Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Name: epinephrine
Cardiac arrest: 1 mg IV of 1:10,000 solution q 3-5 min; double dose if administering via ET tube
Action: Stimulates beta receptors in lung.
Brand Name: Injection, OTC nasal solution: Adrenalin Chloride
Ophthalmic solution: Epifrin, Glaucon Insect sting emergencies: EpiPen Auto-Injector (delivers 0.3 mg IM adult dose), EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector (delivers 0.15 mg IM for children) OTC solutions for nebulization: AsthmaNefrin, microNefrin, Nephron, S2
Anaphylaxis: 0.1- 1 mg SQ or IM of 1:1000 solution.
Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. Increases vital capacity
BP, BP, HR, PR Asthma: 0.1-0.3 mg SQ or IM of 1:10,000 solution Refractory bradycardia and hypotension : 2-10ug/min
Decreases airway resistance. Classification: Beta2 Adrenergic Agonists
Indication/ Contraindications Indications: o Asthma o Bronchitis o Emphysema o All cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis o Used for symptomatic bradycardia. o Relief of bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia o Exercised-induced bronchospasm Contraindications: Contraindicate in patients with angle-closure glaucoma, shock (other than anaphylactic shock), organic brain damage, cardiac dilation, arrhythmias, coronary insufficiency, or cerebral arteriosclerosis. Also contraindicated in patient receiving general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane and in patients in labor (may delay second stage)
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects Adverse Effects:
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties Monitor V/S. and check for cardiac dysrhythmias
nervousness, tremor, vertigo, pain, widened pulse pressure,
Drug increases rigidity and
hypertension nausea
tremor in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Side Effects: headache
Epinephrine therapy interferes with tests for urinary catecholamine Avoid IM use of parenteral suspension into buttocks. Gas gangrene may occur Massage site after IM injection to counteract possible vasoconstriction. Observe patient closely for adverse reactions. Notify doctor if adverse reaction develop If blood pressure increases sharply, rapid-acting vasodilators such as nitrates or alpha blockers can be given to counteract
Some products containing sulfites and are contraindicated in patients
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with sulfite allergies except when drug is used for serious allergic reactions or in other emergency situations. In conjunction with local anesthesia, epinephrine is contraindicated for use in finger, toes, ears, nose, and genitalia. Use cautiously with longstanding bronchial asthma and emphysema, who have developed degenerative heart disease and in those with hyperthyroidism, CV disease, hypertension, psychoneurosis, or diabetes. In pregnant woman, drug is contraindicated. In breast feeding do not use the drug or stop breast feeding.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Name: lidocane
1-1.5 mg/kg IVP or ETT (double dose if giving via ET tube), may repeat q 5-10 min. max 3 mg/kg; If conversion successful start an infusion of 2-4 mg/min
Action:
Brand Name: Xylocaine
Decrease cardiac excitability, cardiac contraction is delayed in the atrium and ventricle Classification: Antiarrythmic and Anesthetic
Indication/ Contraindications Indications: Decrease cardiac excitability, cardiac contraction is delayed in the atrium and ventricle
Adverse Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Nursing Responsibilities Responsibilities
Adverse Effects:
Monitor EKG, BP, pulse, rhythm, continuously.
CNS: Confusion, tremor, lethargy, somnolence, stupor, restlessness anxiety,
Contraindications: hallucinations, nervousness, Contraindicated in patients seizure. CV: hypotension, hypersensitive to amide-type bradychardia, new or local anesthetics and in those with Adams –Stoke syndrome. worsened arrhythmias EENT: Wolff-Parkinsons-White tinnitus, blurred or double Syndrome, or severe degrees vision. of SA, AV, or intraventricular Respiratory: Respiratory block in the absence of depression and arrest pacemaker. Skin: soreness at injection site Other: anaphylaxis, Side Effects: sensation of cold, vomiting
Monitor serum lidocaine levels throughout theraphy; therapreutic range 1.5-5 mcg/ml Monitor intake and output Do not mix in the same syringe with amphoterin B or cefazolin Administer Lidocaine TIV. TIV. In case of circulatory depression have dopamine available
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Name: furosemide Brand Name:
0.5-1 mg/kg slow IVP over 12 min, may repeat once at 2 mg/kg slow IVP over 1-2 mins.
