Know onset/peak; rotate sites; monitor for hypoglycemia.

Oral Antidiabetics – Metformin, Glipizide: Manage Type 2 diabetes.
Tip: Hold metformin before contrast, monitor glucose, take with food.

Thyroid Meds – Levothyroxine: Treats hypothyroidism.
Tip: Take in morning, empty stomach, monitor TSH levels.

Corticosteroids – Prednisone (-sone): Reduces inflammation.
Tip: Monitor glucose, avoid long-term use, taper dose slowly.

Anti-Infectives

Penicillins/Cephalosporins – Amoxicillin, Cephalexin: Bacterial infections.
Tip: Watch for allergy, complete full course.

Macrolides – Azithromycin: Respiratory infections.
Tip: Monitor liver function, take with food to reduce GI upset.

Aminoglycosides – Gentamicin: Serious infections.
Tip: Monitor hearing and kidney function; check peak/trough.

Respiratory Medications

Bronchodilators – Albuterol: Asthma rescue med.
Tip: Use before steroids; monitor HR and jitteriness.

Anticholinergics – Ipratropium: COPD management.
Tip: Rinse mouth, avoid with glaucoma.

Inhaled Steroids – Fluticasone: Long-term asthma control.
Tip: Rinse mouth after use to prevent thrush.

Antihistamines – Loratadine, Diphenhydramine: Allergy relief.
Tip: Caution with driving (1st gen causes sedation).

GI Medications

PPIs – Omeprazole (-prazole): Reduces stomach acid.
Tip: Give before meals; long-term use may cause B12 deficiency.

Antiemetics – Ondansetron: Controls nausea.
Tip: Monitor for headache, QT prolongation.

Laxatives – Docusate, Senna: Constipation relief.
Tip: Encourage hydration and fiber intake.

Blood Thinners & Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants – Warfarin, Heparin: Prevent clotting.
Tip: Monitor INR/aPTT; teach bleeding precautions; know antidotes.

Antiplatelets – Aspirin, Clopidogrel: Prevent clots post-MI/stroke.
Tip: Watch for GI bleed, bruising.

Thrombolytics – Alteplase (tPA): Breaks up clots.
Tip: Use within narrow time window; monitor for bleeding.