VALSARTAN

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(val-sar’tan)
Diovan
Classifications: cardiovascular agent; angiotensin ii-receptor (type at₁) antagonist; antihypertensive
Prototype: Losartan
Pregnancy Category: C (first trimester); D (second and third trimesters)

 

NURSING IMPLICATIONS

Assessment & Drug Effects

• Monitor BP periodically; take trough readings, just prior to the next scheduled dose, when possible.
• Lab tests: Monitor liver function tests, BUN and creatinine, serum potassium, and CBC with differential, periodically.

Patient & Family Education

• Inform physician immediately if you become pregnant.
• Note: Maximum pressure lowering effect is usually evident between 2 and 4 wk after initiation of therapy.
• Notify physician of episodes of dizziness, especially those that occur when making position changes.
• Do not breast feed while taking this drug.

Other Nursing Articles you may want to look at:

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• NORFLOXACIN (nor-flox’a-sin) Chibroxin, Noroxin Classifications: antiinfective; quinolone antibiotic Prototype: Ciprofloxacin Pregnancy Category: C NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Collect urine specimens for testing before initiating antibiotic. Lab tests: Periodic WBC with differential, liver enzymes, and alkaline phosphatase, especially with prolonged use. Report to the physician if
• ESOMEPRAZOLE MAGNESIUM (e-so-me’pra-zole) Nexium Classifications: gastrointestinal agent; proton pump inhibitor Prototype: Omeprazole Pregnancy Category: B NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Monitor for S&S of adverse CNS effects (vertigo, agitation, depression) especially in severely ill patients. Monitor phenytoin levels with concurrent use. Monitor INR/PT with concurrent