DRUG DIARY
If you haven’t already, start your drug diary. A good way to start is to get a small book with alphabetical tabs/ markings in which you can record medications according to their generic names.
Here are some common medications you might want to start with:
Morphine, Aspirin, Metoprolol, Digoxin, Paracetamol, Metoclopramide
Information you should include:
Generic name
Trade name
Classification
Dose
Route
Frequency
Action
Side effects
Precautions
Patient education
Here is an example for you:
Generic Name:

Glyceryl Trinitrate

Brand names:

Transiderm-Nitro, Anginine

Classification:

Anti-anginal Agent

Dose:

600-900mcg

Route:

Sublingual or Buccal

Frequency:

Taken at first sign of angina or before activities known to induce angina Action:

-Relaxes smooth muscle, including vascular muscle, causing vasodilation -Reduces myocardial oxygen demand
-Reduces preload and afterload
-Effective in 2-3 minutes

Side effects:

-Throbbing headache
-Dizziness and tachycardia
-Hypotension, syncope

Precautions:

Contraindicated if there is marked hypotension or cerebral hemorrhage. Patient Education:

-Sit down when taking tablet and for 20 minutes after
-Don’t swallow the tablet – allow to dissolve
-Take half a tablet first
-Keep tablets airtight in dark container out of sunlight
-Tell family where your medications are kept
-Take Anginine with you on outings

A tip:

Drug knowledge is much easier to develop if you relate it to patients you have looked after.
Placement is the best time to get to know WHY and HOW medications are used.

Review your patient’s charts every day and add the drugs to your diary. Make a note about the disease or condition you saw at the time.

Patients might tell you about their experiences of different medications. You may like to jot these down too under