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The nursing study shelf

Meet your medication library.

Get to know the class, the purpose and the key risks. A little more understanding, one medicine at a time.

100 medicine cardsAustralian namesNo suggested doses

Showing 100 of 100 medicines

Sources & review notes ↓

Pain & anaesthesia

9 medicines
01Analgesic / antipyretic

Paracetamol

Common uses
Mild to moderate pain; fever
Key risks & cautions
Liver injury, especially with overdose or duplicate products
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Paracetamol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
02NSAID

Ibuprofen

Common uses
Pain, fever and inflammation
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal bleeding; kidney injury; fluid retention
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ibuprofen. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
03Antiplatelet / NSAID

Aspirin

Common uses
Selected cardiovascular prevention; pain and inflammation
Key risks & cautions
Bleeding; gastric irritation; bronchospasm in susceptible people
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Aspirin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
04NSAID

Naproxen

Common uses
Musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory arthritis
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal bleeding; kidney injury; fluid retention
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Naproxen. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
05Opioid analgesic

Morphine

Common uses
Severe pain
Key risks & cautions
Respiratory depression; sedation; constipation; dependence
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Morphine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
06Opioid analgesic

Fentanyl

Common uses
Severe pain; anaesthesia adjunct
Key risks & cautions
Respiratory depression; sedation; dependence
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Fentanyl. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
07Local anaesthetic / antiarrhythmic

Lidocaine (lignocaine)

Common uses
Local anaesthesia; selected ventricular arrhythmias
Key risks & cautions
Systemic toxicity: seizures, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for lidocaine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
08Intravenous anaesthetic

Propofol

Common uses
Anaesthesia and monitored sedation
Key risks & cautions
Respiratory depression; hypotension; rare infusion syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Propofol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
09NMDA antagonist / anaesthetic

Ketamine

Common uses
Anaesthesia, procedural sedation and selected pain care
Key risks & cautions
Raised blood pressure; emergence reactions; airway complications
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ketamine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Nausea & digestive health

6 medicines
10Serotonin antagonist antiemetic

Ondansetron

Common uses
Prevention and treatment of selected nausea and vomiting
Key risks & cautions
Headache; constipation; QT prolongation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ondansetron. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
11Dopamine antagonist / prokinetic

Metoclopramide

Common uses
Short-term nausea and vomiting; selected gastric stasis
Key risks & cautions
Dystonia and other movement disorders; drowsiness
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Metoclopramide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
12Proton pump inhibitor

Omeprazole

Common uses
Reflux; peptic ulcers; part of H. pylori treatment
Key risks & cautions
Headache; diarrhoea; low magnesium with prolonged use
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Omeprazole. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
13Histamine H2 receptor antagonist

Famotidine

Common uses
Reflux and peptic ulcers
Key risks & cautions
Headache; bowel changes; confusion, especially in older adults
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Famotidine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
14Antidiarrhoeal

Loperamide

Common uses
Symptom relief in selected diarrhoeal illness
Key risks & cautions
Constipation; ileus; serious cardiac toxicity with misuse
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Loperamide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
15Osmotic laxative

Macrogol

Common uses
Constipation; some products for faecal impaction
Key risks & cautions
Bloating; diarrhoea; electrolyte disturbance
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Macrogol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Infection treatment

20 medicines
16Penicillin antibiotic

Amoxicillin

Common uses
Susceptible bacterial infections
Key risks & cautions
Allergy, including anaphylaxis; diarrhoea; rash
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Amoxicillin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
17Penicillin antibiotic

Ampicillin

Common uses
Selected susceptible infections, including Listeria
Key risks & cautions
Allergy, including anaphylaxis; diarrhoea; rash
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ampicillin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
18Penicillin antibiotic

Benzylpenicillin

Common uses
Selected susceptible bacterial infections
Key risks & cautions
Allergy, including anaphylaxis; neurotoxicity with accumulation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Benzylpenicillin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
19First-generation cephalosporin

Cefalexin

Common uses
Selected skin and urinary tract infections
Key risks & cautions
Allergy; diarrhoea; C. difficile infection
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Cefalexin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
20Third-generation cephalosporin

Ceftriaxone

Common uses
Selected serious infections; meningitis; gonorrhoea
Key risks & cautions
Allergy; diarrhoea; biliary sludge
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ceftriaxone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
21Fourth-generation cephalosporin

Cefepime

Common uses
Selected severe infections, including Pseudomonas
Key risks & cautions
Neurotoxicity, especially with kidney impairment; allergy
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Cefepime. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
22Penicillin / beta-lactamase inhibitor

Piperacillin / tazobactam

Common uses
Selected severe or mixed bacterial infections
Key risks & cautions
Allergy; diarrhoea; blood-count changes; kidney injury
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for piperacillin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
23Glycopeptide antibiotic

Vancomycin

Common uses
Serious Gram-positive infection; oral use for C. difficile
Key risks & cautions
Kidney injury; infusion-related reaction; blood-count changes
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Vancomycin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
24Macrolide antibiotic

