Pharmacology: Medications Overview

Verapamil

• Class: Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine)
• Uses: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias (e.g., SVT, atrial fibrillation), cluster headaches, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Mechanism: Blocks calcium entry into smooth and cardiac muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced heart rate.
• Key Considerations: Avoid grapefruit juice, monitor for dizziness, low heart rate, or edema.

Iron Supplements

• Class: Mineral supplement
• Uses: Treats/prevents iron-deficiency anemia.
• Common Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset (constipation, nausea, dark stools), teeth staining (liquid).
• Serious Adverse Reactions: Iron toxicity (especially in children), allergic reactions.
• Instructions: Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C, avoid with calcium or dairy.

Adalimumab (Humira)

• Class: TNF-α inhibitor (monoclonal antibody)
• Uses: Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis).
• Adverse Reactions: Common injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections; serious: severe infections (e.g., TB), malignancies, lupus-like syndrome.
• Important Instructions: Avoid live vaccines, monitor for infections or unusual symptoms.

Magnesium-Containing Antacids

• Uses: Relieves heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux; mild laxative for constipation.
• Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea; hypermagnesemia risk (in renal impairment).
• Instructions: Avoid long-term use to prevent vitamin ADEK malabsorption, take 2 hours apart from other medications.

Prednisone

• Class: Corticosteroid
• Uses: Anti-inflammatory for conditions like asthma, autoimmune diseases, and allergies; immunosuppressant.
• Adverse Reactions: Common: weight gain, mood swings, insomnia; serious: osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, infections.
• Instructions: Do not stop abruptly (taper slowly), take in the morning with food.

Hydrochlorothiazide

• Class: Thiazide diuretic
• Uses: Treats hypertension and edema.
• Adverse Reactions: Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium/sodium), hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia (gout risk).
• Instructions: Increase potassium intake, monitor blood pressure and electrolytes regularly.

Lansoprazole

• Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
• Uses: GERD, peptic ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Adverse Reactions: Common: nausea, diarrhea, headache; long-term: Vitamin B12 deficiency, osteoporosis.
• Instructions: Take 30 minutes before meals, avoid long-term use without a doctor's advice.

Furosemide

• Class: Loop diuretic
• Uses: Treats edema and hypertension.
• Adverse Reactions: Hypokalemia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, ototoxicity (high doses).
• Instructions: Take in the morning, monitor weight, electrolytes, and kidney function.

Alendronate

• Class: Bisphosphonate
• Uses: Treats/prevents osteoporosis, manages Paget's disease.
• Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal issues (esophagitis, abdominal pain), rare: osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femur fractures.
• Instructions: Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, stay upright for 30 minutes.

Meperidine (Demerol)

• Class: Opioid analgesic
• Uses: Moderate to severe pain relief.
• Adverse Reactions: Common: drowsiness, nausea, constipation; serious: respiratory depression, seizures (normeperidine accumulation).
• Instructions: Avoid use in renal impairment, only use as prescribed due to risk of dependency.

Ceftriaxone

• Class: Third-generation cephalosporin (antibiotic)
• Uses: Treats bacterial infections (meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea).
• Adverse Reactions: Allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis), gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea), rare: C. difficile infection, biliary sludge.
• Instructions: Notify healthcare providers of penicillin allergy, complete the full course.

Adalimumab (Humira) - Updated

• Adverse Reactions: Injection site reactions, increased risk of infections (e.g., TB, fungal infections), and rare: malignancies, lupus-like syndrome.
• Instructions: Avoid live vaccines and notify provider if infection signs appear (fever, chills, etc.).

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

• Uses: Relieves constipation and heartburn.
• Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea; hypermagnesemia (if kidney dysfunction).
• Instructions: Avoid prolonged use and separate from other medications by 2 hours.

Prednisone - Updated

• Adverse Reactions: Weight gain, insomnia, mood swings; long-term risks: osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia.
• Instructions: Take with food; do not stop abruptly, taper as prescribed.

Hydrochlorothiazide - Updated

• Adverse Reactions: Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia), hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia.
• Instructions: Monitor potassium levels, encourage potassium-rich foods.

Furosemide - Updated

• Adverse Reactions: Hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity (high doses).
• Instructions: Take in the morning (to avoid nocturia), monitor weight, blood pressure, and electrolytes.

Lansoprazole - Updated

• Adverse Reactions: Nausea, headache, diarrhea; long-term: osteoporosis, magnesium deficiency.
• Instructions: Take before meals, avoid overuse.