Drug Therapy handout - Essay Example

Drug Therapy Handout Drug Therapies Fill in the following boxes by identifying and describing four categories of drug therapy. Give an example of a drug in each category and state which disorder it is used to treat. Discuss how the drug works, and include any undesirable side effects. Save this document and type directly onto the document and into the boxes. The boxes will expand to accommodate what you write. Submit as an attachment to the appropriate drop box. Category of Drug TherapyExample of a drug in this category and the disorder it is used to treatHow the drug works, and any undesirable side effectsChemotherapyCyclophosphamide(Cytoxan, Neosar) Used for the control and/or treatment of Breast Cancer.

The drug can be administered intravenously (IV), or can also be given orally. It works by producing metabolites in the body, which in turn attack the cancer cells, preventing them from spreading (Weigman).Negative side effects include reduction in blood cells, a loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, reversible hair loss, fertility impairment and damage of bladder High doses can also lead to lung or heart damage. Anti depressant drugsDuloxetine (Cymbalta)Used in the treatment of Fibromyalgia.

The drug is usually administered orally. Being an antidepressant, it helps restores the natural balance of the brain’s chemical substances. A patient suffering from Fibromyalgia experiences severe pain in the muscles as well as the nerves, and the drug Duloxetine serves to relieve the patient from these painful symptoms (Wise Geek, 2003).However, like all drugs, Duloxetine, too has a set of undesirable side effects. These include worsening depression, anxiety, insomnia, reduced appetite, nausea, restlessness and irritability.

Steroid DrugsPrednisone, a form of Corticosteroid. Effective for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Prednisone may be administered orally after initial intravenous dosage. This drug works against Multiple Sclerosis by decreasing inflammation and suppressing a hyperactive immune system. Although there are other methods of treating Multiple Sclerosis, the use of steroid drugs against the disease has been known to be effective.Only when the patient takes very high doses of Predisnone, the negative side effects of the drug may be felt.

When experienced, the side effects may include high blood pressure, abdominal discomfort and severe headaches. In most cases, however, the side effects are minor, and may not even be experienced by many (Med TV, 2006).StimulantsAdderall XRThe drug is used for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among both children as well as adults.Adderall XR is usually administered orally, and is deemed effective specifically for adults who are suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The drug dissolves within 15 minutes after swallowing it, and enables the patient to focus his or her thoughts, and avoid distractions. One of the dominant symptoms of ADHD is inattention and hyperactivity, and the drug Adderall XR aims to restrict such symptoms.If the drug is taken in excessively high doses, negative side effects may appear. These include serious heart and blood pressure problems. Moreover, the drug is highly addictive, and may create drug dependence in its user. Abrupt stoppage of the drug can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms (Quinn, 2012).

ReferencesMed TV. (2006). Prednisone. Retrieved from Med TV.Quinn, P. (2012, May 22). Drug Treatment of ADHD. Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-medical-treatmentWeigman, S. (n.d.). How does cyclophosphamide work? Retrieved from ShareCare: http://www.sharecare.com/question/how-does-cyclophosphamide-workWise Geek. (2003). What is Fibromyalgia? Retrieved from Wise Geek: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fibromyalgia.htm