Antibacterial Affecting Bacterial Cell Wall

Week 1: Antibacterials Affecting Bacterial Cell Wall 1. Penicillins (e.g., Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin & Clavulanic Acid): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Used to treat common infections like ear infections, pneumonia, and strep throat by preventing bacteria from building protective cell walls. What to Remember: Monitor for allergic reactions (rash or swelling) and teach clients to report any severe GI upset. Contraindicated in those with penicillin allergies or kidney issues. 2. Cephalosporins (e.g., Cephalexin, Cephradine): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Often used for respiratory and skin infections when penicillins don't work or if a person is allergic to penicillin. What to Remember: Similar to penicillins but may cause diarrhea and allergic reactions. Avoid in those with a known cephalosporin or penicillin allergy. 3. Carbapenems (e.g., Imipenem, Cilastatin, Meropenem): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Reserved for serious infections like abdominal or skin infections. What to Remember: Can trigger seizures in those with seizure disorders, and should be avoided in people allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. Week 2: Antibacterials Affecting Protein Synthesis 1. Tetracyclines (e.g., Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Stops bacteria from making essential proteins, used for acne, Lyme disease, and certain STDs. What to Remember: Causes sun sensitivity, and in children, it may cause permanent tooth discoloration. Avoid in pregnancy and children under 8 years old. 2. Macrolides (e.g., Erythromycin): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Great for respiratory or skin infections, especially if allergic to penicillin. What to Remember: Can cause nausea, diarrhea, and affect liver function. Avoid in clients with liver disease or heart conditions. 3. Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin): Medication: Antibiotic Key Point: Used for serious infections like sepsis or pneumonia. What to Remember: Can cause kidney damage and hearing loss, so monitor kidney function and hearing closely. Avoid in those with kidney or hearing problems. Week 3: Pain and Inflammation 1. First-Generation NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Medication: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Key Point: Commonly used over-the-counter for pain, inflammation, and fever. What to Remember: Can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers or bleeding. Long-term use may affect kidney function. Contraindicated in clients with stomach ulcers or kidney disease. 2. Second-Generation NSAIDs (e.g., Celecoxib): Medication: NSAID Key Point: Designed to reduce inflammation and pain with fewer stomach side effects. What to Remember: May increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use. Avoid in those with heart disease. 3. Opioid Agonists (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone): Medication: Strong Painkillers Key Point: Used for severe pain management, such as post-surgery or cancer-related pain. What to Remember: Can cause drowsiness, constipation, and breathing issues. High risk for addiction. Avoid in clients with breathing disorders or a history of addiction. 4. Opioid Antagonists (e.g., Naloxone): Medication: Opioid Overdose Reversal Key Point: Used to reverse opioid overdoses. What to Remember: Can cause immediate withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating and rapid heart rate. Generally safe but can trigger hypersensitivity. Week 4: Metabolism – Endocrine System 1. Insulin: Medication: Blood Sugar Regulator Key Point: Various types control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. What to Remember: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the biggest concern. Symptoms include dizziness, shaking, and fainting. Adjust doses based on meals and blood sugar levels. 2. Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glyburide): Medication: Oral Antidiabetic Key Point: Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, lowering blood sugar. What to Remember: Can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain. Contraindicated in those with severe liver or kidney disease. 3. Metformin: Medication: Oral Antidiabetic Key Point: Reduces the liver’s production of glucose and helps the body use insulin more effectively. What to Remember: May upset the stomach and, in rare cases, cause lactic acidosis. Avoid in clients with kidney disease or heart failure. Week 5: Musculoskeletal System 1. Methotrexate: Medication: Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) Key Point: Used to slow down rheumatoid arthritis and reduce inflammation. What to Remember: Can suppress the immune system, cause liver damage, and mouth sores. Regular monitoring of liver function and blood counts is necessary. 