NICU Medications Latest Update Graded A+

NICU Medications Latest Update Graded A+ Rocuronium (Zemuron) Short-term paralysis (short duration, rapid reversal) During elective placement of endotracheal tubes to minimize trauma and improve success of procedure. IV Wears off the quickest of all available paralytics. Acyclovir One of the only antibiotics available to treat a viral infection (HSV). Chickenpox, shingles, genital herpes, cold sore. Extremely safe, minimal side effects. Oral or IV. N/V, diarrhea. Albuterol Used in older children and ddults to treat acute asthma attacks. In infants, may help with residual effects of chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia, high potassium levels in renal failure. Dilates the pulmonary bronchioles. Amoxicilin in NICU, most common for babies who have abnormalities in their kidneys/bladder that puts them at risk for UTI. Still used contrary to AAP. Safe and well tolerated. N/V, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever. Ampicillin Universally used to treat for possible infection right after birth, only antibiotic for Listeria meningitidis, also GBS. IV, virtually no known side effects in neonates. Ativan (lorazapam) Similar to midazolam, except lasts longer. (Benzodiazepine). Decrease agitation to activity or condition.