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Cardiac Meds
Class / Example Purpose / Mechanism Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs NCLEX / Teaching Beta Blocker – Metoprolol (Lopressor) ↓ HR & BP Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue HR < 60 (hold), BP Don’t stop abruptly; caution in asthma Calcium Channel Blocker – Diltiazem (Cardizem) ↓ HR, vasodilation Bradycardia, hypotension, edema HR, BP Avoid grapefruit juice ACE Inhibitor – Lisinopril ↓ Ang II → vasodilation Dry cough , ↑K⁺, angioedema BP, K⁺, renal labs Stop if cough/swelling ARB – Losartan (Cozaar) Blocks Ang II receptors ↑K⁺, dizziness BP, K⁺ No cough like ACE; avoid salt subs Loop Diuretic – Furosemide (Lasix) Strong diuresis → ↓ BP ↓K⁺, dehydration K⁺, BP, I&O Give AM; slow IV push Thiazide – Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Mild diuresis; ↓ BP Hyponatremia Hypokalemia Electrolytes, BP Take AM; ↑ K⁺ foods K⁺ Sparing – Spironolactone Aldosterone blocker → retains K⁺ Hyperkalemia, gynecomastia K⁺, renal function Avoid salt subs; report irregular HR Nitrate – Nitroglycerin Vasodilation → ↑ coronary O₂ Headache, hypotension BP Sit before dose; 1 tab q5min ×3 → 911 if 1st^ dose ineffective Digoxin ↑ Contractility, ↓ HR Bradycardia, toxicity (halo vision, N/V) 0.5–2 ng/mL, K⁺, apical HR Hold HR< Digibind antidote Warfarin (Coumadin) Vit K antagonist Bleeding INR 2– 3 Vitamin K = antidote; consistent diet
Class / Example Purpose / Mechanism Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs NCLEX / Teaching Heparin Inactivates clotting factors Bleeding, HIT aPTT 60– 80 , Platelets Protamine sulfate antidote Aspirin Prevents platelet aggregation GI bleed, tinnitus CBC Stop 7 days pre-op Clopidogrel (Plavix) ADP inhibitor → ↓ platelet aggregation Bleeding, rash Platelets Avoid NSAIDs; report bleeding Statin – Atorvastatin ↓ LDL, ↑ HDL Myopathy , ↑LFTs LFTs, Creatinine Take at night; avoid grapefruit Amiodarone K⁺ channel blocker → antiarrhythmic Treats V-tach, Afib, A-flutter, SVT Pulm fibrosis, bradycardia, photosensitivity ECG, LFTs, Avoid sun; report SOB/vision issues Hepatotoxic Adenosine Slows AV node → resets SVT Brief asystole , flushing ECG FAST IV push + flush Atropine Anticholinergic → ↑ HR Tachycardia, dry mouth HR For symptomatic bradycardia Pressors – Epi, Norepi, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Phenylephrine, Vasopressin ↑ BP & perfusion in shock Dysrhythmias, HTN, ischemia BP, HR, UO, IV site Central line; Phentolamine for extravasation
Class / Example Purpose / Mechanism Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs NCLEX / Teaching Mucolytic – Acetylcysteine Breaks up mucus → productive cough Bronchospasm, N/V, strong odor Airway patency Smells like rotten eggs ; antidote for Tylenol overdose GI Meds Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching Explain It Like I’m Stupid PPI – Pantoprazole (Protonix) Stops acid C. diff, low Mg Magnesium , diarrhea Take before meals Turns your stomach acid “off.” H₂ Blocker – Famotidine (Pepcid) Lowers acid Confusion in elderly Renal , mental status Bedtime dose Makes your stomach less spicy. Antacid – Calcium carbonate (Tums) Neutralizes acid Constipation Calcium (long- term) 1 – 2 hrs away from other meds Works fast. Like putting water on a fire. Antacid – Magnesium hydroxide Neutralizes acid Diarrhea Magnesium, renal labs Avoid in renal issues Like Tums but will make you poop. Ondansetron (Zofran) Stops nausea Headache, QT ECG , K⁺, Mg²⁺ Give before chemo The “no more puking” medicine. Metoclopramide (Reglan) Moves stomach faster EPS , drowsy Neuro checks Not long-term Makes your stomach push food out. Docusate (Colace) Softens stool Minimal Bowel habits Good post-op Makes poop slippery. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Stimulates bowels Cramping Hydration Short-term only Presses the “GO” button on your intestines.
Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching Explain It Like I’m Stupid Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) Pulls water in Bloating Electrolytes , hydration Mix in water Turns your poop into soup. Loperamide (Imodium) Slows diarrhea Constipation Bowel sounds Don’t use with fever Puts your bowels on airplane mode. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto) Coats stomach Black stool/tongue CBC, ASA risk Not for kids Covers and soothes your upset tummy. Sucralfate (Carafate) Coats ulcers Constipation Timing of other meds Empty stomach Puts a band-aid over your stomach sore. Simethicone (Gas-X) Breaks up gas Minimal Comfort Safe Pops your gas bubbles. Musculoskeletal Meds Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Relaxes tight muscles Drowsy, dry mouth Neuro checks No driving; fall precautions Makes tight muscles chill out. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) Reduces muscle spasms Sedation, dizziness Neuro checks Avoid alcohol; fall risk Turns you into a floppy noodle. Baclofen (Lioresal) Decreases muscle spasticity (MS, spinal cord injury) Weakness, CNS depression Neuro checks Taper slowly Turns down the “too tight” dial on your muscles. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) Decreases muscle tone Hypotension, sedation
BP
Avoid alcohol; fall risk Melts stiff muscles like butter.
Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs NCLEX / Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Fentanyl (IV/Patch) Severe pain; rapid Resp depression, overdose RR, sedation Remove old patch first Tiny dose = HUGE power. Codeine Mild pain + cough Sedation, constipation RR Not for kids Stops cough, makes you sleepy. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Pain & fever reducer Liver toxicity LFTs Max 4 g/day; antidote = acetylcysteine Good for pain, bad for your liver if you overdo it. Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Pain & inflammation GI bleed, kidney injury BUN/Cr , stool occult Take with food Hurts stomach and kidneys if abused. Naproxen (Aleve) Pain & inflammation GI upset, ↑ BP Renal labs Take with food Long-lasting ibuprofen with attitude. Ketorolac (Toradol) Strong NSAID GI bleed, kidney failure Kidney labs Max 5 days only Prescription ibuprofen on steroids. Allopurinol Prevents gout attacks Rash (SJS), liver issues LFTs , uric acid Stop if rash; increase fluids Stops uric acid crystals from stabbing joints. Colchicine Treats active gout flare Diarrhea, nausea Hydration Start at first flare Puts out gout fire—but wrecks bowels.
Neuro Meds Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Phenytoin (Dilantin) Prevents seizures Gingival hyperplasia, rash, toxicity
mcg/mL Good oral care; teratogenic; avoid alcohol Stops seizures but makes gums grow like crazy. Valproic Acid (Depakote) Seizure control, mood stabilizer Liver toxicity , pancreatitis, weight gain LFTs , platelets Avoid in pregnancy; report belly pain Keeps brain calm but pisses off your liver/pancreas. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Seizures, trigeminal neuralgia Bone marrow suppression , rash (SJS) CBC , LFTs No grapefruit juice Fights seizures but drops your blood counts. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Seizures, bipolar Rash → SJS/TEN , dizziness Skin checks Stop immediately if rash Works well—until it sets your skin on fire. Levetiracetam (Keppra) Prevents seizures Mood/behavior changes Mood, behavior Safer; fewer interactions Great seizure control, makes you cranky. Topiramate (Topamax) Seizures, migraines Weight loss, kidney stones, confusion Hydration, mental status Encourage fluids Makes you skinny and stupid at the same time. Phenobarbital Seizure prevention Sedation, dependence RR, sedation Controlled substance Old-school seizure med that knocks you out. Diazepam (Valium) Stops active seizures Sedation, resp depression RR, neuro Short-term use Calms the brain FAST but also slows breathing. Gabapentin (Neurontin) Nerve pain, seizures Sedation, dizziness Neuro checks Avoid driving Numbs nerve pain but makes you wobbly.
Psychiatric Meds Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Side Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Sertraline (Zoloft) SSRI – improves mood Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia Mood, suicide risk Takes 4–6 weeks; watch for serotonin syndrome Gives you more serotonin so you feel normal again. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
SSRI –
depression/anxiety GI upset, insomnia Mood Long half-life; activating Boosts serotonin and your energy. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
SSRI –
anxiety/depression Headache, sexual issues Suicide risk Don’t stop suddenly Smooths out your mood like a soft filter. Venlafaxine (Effexor) SNRI – mood/anxiety ↑ BP, sweating, insomnia Blood pressure Don’t stop suddenly Boosts serotonin + adrenaline = more pep and more sweat. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) SNRI – depression + nerve pain Nausea, dry mouth LFTs Good for neuropathy Helps mood AND nerve pain together. Amitriptyline (Elavil) TCA – depression, nerve pain Anticholinergic effects, arrhythmias EKG , suicide risk Lethal in overdose Dries you out, knocks you out, can stop your heart if abused. Phenelzine (Nardil) MAOI – resistant depression Hypertensive crisis BP Avoid tyramine foods Works great but hates aged cheese and wine. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Atypical – depression, quit smoking Seizures, insomnia, weight loss Mood Avoid in seizure disorders Wakes you up and cuts appetite. Trazodone Sleep aid, depression Sedation, priapism Fall risk Take at bedtime Knocks you out… sometimes too well.
Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Side Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Lithium Bipolar mania Tremor, toxicity, polyuria 0.6–1.2 , Na⁺, kidneys Keep salt/fluids stable; avoid NSAIDs Tiny therapeutic window → easy to overdose. Valproic Acid (Depakote) Bipolar + seizures Liver damage , thrombocytopenia LFTs , platelets Don’t use in pregnancy Calms mood but attacks liver. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Bipolar + seizures Bone marrow suppression , rash CBC , LFTs No grapefruit Mood control but kills blood counts. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Bipolar depression SJS rash Skin checks Stop for any rash Great med until your skin falls off. Haloperidol (Haldol) Typical antipsychotic EPS , dystonia, NMS Neuro checks Treat EPS with benztropine Stops hallucinations but stiffens your body. Risperidone (Risperdal) Atypical antipsychotic Weight gain, ↑ prolactin Weight, glucose Not for dementia Helps mood but packs on pounds. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Atypical antipsychotic Huge weight gain, diabetes Glucose, lipids Monitor metabolic syndrome Makes you hungry 24/7. Clozapine (Clozaril) Severe schizophrenia Agranulocytosis Weekly CBC Stop if WBC low Amazing med but destroys immune cells. Lorazepam (Ativan) Anxiety, seizures Sedation, resp depression RR Short-term only Calms EVERYTHING— including breathing. Buspirone (Buspar) Chronic anxiety Dizziness, nausea None Takes 2–4 weeks; no sedation Anti-anxiety without the zombie effect. Zolpidem (Ambien) Insomnia Sleepwalking, sedation Fall risk Take at bedtime Helps you sleep… sometimes too weirdly.
Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs NCLEX / Teaching ELIS (Explain It Like I’m Stupid) Desmopressin (DDAVP) Treats DI (keeps water in) Water intoxication, hyponatremia Na ⁺, I&O Watch for headache/confusion ADH replacement = “don’t pee so much” pill. Calcitonin Lowers calcium Nausea, nasal irritation Ca²⁺ Rotate nostrils Pushes calcium back into bones. Calcium Gluconate Treats hypocalcemia Arrhythmias Ca²⁺, ECG Give slowly IV Gives your nerves their “calm” back. Bisphosphonates – Alendronate Prevents bone loss Jaw necrosis, esophagitis Dental checks Sit upright 30 min Strengthens bones but burns throat if lying down.
Anti-Infectives Class / Example Simple Purpose Major Adverse Effects Monitor / Labs
NCLEX /
Teaching ELIS (Explain Like I’m Stupid) Penicillins – Amoxicillin, Penicillin G Broad infections Allergic reactions, rash Allergies Watch for anaphylaxis The classic antibiotic. Great unless you’re allergic. Cephalosporins – Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) Broad infections Cross-allergy w/ penicillins, diarrhea Kidney No alcohol (disulfiram rxn) Penicillin’s cousin—you might be allergic to both. Carbapenems – Imipenem Severe infections Seizures Kidney Reserved for very sick pts Big-gun antibiotic. Don’t use unless needed. Macrolides – Azithromycin (Z-Pak), Erythromycin Respiratory infections QT prolongation , GI upset ECG, liver Good for penicillin- allergic pts Good backup antibiotic, but messes with your heart rhythm. Tetracyclines – Doxycycline Acne, Lyme, pneumonia Photosensitivity, tooth discoloration Liver, kidney No milk, no kids, no pregnancy Sunburns you & stains your teeth. Aminoglycosides – Gentamicin Serious gram- negative infections Nephrotoxic , ototoxic BUN/Cr , peak/trough Watch for tinnitus Kills bacteria AND your kidneys/ears. Fluoroquinolones – Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin UTIs, pneumonia Tendon rupture , photosensitivity Kidney Avoid in children; no antacids Works great but can snap your Achilles. Sulfonamides – TMP- SMX (Bactrim)
UTI, MRSA
Stevens-Johnson , hyperkalemia K ⁺, CBC Increase fluids Powerful UTI drug but can fry your skin. Metronidazole (Flagyl) C. diff, trichomonas Metallic taste, neuropathy Neuro, liver NO alcohol Fixes infections but punishes you if you drink.
