Adrianne Bazo

11-18-08

Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency
azithromycin Zithromax agents for atypical 500mg PO Q day for four or more
mycobacterium, anti- days
infectives
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
2.5-3.2 hrs rapid 24 hr Acute bacterial sinusitis--500 mg once daily for 3 days or single 2 g
dose of extended-release suspension (Zmax)

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
Extended-release suspension (ZMax)Acute bacterial solutions
sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia in adults NA

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Inhibits protein synthesis at the level of the 50S Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide
bacterial ribosome anti-infectives
Zmax extended release oral suspension is not bioequivalent or
interchangeable with azithromycin oral suspension
Common side effects
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
none
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess patient for infection (vital signs;
appearance of wound, sputum, urine, and stool;
WBC) at beginning of and throughout therapy.
Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before
initiating therapy. First dose may be given before
receiving results
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause ↑ serum bilirubin, AST, ALT, LDH, and alkaline
phosphatase concentrations. May cause ↑ creatine phosphokinase,
potassium, prothrombin time, BUN, serum creatinine, and blood
glucose concentrations. May occasionally cause ↓ WBC and platelet
count
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Instruct patients to take medication as directed and to finish the drug
completely, even if they are feeling better. Tell patient to take missed
doses as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose; do not
double doses. Advise patients that sharing of this medication may be
dangerous
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Resolution of the signs and
Observe for signs and symptoms of symptoms of infection. Length of
anaphylaxis (rash, pruritus, laryngeal edema, time for complete resolution
wheezing). Notify the physician or other depends on the organism and site
health care professional immediately if these of infection
occur
chest pain, palpitations, yellowing of skin or
eyes, or signs of superinfection (black, furry
overgrowth on the tongue; vaginal itching or
discharge; loose or foul-smelling stools). if
fever and diarrhea develop, especially if stool
contains blood, pus, or mucus
Adrianne Bazo
11-18-08