PHARMACOLOGY

REVIEW
Website: nursebossstore.com

nursebossstore.com

nursebossstore

ww.pinterest.com/nursebossstore

nursebossessentials
 Meet the
Dr. Nurse Vicky
Hey there Future Nurse!
I'm Dr. Nurse Vicky, and
I've teamed up with
other PhD-prepared
nurses to create study
dr. Nurse Vicky guides you can rely on.
Ready to level up your
grades? Dive into our
awesome nursing
resources! 🚀
CLICK HERE
 SHOP OUR
NURSING ESSENTIALS
All Nursing Classes
Individually shop our nursing
study guide. This includes
Pharmacology, MedSurg,
Fundamentals, Lab Values,
Mother Baby, Pediatrics, and
Mental Health

CLICK HERE

SHOP THE BUNDLE

Save more when you get a
bundle!
600+ pages of the most
important nursing school
topics!

CLICK HERE
 nursebossstore.com

Indications MOA SIde/Adverse Effects

Contraindications Nursing Considerations Patient Education

 Blood pressure
Antihypertensive medication

a ce-inhibitors b eta blockers ca channel blockers d iuretics

Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix
Suffix- pril (Example- enalapril) Suffix- lol (Example- atenolol) Suffix- dipine, amil, zem -semide

(Example- Amlodipine, -thiazide

Mechanism of Action Mechanism of Action Example+ furosemide,
Verapamil, Diltiazem)
Hydrochlorothiazide
MOA: prevent conversion of MOA: blockers block the effect
angiotensin I to angiotensin II of epinephrine at the receptor Mechanism of Action Mechanism of Action
sites.
Side Effects MOA: Calcium channel blockers MOA: Promote diuresis

A- Angioedema prevent calcium ions movement Lowers BP: Na and fluid loss
Selective BB: affects only the
C-Cough (dry cough across myocardial cell
beta1 adrenergic sites (heart)
E- Electrolyte (Elevated K) membrane.
Nonselective BB: (lungs and
This causes relaxation of smooth
heart) acts on both beta 1 and
Nursing Actions muscle.
beta 2 adrenergic sites
1. Monitor SE Relaxation of
2. Monitor K+ level smooth muscles
3. Monitor BP + Pulse Selective Beta Blockers

a ngiotensin II receptor blockers

Non Selective Beta Blockers

Suffix/Prefix
Suffix- sartan (Example- Losartan)
Side Effects
Mechanism of Action Side Effects Side Effects 1. Electrolyte Imbalance
Bradycardia 1. Orthostatic Hypotension 2. Hypotension
ARBs prevent aldosterone
Hypotension 2. Bradycardia, Dizziness
release and peripheral
Mask symptoms-hypoglycemia Nursing Actions
vasoconstriction by selectively
Nursing Actions
blocking angiotensin II 1. Monitor EKGs
Nursing Actions
receptors. 1. Monitor BP, P 2. Monitor
1. Contraindicated among
2. Patient education Electrolyte levels
asthmatic pts.
to change 3. Monitor BP + P
2. Monitor BP, P,
position slowly
Glucose

nursebossstore.com
 GERD/PEPTIC ULCER
Gastrointesinal medications

p roton pump inhibitors H istamine H2 Antagonist A NTACID medication

Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix
1. Aluminium compounds
Suffix- -dine-tidine
Suffix- zole (Example- Omeprazole) 2. Magnesium compounds
(Example-Ranitidine) 3. Calcium compound
Mechanism of Action 4. Sodium bicarbonate
Mechanism of Action
MOA: Proton pump inhibitors Mechanism of Action
MOA: Histamine (H2) receptor
suppress the secretion of HCL in MOA: Antacid are alkaline
antagonist blocks the action of
the stomach by inhibiting hydrogen- compounds that neutralizes acids
histamine, which produces HCL
potassium adenosine triphosphate and prevents the conversion of
secretion.
enzyme (the enzyme that generates pepsinogen to pepsin in the
This action promotes ulcer healing.
HCL). stomach.
OMEPRAZOLE RANATIDINE Aluminum hydroxide