Action: inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption at the proximal and distal tubules and the ascending loop of Henlen
Apo-Furosemide Furoside Lasix Lasix Speacial
Classification: Loop Diuretics
Indication/ Contraindications Indications: Edema associated with CHF Cirrhosis with ascites or renal dysfunction For hypertension or in combination with other antihypertensive medications.
ICP, nephritic syndrome, hepatic cirrhosis
Novosemide Contraindications: Uritol Contraindicated to patients hypersensitive to drug or any of its components and in those with anuria.
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties
Adverse Effects: vertigo, headache, paresthesia, orthostatic hypotension, thrombophlebitis, abdominal pain, Hypokalemia, anemia, muscle spasm
Monitor serum glucose, and electrolyte D iet- K+ for all except aldactone I ntake and Output, daily weight U ndesirable effects; Fluid and electrolyte imbalance R eview R eview HR, BP and electrolytes E lderly-Careful T ake with or after meals and in AM I ncrease risk of orthosthatic hypotension; move slowly C ancel alcohol
Use cautiously in patient with hepatic cirrhosis. Patients with allergies to sulfonamides may also be allergic to furosemide. In pregnant woman, use only if benefits outweighs the risk to the fetus. In breast feeding woman, do not use drug.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Name: Name: digoxin
Adults: For rapid digitalization, give 0.4 to 0.6 mg I.V. initially, followed by 0.1 to 0.3 mg I.V. every 4 hours, as needed and tolerated, for 24 hours.
Action: Inhibits the sodium potassium ATP phase.
Brand Name: Lanoxin, Digoxin, Lanoxicap
Children: digitalizing dose is based on child’s age and is given in three or more divided doses over the first 24 hours. First dose is 50% of total dose; subsequent dose are given q 4 to 8 hours as needed and tolerated. Children age 10 years and older: For rapid digitalization, give 8 to 12 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours, divided as above, Maintenance dose is 25% to 35% of total digitalizing dose, given daily as a single dose. Children ages 5 to 10: For rapid digitalization, give 15 to 30 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours divided as above. Maintenance dose is 25% to 35% of total digitalizing dose, divided and given in two or three equal portions daily.
Classification: Cardiac Glycosides
Indication/ Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties Contraindications Monitor K+, Mg++, ECG, Indications: Adverse Effects: V-fib, V-flutter, CHF, CNS: hallucinations, liver/renal function tests, drug pulmonary edema, atrial paresthesia, stupor, vertigo. level (therapeutic level 0.5-2.0 fibrillation and or flutter, and CV: Arrythmias, heart failure, mg/ml, toxicity is >2.0 paroxysmal atrial contractions hypotension. mg/ml). EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, light flashes, Before each dose assess apical Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients photophobia, yellow-green pulse for full minute, record hypersensitive to the drug or halos around visual images. and report changes in rate or any of its components and in GI: anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, rhythm. those with digitalis-induced vomiting. toxicity, ventricular Withhold drug and contact fibrillation, or ventricular provider if pulse is < 60/min. Side Effects: tachycardia unless caused by CNS: agitation, dizziness, or >100 (adults) or < heart failure. fatigue, generalized weakness, 110/minute (children) headache, malaise. Use cautiously in patients GI: Nausea Weigh daily with acute MI, in complete Av Monitor I&O and signs of block, sinus bradycardia, CHF PVCs,, chronic constrictive pericarditis, hyperthropic cardiomyopathy, renal insufficiency, severe pulmonary disease, or hypothyroidism.
