Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Rosiglitazone Avandia Anti diabetics 4 mg PO Qday, before a meal

Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
Unknown Unknown 12-24 hours 4 mg as a single dose once daily or 2 mg twice daily; after 8
weeks, may be increased if necessary to 8 mg once daily or 4
mg twice daily
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Tx of type II Diabetes Mellitus N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Improves sensitivity to insulin by acting as an agonist at
receptor sites involved in insulin responsiveness and subsequent
glucose production and utilization
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity and DKA, Use
cautiously with concurrent use with insulin (may increase
risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions)
Common side effects
No common side effects

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Insulin may increase risk of adverse cardiovascular
reactions.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause ↓ in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and WBC, usually during the
first 4-8 wk of therapy; then levels stabilize. May cause irreversible ↑ in
AST and ALT or hepatic failure (rare). If ALT increases to >3 times the
upper limit of normal, recheck ALT promptly. Discontinue rosiglitazone
if ALT remains >3 times normal. May cause ↑ in total cholesterol, LDL,
and HDL and ↓ in free fatty acids

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this

Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Take FSBG. Observe patient taking
concurrent insulin for signs and symptoms
of hypoglycemia (sweating, hunger,
weakness, dizziness, tremor, tachycardia,
anxiety)
medication
Take as directed. If dose is missed do not double the dose the next
day.This medicine controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes.
Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If
hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2-3
tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and notify health
care professional. Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet,
medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or
hyperglycemic episodes. Instruct patient in proper testing of serum
glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during
periods of stress or illness and health care professional notified if
significant changes occur. Advise patient to notify health care
professional immediately if signs of hepatic dysfunction (nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, dark urine, jaundice) or
CHF occur.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Watch for signs of
Blood sugar less than 100 hypoglycemia. Check FSBS at
least every 6 hours Monitor
serum glucose and
glycosylated hemoglobin
periodically during therapy to
evaluate effectiveness