Rocephin (Ceftriaxone)

Classification: Antibiotic

Pharmocotheraputics: serious lower respiratory, urinary tract infection

Dosage and Routes: IM/IV 1-2 g daily max 4g q12-24hr

Side effects/ adverse reactions: Seizures, heart failure, renal failure

Nursing information: Asses for previous penicillin allergies. Monitor urine output, and for bleeding

Drug interactions: Furosemide, Iron, probenecid

Patient education: Report sore throat, diarrhea with blood or pus, vaginal irritation, or furry tongue

Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

Classification: Anti-infective

Pharmocotheraputics: Adult urinary tract infection

Dosage and Routes: PO 250 mg q12hr x 3 days or XL 500 mg q24 x 3 days

Side effects/ adverse reactions: Pancreatitis, bone marrow depression

Nursing information: Should not be administered to patients with renal failure. Monitor for hypocalcemia

Drug interactions: Alfuzosin, Arsenic Trioxide, Probucol

Patient education: Monitor blood studies, electrolytes, urine output.

Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

Classification: Anti-infective

Pharmocotheraputics: Mild to moderate infections of the respiratory tract and skin structure infection

Dosage and Routes: PO 250-500 mg q12hr x 7-14 days

Side effects/ adverse reactions: Ventricular dysrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, Stevens-Johnson

Nursing information: Monitor blood studies. Assess bowel pattern, overgrowth of infection

Drug interactions: Alprazolam, Digoxin, Omeprazole

Patient education: Do not consume grapefruit products

Vancocin (Vancomycin)

Classification: Anti-infective

Pharmocotheraputics: Treats MRSA, MSSA

Dosage and Routes: IV 500 mg q6-8hr or 1 g q12hr

PO 125 mg qid x 10-14 days

Side effects/ adverse reactions: Cardia Arrest, Increased BUN, Leukopenia

Nursing information: Monitor I&O ratio, blood test, B/P. Obtain C&S before product therapy.

Drug interactions: Acyclovir, cephalosporin, cisplatin

Patient education: Educate patient on how the drug works and to take as prescribed. Informed physician of sore throat, fever, fatigue. These could be a symptom of superinfection.

permethrin (Acticin )

Classification: Antifungal

Pharmocotheraputics:

Dosage and Routes: 30 grams topical

Side effects/ adverse reactions: mild and transient burning and stinging followed application with permethrin cream in 10% of patients and was associated with the severity of infestation.

Nursing information: Scabies infestation is often accompanied by pruritis, edema and erythema. Treatment with permethrin cream may temporarily exacerbate these conditions.

Drug interactions: No known drug interactions

Patient education: If hypersensitivity to permethrin cream occurs, discontinue use

Hydrocortisone

Classification: Steroid

Pharmocotheraputics: Reducing swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with certain rectal conditions, including hemorrhoids

Dosage and Routes: 30 mg  Topical

Side effects/ adverse reactions:Skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing. Stinging

Nursing information: 2-6 hour onset of action (OOA)

Drug interactions: Hemorrhoidal-HC suppositories

Patient education: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. 

Efudex 5FU (fluorouracil)

Classification:Antimetabolite

Pharmocotheraputics: Treating multiple actinic or solar keratoses

Dosage and Routes: topical solution, cream 0.5g in 10mL

Side effects/ adverse reactions:Redness and swelling of normal skin.                   Nursing information: Efudex may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.                                                                                                                          Drug interactions: Low chance of drug interaction.

Patient education: Application to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration. 

References

Skidmore (2015). Mosby's drug guide for nursing students . St. Louis : Elsevier Mosby.

Vitamin E (alpha- tocopherol)

Classification: anti- oxidant

 Pharmocotheraputics: Impaired fat absorption

 Dosage and Routes: PO 60-75 units per day

 Side effects/ adverse reactions: abscess, 

 blurred vision, nausea, headaches

 Nursing information: Assess nutritional 

 status and vitamin E deficiency

 Drug interactions: cholestyramine, 

 colestipol, mineral oil.