Alteplase
Generic Name
alteplase Trade Name
t-PA
Indication
MI, acute ischemic stroke, occluded central lines Action converts plasminogen to plasmin which degrades the fibrin found in clots Therapeutic Class th
...
Alteplase
Generic Name
alteplase Trade Name
t-PA
Indication
MI, acute ischemic stroke, occluded central lines Action converts plasminogen to plasmin which degrades the fibrin found in clots Therapeutic Class thrombolytics Pharmacologic Class plasminogen activators
Nursing Considerations
• contraindicated in active bleeding
• monitor closely for signs of bleeding (petechiae) o q 15 min X1hr o q 15-30 min X 8 hr
• use caution with patient who have had recent surgery
• may cause intracranial hemorrhage
• monitor for anaphylaxis
• use caution with uncontrolled hypertension
• assess neuro status during therapy
Atorvastatin Generic Name
atorvastatin
Trade Name
Lipitor Indication management of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease Action
lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation Therapeutic Class lipid-lowering agent
Pharmacologic Class
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor Similar Medications simvistatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Nursing Considerations
• contraindicated in active liver disease
• may cause rhabdomyolysis
• monitor renal function
• monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and frequently during drug therapy
• monitor liver function tests
• instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
Acetaminophen Generic Name
acetaminophen
Trade Name
Tylenol Indication pain, fever Action
inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins which play a role in transmission of pain signals and fever response Therapeutic Class antipyretic, non-opioid analgesic
Nursing Considerations
• do not exceed 4g of acetaminophen per day to limit risk for liver, renal, and cardiac damage
• overdose will lead to hepatotoxicity
• Acetadote is the antidote for overdose
• may increase risk for bleed with warfarin therapy • may alter blood glucose measurements
Acyclovir
Generic Name
acyclovir
Trade Name
Zovirax Indication genital herpes, herpes zoster, chicken pox Action interferes with viral DNA synthesis Therapeutic Class antiviral
Pharmacologic Class purine analogues
Nursing Considerations
• may cause seizures, renal failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura syndrome, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea
• monitor renal panel during administration
• assess lesions
• instruct patient to use proper protection during sexual intercourse
Albuterol Generic Name
albuterol
Trade Name
Proventil Indication bronchodilator used to prevent airway obstruction in asthma and COPD Action
binds to Beta2 adrenergic receptors in the airway leading to relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways
Therapeutic Class bronchodilator Pharmacologic Class adrenergic
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