Medication Side Effect Quick Referenc: GENERAL MEDICAL/SURGICAL PATIENT
(Your medication may cause other side effects. This is only a general reference highlighting some of the major side effects )
**** Keep your most current medication list with you at all time****
Drug Class & Indicators Most Frequently
Prescribed Brand Names
ACE INHIBITORS Atlace (Ramipril)
Angiotensin (AN-jee-oh-ten-sin)- Accupril (Quinapril)
converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors treat high blood Capoten (Captopril)
pressure, certain heart
conditions, and kidney disease Lotensin (Benazepril)
Monoporil (Fosinopril)
Prinivil/Zestril (Lisinopril)
Vasotec (Enalapril)
ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR Cozaar (Losartan)
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ANTAGONISTS (ARB)
Diovan (Valsartan)
Treats high blood pressure and
protect kidney Atacand (Candesartan)
Benicar (Olmesartan)
Avapro (Irbesartan)
Micardis (Telmisartan)
Common Side Effects Side Effects Which Require
(Tell your doctor if these Immediate Contact With
symptoms are severe or Your Doctor
do not go away)
o Cough (dry and o Chest Pain
continuing) o Extreme weakness
o Headache o Fever, chills of sore
o Dizziness, light- throat
headedness, o Hoarseness
fainting, or o Irregular Heartbeat
tiredness o numbness or tingling
o Nausea or vomiting in hands or feet
o Diarrhea or o Skin rash, severe
constipation itching or hives
o Swelling of face,
moth, hands or feet
o Trouble breathing or
swallowing
o Dizziness o Swelling of face,
o Headache throat, tongue, lips,
o Excessive tiredness eyes, hands, feet,
o Diarrhea ankles, or lower legs
o Stomach upset o Hoarseness
o Back pain o Difficulty breathing or
o Joint pain swallowing
o Fainting
 Drug Class & Indications
ANTICOAGULANTS
These medications are used
to thin the blood so that
clots will not form. Lovenox
may be used to treat blood
clots or to decrease heart
attacks in patients who
have unstable angina or
mild heart attacks.
ANTI-PLATELET
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Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell
Brand Names your doctor if these
symptoms are severe or do
not go away)
Coumadin (Warfarin) o Bleeding problems
o Headaches (Coumadin)
Lovenox (Enoxaparin) o Nausea or vomiting
(Coumadin)
Fragmin (Dalteparin)
o Irritation where the shot is
given
Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
Plavic (Clopidogrel) o Dizziness
o Stomach pain/heart burn
Aggrenox o Nausea/Vomiting
(Aspirin/Dipyridamole) o Diarrhea
o Bleeding problem
Pletal (Cilostazol)
Trental (Pentoxifylline)
Ticlid (Ticlopidine)
Aspirin
Side Effects which Require
Immediate Contact With
Your Doctor
o Signs of life threatening
reactions (i.e. wheezing,
bad cough, chest tightness,
blue skin color, swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or
throat)
o Severe dizziness or passing
out
o Swelling or pain of leg or
arm
o Severe headache
o Severe nausea or vomiting
o Unusual or bleeding
o Any rash
o No improving condition or
feeling worse
o Signs of life threatening
reactions (i.e. wheezing,
bad cough, chest tightness,
blue skin color, swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat)
o Suspected overdose
o Change in strength on one
side greater than the other,
difficulty speaking or
thinking, change in balance,
or blurred vision.
o Significant change in
thinking clearly and
logically
o Severe headache
o Severe nausea or vomiting
o Unusual bruising or
bleeding
o Any rash
o No improving condition or
feeling worse
 Drug Class & Indications Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell
Brand Names your doctor if these
symptoms are severe or do
not go away)
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS Zoloft (Sertraline) o Upset stomach
o Diarrhea
Treats depression, mood Paxil (Paroxetine) o Vomiting
disorder o Drowsiness, excessive,
Prozac (Fluoxetine) tiredness
o Nervousness
Lexapro (Escotalopram) o Difficulty falling asleep or
staying asleep
Celexa (Citalopram) o Muscle or joint pain
o Dry mouth
Wellbutrin (Buproprion) o Excessive sweating
o Changes in sex drive
Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Side Effects which Require
Immediate Contact With
Your Doctor
o Hallucinating (Seeing
things or hearing voices
that do not exist)
o Seizure
o Abnormal bleeding or
bruising
o Blurred vision
o Rapid or irregular
heartbeat
o Skin rash

