Medication Card Main (Common) Side Effects:

Generic Name: Levothyroxine Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, cramps, tremors

Trade Name: Eltroxin
Drug Classification:
Thyroid Hormones preparation/ Supplementation
Therapeutic Uses:
For clients experiencing hypothyroidism and the
symptoms related to this disorder with the goal of
restoring the normal hormonal balance by acting as a
replacement and treatment of hypothyroidism; which the
condition when your thyroid gland produces too little
thyroid hormone.
Mechanism of Action:
Levothyroxine supplements and allows for all the actions
of endogenous thyroid hormone, such as increasing
metabolic rate of body tissue by influence the growth and
maturation of tissues, by promoting glycogen synthesis
through increasing the utilization and mobilization of
glycogen stores.
Safe Dose Range and Administration Info:
PO: 25-50 mcg, increase in 12.5-25 mcg at 6- to 8-wk
intervals.
Contraindications:
Hyperthyroidism, recent myocardial infarction,
cardiovascular disease, uncorrected androgen disorders,
arrhythmias; due to the fact that levothyroxine is cardio
stimulatory meaning that it enhances cardiac function by
increasing heart rate, these conditions with be a
contraindication because of the fear of putting more work
load on the hearth.
Interactions: (Medication or Food):
Levothyroxine might increase the effect of warfarin.
The use of Levothyroxine might require an increase in oral
hypoglycemic agents when used together. Cardiac problem
increase with the use of epinephrine and Levothyroxine.
which are signs of GI sensitivity indicating inappropriate
dosage of the hormone.
Adverse Effects:
Tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations; can be due to
levothyroxine increasing the workload on the heart
leading to cardiovascular adverse effects, these may be a
manifestation of excess thyroid hormone or a sign of
Thyrotoxicosis which is rare.
Nursing Implications:
Record vital signs; assess apical pulse and blood pressure
prior to and periodically during therapy.
Monitor the patient weight gain which is a part of the
hypothyroidism signs and symptoms. Assess heart rate
and exercise tolerance frequently
lab: monitor thyroid function studies. watch for overdose
manifested such as hyperthyroidism.
Evaluation of Effectiveness:
Evaluate the effectiveness in controlling the symptoms of
hypothyroidism, monitored side effect for accumulation
and overdose, evaluate pateitn knowledge about the
medication and side effects.
Teach patient about adverse signs to watch out for such as;
the common side effects of inappropriate dosing and
cardiac stimulation.
Client Teaching:
- Notify HCP any weight gain; which would be a
sign of the drug not meeting therapeutic effect of
supplying the the body with the the thyroid
hormone which is needed for metabolism.
- Monitor blood pressure as much as possible
- keep all laboratory appointments, this is
important to assure that thyroid hormones stay at a
hepatic leave.
- taken on an empty stomach at least 30-60 min
before breakfast.

Hodgson, B. B., & Kizior, R. J. (1998). Saunders nursing drug handbook. Philadelphia: Saunders.

McCuistion, L.E., Vuljoin-DiMaggio, K., Winton, M.B., & Yeager, J.J. (2018). Pharmacology: A patient-centered

nursing process approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:

F.A. Davis Company.