Side Effects Side Effects Side Effects

1. Abdominal Pain 1. Dizziness 1. Diarrhea: magnesium
2. Nausea 2. Drowsiness hydroxide retains water
3. Vomiting 3. Headaches which may cause diarrhea
2. Constipation: aluminium
Nursing Actions Nursing Actions
compound
1. Administer drug 1. Monitor IV doses carefully
Nursing Actions
before meals 2. Cimetidine and antacid
1. Administer antacid apart
2. Educate patient to should be administered 1
from any other oral
not crush or chew to 2 hours apart (antacid
medications to ensure
3. Schedule drug to can decrease the
adequate absorption of the
avoid interactions absorption of cimetidine)
other medications (1 to 2

nursebossstore.com hours apart)

 PAIN
Analgesics/Antipyretic/NSAIDS/Opioids

o pioids n saids a spirin a cetaminophen

Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix Suffix/Prefix
Suffix- -ONE -DONE Suffix- profen Medication- Aspirin Medication-Acetaminophen

Mechanism of Action Mechanism of Action Mechanism of Action Mechanism of Action

MOA: Centrally acting opioid MOA: NSAIDs have anti- MOA: Salicylates inhibit MOA: Acetaminophen inhibits
analgesics act as agonist by inflammatory, analgesic and synthesis of prostaglandin. prostaglandin synthesis (limited
stimulating specific opioid antipyretic properties. NSAIDs Salicylates have anti- to CNS and not periphery)
receptors in the CNS that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis inflammatory, antipyretic and
results in analgesia, euphoria, analgesic properties.
and sedation. Pain
Aspirin suppresses platelet
Pain aggregation by inhibiting
Pain
Inflammation synthesis of thromboxane A2
(causes platelet aggregation)

Pain
Side Effects Fever
Inflammation
1. Respiratory depression
2. Constipation Fever
Antiplatelets
Side Effects
Nursing Actions Side Effects 1. Hepatoxic
1. Monitor respiratory
status
Nephrotoxic
Fever
2. Monitor VS (BP, P, RR, Nursing Actions
SPO2)- Hold Side Effects
1. Monitor liver
medication and notify Nursing Actions 1. Bleeding
enzymes
HCP if there is 1. When used
2. Antidote of
bradycardia, chronically, it can be
Nursing Actions acetaminophen:
hypotension, nephrotoxic.
acetylcysteine
respiratory depression 1. Monitor for
3. Antidote: nalaxone bleeding
2. Contraindicated
nursebossstore.com among children
 Pharmacology Review
cardiovascular system Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations

Beta -olol lowers bp Bronchospasm Contraindicated
Blocks the effect of Hypotension among asthmatic pts.
Blockers -lol epinephrine at receptor Bradycardia Monitor BP, P,
site Hypoglycemia Glucose
-pine lowers bp Orthostatic Monitor BP, P
Ca Channel Prevent Ca movement hypotension Patient education to
-amil across myocardial cell Dizziness change position
Blocker -zem membrane Bradycardia slowly
lowers bp Angioedema
Ace -pril Prevent conversion of Cough Monitor SE
Increase K Monitor K+ level
Inhibitor angiotensin I to
angiotensin II. Hypotension Monitor BP + Pulse

-semide lowers bp + edema Electrolyte

Monitor EKGs
Monitor Electrolyte
Diuretics -thiazide Promote diuresis
Lowers BP: Na and fluid
Imbalance levels
Hypotension
-ACTONE loss Monitor BP + P
dissolve clots Monitor for signs of
Thrombo- -ase Activates plasminogen Bleeding bleeding
lytics -teplase that forms plasmin. Monitor coagulation
studies
lower LDL levels Myopathy Contraindicated
Statins -statins Inhibiting enzyme
converting HMG-CoA
Muscle among patients with
reductase weakness liver disease

