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Medication Side Effects Education

Other names you might hear it called: Tylenol

 

What it is used for*: To treat pain and fever, to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in younger babies

 

Side effects that can occur: Nausea, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil

 

What is it used for*: To open airway during an asthma attack or with other lung conditions, to lower potassium levels

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased heart rate, dry mouth, chest pain, feeling nervous or shaky

 

Special Considerations: Recommend use of a spacer to ensure proper inhalation with inhaler. This medication can also be provided as a nebulization through a nebulizer machine. 

Other names you might hear it called: Norvasc

 

What is it used for*: To lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle of the heart and blood vessels

 

Side effects that can occur: Swelling, tiredness

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash

Other names you might hear it called: Zithromax, Z-Pak

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

What is it used for*: To relax muscles, treat muscle spasms

 

Side effects that can occur: Dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion

Other names you might hear it called: Dulcolax

 

What is it used for*: To treat constipation, to clean out the colon before an exam by moving stool through gut

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, stomach cramps, lightheadedness

Other names you might hear it called: Pulmicort

 

What is it used for*: To treat swelling in the airway

 

Side effects that can occur: White patches inside the mouth, headache

 

Special Considerations: Rinse mouth and spit after use. 

What is it used for*: To treat apnea of prematurity, an issue babies can have where their breathing stops for periods of time

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased heart rate, fussiness, trouble feeding

What is it used for*: Antacid which lowers acid levels in the stomach, to help with bone growth and health

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation

Other names you might hear it called: Ancef

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

What is it used for*:​ Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur:​ Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

What is it used for*:​ Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

Side effects that can occur:​ Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Rocephin

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Zyrtec

 

What is it used for*: To treat allergy symptoms, to treat hives

 

Side effects that can occur: Dry mouth, drowsiness

Other names you might hear it called: Diuril

 

What is it used for*: To decrease fluid swelling, to treat high blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood sugar, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness

Other names you might hear it called: Vitamin D

 

What is it used for*: Vitamin to help with growth, especially with the bones

 

Side effects that can occur: Not common, can increase calcium levels

Other names you might hear it called: Cipro

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Skin rash, diarrhea, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Cleocin

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

What is it used for*: To treat increased blood pressure, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to help with irritability or fussiness, can be used to help with medicine or drug withdrawal symptoms

 

Side effects that can occur: Sleepiness, irritability, decreased blood pressure

Other names you might hear it called: Periactin

 

What is it used for*: To increase hunger or desire to eat, to decrease nausea
 

Side effects that can occur: Drowsiness, stomach upset, headache

What is it used for*: To treat inflammation or swelling

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood pressure, stomach upset, increased heart rate, mood swings, swelling in hands and feet

Other names you might hear it called: Precedex

 

What is it used for*: To help with sedation while intubated, to help with agitation in select cases

 

Side effects that can occur: Decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate

Other names you might hear it called: Valium

 

What is it used for*: To relax muscles, to treat anxiety, to treat seizures

 

Side effects that can occur: Sleepiness, decreased blood pressure, rash diarrhea, headache

Other names you might hear it called: Proglycem

 

What is it used for*: To increase blood sugar in those who make too much insulin

 

Side effects that can occur: Can cause fluid to stay in the body that shows as swelling, hair growth, nausea, vomiting

Other names you might hear it called: DHE

 

What is it used for*: To treat migraine headaches

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased or decreased blood pressure, vision problems, chest pain, lightheadedness, upset stomach, numbness in hands or feet

 

Special considerations: Given in small doses initially and then increased based on tolerance. Patient will require frequent vital signs and monitoring. 

Other names you might hear it called: Benadryl

 

What is it used for*: To ease allergy symptoms, to decrease nausea, to treat sleep problems

 

Side effects that can occur: Dizziness, sleepiness, upset stomach, dry mouth

What is it used for*: To treat low blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate

Other names you might hear it called: Colace

 

What is it used for*: Stool softener used to treat constipation

 

Side effects that can occur: Nausea, diarrhea

What is it used for*: To treat low blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate

Other names you might hear it called: Lovenox

 

What is it used for*: To treat or prevent blood clots

 

Side effects that can occur: Bleeding, bruising, nausea, pain at the injection site

 

Special Considerations: Monitor for redness at the injection site. Rotate sites for injections. 

