1460C Medications - Module 1 & Module 2

When a drug is used for a purpose that is not officially approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It has been approved for one purpose, but is being used for something else.

A type of medication that blocks the action of beta-2 receptors, often used to treat conditions like asthma, but can be off-label.

A serious adverse effect of using Propranolol (Inderal), which is a beta-2 blocker.

Propranolol (Inderal) is a medication that blocks the action of beta-2 receptors. This can lead to a slower heart rate.

A medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, heart attack, and angina.

A serious adverse effect that can occur with SSRIs and other serotonin-enhancing drugs. It's caused by excessive serotonin levels in the brain and can be life-threatening.

A class of medications that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. They're commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

A medication commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A warning issued by the FDA to alert healthcare professionals and patients about serious potential side effects of certain medications. This specific warning on SSRIs highlights the increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults.

A herb often consumed as a dietary supplement. Interaction with SSRIs can potentially lead to Serotonin Syndrome.

A class of medications that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

An adverse effect of SSRIs that can be life-threatening, caused by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.

A warning on SSRIs that cautions about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults.

An herb that interacts with SSRIs and can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, so it should be avoided by those taking SSRIs.

Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an SSRI used for treating anxiety, panic disorders, social phobias, and depression, and is often recommended for long-term treatment.

The full effects of SSRIs, such as symptom relief, can take several weeks to be felt.

Escitalopram (Lexapro) can cause irregular heartbeat, weight loss, GI symptoms, anxiety, tremors, diaphoresis, visual changes, dizziness, skin rash, and itching.

A type of low blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up quickly from a sitting or lying position.

It is important to note that grapefruit juice can interact with various medications, inhibiting their metabolism and potentially leading to dangerous side effects.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a medication used for treating anxiety, depression, and pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their levels.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) may cause side effects like irregular heartbeat, weight loss or gain, GI symptoms, anxiety, tremors, diaphoresis, visual changes, dizziness, skin rash, itching and orthostatic hypotension.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) has a Black Box Warning regarding suicidal ideations, particularly in children and adolescents. It's important to monitor the risk of self-harm in patients taking this medication.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms can include confusion, restlessness, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid combining Cymbalta with St. John's Wort or other medications that increase serotonin levels.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) can increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. Be sure to discuss your medication history with your doctor.

The effects of Duloxetine (Cymbalta) may take 3-4 weeks to fully manifest. It's important to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) should be taken with food, not on an empty stomach, to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) may cause sexual dysfunction, including reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients. It's important to talk to your doctor about any sexual side effects.

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine used for treating acute anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity). It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. It is also prescribed pre-operatively to calm patients before surgery.

Lorazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure, especially with a sudden change in posture. It can also have serious effects on those with liver or kidney disease.

Lorazepam doses need to be gradually increased and not stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety and increased seizure activity.

Lorazepam should not be combined with alcohol or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. The combined effects can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms. It also has applications in pre-operative sedation and the management of seizures.

Diazepam (Valium) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure, just like Lorazepam. It can also lead to dependence and abuse if used improperly for prolonged periods.

Diazepam can be taken with or without food.

Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam and Diazepam act on the brain by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous system activity. This ultimately results in calming and relaxing effects.

Both Lorazepam and Diazepam can be habit-forming and lead to dependence with prolonged use. Individuals should be aware of these risks before taking benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a medication that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It's used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, social phobias, and depression. It's a Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI).

Venlafaxine (Effexor) has a black box warning for increased suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Serotonin syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels in the brain. It can occur when taking certain medications, including SSRIs and SNRIs.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) can interact negatively with St John's Wort, which is an herbal supplement often consumed for depression. This interaction can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) can interact with anticoagulants, antifungals, diabetic medications, and other drugs. This interaction can lead to serious side effects.

When taking Venlafaxine (Effexor), common side effects include irregular heartbeat, weight loss, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like upset stomach, anxiety, tremors, diaphoresis, visual changes, dizziness, skin rash, and itching.

The effects of Venlafaxine (Effexor) are cumulative and may take 3-4 weeks to reach full effect.

If a dose of Venlafaxine (Effexor) is missed, do not double the dose. Doubling the dose can increase the risk of side effects.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) should be taken with food to reduce the risk of nausea.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.

Veltassa is a potassium binder used to treat high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), where the kidneys are not working properly.

Veltassa is a powder that is mixed with water to form a suspension before being taken orally.

Veltassa binds to potassium in the colon, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It exchanges calcium for potassium.

Veltassa onset of action is approximately 1 hour.

Veltassa is not recommended for patients with severe hyperkalemia.

Veltassa works by binding potassium in the colon, preventing absorption into the bloodstream.

If you notice unusual bowel sounds, you should notify your healthcare provider.

It's important to auscultate bowel sounds regularly while on Veltassa.

Veltassa is not a substitute for proper kidney function. It should not be used to replace necessary dialysis treatments.

A loop diuretic that produces diuresis (increased urine production) and a lowering of blood pressure. It is commonly used to treat severe edema (swelling).

Furosemide (Lasix) can cause electrolyte depletion, leading to a decrease in potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) levels in the body. It can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and temporary hearing loss (ototoxicity).

Furosemide (Lasix) should not be given to patients with Sulfa allergies. Careful dosing is required when given with Lithium, as it can induce Lithium toxicity.

A thiazide diuretic that decreases potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) levels in the body, resulting in increased urine production. It's used to treat edema, but can also be used for high blood pressure management.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) should not be given to patients with Sulfa allergies.

Patients taking Furosemide (Lasix) or Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) should be advised to consume a diet rich in potassium (K+) to compensate for the electrolyte depletion caused by these medications. It's important to monitor their potassium levels for safety.

Diuretics like Furosemide (Lasix) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) belong to a class of medications that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

A type of diuretic that promotes potassium excretion and blocks the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium retention.

A potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium retention. It's often used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema).

A diuretic drug that increases sodium excretion, leading to diuresis and a decrease in blood pressure.

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, often due to excessive excretion of sodium, as seen with sodium-wasting diuretics.

A common side effect of sodium-wasting diuretics, often resulting in dizziness, headaches, and thirst.

A serious adverse effect of lithium when combined with certain medications, including sodium-wasting diuretics. Lithium toxicity can manifest as dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and confusion.

A condition characterized by excessive urination, often caused by diuretics or medical conditions like diabetes insipidus.

A type of diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium and water, leading to diuresis and lower blood pressure.

A type of diuretic that works on the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron to promote sodium excretion.

Potassium is a key electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and is essential for muscle contraction and nerve function.

Potassium chloride (KCL) is used to replace potassium when levels are low, often due to various medical conditions or medications.

Potassium chloride (KCL) IV is used to replace potassium in more severe cases of low potassium, usually delivered through a vein.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (KAYEXALATE) is a medication used to bind and remove excess potassium from the body in cases of high potassium levels, usually given orally.

Patiromer is a potassium binder used to manage high potassium levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Hypokalemia is a condition where potassium levels in the blood are too low.

Hyperkalemia is a condition where potassium levels in the blood are abnormally high.

K+ sparing diuretics prevent the body from getting rid of potassium in urine, potentially leading to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and some medications containing potassium can interact with potassium supplements, potentially leading to high potassium levels.

Constipation due to high potassium levels is a potential side effect that requires monitoring.