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Children ages 2 to 5: For rapid digitalization: give 25 to 35 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours, divided as above. Maintenance dose is 25% to 35% of total digitalizing dose, divided and given in two or three equal portions daily. Infants ages 1 month to 2 years: For rapid digitalization. Give 30 to 50 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours, divided as above. Maintenance dose is 25% to 35% of the total digitalizing dose, divided and given in two or three equal portions daily. Neonates: for rapid digitalization, give 20 to 30 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours, divided as above. Maintenance dose is 25% to 30% of the total digitalizing dose, divided and given in two or three equal portions daily. Premature Infants: For rapid digitalization, give 15 to 25 mcg/kg I.V. over 24 hours, divided as above. Maintenance dose is 20% to 30% of the total digitalizing dose, divided and given into two or three equal portions daily.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Name: Name: Sodium Bicarbonate
1 mEq/kg IVP, may repeat 0.5 mEq/kg 10 min.
Action : Neutralizes gastric acid
Brand Name: Arm and Hammer Pure Baking Soda, Citrocarbonate, Soda Mint
Decrease pepsin activity Classification: Alkalizing Agent, Buffer, Antacid, electrolyte
Indication/ Contraindications Indications: o Hyperacidity o Peptic ulcer o Hyperkalemia o Tricyclic antidepressant OD o Shock associated with severe diarrhea, dehydration, uncontrolled DM o Reflux esophagitis
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties
Adverse Effects: GI: Gastric distention, belching, flatulence. Metabolic: metabolic alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperosmolarity (with overdose). Other: Pain and irritation at injection site.
Monitor urinary pH, calcium, electrolytes and phosphate levels. Record amount and consistency of stools. Clients on low-sodium diets should evaluate sodium contents of antacids.
Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis; patients who are losing chlorides from vomiting or continuous GI suction; patients taking diuretics known to produce hypochloremia alkalosis; and patients with hypocalcemia in which alkalosis may produce tetany, hypertension, seizures, or heart failure. Oral sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated in patients with acute ingestion of strong mineral acids.
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Name of the Drug Generic Name: Name: Dopamine HCl. Brand Name: Intropin; Revimine
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Indication/ Contraindications Adults: initially, 1 to 5 Action Indications: mcg/kg/minute by I.V. I.V. Stimulates dopaminergic and To treat shock and correct infusion. Adjust dose to alpha and beta receptors of the hemodnamic imbalances, desired hemodynamic or renal sympathetic nervous system. improve perfusion of vital response, increase by 1 to 4 Action is dose-related; large organs, to increase cardiac mcg/kg/minute at 10 to 30doses can cause mainly alpha output, and to correct minute intervals. stimulation. hypotension. Classification: Inotropic, vasopressor
Contraindications: Contraindicated in patient with uncorrected tachyarrhythmias, pheocromocytoma, or ventricular fibrillation. - Use cautiously in patients with occlusive vascular disease, cold injuries, diabetic endarteritis, and arterial embolism; in pregnant woman; with a history of sulfite sensitivity; and in those taking MAO inhibitor.
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects Adverse Effects: Cv: anginal pain, arrythmias, bradycardia, conduction disturbances ectopic breasts,hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, widening of QRS complex. GI: vomiting. GU: azotemia Respiratory: asthma attacks, dyspnea Skin: necrosis,piloerection, tissue sloughing with extravasation.
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties Blood is not a substitute for blood or fluid volume deficit. If deficit occurs, replace fluid deficit first before giving meds. During infusion, frequently monitor ECG, BP, cardiac output, CVP, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, pulse rate, urine output, and color and temperature of the limbs. If diastolic pressure rises disproportionately, decrease perfusion rate and watch out carefully for further signs of vasoconstriction unless such action is desired.
Other: anaphylaxis. Observe for adverse reaction. Side Effects: CNS: headache GI: nausea
Check for urine output. If urine flow is decrease without hypotension, notify physician. After drug is stopped, Tamper dosage slowly to evaluate stability of blood pressure. Acidosis decrease effectiveness of dopamine.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route/Timing
Action/Classification
Generic Nitroglycerin Brand Nitrostat
0.3-0.4 mg SL q 5 min, max 3 doses.