 Medication Card
Generic Name: Glipizide
Trade Name: Glucotrol
Drug Classification: Antidiabetics
Therapeutic Uses:
To control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Mechanism of Action:
Lowers blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin
from the pancreas and increasing the sensitivity to insulin
at receptor sites. May also decrease hepatic glucose
production.
Safe Dose Range and Administration Info:
PO: 5mg/d
Contraindications:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis
Hepatic and renal impairment.
Hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides; cross-
sensitivity may occur.
Effectiveness may be deceased by concurrent use of
diuretics such as Lasix, this is because the increase
urination caused by the diuretic which than can cause
decrease availability of the drug in the body by the
increases elimination.
Severe renal disease which can increased risk of
hypoglycemia. Infection, stress, or changes in diet may
alter requirements for control of blood sugar.
interactions: (Medication or Food)
Aspirin, oral anticoagulants, MAOIs, sulfonamides,
cimetidine, NSAIDs, Beta blockers may increase
hypoglycemic effect, mask signs of hypoglycemia and
Corticosteroids
Hodgson, B. B., & Kizior, R. J. (1998). Saunders nursing drug handbook. Philadelphia: Saunders.
McCuistion, L.E., Vuljoin-DiMaggio, K., Winton, M.B., & Yeager, J.J. (2018). Pharmacology: A patient-centered
nursing process approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia,
PA: F.A. Davis Company.
Main (Common) Side Effects:
Drowsiness, headache, confusion, visual disturbances,
anxiety, hunger, anorexia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea,
abdominal pain; which might be signs and symptoms of
hypoglycemic reactions
Adverse Effects:
Hypoglycemia, tachycardia, seizures, coma, respiratory
distress aplastic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia),
weight gain
Nursing Implications:
Get vital signs because the drugs increase cardiac function
& oxygen consumption which can lead to cardiac
problems such as dysrhythmias
Give with food to minimize gastric upset
Monitor serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin
periodically during therapy to evaluate effectiveness of
treatment.
Evaluation of Effectiveness:
Monitor for Blood sugar In acceptable range (70–99
mg/dl)
Patent adherence and knowledge about diabetic regiment
Teach patient about adverse signs to watch out for.
Client Teaching:
- Instruct patient to take medication at same time
each day.
- Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless
almost time for next dose.
- Do not take if unable to eat. Explain to patient that
this medication controls hyperglycemia but does
not cure diabetes.
- Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise
patient to drink a glass of orange juice or ingest 2-
3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in
water
- Advise patient to notify health care professional
promptly if unusual weight gain, swelling of
ankles
- May occasionally cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities
requiring alertness until response to medication is
known
 Medication Card
Generic Name: Metformin
Trade Name: Glumetza
Drug Classification: antidiabetics
Therapeutic Uses: control hyperglycemia in type 2
diabetes mellitus
Mechanism of Action: decreases hepatic glucose
production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and
improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral
glucose uptake and utilization
Safe Dose Range and Administration Info:
PO: starts with 500 mg twice daily or 850 a day with
meals; increase gradually with the max: 2550 mg/day
Contraindications:
Metabolic acidosis, dehydration, infection, hepatic
impaired, chronic alcohol use, renal dysfunction.
Main (Common) Side Effects:
Abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting,
unpleasant metallic taste
Adverse Effects:
Hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, vitamin B12 deficiency,
palpitations
Nursing Implications:
Administer with meal to minimize GI effect
Make sure the patient swallows whole and does not crush
or chew the tablet.
Give at the same time every day
Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia such as abdominal
pain, sweating, headache, tremor, tachycardia and anxiety.
Teach patient about adverse signs to watch out for.
Advise patients to carry a Medic Alert card, tag, or
bracelet that indicates their health problem and the
antidiabetic dosage.
Evaluation of Effectiveness:
Monitor Blood sugar in acceptable range (70–99 mg/dl )

Interactions: (Medication or Food) Client Teaching:

Alcohol, iodinated contrast media, digoxin, morphine,
procainamide. oral contraceptives, sulfonamides.
- Advice the paitent to discontinue metformin and
report immediately if evidence of lactic acidosis
appears; such as unexplained hyperventilation,
muscle aches, extreme fatigue, unusual
drowsiness
- Prescribed diet is principal part of treatment; do
not skip, delay meals and avoid alcohol
- Report persistent headache, nausea,

Hodgson, B. B., & Kizior, R. J. (1998). Saunders nursing drug handbook. Philadelphia: Saunders.

McCuistion, L.E., Vuljoin-DiMaggio, K., Winton, M.B., & Yeager, J.J. (2018). Pharmacology: A patient-centered

nursing process approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:

F.A. Davis Company.

