Drug Study - Gentamicin Sulfate

Garamycin, Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic
Classifications: antiinfective; aminoglycoside antibiotic
Action:
Broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Micromonospora purpurea. Action is usually bacteriocidal.
Indication:
Parenteral use restricted to treatment of serious infections of GI, respiratory, and urinary tracts, CNS, bone, skin, and soft tissue (including burns) when other less toxic antimicrobial agents are ineffective or are contraindicated. Has been used in combination with [...]

Drug Study - Phenobarbital Sodium

Luminal Sodium
Action:
Long-acting barbiturate. Sedative and hypnotic effects of barbiturates appear to be due primarily to interference with impulse transmission of cerebral cortex by inhibition of reticular activating system. CNS depression may range from mild sedation to coma, depending on dosage, route of administration, degree of nervous system excitability, and drug tolerance. Initially, barbiturates suppress REM [...]

Drug Study - Albuterol

Salbutamol, Ventolin, Ventolin Rotocaps, Volmax
Action:
Synthetic sympathomimetic amine and moderately selective beta2-adrenergic agonist with comparatively long action. Acts more prominently on beta2 receptors (particularly smooth muscles of bronchi, uterus, and vascular supply to skeletal muscles) than on beta1 (heart) receptors. Minimal or no effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors. Inhibits histamine release by mast cells.
Classifications:
autonomic nervous system agent; [...]

Drug Study - Folic Acid

Action:
Vitamin B complex essential for nucleoprotein synthesis and maintenance of normal erythropoiesis. Acts against folic acid deficiency that impairs thymidylate synthesis and results in production of defective DNA that leads to megaloblast formation and arrest of bone marrow maturation.
Classification:
Vitamin B9
Indication:
Folate deficiency, macrocytic anemia, and megaloblastic anemias associated with malabsorption syndromes, alcoholism, primary liver disease, inadequate [...]

Drug Study - Clonidine Hydrochloride

Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Dixaril , Duraclon
Action:
Centrally acting antiadrenergic derivative. Stimulates alpha2-adrenergic receptors in CNS to inhibit sympathetic vasomotor centers. Central actions reduce plasma concentrations of norepinephrine. It decreases systolic and diastolic BP and heart rate. Orthostatic effects tend to be mild and occur infrequently. Also inhibits renin release from kidneys..
Classifications:
cardiovascular agent; central-acting antihypertensive; analgesic
Indication:
Step 2 drug [...]

Drug Study - Ranitidine

by: ishi21, RN
Zantac, Zantac EFFERdose, Zantac GELdose, Zantac-75
Action:
Potent anti-ulcer drug that competitively and reversibly inhibits histamine action at H2-receptor sites on parietal cells, thus blocking gastric acid secretion. Indirectly reduces pepsin secretion but appears to have minimal effect on fasting and postprandial serum gastrin concentrations or secretion of gastric intrinsic factor or mucus
Classifications:
GASTROINTESTINAL AGENT; ANTISECRETORY [...]

Drug Study - Dopamine Hydrochloride

by: ishi21, RN
Dopastat, Intropin, Revimine

Action:
Naturally occurring neurotransmitter and immediate precursor of norepinephrine. Major cardiovascular effects produced by direct action on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and on specific dopaminergic receptors in mesenteric and renal vascular beds.
Classifications:
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ALPHA- AND BETA-ADRENERGIC AGONIST (SYMPATHOMIMETIC)
Indication:
To correct hemodynamic imbalance in shock syndrome due to MI (cardiogenic shock), [...]

Drug Study - Epinephrine

by: JJ, RN
Action:
Naturally occurring catecholamine obtained from animal adrenal glands; also prepared synthetically. Acts directly on both alpha and beta receptors; the most potent activator of alpha receptors. Strengthens myocardial contraction; increases systolic but may decrease diastolic blood pressure; increases cardiac rate and cardiac output.
Classifications:
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ALPHA- AND BETA-ADRENERGIC AGONIST; BRONCHODILATOR
Indication:
Temporary relief [...]

Drug Study - Diazepam

Action:
Psychotherapeutic agent related to chlordiazepoxide; reportedly superior in antianxiety and anticonvulsant activity, with somewhat shorter duration of action. Like chlordiazepoxide, it appears to act at both limbic and subcortical levels of CNS.
Classifications:
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; BENZODIAZEPINE ANTICONVULSANT; ANXIOLYTIC
Indication:
Drug of choice for status epilepticus. Management of anxiety disorders, for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, to [...]

Drug Study - Erythromycin

Action:
Macrolide antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces erythreus. Bacteriostatic or bactericidal, depending on nature of organism and drug concentration used.
Classification:
ANTIINFECTIVE; MACROLIDE ANTIBIOTIC
Indication:
Pneumococcal pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (primary atypical pneumonia), acute pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in females sensitive to penicillin, infections caused by susceptible strains of staphylococci, streptococci, and certain strains of Haemophilus [...]