Medication Side Effects
Listed below are common medications and possible side effects — please tell your nurse
right away if you have any side effects:
Antibiotics
— treat infections. Examples include Levofloxacin (Levaquin), Ampicillin,
Vancomycin, Linezolid (Zyvox), Meropenem (Merrem), and Piperacillin plus Tazobactam
(Zosyn). Possible side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, itching, skin rash or redness.
Pain
Medication — Examples include Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone
(Dilaudid), Oxycodone plus Acetaminophen (Percocet) and Hydrocodone plus
Acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin). Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, constipation, difficulty urinating, slowed breathing.
Anti-Nausea
Medicines — Examples include Ondansetron (Zofran) and Promethazine
(Phenergan). Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.
Sleeping
Medicine — Examples include Zolpidem (Ambien) and Temazepam
(Restoril). Possible side effects: dizziness, daytime drowsiness, headache, diarrhea.
ACE
Inhibitors and ARBs — help control high blood blood pressure and reduce the
risk of heart attack. Examples include Lisinopril (Prinivil), Quinapril (Accupril), Losartan
(Cozaar), and Candesartan (Atacand). Possible side effects: persistent cough, change in
sense of taste, dizziness, faintness, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
Beta-Blockers
— slow the heart rate, reduce the workload on the heart, help
the heart beat regularly and help control high blood pressure. Examples include
Carvedilol (Coreg), Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol XL), and Metoprolol tartrate
(Lopressor). Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea.
Calcium-Channel
Blockers — prevent chest pain, control irregular heartbeat and
decrease high blood pressure. Examples include Diltiazem (Cardizem) and Verapamil
(Calan). Possible side effects: swelling of the legs or feet, nausea, vomiting, cramps, gas,
fatigue, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, constipation.
Diuretics
— help the kidneys make more urine to rid the body of excess fluid and salt.
Examples include Furosemide (Lasix) and Bumetanide (Bumex). Possible side effects:
nausea, upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea, constipation.
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