Name of Drug

Brand name: magnesium sulfate Dosage/Route/ Frequency 2.5g through IV 5g through IM at each buttocks q6o

Classification
Anticonvulsant

Mechanism of Actions
Cofactor of many enzyme systems involved in neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability; prevents or controls seizures by blocking neuromuscular transmission; attracts and retains water in the intestinal lumen and distends bowel to promote mass movement and relieve constipation y

Indications
IV or IM: preeclampsia or eclampsia To correct or prevent hypomagnese mia in patients or parenteral nutrition y

Contraindications
Contraindicated with allergy to magnesium products; heart block, myocardial damage; fecal impaction, intestinal and biliary tract obstruction, Do not give during 2 hours preceding delivery because of risk of magnesium toxicity to the neonate y

Adverse Effects / Side Effects

SLE: syndrome joint-swelling, fever) reaction, anemia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis, glomerulonephriti s, acute renal failure.

Nursing Responsibility
Assess possibility for interactions w/ other drugs or herbal products the patient may be taking especially anything that may impact blood pressure before start treatment. y Monitor patients closely during and following infusions. Observe orthostatic precautions.

Name of Drug
Generic name: hydralazine Brand name: Apresoline Dosage: 5mg Frequency: prn Route of administration: Iv-infusion

Classification
Antihypertensive

Mechanism of Actions
Direct acting peripheral vasodilator w/c relaxes smooth muscles, reduces blood pressure w/ reflex increase in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output.

Indications
Essential hypertension, severe essential hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia and heart failure.

Contraindications
Hypersensitivity idiopathic system lupus erythematosus and related disease. Severe tachycardia and heart failure w/ a high cardiac output. y y y y

Adverse Effects / Side Effects

CNS: weakness, dizziness, fainting CV: palpitations GI: excessive bowel activity Metabolic: Magnesium intoxication; hypocalcemia with tetany y

Nursing Responsibility
SLE: syndrome joint-swelling, fever) reaction, anemia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis, glomerulonephritis, acute renal failure.