Other names you might hear it called: Adrenaline

 

What is it used for*: To treat allergic reactions, to treat low blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Restlessness or fussiness, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, heart rate, or blood sugar levels, dizziness or shakiness

Other names you might hear it called: Adrenaline

 

What is it used for*: To treat allergic reactions, to treat low blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Restlessness or fussiness, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, heart rate, or blood sugar levels, dizziness or shakiness

Other names you might hear it called: Retacrit, Epogen, Procrit

 

What is it used for*: To treat anemia (low red blood cell count)

 

Side effects that can occur: Fever, injection site pain, itching, headache, high blood pressure, rash

What is it used for*: To treat or prevent eye infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Short term blurred vision or eye discomfort

Other names you might hear it called: Pepcid

 

What is it used for*: To treat or prevent stomach ulcers, heartburn, or sour stomach

 

Side effects that can occur: Dry mouth, confusion, headache

What is it used for*: Opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain; may be used for sedation purposes

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation, decreased heart rate, dizziness, itching, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

Other names you might hear it called: Iron

 

What is it used for*: Iron the body needs to make red blood cells which carry oxygen in the body

 

Side effects that can occur: Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea

Other names you might hear it called: Diflucan

 

What is it used for*: To prevent and treat fungal infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Sleepiness, skin rash, nausea, stomach pain

Other names you might hear it called: Flovent

 

What is it used for*: Everyday inhaler used to treat swelling in the airway

 

Side effects that can occur: White patches inside the mouth, headache

 

Special Considerations: Rinse mouth and spit after use.  Recommend use of a spacer to ensure proper inhalation with inhaler if advised by health care provider.

Other names you might hear it called: Flonase

 

What is it used for*: Nasal spray used to treat stuffy nose

 

Side effects that can occur: Bleeding inside the nose, headache

Other names you might hear it called: Lasix

 

What is it used for*: To decrease fluid swelling, to treat high blood pressure

 

Side effects that can occur: Electrolyte imbalances, increased thirst, dizziness, increased urination

Other names you might hear it called: Neurontin

 

What is it used for*: To treat nerve pain, to help control certain types of seizures

 

Side effects that can occur: Dizziness, sleepiness

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Monitor for kidney function and hearing

What is it used for*: To treat constipation

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rectal irritation

Other names you might hear it called: Norco, Hycet

 

What is it used for*: Opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain

 

Side effects that can occur: Sleepiness, headache, dizziness, itching, upset stomach, constipation, vomiting

 

Special considerations: Do not take this medication with other acetaminophen (Tylenol) containing medications.

What is it used for*: To treat inflammation or swelling, to treat low blood pressure levels, can be used to increase blood sugar levels or to improve cortisol levels

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood pressure, stomach upset, increased heart rate, mood swings or fussiness, swelling in hands and feet

Other names you might hear it called: Levsin

 

What is it used for*: To treat diarrhea, to treat muscle spasms of the stomach or bladder

 

Side effects that can occur: Blurred vision, increased heart rate, confusion

Other names you might hear it called: Motrin, Advil

 

What is it used for*: To treat pain, swelling, and fever in children 6 months and older; to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in younger babies

 

Side effects that can occur: Stomach upset or ulcers, bleeding

 

Special Considerations: Not recommended for treating pain in patients < 6 months of age.

What is it used for*: To treat increased blood sugar levels

 

Side effects that can occur: Decreased blood sugar levels, can lower potassium levels 

Other names you might hear it called: lipids or fat

 

What is it used for*: Provides nutrition and calories through lipids or fats

 

Side effects that can occur: High blood sugar, high triglycerides and liver labs

Other names you might hear it called: Toradol

 

What is it used for*: To treat pain and swelling

 

Side effects that can occur: Stomach upset or ulcers, bleeding

Other names you might hear it called: Enulose

 

What is it used for*: To treat constipation

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting

Other names you might hear it called: Keppra

 

What is it used for*: To prevent or treat seizures

 

Side effects that can occur: Dizziness, increased sleepiness, changes in mood, decreased hunger

Other names you might hear it called: Synthroid, Tirosint

 

What is it used for*: To provide thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism

 

Side effects that can occur: Upset stomach, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, irritability or fussiness

What is it used for*: To numb an area to reduce pain

 

Side effects that can occur: Pain, bruising, or minor bleeding at injection site, or discomfort where applied

Other names you might hear it called: Ativan

 

What is it used for*: To treat anxiety, seizures, nausea; may be used for sedation purposes

 

Side effects that can occur: Blurred vision, dizziness, sleepiness, slower breathing

Other names you might hear it called: Milk of Magnesia

 

What is it used for*: To treat constipation, heartburn, upset stomach

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, stomach cramping

What is it used for*: To treat sleep problems

 

Side effects that can occur: Headache, sleepiness, vivid dreams

Other names you might hear it called: Solu-medrol, Medrol

 

What is it used for*: To treat inflammation or swelling

 

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood pressure, stomach upset, increased heart rate, mood swings, swelling in hands and feet

Other names you might hear it called: Flagyl

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Versed

 

What is it used for*: To treat anxiety, to treat seizures; may be used for sedation purposes

 

Side effects that can occur: Blurred vision, dizziness, sleepiness, slower breathing

What is it used for*: To help increase the strength of the heart and open or widen the blood vessels

 

Side effects that can occur: Blood pressure changes, heart rate and rhythm changes

Other names you might hear it called: Singulair

 

What is it used for*: To prevent allergy symptoms, to prevent asthma attacks, to prevent chest tightness due to exercise 

 

Side effects that can occur: Fussiness, stomach pain, headache, dizziness

Other names you might hear it called: Duramorph

 

What is it used for*: Opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain; may be used for sedation purposes

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation, decreased heart rate, dizziness, itching, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash

Other names you might hear it called: lipids or fat

 

What is it used for*: Provides nutrition and calories through lipids or fats

 

Side effects that can occur: High blood sugar, high triglycerides and liver labs

Other names you might hear it called: Zofran

 

What is it used for*: To treat or prevent nausea and vomiting

 

Side effects that can occur: Headache

Other names you might hear it called: Ditropan

 

What is it used for*: To prevent bladder irritation or spasm 

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, blurred vision 

Other names you might hear it called: Roxicodone, Oxycontin

 

What is it used for*: Opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain

 

Side effects that can occur: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, itching, upset stomach, constipation, vomiting

 

Special considerations: Recommend taking with food to decrease stomach upset

Other names you might hear it called: Protonix

 

What is it used for*: To treat reflux disease

 

Side effects that can occur: Headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting

 

Special Considerations: Take on an empty stomach.

Other names you might hear it called: Pyridium, Phenazo

 

What is it used for*: To ease pain from a bladder infection

 

Side effects that can occur: Headache, dizziness, stomach cramps

 

Special considerations: Will turn urine an orange/red color. Take with food to decrease nausea.

What is it used for*: To prevent or treat seizures

 

Side effects that can occur: Behavior changes, tiredness or fussiness, sleepiness

What is it used for*: To make the pupil larger for an exam or procedure

 

Side effects that can occur: Short term blurred vision, discomfort, or itching of the eye

Other names you might hear it called: Phosphorus supplement

 

What is it used for*: Source of phosphorus to help with growth and bone health

 

Side effects that can occur: Side effects are not common

Other names you might hear it called: Vitamin K

 

What is it used for*: To prevent bleeding of the newborn due to low vitamin K levels

 

Side effects that can occur: Pain at injection site

Other names you might hear it called: Zosyn

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, rash, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Miralax, GoLytely

 

What is it used for*: Stool softener used to treat constipation, to clean out the colon before an exam

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, gas, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating

Other names you might hear it called: Multivitamin with iron

 

What is it used for*: Vitamins and iron needed for growth

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach

Other names you might hear it called: Curosurf

 

What is it used for*: To help the baby breathe easier during the first hours and days of life, helps with oxygen exchange in the lungs

 

Side effects that can occur: Low blood pressure, low heart rate

Other names you might hear it called: Orapred

 

What is it used for*: To treat inflammation or swelling

 

Side effects that can occur: Swelling of hands or feet, acne, skin rash, increased hunger, nausea, increased blood sugar, increased heart rate

 

Special Consideration: Recommend taking with food to decrease stomach upset

What is it used for*: To treat inflammation or swelling

 

Side effects that can occur: Swelling of hands and feet, acne, skin rash, increased hunger, nausea, increased blood glucose, increased heart rate

 

Special considerations: Recommend to take with food to decrease stomach upset

Other names you might hear it called: Inderal

 

What is it used for*: Lowers the heart rate or blood pressure; can help the heart pump with more strength

 

Side effects that can occur: Low blood pressure, low heart rate

Other names you might hear it called: Senokot

 

What is it used for*: To treat constipation

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, muscle aches, nausea

Other names you might hear it called: Mylicon

 

What is it used for*: To relieve gas and stomach discomfort

 

Side effects that can occur: Diarrhea, nausea

Other names you might hear it called: lipids or fat

 

What is it used for*: Provides nutrition and calories through lipids or fats

 

Side effects that can occur: High blood sugar, high triglycerides and liver labs

Other names you might hear it called: Carafate

 

What is it used for*: To treat ulcers by creating protective layer to the lining of the throat and stomach

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset

 

Special Considerations: Recommended to take on an empty stomach and not with other medications.

Other names you might hear it called: Tootsweet, Sweet-Ease, DandleLION

 

What is it used for*: To help lower pain with minor procedures and heel sticks

 

Side effects that can occur: Side effects are not common

What is it used for*: To numb the eye for an eye exam or procedure

 

Side effects that can occur: Short term discomfort or itching of the eye

Other names you might hear it called: Timoptic

 

What is it used for*: To treat eye conditions or hemangiomas (growth of blood vessels on the skin)

 

Side effects that can occur: Short term vision blurring if applied to the eye, discomfort or itching at the site it is applied to

Other names you might hear it called: TPN

What is it used for*: To give protein, carbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to children that are unable to get full nutrition by mouth

Side effects that can occur: Increased blood sugar, increased kidney lab levels

Other names you might hear it called: Mydriacyl

 

What is it used for*: To make the pupil larger for an exam or procedure

 

Side effects that can occur: Short term blurred vision, discomfort, or itching of the eye

Other names you might hear it called: Actigall

 

What is it used for*: Helps the liver to lower bile acid levels

 

Side effects that can occur: Constipation or diarrhea, stomach upset, dizziness

Other names you might hear it called: Vancocin

 

What is it used for*: Antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections

 

Side effects that can occur: Reddened skin, rash, itchiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, increased kidney lab levels

*Medicines can be used for many reasons. Ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about a medicine your child is receiving. 

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