 Medication Card
Generic Name: Prednisone
Trade Name: Sterapred
Drug Classification: corticosteroids
Therapeutic Uses:
Suppression of inflammation and modification of the
normal immune response.
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits accumulation of inflammatory cells at
inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme
release/synthesis, release of mediators of inflammation.
Safe Dose Range and Administration Info:
PO: 5–60 mg/day in divided doses
Contraindications:
Acute superficial herpes simplex keratitis, systemic fungal
infections, varicella, administration of live or attenuated
virus vaccines. Acute untreated infections.
Interactions: (Medication or Food)
Hepatic enzyme inducers, Live virus vaccines
St. John’s wort
Hodgson, B. B., & Kizior, R. J. (1998). Saunders nursing drug handbook. Philadelphia: Saunders.
McCuistion, L.E., Vuljoin-DiMaggio, K., Winton, M.B., & Yeager, J.J. (2018). Pharmacology: A patient-centered
nursing process approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
F.A. Davis Company.
Main (Common) Side Effects:
Insomnia, heartburn, nervousness, abdominal distention,
diaphoresis, acne, mood swings
Adverse Effects:
Muscle wasting (in arms, legs), osteoporosis, spontaneous
fractures, amenorrhea, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcer.
Nursing Implications:
Monitor lab values: May increase serum glucose, lipids,
sodium, uric acid. May decrease serum calcium,
potassium, WBC, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal
Give with food or fluids to decrease GI side effects.
Give delayed-release tablet whole; do not break, crush,
dissolve, or divide.
Evaluation of Effectiveness:
Evaluate effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy. If clinical
manifestations have not improved, a change in drug
therapy may be necessary.
Continue monitoring for side effects, especially when a
patient is receiving high doses of corticosteroids.
Evaluate the patient’s knowledge of the therapy.
Client Teaching:
- Teach patient about adverse signs to watch out
for; such as Insomnia, heartburn, nervousness,
abdominal distention
- Be aware that a slight weight gain with improved
appetite is expected, but after dosage is stabilized,
a sudden slow but steady weight increase [2 kg
(5lb) per week] should be reported to physician.
- Avoid or minimize alcohol and caffeine may
contribute to steroid-ulcer development in long-
term therapy.
- Report symptoms of GI distress to physician and
do not self-medicate to find relief.
- Do not use aspirin or other OTC drugs unless they
are prescribed specifically by the physician.
- Report slow healing, any vague feeling of being
sick, or return of pretreatment symptoms.
- Be fastidious about personal hygiene; give special
attention to foot care, and be particularly cautious
about bruising or abrading the skin.
- Report persistent backache or chest pain (possible
symptoms of vertebral or rib fracture) that may
occur with long-term therapy.
 Medication Card
Generic Name: Desmopressin
Trade Name: DDAVP, DDAVP Rhinal Tube
Drug Classification:
Therapeutic Uses: an antidiuretic hormone, works by
limiting the amount of water that is eliminated in the
urine.
Mechanism of Action: Upon binding of desmopressin to
V2 receptors in the basolateral membrane of the cells of
the distal tubule and collecting ducts of the nephron,
adenylyl cyclase is stimulated. The resulting intracellular
cascades in the collecting duct lead to increased rate of
insertion of water channels, the lumenal membrane and
enhanced the permeability of the membrane to water.
Safe Dose Range and Administration Info:
PO: Initial dose 0.05 mg bid; then titrate to response.
Contraindications:
Hyponatremia, hemophilia A and B, Renal impairment
Interactions: (Medication or Food)
Chlorpropamide, clofibrate, chlorpromazine, lamotrigine
SSRIs or carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants,
alcohol, heparin, lithium, due to the last 4 medication
causing decrease in ADH function.
Main (Common) Side Effects:
Drowsiness, headache, mild abdominal cramp, nausea,
Adverse Effects:
Seizures, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, vulval
pain, water intoxication hypernatremia
Nursing Implications:
check urine specific gravity
assess weight, report sudden increases in weight (can
cause water retention
Evaluation of Effectiveness:
Monitor decrease frequency of nocturnal enuresis
Decrease in urine volume
Relief of polydipsia
Increase urine osmolality
Control of bleeding in hemophilia
Client Teaching:
- Notify HCP if blessing is not controlled or if
headache, dyspnea, heartburn, nausea, abdominal
cramps accurse
- Teach paitent to avide use of alcohol with this
medication
- For intranasal use the tube should be rinsed under
water after each use
- Prime the pump prior to first use by pressing
down 4 times
- Take missed doses as soon as remembered but not
if it Is almost time for the next dose
- For paitent with diabetes insipidus advice to carry
identification at all times describing disease
process and medication regimen

Hodgson, B. B., & Kizior, R. J. (1998). Saunders nursing drug handbook. Philadelphia: Saunders.

McCuistion, L.E., Vuljoin-DiMaggio, K., Winton, M.B., & Yeager, J.J. (2018). Pharmacology: A patient-centered

nursing process approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:

F.A. Davis Company.