Mosby's 2014 Nursing Drug Reference (54 page)

 

Black Box Warning:

Bone marrow suppression: severe leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia; Hgb, WBC, platelets during treatment monthly; if leukocytes are <3000/mm
3
or platelets <100,000/mm
3
, product should be discontinued, CBC

 
Hepatotoxicity:
if dark urine, jaundice, itching, light-colored stools, increased LFTs, product should be discontinued; hepatic studies: alk phos, AST, ALT, bilirubin

• 
Arthritis:
pain, ROM, swelling, mobility before, during treatment

Evaluate:

• 
Therapeutic response: absence of graft rejection, immunosuppression in autoimmune disorders

Teach patient/family:

• 
To take as prescribed; not to miss doses; if dose is missed on daily regimen, to skip dose; if taking multiple doses/day, to take as soon as remembered

• 
That therapeutic response may take 3-4 mo with RA; to continue with prescribed exercise, rest, other medications


 
To report fever, rash, severe diarrhea, chills, sore throat, fatigue because
serious infections
may occur; report unusual bleeding, bruising; signs/symptoms of
renal/hepatic toxicity


 
To use contraceptive measures during treatment, for 16 wk after ending therapy (pregnancy [D]); to avoid vaccinations

• 
To avoid crowds to reduce risk for infection

• 
To take with food to decrease GI intolerance

• 
On multiple significant drug-drug interactions

• 
To use soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding

• 
That treatment is ongoing to prevent transplant rejection

Canada only   Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening   
Nurse Alert

azelaic acid

(aze-eh-lay′ik)

Azelex, Finacea

Func. class.:
Antiacne agent

Chem. class.:
Dicarboxylic acid

ACTION:

Active for
Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes
by inhibiting microbial protein synthesis in the cell

USES:

Mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris, rosacea

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity

Precautions:
Pregnancy (B), breastfeeding; patients with dark complexions should be monitored for early signs of hypopigmentation

DOSAGE AND ROUTES
Calculator
Adult/child ≥12 yr:

• 
Apply a thin film and massage into affected areas bid am and pm

Available forms:
Cream 20%, Gel 15%

Administer

• 
Before applying, the affected areas should be thoroughly washed and patted dry. Then apply cream or gel and massage gently into the affected areas. Occlusive dressings or wrappings should not be used. Wash hands after applying.

• 
Do not apply to the eye; avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. If contact with the eye(s) occur, the eye(s) should be washed with large amounts of water; contact prescriber if ocular irritation persists.

• 
Avoid concurrent use of alcoholic cleansers, astringents, abrasives, and peeling agents.

• 
Store at room temperature, do not freeze.

SIDE EFFECTS

MISC:
Allergic reaction

SKIN:
Itching, burning, stinging, dermatitis, peeling, erythema, edema, acne

PHARMACOKINETICS

Onset, peak, duration unknown; half-life 12 hr

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Assess

• 
Skin: assess for redness, irritation, stinging; if severe, product might need to be discontinued

• 
Hypopigmentation: In patients with dark complexion

Evaluate

• 
Therapeutic response: Decreased acne lesions

Teach patient/family:

• 
To thoroughly wash and pat dry the affected areas before applying product. Apply cream or gel and massage gently into the affected areas. Occlusive dressings or wrappings should not be used. Wash hands after applying.

• 
Not to apply to the eye; avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. If contact with the eyes occurs, wash with large amounts of water; contact prescriber if ocular irritation persists.

• 
To avoid concurrent use of alcoholic cleansers, astringents, abrasives, and peeling agents.

• 
To store at room temperature, not to freeze

• 
To use for prescribed amount of time

• 
To report burning, stinging, irritation

• 
To report change in skin color

Canada only   Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening   
Nurse Alert

azelastine (ophthalmic)

(ah-zell′ah-steen)

Optivar

Func. class.:
Antihistamine (ophthalmic)

Chem. class.:
H
1
receptor antagonist

ACTION:

Decreases the allergic response by inhibiting histamine release

USES:

Pruritus from allergic conjunctivitis

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity

Precautions:
Pregnancy (C), breastfeeding, child <3 yr

DOSAGE AND ROUTES
Calculator

• Adult/child ≥3 yr: OPHTH
1 drop into each affected eye bid

Available forms:
Ophthalmic sol: 0.05%

Administer

• 
Tip of dropper should not touch the eye

• 
Store upright and tightly closed at room temperature

SIDE EFFECTS

CNS:
Headache

EENT:
Eye burning/stinging/irritation, blurred vision, rhinitis, bitter taste

INTEG:
Pruritus

RESP:
Asthma, dyspnea, wheezing

PHARMACOKINETICS

Onset 3 min, duration 8 hr, half-life 22 hr, protein binding 88%

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Assess:

• 
Eyes: for itching, redness, use of soft or hard contact lenses

Evaluate:

• 
Therapeutic response: Absence of redness, itching in the eyes

Teach patient/family:

• 
To use in the eyes only; not to touch dropper to eye/eyelid

• 
Not to wear contact lenses if eyes are red and itching

• 
To wait at least 10 min before inserting contact lenses, soft contact lenses can absorb preservative

Canada only   Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening   
Nurse Alert

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