Action: Relaxes the vascular smooth system
Myocardial oxygen consumption
Indication/ Contraindications Indication: Angina pectoris CHF associated with AMI Cardiac load reducing agent Hypertensive Crisis
left ventricular workload arterial BP venous return Classification Antianginal, Nitrate, Vasodilator, Coronary
Contraindication: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to nitrates and in those with early MI. (S.L. form), severe anemia, increase ICP angle-closure glaucoma, IV nitroglycerine is contraindicated in patients with hypovolemia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac tamponade restrictive cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis.
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects Adverse Effects CV: orthostatic hypotension, flushing, fainting. EENT: sublingual burning. Skin: Cutaneous vasodilation, contact dermatitis (patch) Side Effects CNS: headache, throbbing, dizziness, weakness. GI: nausea, vomiting. Skin: Rash
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties Record characteristics and precipitating factors of anginal pain. Monitor BP and apical pulse before administration and periodically after dose. Have client sit or lie down if taking drug for the first time. Client must have continuing EKG monitoring for IV administration Cardioverter/ defibrillator must not be discharged through paddle electrode overlying Nitro-Bid ointment or the Transderm-Nitro Patch. Assist with ambulating if dizzy. Instruct to take at first sign of anginal pain. May be repeated q 5 minutes to max. of 3 doses. If the client doesn’t experience relief, advise to seek medical assistance
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immediately. Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Atrophine Sulfate
Bradycardia: 0.5 -1 mg IV (may give via ETT at double dose) q 3-5 min, max 0.04 mg/kg Cardiac arrest: 1 mg q 3-5 min, max 0.04 mg/kg
Action cholinergic receptor sites so response to acetylcholine is decreased
Brand Isopto Atropine
Nerve gas and organophosphate symptoms, may repeat in 2 mg increments q 3 min tiltrated to relief symptoms.
Classification Anticholinergics
Indication/ Contraindications Indication As an anti-sialagogue for preanesthetic medication to prevent or reduce secretions of the respiratory tract To restore cardiac rate and arterial pressure during anesthesia, when vagal stimulation produced by intraabdominal surgical traction causes a sudden decrease in pulse rate and cardiac action To lessen the degree of atrioventricular (A-V) heart block when increased vagal tone is a major factor in the conduction defect, as in some cases due to digitalis To overcome severe carotid sinus reflex Antidote for cardiovascular collapse from the injudicious use of a cholinergic drug.
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties
Adverse Effects CNS: restlessness, ataxia, disorientation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, insomnia, agitation, confusion. CV: tachycardia, angina, arrhythmias, flushing. EENT: photophobia, blurred vision, mydriasis. GI: dry moth, constipation, vomiting. GU: urine retention. Hematologic: leukocytosis Other: anaphylaxis
Monitor VS.
Side Effects CNS: headache, excitement. CV: palpitations GI: thirst, nausea.
Re port HR M onitor for constipation, oliguria. Atr ophine could result in CNS stimulation (confusion, excitement) or drowsiness Instruct to take 30 mins before meals Eat foods high in fiber and drink plenty fluids. Avoid OTC antihistamines. Instruct client not to drive a motor vehicle or participate in activities requiring alertness. Advise to use hard candy, ice chips, etc. for dry mouth.
Contraindication Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug and those with acute angle closure glaucoma, obstructive
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uropathy, obstructive disease of GI tract, paralytic elius, toxic magacolon, intestinal atony, unstable CV status in acute hemorrhage, asthma, or myasthenia gravis. Also contraindicated in pregnant women.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Dobutamine Hydrochloride
Adults individualized: 2.5-15 mcg/kg/min.
Action Enhancing the force of myocardial contraction
Brand Dobutrex
Rate of administration and duration of therapy depend on the response of client as determined by HR, presence of activity, BP and urine flow
HR, CO, and SV with minor effects to HR. elevated ventricular filling pressure and helps AV AV node conduction Classification Inotropic, Adrenergic
Indication/ Contraindications Indication Short term treatment of cardiac decompensation in organic heart disease of cardiac surgical pressures. Contraindication Contraindication in patients hypersensitive to drug or any of its components and in those with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties
Adverse Effects CV: angina, hypertension, hypotension, increased heart rate, nonspecific chest pain, phlebitis, PVCs. GI: nausea and vomiting. Respiratory: asthma attacks, shortness of breath. Others: anaphylaxis.
