Generic:

Brand:

Clonidine Hydrochloride
Catapres

Classification

Anti-hypertensive (Centrally acting alpha agonist)

Indication:

Hypertension, Treatment of severe pain in cancer patients in combination with

opiates

Contraindication: Hypersensitivity, Sick sinus syndrome, Hypotension

Adverse Effects:

Local skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, hypopigmentation and

hyperpigmentation of the skin, constipation, depression, anxiety, fatigue, nausea,
anorexia, parotid pain, sleep disturbances, impotence, urinary retention, itching
sensation of the eye

Mechanism of
Action:

Stimulates CNS alpha2-adrenergic receptors, inhibits

sympathetic cardioaccelerator and vasoconstrictor centers, and decreases
sympathetic outflow from the CNS.

Nursing
Responsibilities:

Assess blood pressure and apical pulse before administering

Check for edema in feet, legs daily,
Monitor input-output ratio: check for decreasing output.
Note allergicreactions: fever,rash, pruritus,urticaria, andioedema

Generic:
Brand:

Atropine Sulfate
Atropair

Classification:

Autocholinergic, Autonomic Nervous System Agent

Indication:

Adjunct in symptomatic treatment of GI disorders, For sinus bradycardia or asystole

Contraindication:

Hypersensitivity, Obstructive disease of Upper GIT and colon, Tachycardia

Adverse Effects:

Headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, nausea, vomiting

Mechanism of
Action:

Competitively blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic cholinergic receptors

that mediate the effects of parasympathetic postganglionic impulses, depressing
salivary and bronchial secretions, dilating the bronchi, inhibiting vagal influences on
the heart, relaxing the GI and GU tracts, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, relaxing the
pupil of the eye , and preventing accommodation for near vision.

Nursing
Responsibilities:

Monitor V/S especially heartrate.

Monitor I& O
Promote safety; health teachings
Ensure adequate hydration

Generic:
Brand:
Drug Name

Norepinephrine
Levophed

Classification:
Drug
Classification
Indication:
Indication/s

Cardiac glycoside

Contraindicati
on/s
Contraindication:
Side Effects
Adverse effects:
Mechanism of
Mechanism of
Action
Action:

Restoration of BP in certain acute hypotensive states, Adjunct in treatment of

cardiac arrest and profound hypotension.
Hypovolemia
Dizziness, weakness, stomach upset, nervousness
Acts predominantly on alpha-receptors and on beta-receptors in the heart. It
therefore causes peripheral vasoconstriction (alpha-adrenergic action)m and a
positive inotropic effect on the heart and dilation of coronary arteries betaadrenergic action). These actions result in an increase in systemic blood pressure
and coronary artery blood flow.

Nursing
Responsibilitie
s
Nursing

Responsibilities:

Monitor VS, ECG, I&O ratio, cyanosis, neurological status &adverse effects
during therapy.
Assess for signs of extravasation (eg.Blanching & Coolnessof skin over vein) at
infusion site.
Advise pt. to notify nurse if IV site feels cool or painful.
Caution pt. to avoid sudden position changes to prevent Orthostatic
Hypotension.

Drug Name
Drug
Classification
Indication/s
Contraindicati
on/s
Side Effects
Mechanism of
Action
Nursing
Responsibilitie
s