Nurses play a critical role in medication administration. Understanding the fundamentals about common drugs will help provide safe and effective patient care. From managing pain to controlling blood pressure, these are 10 essential medications from Nursing2025-2026 Drug Handbook^® that every nurse should be familiar with.

*Please note that the information presented below contains general recommendations for adults. Always refer to specific prescribing information and individual patient requirements.

1. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, commonly known under the brand name Tylenol^®, is a staple medication used for its fever-reducing and analgesic properties. Watch for signs of overdose, as many over the counter (OTC) and prescription medications contain acetaminophen, and excessive intake can lead to liver damage.

Indications: Primarily used to reduce fever and relieve pain

Dosages: Varies depending on route, age, and formulation; typically, 325-650 mg every 4 to 6 hours

2. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®) is another common medication. While it's effective for reducing inflammation, monitor for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or kidney impairment in patients taking high doses or with long-term use.

Indications: Primarily used to manage pain, fever, and inflammation

Dosages: Varies depending on route, age, and formulation

3. Aspirin

While aspirin is commonly used, remember it shouldn’t be given to children or teenagers recovering from viral infections due to the increased risk of Reye's syndrome.

Indications: Used to manage inflammation, pain, and fever; and for its antiplatelet effects to treat or prevent myocardial infarction (MI), reduce the risk of stroke, and manage acute ischemic stroke
 
Dosages: Varies by indication

4. Lisinopril

Lisinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is used for managing high blood pressure. Lisinopril is contraindicated in patients sensitive to ACE inhibitors and those with a history of angioedema. Monitor blood pressure closely after the initial dose due to the risk of hypotension.

Indications: Treats hypertension, heart failure, and improves survival after myocardial infarction

Dosages: Initial dose of 5-10 mg daily, depending on indication; maximum dose is 40 mg daily

5. Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that requires careful dose adjustment and monitoring for bradycardia and hypotension. Check the patient’s heart rate before administration. Also, note that when stopping metoprolol, it should not be abruptly discontinued; the dosage should be tapered over 1 to 2 weeks.

Indications: Management of hypertension, angina, heart failure, and to reduce the risk of death after myocardial infarction

Dosages: Varies based on route and indication

6. Albuterol

Albuterol is a short acting bronchodilator and is used as a rescue inhaler for bronchospasm. Be aware of the signs of asthma exacerbation and potential for overuse of rescue inhalers.

Indications: Used to treat or prevent or treat bronchospasm in people with reversible bronchospasm

Dosages: Varies by age and formulation; for inhalation in adults, typically 1 to 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours or 2.5 mg by nebulizer every 6 to 8 hours

7. Insulin

Insulin works by stimulating glucose uptake by cells, inhibits liver glucose production, and regulates glucose metabolism. There are many types of insulin available, so it’s essential to know what type you are giving and to perform meticulous dose calculations. Educate patients on glucose monitoring and self-administration.

Indications: Used to regulate blood glucose in patients with hyperglycemia, most commonly diabetes

Dosages: Highly individualized based on blood glucose levels; also depends on type and route of administration

8. Morphine

Morphine is an opioid analgesic. Assess pain levels and monitor vital signs, particularly respiratory rate, as drug can cause respiratory depression.

Indications: Used to treat moderate to severe pain; often used in postoperative and palliative care settings

Dosages: Depends on route; titrated to effect

9. Heparin

Heparin is an anticoagulant. Due to the risk of hemorrhage, follow the protocol for heparin administration at your institution. Monitor for signs of bleeding, including hematomas at injection sites.

Indications: Anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots

Dosages: Varies according to indication and route of administration; if using unfractionated heparin at a therapeutic dose, titrated based on PTT results

10. Levothyroxine

Be aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and the importance of monitoring thyroid levels for patients taking levothyroxine, while also watching for signs of hyperthyroidism.

Indications: Used to treat hypothyroidism

Dosages: Initiated at low doses, with dosage adjustments as needed until patient is euthyroid and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level normalizes

It is crucial for nurses to be knowledgeable about the medications they administer, not only to safeguard their patients but also to educate them effectively. Nursing2025-2026 Drug Handbook^® provides in-depth knowledge about these and many other medications, serving as a vital tool in every nurse's arsenal for delivering top-notch patient care.

Note: Dosages listed above are general guidelines. Always refer to specific prescribing information and individual patient requirements.
 

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