Monitor CVP to assess vascular volume and cardiac pumping efficiency.
Side Effects CNS: headache Musculoskeletal: mild leg crams or tingling sensation.
Monitor ECG and BP continuously during drug administration
(Elevated CVP may indicate disruption on CO, as in pump failure or Pulmonary edma; low CVP may indicate hypovolemia)
Record I&O M onitor glucose in diabetes patients Drug is administered IV to improve cardiac function thus increasing BP and improving urine output. Report any chest pain, increase SOB, headaches or IV site pain.
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Name of the Drug
Dosage/Route
Action/Classification
Generic Morphine Sulfate
ADULTS Oral One-third to one-sixth as effective as parenteral administration because of first-pass metabolism; 10– 30 mg q 4 hr PO. Controlledrelease: 30 mg q 8–12 hr PO or as directed by physician; Kadian: 20–100 mg PO daily–24-hr release system; MS Contin: 200 mg PO q 12 hr. SC and IM 10 mg (5–20 mg)/70 kg q 4 hr or as directed by physician. IV 2.5–15 mg/70 kg of body weight in 4–5 mL water for injection administered over 4– 5 min, or as directed by physician. Continuous IV infusion: 0.1–1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose in water by controlled infusion device. Rectal 10–30 mg q 4 hr or as directed by physician. Epidural Initial injection of 5 mg in the lumbar region may provide pain relief for up to 24 hr. If
Action Principal opium alkaloid; acts as agonist at specific opioid receptors in the CNS to produce analgesia, euphoria, sedation; the receptors mediating these effects are thought to be the same as those mediating the effects of endogenous opioids (enkephalins, endorphins).
Brand Immediate-release tablets: MSIR Timed-release: Kadian, M-Eslon (CAN), MS Contin, Oramorph SR Oral solution: MSIR, Rescudose, Roxanol, Roxanol T Rectal suppositories: RMS Injection: Astramorph PF, Duramorph, Epimorph (CAN) Preservative-free concentrate for microinfusion devices for intraspinal use: Infumorph
Classification Opioid agonist analgesic
Indication/ Contraindications Indication Relief of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain
Adverse Adverse Effects/ Effects/ Side Effects Effects
Adverse Effect CNS: Light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, euphoria, dysphoria, delirium, insomnia, Preoperative medication to agitation, anxiety, fear, sedate and allay apprehension, hallucinations, disorientation, facilitate induction of drowsiness, lethargy, impaired anesthesia, and reduce mental and physical anesthetic dosage performance, coma, mood changes, weakness, headache, Analgesic adjunct during tremor, seizures, miosis, anesthesia visual disturbances, suppression of cough reflex Component of most preparations that are referred CV: CV: Facial flushing, to as Brompton's cocktail or peripheral circulatory mixture, an oral alcoholic collapse, tachycardia, solution that is used for bradycardia, arrhythmia, chronic severe pain, especially palpitations, chest wall in terminal cancer patients rigidity, hypertension, hypotension, orthostatic Intraspinal use with hypotension, syncope microinfusion devices for the relief of intractable pain Dermatologic: Pruritus, urticaria, Respiratory: Unlabeled use: Dyspnea laryngospasm, bronchospasm, bronchospasm, associated with acute left edema ventricular failure and pulmonary edema GI: Nausea, vomiting , anorexia, biliary tract spasm; Contraindication increased colonic motility in patients with chronic
Nursing Nursing Responsi Responsibili bilities ties Assessment History: Hypersensitivity to opioids; diarrhea caused by poisoning; labor or delivery of a premature infant; biliary tract surgery or surgical anastomosis; head injury and increased intracranial pressure; acute asthma, COPD, cor pulmonale, preexisting respiratory depression; acute abdominal conditions, CV disease, supraventricular tachycardias, myxedema, seizure disorders, acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, cerebral arteriosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, fever, kyphoscoliosis, Addison's disease, prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, recent GI or GU surgery, toxic psychosis, renal or hepatic dysfunction; pregnancy; lactation Physical: T; skin color, texture, lesions; orientation, reflexes, bilateral grip strength, affect; P, auscultation, BP, orthostatic BP, perfusion; R, adventitious
