Action- Contracts uterine smooth muscle. Enhances lactation.

Uses - Induction of labor at term, control postpartum bleeding. Adjunct in management of abortion.

Dosage - Induction or Stimulation of Labor- IV 

            - Abortion- IV 

            - Control of Postpartum Bleeding -IV,IM 

Consideration - not expected to present risk of fetal abnomalities. Small amounts in brest milk. Brest feeding not recommended.

Side Effects - Occasional tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction, hypotension, nausea, vomiting.

Adverse Effects - Hypertonicity may occure with tearing of uterus, increased bleeding, abruption placentae Fetal - Bradycardia, CNS/brain damage, trauma due to rapid propulsion.

Action- increases strength, uterine contraction, decreases uterin bleeding.

Uses - prevenstion/treatment of postpartum, postabortion hemorrhage due to atony

Dosage - PO,IV, IM

Consideration- Contraindicated during pregnancy. Small amounts distributed in breast milk.

Side effects- nausea, uterine cramping, vomiting. Occasional abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness

Adverse effects- Severe hypertensive episodesmay result in CVA, serious arrhythmias, seizures.

Action- Antacid, Laxative, systemic (dietary supplement replacement)

Uses- treatment/preventsion of hypomagnesemia, prevenstion of seizures, treatment of cardiact arrhythmias.

Dosage- Hypertensiaon, seizures- IV,IM

Considerations- Antacid: unknown if distributed in breast milk. Parenteral: readily crosses placenta, in breast milk 24 hrs after therapy is discontinued.

Side effects- Antacid: chalky taste, diarrhea, laxative effect.

Adverse effects- Systemic use may produce prolonged PR interval, widening of QRS interval.

Action- Decreases tissue response to inflammatory process.

Uses- Systemic: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, corticosteroid replacement therapy.

Topical- Relief of inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses.

Dosage- IM, PO, Topical

Considerations- crosses placenta, distributed in breast milk. Pregnancy catagory C, D if used in first trimester.

Side effects- frequent: Systemic: Increased appetite, abdominal distention, nervousness, insomnia, false sense of well being. 

Topical- burning, stinging, pruritus.

Adverse effects- Overdose may cause systemic hypercoricism, adrenal suppression.

Actions- Inhibits uterine contractions. Relieves bronchospasm, reduces airway resistence.

Uses- Symptomatic relief of reversible bronchospasm due to bronchial asthma. Delays premature labor in pregnancies between 20 and 34 weeks.

Dosage- Preterm labor- PO,IV

Consideration- Crosses placenta, in brest milk. pregnancy category B. Increased risk of tremors, tachycardia.

Side effects- Tremor, anxiety.

Adverse effects- Frequent or excessive use may lead to severe paradoxical bronchoconstriction.

Action- Inhibits accumulation of inflammatory cells at inflammation sites and/or release of mediators of inflammation.

Uses- Acute exacerbations of chronic allergic disorders, cerebral edema, conditions treated by immunosuppression.

Dosage- Anti-inflammatory- PO,IV,IM - Cerebral Edema, Adults- IV Children-PO,IV,IM

Considerations- Crosses placenta, in breast milk. Pregnancy catagory C. Children: prolonged treatment with high-dose therapy may decrease short-term growth rate. Side effects- Cough, dry mouth, hoarseness, throat irritation.

Adverse effects- Muscle wasteing, osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures, cataracts.

Meperidine (Demerol)

High Alert Drug

Actions- Alters pain perception, emotional response to pain.

Uses- Relief of moderate to severe pain.

Dosage- IV,IM,SUB-Q,PO

Consideration- Crosses placenta, in breast milk.  Respiratory depression may occure in neonate if mother received opiates during labor.

Side effects- sedation, hypotension, diaphoresis, facial flushing, dizziness, nausea.

Adverse effects- respiratory depression, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold clammy skin, cyanosis, stupor.

Action- Prevents allergic responses mediated by histamine. Prevents, relieves nausea/vomiting.

Uses- treatment of allergic conditions, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting.

Dosage- PO,IV,IM

Considerations- crosses placenta, unknow if in breast milk.

Side effects- drowsiness, disorentation, hypotension, confusion, syncope in elderly.

Adverse effects- paradoxical reaction manifested as excitation, anxiety, tremor, hyperactive reflexes, seiures.