This assignment will be completed Using Davis’s Drug Guide and any additional resources to complete and finalize a card for two researched drugs

QUESTION

This assignment will be completed Using Davis’s Drug Guide and any additional resources to complete and finalize a card for two researched drugs. Put your name on the two cards and include the following:

1. Name of the Drug- use the TRADE and generic names
2. Medication classification- be specific, “avoid blood pressure drug”. You are a professional so use appropriate terminology. IE- ANTIHYPERTENSIVE subclass: ACE inhibitor
3. Mechanism of Action- how does it work in the body?
4. Recommended Dose- we are concentrating on adults
5. Route of Administration
6. Potential Side Effects- the most common or life-threatening.
7. Possible Adverse Effects- things that happen that make the patient feel poorly (sometimes this is the reason patients stop taking the medication).
8. Special Nursing Care Considerations and Implications for this Drug- food considerations, lab tests, follow up.

ANSWER

Card 1

Name of the Drug: Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Medication Classification: ANTIHYPERTENSIVE, ACE Inhibitor

Mechanism of Action: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. By blocking this enzyme, it reduces the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance. As a result, blood pressure is lowered, and the workload on the heart is reduced.

Recommended Dose: The usual starting dose for hypertension in adults is 10 mg once daily. The dose may be titrated up to a maximum of 40 mg per day, depending on the patient’s response.

Route of Administration: Oral

Potential Side Effects

Common: Cough, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Life-threatening: Angioedema, severe allergic reactions, and hyperkalemia.

Possible Adverse Effects

Hypotension: Patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when initiating therapy or increasing the dose.
Renal Impairment: Lisinopril can cause changes in renal function, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other medications that affect renal function.
Rash: Skin rashes and pruritus may occur.

Special Nursing Care Considerations and Implications for this Drug

Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood pressure and renal function during therapy.
Cough: Advise patients about the possibility of developing a persistent dry cough and inform them to report it to their healthcare provider.
Hyperkalemia: Educate patients to avoid potassium-rich foods or supplements while taking lisinopril, as it may cause hyperkalemia.
Pregnancy: Lisinopril is contraindicated during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm or death. Advise women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception while on this medication.

Card 2

Name of the Drug: Metformin (Glucophage)

Medication Classification: ANTIDIABETIC, Biguanide

Mechanism of Action: Metformin is a biguanide that works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. It reduces gluconeogenesis and enhances glucose uptake and utilization in skeletal muscle, leading to improved glycemic control.

Recommended Dose: The usual starting dose for adults with type 2 diabetes is 500 mg or 850 mg twice daily with meals. The dose can be titrated up to a maximum of 2,000 mg per day, based on blood glucose levels.

Route of Administration: Oral

Potential Side Effects

Common: Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Life-threatening: Lactic acidosis (rare but serious adverse reaction).

Possible Adverse Effects

Hypoglycemia: Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia when used alone; however, it may occur if used in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, requiring monitoring and supplementation.

Special Nursing Care Considerations and Implications for this Drug

Lactic Acidosis: Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis, which include weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
Gastrointestinal Effects: Advise patients to take metformin with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Renal Function: Monitor renal function regularly, as metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and can accumulate in patients with renal impairment.
Surgery and Radiologic Studies: Consider temporarily discontinuing metformin in patients undergoing major surgery or radiologic procedures with contrast media, as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.