| Condition |
Common Medications |
Medication Action |
Notes/Considerations |
| Pneumonia and Lower Respiratory Infections |
– Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin, levofloxacin) |
Fight bacterial infection |
Review culture and sensitivity results |
|
– Antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen) |
Reduce fever and alleviate pain |
Reassess temperature/ pain level |
| Heart Failure |
– Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, spironolactone) |
Reduce fluid overload by increasing urine production |
Monitor electrolytes and renal function. |
|
– ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) or ARBs (e.g., losartan) |
Lower blood pressure and decrease workload on the heart |
Monitor for hypotension and renal function changes. |
|
– Beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol, metoprolol) |
Slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure |
Start low and go slow, especially in acute exacerbations. |
| COPD Exacerbations |
– Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, ipratropium) |
Relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs |
Use as needed for symptom control. |
|
– Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) |
Reduce inflammation in the airways |
Short courses for acute exacerbations. |
|
– Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is suspected) |
Fight bacterial infection |
Based on clinical signs of bacterial infection. |
| Acute Coronary Syndromes |
– Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) |
Prevent blood clots |
Essential for all patients unless contraindicated. |
|
– Statins (e.g., atorvastatin) |
Lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque |
Initiate early in management. |
|
– Beta-blockers |
Reduce myocardial oxygen demand |
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. |
|
– Nitroglycerin |
Dilate coronary arteries and relieve chest pain |
Use for chest pain relief and coronary artery dilation. |
| Complications of Diabetes |
– Insulin |
Lower blood glucose levels |
Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. |
| Gastrointestinal Bleeds |
– Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) |
Reduce stomach acid production |
Administer IV for acute bleeds. |
|
– Blood transfusions (if necessary) |
Replace lost blood |
Based on hemoglobin levels and clinical status. |
| Acute Kidney Injury |
Adjustments or discontinuation of nephrotoxic medications |
Support kidney function and prevent further damage |
Monitor renal function and adjust medications as necessary. |
| Sepsis and Septic Shock |
– Broad-spectrum antibiotics |
Combat widespread infection |
Early initiation is critical for outcomes. |
|
– Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine) |
Increase blood pressure to critical organs |
For maintaining adequate blood pressure after initial management. |
| Stroke (CVA) |
– Thrombolytics (e.g., alteplase) |
Dissolve blood clots in the brain |
For eligible patients with ischemic stroke within the therapeutic window. |
|
– Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin) |
Prevent further clot formation |
Prevent secondary stroke prevention. |
|
– Statins |
Lower cholesterol and prevent further arterial plaque buildup |
For cholesterol management and secondary prevention. |
| DVT and PE |
– Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin, DOACs like apixaban) |
Prevent and treat blood clots |
Long-term anticoagulation based on guidelines. |