ANTI-NAUSEA Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) o Drowsiness or dizziness o Lightheadedness or

o Trouble sleeping, fainting.
ANTI-VERTIGO Phenergan (Promethazine) restlessness, depression o Fast, slow, or irregular
o Dry mouth heartbeat
Relieves nausea and/or Compazine o Slow or troubled breathing
o Constipation
o Muscle spasms, weakness,
vomiting. Some are also (Prochlorperazine) o Blurred vision, dry eyes, or or stiffness
used to treat allergic- eyes more sensitive to o Problems with balance or
reactions and itching. Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) light. walking.
o Redness, swelling, pain, or
burning near injection site.
o Severe neck pain.

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o Fever, chills, body aches,
sore throat, or cough.
o Severe sleepiness, trouble
thinking clearly, or a
change in behavior.
o Shaking, twitching, or
muscle movements,
including jerky movement
in face, tongue, or jaw.
 Drug Class & Indicators Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell Side Effects Which
Brand Names your doctor if these Require Immediate Contact
symptoms are severe or do With Your Doctor
not go away)
BETA-BLOCKERS Lopressor (Metoprolol) o Dizziness or o Rapid heart rate or
lightheadedness irregular heartbeat
Treats high blood pressure Toprol-XL (Metoprolol) o Tiredness o Shortness of breath
o gas or bloating o Wheezing
Tenormin (Atenolol) o Heartburn o Swelling of hands, feet,
o Constipation ankles, or lower legs
Inderal (Propranolol) o Rash or itching o Unusual weight gain
o Cold hands and feet o Fainting
Zebeta (Bisoprolol)

Betapace (Sotalol)

Coreg (Carvedilol)

CALCIUM CHANNEL Cardizem (Diltiazem) o Dizziness or o Swelling of face, eyes,

BLOCKERS lightheadedness lips, tongue, arms, or
Norvasc (Amlodipine) o Flushing (feeling of legs
Treats high blood pressure warmth) o Difficulty breathing or
Procardia XL/Adat o Headache swallowing
(Nifedipine) o Excessive tiredness o Fainting

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o Slower heartbeat o Rash
Plendil (Felodipine) o Upset stomach o Fever
o Loss of appetite o Chest pain
Sular (Nisoldipine) o Vomiting
o Constipation
Calan (Verapamil)
 Drug Class & Indicators Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell your Side Effects Which Require
Brand Names doctor if these symptoms are Immediate Contact With Your
severe or do not go away) Doctor

CEPHALOSPORINS Cephalexin (Keflex) o Diarrhea o Difficulty breathing or

o Headache swallowing
o Rash
Antibiotic (treat infection) Cefaclor (Ceclor) o Nausea o Confusion, dizziness,
hallucination
Cefadroxil (Duricef) o Vomiting
o Abdominal pain
Cefuroxime (Ceftin)

Cefdinir (Omnicef)

CORTICOSTERIODS Medrol (Methylprednisoline), o Upset stomach, stomach o Swollen face, lower legs or
irritation ankles
Hydrocortisone, o Vision problems
Treat asthma, serious skin o Vomiting o Colds or infection that lasts a
disorders, arthritis, and other o Headache long time
Prednisone, o Muscle weakness
conditions. o Diziness
o Restlessness, insomnia o Hallucinations or sudden mood
Celestone (Betamethasone) changes
o Depression o Bloody or black stools
Decadron (Dexamethasone) o Anxiety

DIURETICS-THIAZIDES Hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix o Loss of appetite o Allergic reaction: Itching or