2. Allopurinol: Medication: Antigout Key Point: Lowers uric acid levels to treat gout. What to Remember: Watch for rash, which could indicate a serious reaction. Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones. 3. Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate): Medication: Osteoporosis Treatment Key Point: Helps strengthen bones and prevent fractures. What to Remember: Take with a full glass of water, remain upright for 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation. Avoid if the client has esophageal problems or low calcium levels. Week 6: Gastrointestinal System 1. Antiemetics (e.g., Ondansetron, Promethazine): Medication: Antiemetic Key Point: Used to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially after chemotherapy or surgery. What to Remember: Can cause dry mouth or drowsiness. Monitor for liver issues in long-term use. 2. Laxatives (e.g., Psyllium, Docusate, Bisacodyl): Medication: Stool Softener or Bowel Stimulant Key Point: Used to relieve constipation. What to Remember: Overuse can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Contraindicated in bowel obstruction cases. 3. Antidiarrheals (e.g., Loperamide, Diphenoxylate): Medication: Diarrhea Treatment Key Point: Slows down gut movement to treat diarrhea. What to Remember: Monitor for constipation or dry mouth. Avoid in clients with diarrhea caused by infections. Week 7: Respiratory System 1. Beta2-Adrenergic Agonists (e.g., Albuterol, Levalbuterol): Medication: Bronchodilator Key Point: Inhalers that open up airways during asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups. What to Remember: Can cause jitters, increased heart rate, and headaches. Avoid in clients with heart issues. 2. Glucocorticoids (e.g., Beclomethasone, Prednisone): Medication: Anti-Inflammatory Steroid Key Point: Reduces lung inflammation in asthma or severe cases. What to Remember: Inhaled versions can cause sore throats or mouth infections. Oral forms may cause weight gain or weaken bones. 3. Antitussives (e.g., Codeine, Dextromethorphan): Medication: Cough Suppressant Key Point: Reduces coughing, especially at night. What to Remember: Can cause drowsiness or, in the case of codeine, addiction. Avoid in clients with breathing problems or a history of addiction. Week 8: Cardiovascular System 1. High Ceiling Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Medication: Diuretic Key Point: Used to remove excess fluid in conditions like heart failure. What to Remember: Watch for dehydration and low potassium. Contraindicated in clients with kidney disease. 2. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril): Medication: Antihypertensive Key Point: Lowers blood pressure and helps in heart failure by relaxing blood vessels. What to Remember: Can cause a persistent cough and high potassium. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Week 9: Heart Health and Blood Clotting 1. Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin): Medication: Heart Failure Treatment Key Point: Helps the heart beat more effectively. What to Remember: Monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity like nausea or confusion. Contraindicated in clients with low potassium. 2. Parenteral Anticoagulants (e.g., Heparin, Enoxaparin): Medication: Blood Thinner Key Point: Prevents blood clots after surgery or in conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What to Remember: Monitor for bleeding or bruising. Contraindicated in clients with bleeding disorders. Week 10: Mental Health Medications 1. Lithium Carbonate: Medication: Mood Stabilizer Key Point: Used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood swings. What to Remember: Monitor for lithium toxicity, which can cause nausea, hand tremors, or kidney damage. Contraindicated in clients with kidney disease or dehydration. 2. First-Generation Antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine): Medication: Antipsychotic Key Point: Treats schizophrenia and other psychoses by reducing symptoms like hallucinations. What to Remember: Watch for movement disorders (tremors, stiffness) and weight gain. Avoid in clients with Parkinson’s or severe liver disease. 3. Second-Generation Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Quetiapine): Medication: Antipsychotic Key Point: Used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with fewer movement side effects than first-generation antipsychotics. What to Remember: Can cause weight gain and high blood sugar. Monitor clients with diabetes or heart disease closely. Week 11: Neurological System (Part 1) 1. Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid: Medication: Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) Key Point: These drugs help control seizures by calming overactive brain activity. What to Remember: Watch for drowsiness, dizziness, and liver damage. Avoid in clients with liver problems or bone marrow suppression. 