Brand Name(1): Plavix

Available Dosage Forms(3): tablets

Dosing Regimen(1): 75mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome

MOA(1): Irreversibly inhibits platelet activation by modifyng P2Y12 ADP receptor inhibiting glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex

Side Effects(2):  can cause increased bleed risk & hypotension

Counseling Points(2):

Report any unusal or excessive bleeding, blood in stool or urine

Seek medical attention for fever, weakness, neurological changes

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): clopidogrel & warfarin; both increase risk of bleeding causing an even higher risk of bleeding in pts

Monitoring Parameters(2): CBC & Bloody Stools

Brand Name(1): Amoxil

Available Dosage Forms(3): tablet, suspension, capsule

Dosing Regimen(1): 500mg by mouth q12

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of streptococcus

MOA(1): Inhibition of cell-wall mucopeptide synthesis by competing with PABA binding and inactivating PBP weakening of the cell wall

Side Effects(2):  N/V/D & Skin Rash

Counseling Points(2):

For severe diarrhea, contact MD before taking any antidiarrheals

Complete the entire prescribed dose even if feeling better

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Yaz and amoxicillin; amoxillin decreases Yaz plasma concentrations, leading to decreased contraceptive effectiveness

Monitoring Parameters(2): Signs of increased infection (fever, inflammation) & pseudo membranous colitis (diarrhea)

Brand Name(1): Lipitor

Available Dosage Forms(3): tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 20mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): Reduce risk of Myocardial Infarction

MOA(1): Reduces cholesterol by inhibiting conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate early step in biosynthesis of cholesterol

Side Effects(2):  Muscle Spams & N/D

Counseling Points(2):

Reduce alcohol intake as this can decrease liver function

Notify doctor if experience muscle pain, tenderness

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Mylanta & atorvastatin: coadministration with aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide suspension decreases atorvastatin levels

Monitoring Parameters(2): LFT & Lipids Levels

Brand Name(1): Cardizem

Available Dosage Forms(3): IR tablet, CD Capsule, & Coated Beads Tablets

Dosing Regimen(1): 60mg IR by mouth TID

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of hypertension

MOA(1): Slows calcium ion channel causing relaxtion of vascular smooth muscle, excitation-contraction uncoupling in myocardial tissue, and decreases sa/av nodal conduction

Side Effects(2):  hypotension & bradycardia

Counseling Points(2):

Be cautious standing up as you may feel dizzy (orthostatic hypotension)

Do not abruptly stop taking this medication as chest pain may occur

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Propanolol & diltiazem; Coadministration of diltiazem with propranolol increases propranolol levels in all subjects and bioavailability increased approximately 50%.

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & LFT

drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol

Brand Name(1): Yaz 28

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 3mg drosp/20mcg estradiol tablet by mouth daily for 21 days followed by 7 days without drug (sugar tab instead)

Accepted Indications(1): low-dose monophasic oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy

MOA(1): Sypresses hypothalamic-pituitary system by progesterone and EE receptor agonist decreasing GnRH, LH, and FSH; also increases visosity of cervical secretions

Side Effects(2):  breast tenderness & spotting between periods

Counseling Points(2):

BeThis medication does not stop the spread of sexually transmitted disease

Use sunscreen whlie on this medication as it may cause skin discoloration

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Yaz and amoxicillin; amoxillin decreases Yaz plasma concentrations, leading to decreased contraceptive effectiveness

Monitoring Parameters(2): Potassium & Breakthrough Bleeding

Brand Name(1): Tenormin

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 100mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of hypertension (reduces mortality)

MOA(1): Selective B1 Blocking agent with B2 blocking at higher does; Blockes catecholamine action, reduction of sympathetic outflow, and suppression of renin activity

Side Effects(2):  N/D & bradycardia

Counseling Points(2):

May take 1-2 weeks for full effectiveness of drug to be noticed

Do not stop medication abruptly, it must be tapered to discontinue

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Propanolol & diltiazem; Coadministration of diltiazem with propranolol increases atenolol levels which can cause bradycardia.  Consider decreasing dose of atenolol

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & Thyrotoxicosis symtpoms (TSH, FT4)

Brand Name(1): Glynase

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet & Micronized Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 5mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

MOA(1): Stimulates release of insulin from pancreas & produces mild diuresis

Side Effects(2): N & Photosensitivity

Counseling Points(2):

