Statins

Side Effects: Myopathy (muscle pain)

Administrations: Often given in the evening. Allows for peak concentration of drug to occur with peak cholesterol formation.

Contraindicated: Grapefruit.

Hydralazine

Heart Medication. Side Effects: Fluid Retention, Reflex tachycardia, Lupus-like, Dizzy, HA, N/V/D, anemia, Nasal Congestion

Beta-Blockers

Vasodilator

Side Effects: Impotence

Contraindications: Asthma, COPD, Diabetes

(Beta-1 = heart ; Beta-2 = Lungs)

ACE Inhibitors

Side Effects: Dry, hacking cough; vertigo, HA, rash, fatigue, agranulocytosis, possible renal failure

Contraindications: Pregnancy, High potassium, renal stenosis

Preserves renal function in Diabetics; interacts with potassium

Augmentin

Broad-spectrum Penicillin, Used extensively

Vancomycin

Only active against Gram + organisms & is reserved for MRSA

Tetracyclines

Antibiotics that fight against Gram + & -- and atypical. Inhibit protein synthesis. Bacteriostatic. Used for skin infections, lyme disease, MRSA.

Adverse Effects: GI, Photosensitivity. Contraindicated: Contraceptives, Anticoagulants, Theophylline, Digoxin, Calcium, Iron. Weakens bone structure. 

Rifampin

Treats TB and MRSA. Added with other drugs. Adverse Effects: Changes body secretions to red-orange (Statins)

Leukotriene Modifiers

(Singulair) Anti-inflammatory; Suppress effects of Leukotrienes 

Cromolyn

Intranasal Cromolyn (NasalCrom) Anti-inflammatory; Used for prophylaxis, not quick relief. NOT a bronchodilator. Adverse effects: SAFEST of all anti-asthma drugs although only moderately effective. For cough, bronchospasm. Takes 1-2 weeks to develop response.

Beta-2-Adrenergic Agents

(Albuterol, salmeterol, terbutaline) Bronchodilator; Most effective for relief of acute bronchospasm & prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (both quick relief and long-term). Adverse effects: tachycardia, angina, tremor. 

Methylxanthines

(Theophylline) Bronchodilator; Plasma level is 10-20 mcg/mL.Toxicity is related to theophylline levels. Use when patient is less responsive to other medications. Metabolism is greatly affected by age, other diseases, smoking liver function, other drugs. Adverse Effects: Nervousness, tachycardia, GI upset, HA.

Glucocorticoid/LABA Combinations

(Advair, Symbicort) Long-term management. NOT recommended for initial therapy (give another drug first). Mild adverse effects: Drying, rare sympathetic effects.

Opioid Antitussives

(Codeine, Hydrocodone) Best antitussive medication. Encourage cough if productive.

Non-Opioid Antitussives

(Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine) Adverse effects: Drowsy, Anticholinergic. Use correct dosing for pediatric patients.

Sympathomimetrics (Oral/nasal)

(Phenylephrine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Afrin) Reduces nasal congestion (Doesn’t reduce rhinorrhea, sneezing, or itching). Adverse effects: Rebound congestion if used too long (only use 3 days) (discontinue 1 nostril at a time); CNS stimulation, Cardiovascular effects, stroke.

Leflunomide (Arava)

Teratogenic. Decreased disease progression. More dangerous & expensive than Methotrexate. Adverse Effects: Diarrhea, respiratory infection, alopecia.

Adalimumab (Humira)

Neutralize Tumor Necrosis Factor. Moderately or severe RA. Suppress immune system. Pose serious risk for infection. 

Adverse Effects: Itching, Erythema, swelling, pain, CNS disorders.

Etanercept (Enbrel)

Rhematoid Arthritis. Inactivates tumor necrosis factor. Adverse Effects: Infection (immunosuppressed), Tuberculosis, heart failure, cancer

Colchicines

No longer 1st-line drug (reserved for pt’s unresponsive to safer agents). Treats Acute Gout. Adverse Effects: GASTROINTESTINAL

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Inhibits uric acid formation. Chronic Gout. Hyperuricemia due to chemo. Adverse Effects: GI effects, Hypersensitivity syndrome. Make blood thinner.

Alendronate (Fosamax)/ Risedronate (Actonel)

Postmenopausal, Men, or Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis. 

Adverse Effects: Esophageal erosion. Pt will complain of heartburn. Take 30 min. before a meal with a full glass of water, sit up for 30 min. afterwards.

Raloxifene (Evista)

Hormonal replacement therapy for positive aspects of estrogen. Decreases likelihood of osteoporosis. Contraindicated in DVT, PE, Clotting.

May be helpful in preventing Breast cancer and heart disease.