gastrointestinal
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
reduce stomach acid Abdominal Administer drug
Proton pump before meals
-zole Suppress the secretion Pain
Educate patient to
inhibitor of HCL Nausea,
Vomiting not crush or chew
promotes ulcer healing
H2 receptor -dine Dizziness Antacid can decrease
the absorption of
Blocks the action of Drowsiness
antagonist -tidine histamine Headaches cimetidine

nursebossstore.com
 Gastrointestinal Medications
Suppress nausea + vomiting
by acting on the brain's
control center to stop the

proton pump inhibitors

nerve impulse. Laxatives:
Inhibits the Antiemetics: Laxatives
acid producing promote
pump from bowel
working in the elimination
stomach.
.

h2-blocker:
Blocks the
action of Antidiarrheal:
histamine, Slows down
which peristalsis
Decreases
produces
Antacids: flow of fluid
HCL Neutralizes into bowels
secretion. stomach acids
Anticholinergics:
(antispasmodics)
nursebossstore.com help relieve symptoms of
intestinal spasms in irritable
Antiflatulents bowel syndrome.
an antifoaming agent to
help with gas symptoms.
nursebossstore.com
Pharmacology Review
analgesics/antipyretic/NSAIDS/opioids
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
pain relief Respiratory Monitor respiratory
Opioids -ONE Suppresses pain depression status
-DONE impulses. Constipation Antidote: nalaxone

pain, inflammation, fever When used

NSAIDs -profen NSAIDs inhibits Nephrotoxic chronically, it can be
nephrotoxic.
prostaglandin synthesis

pain, inflammation, fever Monitor for bleeding

Aspirin aspirin Inhibit synthesis of Bleeding Contraindicated
prostaglandin + among children
antiplatelet
pain and fever
Aceta- -aceta Inhibits prostaglandin Hepatoxic
Antidote
acetylcysteine
minophen minophen synthesis

antibiotics/antivirals Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
bacterial infection GI upset Encourage fluid
Sulfonamides sulf- Inhibit folic acid Photosensitivi
ty
intake
Use of sunscreen
synthesis
Crystalluria
bacterial infection GI upset
Fluoro Photosensitivit
-FLOXACIN Interfere with DNA y Use of sunscreen
quinolones gryase needed by the Risk: tendonitis
bacteria
GI upset: History of med
bacterial infection nausea, allergy
Penicillin -cillin Inhibit bacterial cell wall vomiting,
Assess culture and
synthesis diarrhea, abd
pain sensitivity report
bacterial infection GI upset History of med
Cephalosporin CEPH-,CEF inhibit bacterial wall
synthesis
Nephrotoxicity allergy
Monitor for IV site
Superinfections
thrombopheblitis
 Pharmacology Review
antibiotics/antivirals
medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations
bacterial infection GI Do not administer
Tetracycline -cycline Inhibits protein synthesis
-inability for bacterial
upset/distrub
ance
tetracycline to
children under 8
growth
bacterial infection Monitor renal and
Amino- Ototoxicity
-mycin Inhibit bacteria protein Nephrotoxicity
hepatic function
glycoside synthesis. Edu pt to report
tinnitus

treat viral infections GI Monitor renal

function tests
Antiviral -vir Inhibiting different
stages of viral
upset/disturba
nce Ensure good
replication. hydration

neurological Website: nursebossstore.com

medication class prefix/suffix Mechanism of action side effects nursing considerations

anti-seizure Sedation, Phenobarbital: 10-40
Barbiturates -arbital Stimulates the inhibitory
neurotransmitter system
drowsiness
Respiratory
mcg/mL
Monitor: liver and
(GABA) in the brain. depression renal function test
anti-seizure Sedation, Antidote: flumazenil
Benzo- -pam, Benzodiazepines enhance drowsiness Pt education: Caution
diazepines -lam the effect of GABA Respiratory
depression
when performing
activities that
requires alertness

nursebossstore.com
 CARDIOVASCULAR @nursebossessentials

beta blockers CC BLOCKERS ARBS ACE INHIBITORS LOOP DIURETICS Thiazide Diuretics
-LOL -PINE -SARTAN -PRIL -SEMIDE -THIAZIDE