Watch for signs of hypoglycemia: low BG levels, fatigue

Dietary Control is highly important in combination with drug therapy

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Glyburide & Ibuprofen; Coadministration of glyburide with Ibuprofen increases glyburide levels which can cause hyopglycemia

Monitoring Parameters(2): FBG (Fasting Blood Glucose) & HgbA1C

Brand Name(1): Dyazide

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet & Capsule

Dosing Regimen(1): 37.5mg triam /25mg HCTZ by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of hypertension

MOA(1): Triam - Works on the Collecting Duct Tubule to decrease Na reabsorption (K sparing); HCTZ - works on the Distal Tubule to decrease Na reabsorption

Side Effects(2): hyperkalemia & hypotension

Counseling Points(2):

Be cautious about switching between brands as products may not be equivalent

Take after meals to avoid stomach upset

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene & Indomethacin; Coadministration increases hydro/triam levels leading to hypotension and hyperkalemia

Monitoring Parameters(2): BUN & K+

Brand Name(1): Lovenox

Available Dosage Forms(3): SubQ & Injection

Dosing Regimen(1): 40 mg subcutaneously daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

 MOA(1): A low-weight molecular heparin with antithrombolytic activity as mostly anti-factor X

Side Effects(2): Hemorrhage (bruising) & purpura (purple spots on skin)

Counseling Points(2):

Notify healthcare providers you are on this medication before surgery or medication changes

It may take you longer than normal to stop bleeding

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Enoxaparin & Ibuprofen; Coadministration increases risk of bleeding and/or hemorrhage

Monitoring Parameters(2): CBC & Signs of Bleeding (Bloody Stool & Bruising)

Brand Name(1): Synthroid

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet & Inj

Dosing Regimen(1): 100 mcg by mouth

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of hypothyroidism

 MOA(1): Synthetic repalacement of thyroid hormone to control DNA transcription and protein synthesis involved in metabolish, growth, and development

Side Effects(2): Palpitations & Anxiety

Counseling Points(2):

This is a hormone replacement that may need to be taken for life

It may take several weeks for symptoms to improve

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Levothyroxine & Iodide; Coadministration can increase and/or decrease levels of thyroid hormone in patient (iodide-induced hypothyroidism or hyperthyrodism in euthyroid pts)

Monitoring Parameters(2): TSH & Free T4

Brand Name(1): Vasotec

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet & IV

Dosing Regimen(1): 20 mg by mouth twice daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of hypertension

 MOA(1): prodrug hydrolyzed to enalaprilat which inhibits ACE preventing the conversion of AT1 to ATII suppressing the RAAS (Also increases bradykinin)

Side Effects(2): Hypotension and dizziness

Counseling Points(2):

Report any swelling of the face, extremities, lips, and eyes

Notify healthcare providers if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): Enalapril & Hydrochlorothiazide; Coadministration can create additive blood pressure lowering and increase the risk of acute renal dysfunction

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & SCr (Renal Function)

Brand Name(1): Premarin

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet, Injection, and vaginal cream

Dosing Regimen(1): 10 mg by mouth three times daily for three months

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of breast cancer

 MOA(1): estrogen hormone replacement therapy: binds to nuclear receptors to reduce the postmenopausal elevation of LH and FSH

Side Effects(2): abdominal pain and risk of infection (inflammation, etc).

Counseling Points(2):

Report any symptoms of a blood clot to a doctor (leg pain, severe headaches, SOB).

Report any excessive or unusual vaginal bleeding as it may be a sign of cancer.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): conjugated estrogens & levothyroxine; Coadministration can increase thyroxine-binding globulin concentrations, lowering serum concentrations and requiring more thyroxine

Monitoring Parameters(2): Bleeding (bloody nose, excessive menstruation cycles) & Liver function

Brand Name(1): Norvasc

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 5 mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of HTN

 MOA(1): CCB via slow-calcium channel, inhibiting transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular/cardiac smooth muscle, causes relaxation of muscle and reduction of afterload

Side Effects(2): palpitations and edema

Counseling Points(2):

Do not abruptly stop taking rx as rebound HTN may occur.

When first taking medication may experience dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypertension).