2. Newer Antiepileptics (e.g., Lamotrigine, Gabapentin): Medication: Antiepileptic Drugs Key Point: Used for seizure control and also for nerve pain. What to Remember: Can cause drowsiness and mood changes. Monitor closely in clients with kidney issues or a history of depression. Week 12: Neurological System (Part 2) 1. Dopaminergic Medications (e.g., Levodopa, Carbidopa): Medication: Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Key Point: Increases dopamine in the brain to improve movement in clients with Parkinson’s. What to Remember: Can cause nausea and dizziness. Avoid in clients with a history of melanoma or narrow-angle glaucoma. 2. Dopamine Agonists (e.g., Pramipexole, Ropinirole): Medication: Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Key Point: Mimics dopamine to help reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. What to Remember: Watch for drowsiness (risk of falling asleep suddenly) and dizziness. Avoid in clients with heart or kidney issues. 3. Amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Methylphenidate): Medication: ADHD Treatment Key Point: Improves focus and behavior in children with ADHD. What to Remember: Can reduce appetite, cause sleep problems, and mood swings. Avoid in clients with heart problems or a history of substance abuse. 4. Norepinephrine Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g., Atomoxetine): Medication: ADHD Treatment Key Point: Used as an alternative for ADHD treatment, especially when stimulants aren’t appropriate. What to Remember: Monitor for stomach pain, loss of appetite, or fatigue. Avoid in clients with liver problems or a history of suicidal thoughts. Week 13: Sensory and Musculoskeletal Systems 1. Drugs to Treat Glaucoma (e.g., Timolol, Brimonidine): Medication: Glaucoma Treatment Key Point: Reduces pressure in the eye to prevent damage from glaucoma. What to Remember: Watch for blurry vision or dry eyes. Avoid in clients with asthma or certain heart conditions. 2. Centrally-Acting Muscle Relaxants (e.g., Diazepam, Baclofen): Medication: Muscle Relaxants Key Point: Relaxes muscles to reduce spasms or pain. What to Remember: Can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Avoid in clients with liver disease or breathing problems. 3. Peripherally-Acting Muscle Relaxants (e.g., Dantrolene): Medication: Muscle Relaxant Key Point: Used for severe muscle spasms, especially in conditions like multiple sclerosis. What to Remember: Can cause liver damage or drowsiness. Avoid in clients with liver disease. 4. Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan): Medication: Migraine Treatment Key Point: Narrows blood vessels in the brain to reduce migraine pain. What to Remember: Can cause chest tightness, dizziness, or nausea. Avoid in clients with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Week 14: Reproductive and Genitourinary Systems 1. Estrogens and Hormonal Contraceptives (e.g., Conjugated Estrogens, Ethinyl Estradiol & Norethindrone): Medication: Hormonal Therapy or Contraceptive Key Point: Used for hormone replacement or birth control by preventing ovulation. What to Remember: Can increase the risk of blood clots, mood changes, or nausea. Avoid in smokers over 35 or those with a history of blood clots. 2. Androgens (e.g., Testosterone): Medication: Hormone Replacement Key Point: Used for men with low testosterone or certain cancers. What to Remember: Can cause acne, mood changes, and increased red blood cells. Contraindicated in clients with prostate or breast cancer. 3. 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride): Medication: Enlarged Prostate and Male-Pattern Baldness Treatment Key Point: Reduces symptoms of an enlarged prostate or hair loss in men. What to Remember: Can lower libido or cause ejaculatory problems. Pregnant women should avoid handling the drug. 4. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil): Medication: Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Key Point: Increases blood flow to the penis to treat erectile dysfunction. What to Remember: Can cause headaches, low blood pressure, or flushing. Avoid taking with nitrates (heart medications), as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Week 15: Uterine Stimulants and Tocolytics 1. Oxytocics (e.g., Oxytocin): Medication: Labor Induction or Postpartum Bleeding Control Key Point: Stimulates contractions to induce labor or control postpartum bleeding. What to Remember: Monitor for uterine hyperstimulation or rupture. Avoid in cases where labor isn’t progressing normally or there’s a risk of uterine rupture. 2. Tocolytics (e.g., Magnesium Sulfate): Medication: Premature Labor Prevention Key Point: Relaxes the uterus to prevent premature labor. What to Remember: Can cause dizziness, flushing, or low blood pressure. Avoid in full-term pregnancies or in cases of uterine infection.