(Furosemide) o Mild diarrhea or stomach upset hives, swelling in face or hands,
swelling, numbness or tingling in
Treats high blood pressure and the mouth, throat, hands or
fluid retention (edema). This feet, tightness in chest, trouble
medicine is a diuretic (water breathing
pill). o Blood in urine or stools
o Confusion, weakness, irregular

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heartbeat, shortness of breath
o Dry mouth, increased thirst,
muscle cramps, nausea or
vomiting
o Fever chills, cough, hoarseness
o Problems urinating, pain in side
or lower back
o Skin rash or itching
o Unusual bleeding or bruising
o Yellow eyes or skin
 Drug Class & Indicators Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell
Brand Names your doctor if these
symptoms are severe or do
Percocet, not go away)
NARCOTIC-ANALGESIC o Change in
volume/frequency of
Relieves pain Oxycontin (Oxycodone)
urination
Vicodin/Lortab/Norco o Cold, clammy skin.
(Hydrocodone/Acetamin o Feeling unusually anxious
ophen) excited, fearful, or tied.
o Nausea, vomiting,
Darvocet-N 100 constipation, stomach
(Propoxyphene/Acetamin
ophen) pain or upset, or
heartburn.
Tylenol w/Codeine o Skin rash.
o Vision changes
MS Contin (Morphine)
Nubain (Nalbuphine)
Stadol (Butorphanol)
NEUROPATHIC PAIN Neurontin (Gabapentin) o Drowsiness
MEDICATIONS o Fatigue
Lyrica (pregabalin) o Blurred vision
Treats nerve pain o Double vision
o Constipation
o Flatulence
o Increased appetite
o Tremor
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o Anxiety
o Headache
o Peripheral edema
Side Effects Which Require
Immediate Contact With
Your Doctor
o Allergic reaction: Itching
or hives, swelling in face
or hands, swelling or
tingling in mouth or
throat, chest tightness,
trouble breathing.
o Dizziness.
o Seeing or hearing things
that are not there.
o Very slow heartbeat.
o Skin rash
o Itching
o Difficulty moving or
breathing
o Clumsiness
o Fever
o Flu-like symptoms
o Irregular or fast heartbeat
o Seizures
 Drug Class & Indicators
NON-STERIODAL ANTI-
INFLAMMATORY AGENTS
For pain and/or inflammation.
QUINOLONES
Antibiotic (treat infection)
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Most Frequently Prescribed Common Side Effects (Tell your
Brand Names doctor if these symptoms are
severe or do not go away)
Motrin/Advil (Ibuprofen) o Headache
o Dizziness
Naprosyn (Naproxen) o Nervousness
o Upset stomach, pain or cramps
Indocin (Indomethacin)
o Vomiting
Voltaren (Diclofenac) o Constipation
o Diarrhea
Toradol (Ketorolac) o Flatulence
Feldene (Piroxicam)
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Mobic (Meloxicam)
Salsalate
Levaquin (Levaflocaxin) o Feeling nervous, restless, or
anxious.
Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) o Headache, bad dreams,
trouble sleeping.
Avelox (Moxifloxacin) o Mild sin rash or itching.
o Nausea, vomiting, stomach
pain, gas.
o Sores or white patches in
mouth or throat
o Vaginal itching or discharge
Side Effects Which Require
Immediate Contact With Your
Doctor
o Rash, itching
o Bloody vomit
o Bloody diarrhea or black, tarry
stools
o Ringing in the ears
o Blurred vision
o Swelling of hands, feet, ankles
or lower legs.
o Toradol is for short term use
only (max 5 days)
o Allergic reaction: Itching ir
hives, swelling in face or
hands, swelling or tingling in
mouth or throat, chest
tightness, trouble breathing.
o Blistering, peeling red skin
rash.
o Bloody urine, or change in
volume or frequency
o Chest pain, or a heartbeat
that is fast, pounding or
uneven.
o Confusion, or unusual
thoughts or behavior.
o Diarrhea that may contain
blood.
o Numbness, tingling, pain,
burning, weakness, or loss of
feeling anywhere in body.
o Seizures, severe headache.
o Tremors or hallucinations
o Unexplained fever.
o Unusual bleeding, bruising, or
weakness.
 Drug Class & Indicators
SEDATIVES
Treats insomnia (difficulty falling
asleep), anxiety, nervousness,
muscle spasms, and seizures.
STATIN ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC
AGENTS
Lowers cholesterol levels to
prevent heart attack or other
problems. Used in combination
with diet program to lower
cholesterol.
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v References:
Most Frequently Prescribed
Brand Names
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Valium (Diazepam)
Restoril (Temazepam)
Dalmane (Flurazepam)
Zocor (Simvastatin)
Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Mevacor (Lovastatin)
Pravachol (Pravastatin)
Lexcol (Fluvastatin)
Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
Lexi-Comp Drug Information
Common Side Effects (Tell your
doctor if these symptoms are
severe or do not go away)
o Drowsiness, dizziness, or tired
feeling
o Trouble concentrating, memory
loss
o Dry mouth, upset stomach,
constipation
o Vision changed such as trouble
focusing
o Feeling “hung-over” the
morning after bedtime use
o Constipation or diarrhea.
o Dizziness, mood changes,
trouble sleeping.
o Headache or joint pain.
o Trouble urinating,
discomfort when
urinating, or change in
volume/frequency
o Mild stomach upset, gas,
indigestion
Side Effects Which Require
Immediate Contact With Your
Doctor
o Severe weakness, trouble
standing
o Hallucinations, confusion.
o Uncontrolled body movements
o Yellow skin or eyes
o Allergic reaction: Itching
or hives, swelling in face
or hands, swelling or
tingling in mouth or
throat, chest tightness,
trouble breathing.
o Chest pain or tightness.
o Muscle pain, aches,
weakness, or cramps.
o New or worsening
swelling.
o Stomach pain, nausea,
vomiting, and loss of
appetite.
o Unexplained fever.
o Unusual bleeding or
bruising.
o Dark, tarry, or bloody
stool.
o Yellow skin or eyes
 Food and Drug Interaction Reference

