Drug Study

Name of Drug Classification Adverse effect Indication Contraindication Nursing Considerations

Cefuroxime IV 50mg q6

ANTIINFECTIVE; ANTIBIOTIC; SECOND-GENERATION CEPHALOSPORIN

Body as a Whole: Thrombophlebitis (IV site); pain, burning, cellulitis (IM site); superinfections, positive Coombs' test. GI: Diarrhea, nausea, antibiotic-associated colitis. Skin: Rash, pruritus, urticaria. Urogenital: Increased serum creatinine and BUN, decreased creatinine clearance.

It is effective for the treatment of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoea (PPNG). Effectively treats bone and joint infections, bronchitis, meningitis, gonorrhea, otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, sinusitis, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and is used for surgical prophylaxis, reducing or eliminating infection.

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins and related antibiotics; pregnancy (category B), lactation.

Determine history of hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, and history of allergies, particularly to drugs, before therapy is initiated.

Inspect IM and IV injection sites frequently for signs of phlebitis.

Report onset of loose stools or diarrhea. Although pseudomembranous colitis.

Monitor I&O rates and pattern: Especially important in severely ill patients receiving high doses. Report any significant changes.

Name of DrugClassification Adverse effect Indication Contraindication Nursing Consideration

Ascorbic acid 0.5 bid

Vitamins

GI: Nausea,

vomiting,

heartburn,

diarrhea.

Hematologic:

Acute hemolytic

anemia (patients

with deficiency of

G6PD); sickle cell

crisis. CNS:

Headache (high

doses).

Urogenital:

Urethritis, dysuria,

crystalluria (high

doses). Other:

Mild soreness at

injection site;

dizziness and

temporary

faintness with rapid

IV administration.

Prophylaxis and treatment of scurvy and as a dietary supplement.

Increases protection mechanism of the immune system, thus supporting wound healing. Necessary for wound healing and resistance to infection.

Use of sodium ascorbate in patients on sodium restriction; use of calcium ascorbate in patients receiving digitalis. Safety during pregnancy (category C) or lactation is not established.

Assessment & Drug Effects Lab tests: Periodic Hct

& Hgb, serum electrolytes.

Monitor for S&S of acute hemolytic anemia, sickle cell crisis.

Patient & Family Education

Take large doses of vitamin C in divided amounts because the body uses only what is needed at a particular time and excretes the rest in urine.

Megadoses can interfere with absorption of vitamin B12.

Note: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when taken at the same time as iron-rich foods.

Name of DrugClassification Adverse effect Indication Contraindication Nursing Consideration

Paracetamol drops60mg/ml 1.5ml q4

Non-opioid analgesicSide effects are rare with paracetamol when it is taken at the recommended doses. Skin rashes, blood disorders and acute inflammation of the pancreas have occasionally occurred in people taking the drug on a regular basis for a long time. One advantage of paracetamol over aspirin and NSAIDs is that it doesn't irritate the stomach or causing it to bleed, potential Side effects of aspirin and NSAIDs.

To relieve mild to moderate pain due to things such as headache, muscle and joint pain, backache and period pains. It is also used to bring down a high temperature. For this reason, paracetamol can be given to children after vaccinations to prevent post-immunisation pyrexia (high temperature). Paracetamol is often included in cough, cold and flu remedies.

Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or phenacetin; use with alcohol.

Assessment & Drug Effects

Monitor for S&S of: hepatotoxicity, even with moderate acetaminophen doses, especially in individuals with poor nutrition.

Patient & Family Education Do not take other

medications (e.g., cold preparations) containing acetaminophen without medical advice; overdosing and chronic use can cause liver damage and other toxic effects.

Do not self-medicate children for pain more than 5 d without consulting a physician.

Do not use for fever persisting longer than 3 d, fever over 39.5° C (103° F), or recurrent fever.

Do not give children more than 5 doses in 24 h unless prescribed by physician.

Name of DrugClassification Adverse effect Indication Contraindication Nursing Consideration

Ambroxol0.5m tid

Mucolytic Occasional gastrointestinal side effects may occur but these are almost invariably mild.

Adjuvant therapy in patients with abnormal, viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, and in pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis and surgery, tracheostomy, and atelectasis. Also used in diagnostic bronchial studies and as an antidote for acute acetaminophen poisoning.

There are no absolute contraindication but in patients with gastric ulceration relative caution should be observed.

Assessment & Drug Effects Monitor for S&S of

aspiration of excess secretions, and for bronchospasm (unpredictable); withhold drug and notify physician immediately if either occur.

Lab tests: Monitor ABGs, pulmonary functions and pulse oximetry as indicated.

Have suction apparatus immediately available. Increased volume of respiratory tract fluid may be liberated; suction or endotracheal aspiration may be necessary to establish and maintain an open airway.

Patient & Family Education Report difficulty with

clearing the airway or any other respiratory distress.