DRUG STUDY:
Name: Maria Chrislyn M. Genorga Yr.Sec: BSN 2A
IRON
INDICATION Used in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia
Irons are used for the treatment or prophylaxis of iron-deficiency anemias.
ACTION They should not be given for the treatment of other types of anemia except
where iron deficiency is also present. Iron-deficiency anemias respond
readily to iron therapy but the underlying cause of the anaemia should be
determined and treated.
Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity, hemochromatosis,
CONTRAINDICATION hemosiderosis, anemia not caused by iron deficiency. Parenteral iron is
contraindicated in untreated pyelonephritis and in acute liver disease.
Compounds containing calcium and magnesium (including antacids and
DRUG mineral supplements), bicarbonates, carbonates, oxalates, or phosphates,
INTERACTIONS may impair the absorption of iron. Response to iron may be delayed when
used w/ systemic chloramphenicol. Iron may decrease absorption of
cefdinir, bisphosphonates, entacapone, fluoroquinolones, levodopa,
methyldopa, mycophenolate mofetil, penicillamine, levothyroxine.
Absorption of both agents may be diminished when iron is taken with zinc
salts, tetracycline (separate admin by 2-3 hr.), acetohydroxamic acid.
Significant: Hypotension.
ADVERSE REACTION Nervous: Headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, collapse, seizures.
CV: Chest pain, peripheral edema.
GI: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Resp: Dyspnea.
Musculoskeletal: Pain in extremity, arthralgia, back pain, muscle cramps.
Dermatologic: Pruritus.
Others: Injection site reactions.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic reactions.
The Nurse should: Discuss using iron supplements and increasing
NURSING dietary sources of iron as indicated. Prepare for blood-
RESPONSIBILITIES typing and cross matching, and for administering packed PBCs
during labor if the client has severe anemia. Provide
support and management for clients with hemoglobinopathies.
CALCIUM
INDICATION Supplement for deficiencies particularly in pregnant women & growing
child
Calcium carbonate is a calcium supplement, Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble
ACTION sterol, it aids in the regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis and
bone mineralization.
CONTRAINDICATION Patients with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Nephrolithiasis,
hypervitaminosis D, hypophosphatasemia.
DRUG May affect the absorption of tetracycline when used together. Concurrent
INTERACTIONS use with systemic corticosteroids may reduce calcium absorption. Thiazide
diuretics may decrease urinary excretion of calcium. Concurrent use with
ion-exchange resins may reduce GI absorption of vitamin D.
Hypercalcemia may increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides during
treatment with calcium and vitamin D, monitor ECG and serum calcium
levels. Bisphosphonate or sodium fluoride should be given at least 3 hr.
before calcium-containing preparations.
ADVERSE REACTION Constipation, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pruritus,
rash and urticaria.
NURSING Patient education should include information about limiting alcohol and
RESPONSIBILITIES caffeine intake (these limit calcium absorption) and cigarette smoking,
which increases urinary excretion of calcium. Patients should also be
taught to avoid laxatives and antacids that contain phosphorous because
these decrease calcium absorption.
FOLIC ACID
INDICATION indicated in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias of pregnancy.
ACTION Folic acid is essential for the production of coenzymes in many metabolic
systems such as purine and pyrimidine synthesis. It is also essential in
nucleoprotein synthesis, maintenance of erythropoiesis and stimulation of
WBC and platelet production in folate-deficiency anemia.
CONTRAINDICATIO Untreated pernicious anemia, untreated cobalamin deficiency or other
cause of cobalamin deficiency.
DRUG May decrease concentration of phenytoin. Decreased absorption with
INTERACTIONS sulfasalazine and triamterene. Chloramphenicol, methotrexate and co-
trimoxazole may interfere with folate metabolism. May enhance efficacy
of lithium.
ADVERSE REACTION Cardiac disorders: Flushing.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Anorexia, nausea, abdominal distention,
flatulence.
Immune system disorders: Allergic reactions.
Nervous system disorders: Malaise.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Bronchospasm.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Erythema, pruritus, skin rash,
hypersensitivity.
NURSING Advise the Patient to: Adjustment of maintenance dose should be made if
RESPONSIBILITIES there is threat of relapse. Do not breast feed while taking this drug
without consulting physician.