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): conjugated estrogens & simvastatin; Coadministration can increase risk of muscle myopathy

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & SCr (Renal Function)

Brand Name(1): Prozac

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet, capsule, oral solution

Dosing Regimen(1): 20 mg capsule by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of Panic Disorder

 MOA(1): inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin increasing serotonin stimulation

Side Effects(2): dry mouth & anxiety

Counseling Points(2):

Do not abruptly stop taking rx, it may result in severe side effects and must be tapered down.

Increased risk of bleeding with NSAIDS, report any unsual bleeding/bruising (bloody nose).

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): conjugated estrogens & warfarin; Coadministration can increase risk of bleeding

Monitoring Parameters(2): Changes in weight & clinical worsening (increased sucidality)

Brand Name(1): Bactrim

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet, oral suspension, and intravenous injection

Dosing Regimen(1): Sulf/Trim 800/160 tablet by mouth twice daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of acute exacerbastions Chronic Bronchitis

 MOA(1): SMZ: inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competeing with PABA.   TMP:blocks production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by inhibiing dihydrofolate reductase

Side Effects(2): N/V/D & allergic skin reactions

Counseling Points(2):

Complete the entire prescription even if feeling better to prevent bacterial resistance.

Notify DR of signs & symptoms of an allergic reaction: skin rashes, difficulty breathing

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): bactrim & warfarin; Coadministration can anticoagulate effect and increase risk of bleeding (syngeristic)

Monitoring Parameters(2): Complete Blood Count (CBC) for reduction in blood elements & signs of reaction (skin rash)

Brand Name(1): Coumadin

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet & Intraveous Solution

Dosing Regimen(1): 5 mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of thromboembolic complications

 MOA(1): inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme reducing dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and proten C and S

Side Effects(2): bleeding & N/V/D

Counseling Points(2):

Keep intake of Vitamin K foods consistent and they will affect the anticoagulation effects of this medication.

Notify doctor of any signs or symtpoms of bleeding.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): warfarin & heparin; Coadministration can decrease anticoagulation events & increase bleeding

Monitoring Parameters(2): INR & Diet/Rx Changes

Brand Name(1): Cozaar

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 50 mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of HTN

 MOA(1): blocks angiotennsin II from binding with the AT1 receptor thereby preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion

Side Effects(2): hypotension & cough

Counseling Points(2):

Use caution when standing up when starting the medication, as you may feel dizzy due to orthostatic hypertension.

Notfiy MD if you experience any muscle pain.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): losartan & triamterene; Coadministration can decrease serum potassium (syngeristic)

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & electrolytes (K+)

Brand Name(1): Pacerone

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet

Dosing Regimen(1): 400 mg by mouth daily

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of Ventricular arrthymias

 MOA(1): prolongs action potential for all cardiac fibers, prolonging refractory period without affecting the resting membrane potential resulting in decrease sinus rate

Side Effects(2): hyperthyroidism & visual disturbances

Counseling Points(2):

Avoid sunlight exposure, use protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent skin discoloration.

Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase the effects of amiodarone.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): amiodarone & diltiazem; Coadministration can cause bradycardia or sinus arrest (syngeristic)

Monitoring Parameters(2): Chest x-rays & eye exams

Brand Name(1): Keflex

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet, capsule, and oral suspension

Dosing Regimen(1): 250 mg by mouth every 6 hours

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of otitis media

 MOA(1): bactericidal due to cell wall mucopeptide synthesis inhibition

Side Effects(2): hypersensitivity (rash) & N/V/D

Counseling Points(2):

Complete the entire prescribed dose even if feeling better to decrease risk of bacterial resistance.

Notify your doctor if your symptoms have not improved in a few days.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): cephalexin & metformin; Coadministration can increased metformin plasma concentration and decreased renal clearance

Monitoring Parameters(2): Signs of persistent infection & hypersensitivity

Brand Name(1): Calan

Available Dosage Forms(3): Tablet, tablet ER, & Cap ER

Dosing Regimen(1): 180 MG CAP ER by mouth daily in the morning

Accepted Indications(1): treatment of HTN

 MOA(1): L-type- slow clacium channel blocker decreasing mechanical contraction of vascular/cardiac muscle

Side Effects(2): hypotension & bradycardia

Counseling Points(2):

Notify doctor if irregular heart beat, SOB, edema, or dizziness.

Do not crush or chew ER tablets/caps.

Drug-Drug Interactions(1): verapamil & St. John's Wort; Coadministration can decrease concentration of verapamil

Monitoring Parameters(2): BP & HR