Read Mosby's 2014 Nursing Drug Reference Online
Authors: Linda Skidmore-Roth
Canada only Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening
Nurse Alert
acyclovir (Rx)
(ay-sye′kloe-ver)
Zovirax
penciclovir (Rx)
(pen-sye′kloe-ver)
Denavir
Interferes with viral DNA replication
Simple mucocutaneous herpes simplex, in immunocompromised clients with initial herpes genitalis
Hypersensitivity
Precautions:
Pregnancy (C), breastfeeding
•
Using finger cot or rubber glove to prevent further infection
•
Enough medication to cover lesions completely
•
After cleansing with soap, water before each application; dry well
INTEG:
Rash, urticaria, stinging, burning, pruritus, vulvitis
•
Allergic reaction: burning, stinging, swelling, redness, rash, vulvitis, pruritus
•
Storage at room temperature in dry place
•
Therapeutic response: decrease in size, number of lesions
•
Not to use in eyes or when there is no evidence of infection
•
To apply with glove to prevent further infection
•
To avoid use of OTC creams, ointments, lotions unless directed by prescriber
•
To use medical asepsis (hand washing) before, after each application and avoid contact with eyes
•
To adhere strictly to prescribed regimen to maximize successful treatment outcome
•
To begin taking product when symptoms arise
Canada only Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening
Nurse Alert
benzocaine (
OTC
)
(ben′zoe-kane)
Americaine Anesthetic, Anbesol Maximum Strength, Baby Anbesol, Biozene, Boil-Ease, Comfort Caine, Ora-Jel
dibucaine (
OTC
)
(dye′byoo-kane)
Nupercainal
lidocaine (Rx,
OTC
)
(lye′doe-kane)
LMX, Solarcaine, Xylocaine, Xylocaine 10% oral, Xylocaine Viscous, Zilactin-L
pramoxine (
OTC
)
(pra-mox′een)
Pramox, Prax, Sarna
tetracaine (Rx,
OTC
)
(tet′ra-cane)
Pontocaine, Viractin
Inhibits conduction of nerve impulses from sensory nerves
Oral irritation, sore throat, toothache, cold sore, canker sore, sunburn, minor cuts, insect bites, pain, itching
Hypersensitivity, infants <1 yr, application to large areas
Precautions:
Pregnancy (C), children <6 yr, sepsis, denuded skin
• Adult and child:
TOP
apply qid as needed;
RECT
insert tid and after each BM
INTEG:
Rash, irritation, sensitization
•
Pain: location, duration, characteristics before and after administration
•
For infection: redness, drainage, inflammation; this product should not be used until infection is treated
•
Storage in tight, light-resistant container; do not freeze, puncture, or incinerate aerosol container
•
Therapeutic response: decreased redness, swelling, pain
•
To avoid contact with eyes
•
Not to use for prolonged periods: use for <1 wk; if condition remains, prescriber should be contacted
Canada only Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening
Nurse Alert
docosanol (
OTC
)
(doe-koe′san-ole)
Abreva
pimecrolimus (Rx)
(pim-eh-croh′lim-us)
Elidel
Docosanol unknown; pimecrolimus may bind with macrophilin and inhibit calcium-dependent phosphatase
Docosanol applied to fever blisters to promote more rapid healing; pimecrolimus used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in nonimmunocompromised patients ≥2 yr who are unresponsive to other treatment
Hypersensitivity
Precautions:
Pregnancy (C), breastfeeding, dermal infections
• Adult:
TOP
Rub into blisters 5×/day until healing occurs
• Adult and child
≥
2 yr:
TOP
Apply thin layer 2×/day and rub in, use as long as needed
•
To skin, rub in gently
INTEG:
Burning
•
Skin condition (color, pain, inflammation) before and after administration
•
For signs and symptoms of skin infections (redness, draining lesions); if present, avoid use of product (pimecrolimus)
•
Therapeutic response: decreased inflammation, redness
•
To avoid contact between medication and eyes
•
To discontinue use of product when condition clears
Canada only Side effects:
italics
= common;
bold
= life-threatening
Nurse Alert