Pharmacology of Common Medications

Study Notes

Brand names include Lopressor and Lopressor-HCT
Used for hypertension, angina pectoris, and heart failure
Dosage is 50 to 100 mg per day, with a maximum of 450 mg per day
When combined with hydrochlorothiazide (Lopressor-HCT) it is indicated for hypertension.
Dosage for Lopressor-HCT is 50 to 100 mg orally and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide daily

Brand name is Motrin
Used for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis
Typical dosage is 200 to 800 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 3200 mg per day

Brand name is Caduet
Used for dyslipidemia and hypertension
Starting dosage is 5 mg of atorvastatin and 10 mg of amlodipine, increase to 10 mg of atorvastatin and 80 mg of amlodipine

Brand name is Relafen
Used for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis
Typical dosage is 500 mg to 1000 mg twice a day, with a maximum of 2000 mg per day

### Medications

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used for hypertension and edema, with a recommended dose of 12.5 mg to 25 mg once daily.
Metoprolol (Lopressor) is a beta-blocker indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and heart failure. The typical dose is 50 to 100 mg (maximum 450 mg per day).
Ibuprofen (Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The recommended dosage ranges from 200 to 800 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg.
Lopressor-HCT combines metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide for treating hypertension, with a typical dosage of 50 to 100 mg orally for metoprolol, and 25 mg daily for hydrochlorothiazide.
Caduet is a combination medication containing Atorvastatin (a statin for dyslipidemia) and amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker for hypertension). The starting dosage is 5mg/10mg with a potential increase to 10mg/80mg based on individual needs.
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker used primarily for hypertension. The standard dosage is 2.5 to 10 mg by mouth once daily.
Nabumetone (Relafen) is an NSAID indicated for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The usual dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg twice daily, with a maximum daily dosage of 2000 mg.

Pharmacists play a crucial role in the safe and effective use of medications.
Their responsibilities include interpreting prescriptions, evaluating their appropriateness, and dispensing medications accurately.
This process involves verifying the patient's identity, ensuring the prescription is valid, and providing appropriate counseling regarding medication use.
Pharmacists are trained to identify potential drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications, ensuring the safety of patients who are taking multiple medications.