Indication:
Antigout drugs
- to treat and prevent gout by decreasing uric acid levels
- to prevent high uric acid levels with chemotherapy - chemo drugs release uric acid when cells are destroyed
Mechanism of action:
Antigout drugs
Inhibits formation of uric crystals and inflammatory response.
Generic names:
Antigout drugs
allopurinol, colchicine
Most common adverse reactions and nursing considerations:
Antigout drugs
- nephrotoxicity - monitor BUN, creatinine and urine output
- avoid foods with purines in them
- avoid meat and alcohol
- purines break down into uric acid
- hepatotoxicity - check liver function tests: ALT, AST
Nursing considerations:
Antiosteoporotic: alendronate and risedronate
- take in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
- stay upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation
Generic names:
Muscle relaxers
- carisoprodol
- cyclobenzaprine
- baclofen
- methocarbamol
Most common side effects:
Muscle relaxers
- sedation / drowsiness
- orthostatic hypotension
- anticholinergic side effects
Nursing considerations:
Muscle relaxers: sedation / drowsiness
Implement safety and fall precautions.
Nursing considerations:
Muscle relaxers: orthostatic hypotension
- assess for dizziness
- have client sit at bedside for a few minutes before getting up
- implement safety and fall precautions
Nursing considerations:
Muscle relaxers: anticholinergic side effects
- causes blurry vision - implement safety and fall precautions
- causes urinary retention - monitor intake and output
- causes dry mouth - give candy or ice chips
- causes constipation - encourage fluids/fiber/walking
“can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit”
Mechanism of action:
Antiosteoporotic
Inhibits osteoclast activity.
Most common side effect:
Antiosteoporotic
Muscle pain: notify HCP if it becomes severe.
Mechanism of action:
Muscle relaxers
Causes CNS depression or inhibits spinal reflexes.
