MedMaster by NURSING.com Jon Haws, RN CCRN Alumnus

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Generic Name lactulose
Trade Name Kristalose
Indication Constipation, portal-systemic encephalopathy
Action draws water into the stool and softens stool, inhibits ammonia passing into the colon
Therapeutic Class laxative
Pharmacologic Class osmotic
Nursing Considerations • use caution with DM
• may cause cramps, abdominal distention, hyperglycemia
• assess mental status, ammonia levels, abdominal distention
• patient should average 2-3 bowel movements per day

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Generic Name ketorolac
Trade Name Toradol
Indication pain
Action pain relief due to prostaglandin inhibition by blocking of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)
Therapeutic Class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, nonopioid analgesics
Pharmacologic Class pyrroziline carboxylic acid
Nursing Considerations • may cause GI bleeding, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, anaphylaxis, drowsiness
• should not exceed 5 days of therapy
• bleeding risk increased with garlic, ginger, and ginkgo
• may decrease effectiveness of hypertensive medications and diuretics

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Generic Name isoniazide
Trade Name INH
Indication tuberculosis
Action Inhibits synthesis of mycobacterial cell wall
Therapeutic Class Antitubercular
Pharmacologic Class none
Nursing Considerations • can cause jaundice
• may cause peripheral neuropathy, seizures, hepatitis
• patient should avoid high amounts of tyramine (pickled meats, aged/smoked meats, alcohol, exotic/aged cheese)
• monitor liver function tests
• complete full course of therapy (6-12 months)
• often used in combination with Rifampin

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Generic Name radioactive iodine
Trade Name none
Indication thyroidectomy pretreatment, thyrotoxic crisis, radiation exposure
Action inhibits the release of thyroid hormones
Therapeutic Class Antithyroid Agent, control of hyperthyroidism
Pharmacologic Class none
Nursing Considerations • may cause GI bleeding, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, goiter
• monitor for hypersensitivity

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Generic Name Insulin Regular
Trade Name Humulin R/Novolin R
Indication hyperglycemia with diabetes type 1 and 2, diabetic ketoacidosis
Action stimulates uptake of glucose into muscle and fat cells, inhibits production of glucose in the liver,
prevents breakdown of fat and protein
Route Onset Peak Duration Subcutaneous 30-45 min 1-5 4.5-6h  
Therapeutic Class antidiabetics, hormones
Pharmacologic Class pancreatics
Nursing Considerations • assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
• monitor body weight over time
• may cause decreased inorganic phosphates, potassium, and magnesium
• monitor blood sugars every 6 hours, monitor A1C every 3-6 months

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Generic Name Aspart, Lispro, Glulisine
Trade Name Novolog, Humalog, Apidra
Indication hyperglycemia with diabetes type 1 and 2, diabetic ketoacidosis
Action stimulates uptake of glucose into muscle and fat cells, inhibits production of glucose in the liver,
prevents breakdown of fat and protein
Route  Onset Peak Duration Aspart 10-20 min 1-3 hr 3-5 hr Glulisine 15 min 1 hr 2-4 hr Lispro 15 min 1-1.5 hr 3-4 hr Therapeutic Class antidiabetics, hormones
Pharmacologic Class pancreatics
Nursing Considerations • assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
• monitor body weight over time
• may cause decreased inorganic phosphates, potassium, and magnesium
• monitor blood sugars every 6 hours, monitor A1C every 3-6 months