Drug

Drug Class

MOA / Drug effects

Used for

SE / Contraindications

Amiodarone

(Cordarone)

Antidysrhythmic

Class III

Prolongs repolarization

Blocks alpha & beta adrenergic receptors of the SNS

~ Long ½ life (15-100 days), slow onset

Supraventricular & ventricular tachycardia (SVT & VT)

~ Atrial dysrythmias

SE: this drug is fat loving- can store in adipose tissues of organs

~ Corneal microdeposits (halos, dry eyes)

Pulmonary fibrosis

Blue/grey skin

Hypothyroidism, photosensitivity

*use sunscreen

Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

Statin

(Antilipemic)

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme needed to make cholesterol

Lowers total LDL and triglycerides

Raises HDL levels

Hyperlipidemias

~Take before bed, once per day

SE: HA, dizziness, constipation, cramps, skin rashes

Myopathy / Myalgias – can lead to renal failure, so report any muscle pain

~Increases liver enzymes (AST, ALT)

Anticoagulants increase effects

Contra: Alcohol, anticoagulants

Cholestyramine (Questran)

Bile Acid Sequestrant

(Antilipemic)

Prevents resportion of bile acids from small intestine

Increases destruction of LDL

Does not decrease triglycerides

Hyperlipidemias

Pruritis

SE: GI – belch, bloat, heartburn

Decreased fat-soluble vit. Absorption (ADEK), burnt odor of urine

*Take 1 hr before or 4 hrs after ion-exhange resins

Niacin

(Nicobin, Vit. B3)

Niacin

(Antilipemic)

Inhibits lipolysis in adipose tissue

Decreases LDL, triglycerides

Increases HDL levels

Hyperlipidemias

SE: Abd. discomfort, hyperpigmentation, blurred vision, hepatotoxicity

Flushing, pruritis

Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

Fibric Acid derivative

(Antilipemic)

Activates the enzyme responsible for breaking down cholesterol.

Reduces LDL concentrations

Good for mixed hyperlipidemias

SE: Gallstones

Impotence, decreased urine output, greasy stools, steatorrhea, risk for UTI

Contra: Caution w/ anticoagulants

Must monitor CBC & liver fx for 1 yr

Drug

Drug Class

MOA / Drug effects

Used for

SE / Contraindications

Codeine Sulfate

(Methylmorphine)

Opioid Analgesics

Beneficial effects from actions in CNS

Unwanted effects from actions outside the CNS

Antitussive agent for coughs

*Less effective analgesic than morphine

SE: CNS depression, N/V, constipation, urinary retention, euphoria

Contra: Bronchial asthma

Morphine Sulfate

(MS, MS Contin)

Opioid Analgesics

Beneficial effects from actions in CNS

Unwanted effects from actions outside the CNS

For severe pain

Variety of routes

SE: Highly constipating

Contra: Pts w/ head injuries, bronchial asthma

Fentanly

(Duragesic)

Opioid Analgesics

Beneficial effects from actions in CNS

Unwanted effects from actions outside the CNS

For moderate to severe pain

Used as adjunct to general anesthetics

Very potent

Patch form

Contra: Pts with Myastenia Gravis, bronchial asthma

Meperidine (Demoril)

Opioid Analgesics

Beneficial effects from actions in CNS

Unwanted effects from actions outside the CNS

For pain

Random:

Mu: euphoria, 2+ sedation

Kappa: 4+ sedation

Delata: Analgesia

Very high potential for misuse/addiction

Use w/ caution in elderly, those w/ kidney dysfunction (a metabolite can accumulate and cause seizures)

Don’t use w/ MAOI’s – coma & death

Naloxone HCl

(Narcan)

Opioid Antagonist

(Blocks opioids)

Blocks opioid drugs

For acute opioid overdose

Injectable dose only

Reverses pain killer effects too.

Acetaminophen

(Tylenol)

All NSAIDS

Nonopioid Analgesics

Block pain impulses peripherally

Lower body temp (if have fever)

Weak anti-inflammatory

Mild to moderate pain & fever

SE: Rash, N/V, hepatic necrosis

Max dose: 4,000 mg/ day

Don’t use w/ alcohol

Not for pts w/ renal or hepatic disease

Antidote: Acetylcysteine