CARDIO RESP GI PAIN

H2 Receptor
statinS Xantine PPIs: Antagonists OPIOIDS NSAIDS
-STATIN -PHYLLINE -OPRAZOLE -DONE -PROFEN
-TIDINE

@nursebossessentials
suffixes and prefixes

ANTIBIOTICS ANTIVIRAL

Cephalosporin Penicillin Quinolones: Macrolides SULFONAMIDES Antiviral

CEF-, CEPH- -CILLIN -FLOXACIN -MYCIN SULF- -VIR
nursebossstore.com
 medication antidote medication antidote

name: name: name: name:

OPIOIDS NALAXONE CHOLINERGICS ATROPINE

medication antidote medication antidote

name: name: name: name:

WAFARIN VIT K ACETAMINOPHEN ACETYLCYSTEINE

medication antidote medication antidote

name: name: name: name:

HEPARIN PROTAMINE INSULIN GLUCAGON
medication and antidote

medication antidote medication antidote

name: name: name: name:

BENZODIAZEPINES FLUMAZENIL DIGOXIN DIGIBIND
nursebossstore.com
 pharmacology summary
Website: nursebossstore.com
ANTICOLINERGICs:
Patient won’t be able to spit, pee, poop, or see.
ANTICOLINERGICs: (Dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation,
blurred vision)

DIGOXIN:
DIGOXIN: Patient is at risk for toxicity when the patient is
hypokalemic.

Metformin:
Do NOT administer metformin to a patient having
Metformin: a contrast dye. Metformin can cause acute renal
failure.

Beta Blockers:
Non-selective Beta Blocker is contraindicated
Beta Blockers: among asthmatic patients

Antihypertensive:
Antihypertensive:Educate patient about orthostatic hypotension.

tPA:
tPA: Monitor patient for signs of bleeding.
 pharmacology summary
Website: nursebossstore.com
Insulin:
Insulin: (RN), Draw up regular before drawing up NPH.

Statins:
Statins: Grapefruit is contraindicated among statins

Tetracycline:
Do not administer tetracycline at bed time as it
Tetracycline: may cause gastric reflux when the patient lies
down.

Antibiotics:
Dairy products should not be consumed when on
Antibiotics: Antibiotics

ASPIRIN:
ASPIRIN: Do NOT give Aspirin to children due to Reye
Syndrome

Lithium:
Lithium: Do NOT make sudden changes to the salt in
patient diet. It increases the risk for Lithium
toxicity
 pharmacology summary
Website: nursebossstore.com
MORPHINE:
MORPHINE: Monitor respiratory status (may cause
respiratory depression)

NSAIDs:
NSAIDs: Contraindicated among patients with GI ulcers

Dilantin:
Dilantin: May cause gum hyperplasia.

Rifampin:
Rifampin: Turns urination orange.

MAOIs:
MAOIs: Do not give food with tyramine as it may cause
hypertensive crisis.

POTASSIUM:
POTASSIUM: Never give potassium in IV push.

diuretics
diuretics Loop diuretics, watch for hypokalemia.
K sparing diuretic, monitor for hyperkalemia.
 SHOP OUR
NURSING ESSENTIALS
All Nursing Classes
Individually shop our nursing
study guide. This includes
Pharmacology, MedSurg,
Fundamentals, Lab Values,
Mother Baby, Pediatrics, and
Mental Health

CLICK HERE

SHOP THE BUNDLE

Save more when you get a
bundle!
600+ pages of the most
important nursing school
topics!

CLICK HERE
 Meet the
Dr. Nurse Vicky
Hey there Future Nurse!
I'm Dr. Nurse Vicky, and
I've teamed up with
other PhD-prepared
nurses to create study
dr. Nurse Vicky guides you can rely on.
Ready to level up your
grades? Dive into our
awesome nursing
resources! 🚀
CLICK HERE