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adequate pain relief is not achieved within 1 hr, incremental doses of 1–2 mg may be given at intervals sufficient to assess effectiveness, up to 10 mg/24 hr. For continuous infusion, initial dose of 2–4 mg/24 hr is recommended. Further doses of 1–2 mg may be given if pain relief is not achieved initially. Intrathecal Dosage is usually one-tenth that of epidural dosage; a single injection of 0.2–1 mg may provide satisfactory pain relief for up to 24 hr. Do not inject > 2 mL of the 5 mg/10 mL ampule or > 1 mL of the 10 mg/10 mL ampule. Use only in the lumbar area. Repeated intrathecal injections are not recommended; use other routes if pain recurs. For epidural or intrathecal dosing, use preservative-free morphine preparations only. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS Do not use in premature infants. SC or IM 0.05–0.2 mg/kg (up to 15 mg per dose) q 4 hr or as directed by physician.
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to opioids; diarrhea caused by poisoning until toxins are eliminated; during labor or delivery of a premature infant (may cross immature blood–brain barrier more readily); after biliary tract surgery or following surgical anastomosis; pregnancy; labor (respiratory depression in neonate; may prolong labor).
ulcerative colitis
sounds; bowel sounds, normal output; urinary frequency, voiding pattern, normal output; ECG; EEG; thyroid, liver, kidney function tests
GU: Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical sphincters, urinary retention or hesitancy, oliguria, antidiuretic effect, reduced libido or potency Interventions Caution patient not to chew or Respiratory: crush controlled-release Respiratory depression, preparations. apnea, circulatory depression, respiratory Dilute and administer slowly arrest, shock, cardiac IV to minimize likelihood of arrest adverse effects.
Use cautiously with head injury and increased Side Effects intracranial pressure; acute GI: dry mouth, constipation. asthma, COPD, cor Skin: Tissue irritation and pulmonale, preexisting induration (SC injection). respiratory depression, Other: sweating, physical hypoxia, hypercapnia (may tolerance and dependence, decrease respiratory drive and psychological dependence increase airway resistance); lactation (wait 4–6 hr after administration to nurse the baby); acute abdominal conditions, CV disease, supraventricular tachycardias, myxedema, seizure disorders, acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, cerebral arteriosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, fever, kyphoscoliosis, Addison's disease, prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, recent GI or GU surgery, toxic psychosis, renal or hepatic
Tell patient to lie down during IV administration. Keep opioid antagonist and facilities for assisted or controlled respiration readily available during IV administration. Use caution when injecting SC or IM into chilled areas or in patients with hypotension or in shock; impaired perfusion may delay absorption; with repeated doses, an excessive amount may be absorbed when circulation is restored. Reassure patients that they are unlikely to become addicted; most patients who receive opioids for medical reasons do
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dysfunction. GERIATRIC PATIENTS OR I MPAIRED ADULTS Use caution. Respiratory depression may occur in the elderly, the very ill, those with respiratory problems. Reduced dosage may be necessary. Epidural Use extreme caution; injection of < 5 mg in the lumbar region may provide adequate pain relief for up to 24 hr. Intrathecal Use lower dosages than recommended for adults above.
not develop dependence syndromes Teaching points Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Avoid alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, over-the-counter drugs. Swallow controlled-release preparation (MS Contin, Oramorph SR ) whole; do not cut, crush, or chew them. Do not take leftover medication for other disorders, and do not let anyone else take your prescription. These side effects may occur: Nausea, loss of appetite (take with food, lie quietly); constipation (use laxative); dizziness, sedation, drowsiness, impaired visual acuity (avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness and visual acuity). Report severe nausea, vomiting, constipation, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, rash.
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