Intro to pharm: Neurology 1 – Flashcards

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) -CPK is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Patients taking pramipexole can develop muscle weakness with a lack of energy, creating a situation that can be more problematic for patients than their original muscle dysfunction. Monitoring CPK can alert health care professionals to the possibility of skeletal muscle damage from the drug.

Nausea -The most common adverse effects of donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Taking the drug with food can help minimize adverse effects.

Increases available dopamine in the brain -Levodopa/carbidopa, a dopaminergic agent, can act by increasing dopamine in the extrapyramidal center of the brain, reducing involuntary motion.

Drowsiness -Patients taking valproic acid should report CNS depressant effects, such as sedation or drowsiness, because these effects can indicate the need for a reduction in dose. Rash -Skin rash is a side effect of valproic acid and other antiepileptic drugs.

Fatigue -Because of the potential for bone marrow suppression and decreased platelet count, patients should report unexplained bruising, bleeding, or fatigue.

Notify the health care professional before taking over-the-counter antacids. -Antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate increase urine alkalinity and can decrease drug excretion, ultimately leading to toxicity.

Take the drug in the morning -Modafinil is a non-amphetamine stimulant. Taking it in the morning helps improve wakefulness for patients who have narcolepsy. Patients taking the drug for shift-work sleepiness should take it 1 hr before work.

Diarrhea -Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration and other serious effects. Diarrhea is an adverse effect of dantrolene, as are nausea and vomiting. Patients should report these effects so the health care professional can monitor fluid balance and intervene accordingly.

Amnesia -Midazolam, a benzodiazepine, is appropriate during induction because of its anti-anxiety and amnesiac properties.

Liver function -Liver toxicity is a serious adverse effect of dantrolene. The health care professional should monitor liver function prior to treatment and at regular intervals, and advise patients to report jaundice or abdominal pain.

Respiratory depression -Thiopental, a short-acting barbiturate, causes respiratory depression. Mechanical ventilation and continuous monitoring are essential for patients receiving the drug.

Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension. -Levodopa/carbidopa can cause orthostatic hypotension

Muscle rigidity -A drug interaction between selegiline and opioids, especially meperidine, can result in a serious reaction resulting in rigidity, stupor, agitation, hypertension, and fever.

Phenytoin toxicity -Valproic acid can cause an increase in phenytoin blood levels, causing phenytoin toxicity. The primary care provider should monitor serum phenytoin levels and reduce the dosage if levels begin to exceed the therapeutic range.

Avoid driving until the drug's effects are evident. -Baclofen, a centrally-acting muscle relaxant, causes CNS depression. Patients taking the drug should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants and should not drive a vehicle until they know how the drug will affect them.

Jaundice -Valproic acid can cause hepatic toxicity, characterized by jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. Patients taking the drug should report these symptoms, and health care professionals should monitor liver function studies prior to treatment and periodically during therapy.

Avoid alcohol and other depressants -Temazepam can cause CNS depression. Combined use with alcohol or other depressants can cause severe respiratory depression. Take the drug 30 min before bedtime -patients should take temazepam 30 min before bedtime to improve sleep and to prevent daytime drowsiness Taper the drug slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms -abrupt discontinuation of temazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms. Patients should taper the drug slowly to prevent or minimize withdrawal.

Memory impairment -Zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine, can cause anterograde amnesia, or memory impairment, particularly an inability to recall activities patients carry out just before or during sleep.

Tachycardia -Amphetamine sulfate is an amphetamine stimulant. It can cause tachycardia and dysrhythmias. Patients should notify the health care professional if they develop palpitations or chest pain.

Naloxone -Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids. Fentanyl, an opioid agonist, can cause severe respiratory depression. Health care professionals administering fentanyl should also have resuscitation equipment available.

Pre-medicate with acetaminophen (Tylenol). -Interferon beta drugs can cause fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can help minimize these symptoms.

Chest pain -Sumatriptan, a serotonin agonist, can cause coronary vasospasm and chest pain. Patients should report any pressure, pain, or tightness in the jaw, chest or back. Sumatriptan is not an appropriate choice for patients who have a history of coronary artery disease.

Increased focus -Stimulants, such as methylphenidate, regulate levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to produce calmness, reduce hyperactivity, and increase focus for patients who have ADHD. Star this term You can study starred terms together

Begin taking the drug at a low dosage. -Visual disturbances, vertigo, and ataxia can result from taking carbamazepine, an iminostilbene that treats seizure disorders. Dosages should be low to minimize or prevent these adverse effects.

Hypotension -When systemically absorbed in sufficient amounts, lidocaine, a local anesthetic, can cause hypotension, particularly when used as spinal anesthesia.