Pharmacology

Tumor lysis syndrome: When cancerous tumors break down very quickly, the kidneys

have to work extra hard to remove all the substances that were in those tumors. If they

can’t keep up, it can cause tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Most common in people w/

blood-related cancers, including some leukemias & lymphomas. Occurs w/in a few

hours to several days after a first chemotherapy tx. S/S: High levels of potassium can

lead to neurological changes & heart problems. Excess uric acid (hyperuricemia) can

cause kidney stones & kidney damage, can also develop uric acid deposits in joints,

causing a painful condition similar to gout. A buildup of phosphate can lead to kidney

failure. Too much phosphate can also cause calcium levels to drop, possibly leading to

acute kidney failure.

Hydroxyurea: (antimetabolites) tx psoriasis, chronic myelogenous leukemia (a cancer of the

WBC’s), ovarian cancer, melanoma (a form of skin cancer), certain head & neck cancers, also

helps w/ sickle cell anemia (an inherited blood disorder) by reducing the frequency of painful

sickle cell crisis episodes & the need for blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea is sometimes used to

treat polycythemia vera (a disorder of the bone marrow) by reducing the red blood cell mass.

It works by slowing or stopping growth of cancer cells in body, & by helping to prevent the

formation of abnormal red blood cells.Hydroxyurea toxicity:Hydroxyurea can cause a severe

decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. This may increase the risk that you will

develop a serious infection or bleeding. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your

doctor immediately: fever, chills, excessive tiredness or weakness, body aches, sore throat,

shortness of breath, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection; unusual bleeding or

bruising; bloody or black, tarry stools; or vomiting blood or brown material that resembles coffee

grounds.

Ceftazidime is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a

class of drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Don’t use if allergic to any cephalosporin abx or PCN abx. Call MD if you have: severe abd pain,

watery or bloody diarrhea, confusion, problems w/ speech or memory;seizure (black-out or

convulsions); or a cold feeling, discoloration, or skin changes in your fingers.

Common side effects: pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle;

N/V/D, stomach pain; vaginal itching or discharge.

sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim: a combination of 2 abx to tx UTI’s, acute otitis media,

bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Common SE: loss of appetite, N/V, painful or swollen tongue,

Dizziness, spinning sensation, ringing in ears, tiredness, insomnia.Call MD if: bruising, bleeding,

aplastic anemia, jaundice, hepatic necrosis, mouth sores, joint aches, severe skin rashes,

itching, sore throat.

Verapamil: tx HTN. Lowering high BP helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, & kidney problems