Interaction Code

1 Take with food. May cause stomach upset Food Containing Caffeine:

Chocolate, cocoa, coffee, cola, tea

2 Take on empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

3 Take on empty stomach. If irritation occurs, take with Food Containing Tyramine:
food/milk.
Aged cheese, aged meat, anchovie,
4 Take half hour before meals. avocado, banana, beer, broad bean,
caffeine, chicken liver, chocolate, cola,
5 Take half hour before meals. fig (canned), pickled herring, raisin,
sausage, sour cream, soy sauce, wine,
yeast extract, yoghurt
6 DO NOT take with alcohol. May cause excessive sedation.

7 Do NOT take with alcohol. May cause nausea or vomiting. Food Containing Potassium:

8 Avoid alcohol. Increased side effect of drug. Apricot, artichoke, banana, beans
(dried only), broccoli, brussel sprout,
cantaloupe, carrots, celery, date, dried
9 Potential increase in side effects with food containing Caffeine. fruit, fig, honeydew, milk, orange,
orange juice, potatoe, prune juice,
10 May cause potassium loss. Eat foods high in Potassium. pumpkin, squash, raisin, rhubarb,
spinach, tomato, tomato juice.

11 Take after breakfast, unless otherwise directed. Food Containing Vitamin K:

Broccoli, brussel sprout, cabbage,

12 Avoid foods high in Tyramine. cauliflower, garbanzo beans, green tea,

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herbal tea, kale, lettuce, lentil, liver,
13 Avoid Calcium (Dairy products or Calcium fortified food.) soybean oil, spinach

14 Maintain consistent intake of Vitamin K.

15 Avoid salt substitute (Potassium.) Food Containing Calcium:

16 Avoid antacid Milk, dairy products, hot cocoa,

cheese, ice cream, yoghurt, spinach,
broccoli, collar green, turnip green
17 Take with full glass of water.

