Generic Name Mechanism of

Action

Indications Contraindication Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities
Dexamethasone


Brand Name:

Decatron,
Dexamethasone
Intensol


Classification:

Glucocorticoid

How Supplied
Elixir, Oral
Solution, Tablets

Dosage

Individualized
dose based on
disease and client
response








Dexamethasone is a
synthetic
glucocorticoid which
decreases
inflammation by
inhibiting the
migration of
leukocytes and
reversal of increased
capillary
permeability. It
suppresses normal
immune response.







Anti-inflammatory,
As a screening test for
Cushing's syndrome,
Acute exacerbations in
multiple sclerosis,
Unresponsive shock,
Bacterial meningitis,
Chemotherapy-related
emesis,
Cerebral edema
caused by malignancy,
Ophthalmic
inflammation,
Intra-articular
Inflammation,
musculoskeletal and
joint disorders
Hypersensitivity;
active untreated
infections; ophthalmic
use in viral, fungal
disease of the eye.
sleep problems
(insomnia), mood
changes;
acne, dry skin,
thinning skin,
bruising or
discoloration;
slow wound healing;
increased sweating;
headache, dizziness,
spinning sensation;
nausea, stomach
pain, bloating;
muscle weakness; or
changes in the shape
or location of body
fat (especially in
your arms, legs,
face, neck, breasts,
and waist).

Before
History for systemic administration: Active
infections; renal or hepatic disease;
hypothyroidism, ulcerative colitis; diverticulitis;
active or latent peptic ulcer; inflammatory
bowel disease; CHF, hypertension,
thromboembolic disorders; osteoporosis;
seizure disorders; diabetes mellitus; lactation
During
For systemic administration, do not give drug to
nursing mothers; drug is secreted in breast milk.
WARNING: Give daily doses before 9 AM to
mimic normal peak corticosteroid blood levels.
Taper doses when discontinuing high-dose or
long-term therapy.
Do not give live virus vaccines with
immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.
After
Do not stop taking the oral drug without
consulting your health care provider.
Avoid exposure to infection.
Report unusual weight gain, swelling of the
extremities, muscle weakness, black or tarry
stools, fever, prolonged sore throat, colds or
other infections, worsening of this disorder.

Generic Name Mechanism of Action

Indications Contraindication Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities
Acetylcysteine

Brand Name:
Fluimucil, Fluimukan,
Flumil, Flutafin, Lysox,
Mucinac, Mucohelp,
Mucolysin, Mucomelt-A,
MUCOMIX, Mucomyst,
NAC AL

Classification:
Mucolytic

How Supplied
IV, Oral Solution

Dosage
Granulate
Acetylcysteine
(Fluimucil) in two
strengths, each
containing 100 mg and
200 mg of acetylcysteine
per sachet.

Tablets
Acetylcysteine
(Fluimucil) effervescent
tablets, each containing
600 mg of acetylcysteine
are supplied in boxes of
10 blister-packed tablets.


Reduces viscosity of
purulent and nonpurulent
pulmonary secretions
and facilitates their
removal by splitting
disulfide bonds
Helping to prevent
crusting in people with a
tube in their windpipe
(people who have
undergone a
tracheostomy).
Acetaminophen
(Tylenol) poisoning. N-
acetyl cysteine is
effective in reducing the
death rate and preventing
the permanent harm
caused by
acetaminophen
poisoning. For this use,
N-acetyl cysteine given
by mouth is as effective
as N-acetyl cysteine
given intravenously (by
IV).
Reducing mucus and
helping with breathing in
various lung conditions.
Cystic fibrosis.
Known hypersensitivity
to acetylcesteine. As
Acetylcysteine
(Fluimucil) granules and
tablets contain
aspartame, it is
contraindicated in
patients suffering from
phenylketonuria.
Do not stop taking the
oral drug without
consulting your health
care provider.
Avoid exposure to
infection.
Report unusual weight
gain, swelling of the
extremities, muscle
weakness, black or tarry
stools, fever, prolonged
sore throat, colds or other
infections, worsening of
this disorder.

Assess patient for
nausea, vomiting, and
skin rash following oral
administration for
treatment of
acetaminophen
poisoning; intermittent
aerosol treatments are
commonly given when
patient arises, before
meals, and just before
retiring at bedtime