18 Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

 Generic Name Brand Name Code Generic Name Brans Name Code

Acetaminophen/Cod Tylenol #2, #3, #4 8 Erythromycin E-Mycin 1

eine

Albuterol Ventolin/Proventil 1 Escitalopram Lexapro 8

Alendroate Fosamax 5, 17 Famitidine Pepcid 4

Alprazolam Xanax 6 Felodipine Pendil 18

Amitriptyline Elavil 1, 8 Ferrous Sulfate Feosol, Slow Fe 3

Amlodipine Norvasc 18 Fluoxetine Prozac 8

Amoxicillin Amoxil 2 Furosemide Lasix 3, 10

Amoxicillin/Clavulana Augmentin 2 Glipizide Glucotrol 8

te

Ampicillin Ampicillin 2 Glyburide Micronase, 8

Diabeta

Alendronate Fosamax 4, 17 Hydrochlorothiazide Hydrouril 3, 10

Atorvastatin Lipitor 18 Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Vicodin, Lortab, 8

Norco

Benztropine Congentin 8 Hydroxyzine Vistaril, Atarax 1, 6

Bumetanide Bumex 10 Ibandronate Boniva 5, 17

Carbamazepine Tegretol 1, 8 Ibuprofen Motrin/Advil 1

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Carisoprodol Soma 8 Imipramine Tofranil 1, 8

Cefuroxime Ceftin 1 Indomethacin Indocin 1

Cephalexin Keflex 3 Isocarboxazid Marplan 8, 12

Cetrizine Zyrtec 8 Itraconazole (Capsule) Sporonox 1

Chloral Hydrate Nortec 6 Itraconazole (Suspension) Sporonox 2

Chlorpheniramine Chlortrimeton 1, 6 Ketoconazole Nizoral 1, 18

 Generic Name Brand Name Code Generic Name Brans Name Code

Citalopram Celexa 8 Ketolorac Toradol 1

Clonazepam Klonopin 1, 6 Entacapone Comptan 8

Clonidine Catapres 6 Lansoprazole Pravacid 4

Cyclobenzaprine Flexiril 8 Levetiracetam Keppra 8

Digoxin Lanoxin 11 Levofloxacin Levaquin 13, 16

Diltiazem Cardizem 5, 18 Levothyroxine Synthroid 4

Diphenhydramine Benadryl 1, 6 Lithium Lithane 1, 6

Diphenoxylate/Atro Lomotil 6 Loratadine Claritin 2, 8

pine

Doxepine Sinequan 1, 8 Lorazepam Ativan 6

Doxycycline Vibramycin 2, 13 Lovastatin Mevacor 8

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Entacapone Comptan 8 Meclizine Antivert 6
 Generic Name Brand Name Code Generic Name Brand Name Code

Metoclopramide Reglan 4, 6 Ropinirole Requip 8

Metronidazole Flagyl 1 Sertraline Zoloft 8

Moxiflaxacin Avelox 13, 16 Simvastatin Zocor 18

Niacin Niaspan 8 Spironolactone Aldactone 1, 15

Nifedipine Procadia, Adalat 18 Sucralfate Carafate 2

Nitrofurantoin Macrodantin 1 Sulfameth/Trimethoprim Bactrim/Septra 3, 17

Nitroglycerin Nitro-Dur 18 Tetracycline Sumycin 2, 13

Omeprazile Prilosec 4 Theophylline Theo-Dur 5

Oxacarbazepine Trileptal 8 Thyroid 4

Pantoprazole Protonix 4 Tranylcypromine Parnate 8, 12

Paroxentine Paxil 8 Trazodone Desyrel 1, 8

Penicillin VK Pen VK 2 Triamterene/HCTZ Dyazide 3, 13

Phenelzine Nardil 8, 12 Trihexyphenidyl Artane 8

Phenobarbital 6 Valproic acid Depakene, 1, 6

Depakote

Phentoin Dilantin 5, 8 Venlafaxine Effexor 8

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Potassium K-Dur, Slow K 1, 17 Verapamil Calan 18

Pramipexole Mirapex 1, 8 Voriconazole Vfend 2

Prednisone Deltasone 1 Wafarin Coumadin 8, 14

Risedronate Actonel 5, 17 Zithromax Azithromycin 1

Ropinirole Requip 8
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