Azithromycin

Common uses
Selected respiratory and other susceptible infections
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal upset; QT prolongation; liver injury
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Azithromycin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
25Lincosamide antibiotic

Clindamycin

Common uses
Selected skin, bone and anaerobic infections
Key risks & cautions
Diarrhoea; C. difficile colitis; rash
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Clindamycin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
26Tetracycline antibiotic

Doxycycline

Common uses
Acne; selected respiratory and tick-borne infections
Key risks & cautions
Photosensitivity; oesophagitis; gastrointestinal upset
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Doxycycline. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
27Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Ciprofloxacin

Common uses
Selected susceptible infections when appropriate
Key risks & cautions
Tendon injury; neuropathy; psychiatric effects; QT prolongation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ciprofloxacin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
28Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Levofloxacin

Common uses
Specialist use, including selected tuberculosis regimens
Key risks & cautions
Tendon injury; neuropathy; psychiatric effects; QT prolongation

Australian contextSpecialist context: retained from the original learning list, including use in selected tuberculosis regimens. Not a routine Australian first-choice antibiotic.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Levofloxacin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
29Nitroimidazole antimicrobial

Metronidazole

Common uses
Anaerobic bacterial and selected protozoal infections
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; metallic taste; peripheral neuropathy
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Metronidazole. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
30Combination antibacterial

Trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole

Common uses
Selected urinary infections; Pneumocystis treatment/prevention
Key risks & cautions
Rash, including severe skin reactions; hyperkalaemia; cytopenias
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for trimethoprim. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
31Nitrofuran urinary antibiotic

Nitrofurantoin

Common uses
Selected lower urinary tract infections
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; lung or liver toxicity; peripheral neuropathy
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Nitrofurantoin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
32Carbapenem antibiotic

Meropenem

Common uses
Selected severe or resistant bacterial infections
Key risks & cautions
Allergy; diarrhoea; seizures
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Meropenem. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
33Triazole antifungal

Fluconazole

Common uses
Selected Candida and other susceptible fungal infections
Key risks & cautions
Liver injury; QT prolongation; important drug interactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Fluconazole. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
34Antiviral

Aciclovir

Common uses
Herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections
Key risks & cautions
Kidney injury; neurotoxicity, especially with accumulation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Aciclovir. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
35Neuraminidase inhibitor

Oseltamivir

Common uses
Influenza treatment; selected exposure prevention
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; vomiting; rare serious skin or behavioural reactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Oseltamivir. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Heart, circulation & clotting

25 medicines
36Statin

Atorvastatin

Common uses
Lipid lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction
Key risks & cautions
Muscle symptoms; rare rhabdomyolysis; liver enzyme elevation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Atorvastatin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
37Cholesterol absorption inhibitor

Ezetimibe

Common uses
Cholesterol lowering, often with a statin
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal upset; muscle symptoms; liver enzyme elevation
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ezetimibe. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
38Anticoagulant

Heparin (unfractionated)

Common uses
Prevention/treatment of thrombosis; selected acute coronary care
Key risks & cautions
Bleeding; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for heparin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
39Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant

Warfarin

Common uses
Prevention and treatment of thromboembolism
Key risks & cautions
Bleeding; many interactions; fetal harm; rare skin necrosis
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Warfarin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
40Direct factor Xa inhibitor

Apixaban

Common uses
Selected AF stroke prevention; DVT/PE treatment/prevention
Key risks & cautions
Bleeding; important drug interactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Apixaban. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
41P2Y12 inhibitor antiplatelet

Clopidogrel

Common uses
Selected coronary, stroke and peripheral arterial care
Key risks & cautions
Bleeding; bruising; rare serious blood disorders
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Clopidogrel. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
42Nitrate vasodilator

Glyceryl trinitrate

Common uses
Angina; selected acute coronary and cardiac care
Key risks & cautions
Headache; hypotension; dangerous interaction with PDE5 inhibitors
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Glyceryl trinitrate. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
43Calcium channel blocker

Amlodipine

Common uses
Hypertension and angina
Key risks & cautions
Ankle swelling; flushing; headache; hypotension
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Amlodipine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
44Non-dihydropyridine calcium blocker

Diltiazem

Common uses
Angina; hypertension; selected heart-rate control
Key risks & cautions
Bradycardia; heart block; hypotension; worsening heart failure
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Diltiazem. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
45Beta1-selective blocker

Metoprolol

Common uses
Hypertension; angina; selected arrhythmia and heart failure care
Key risks & cautions
Bradycardia; hypotension; fatigue; bronchospasm
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Metoprolol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
46Non-selective beta blocker

Propranolol

Common uses
Selected tremor, migraine prevention and cardiovascular care
Key risks & cautions
Bradycardia; hypotension; bronchospasm; masked hypoglycaemia
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Propranolol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
47ACE inhibitor

Lisinopril

Common uses
Hypertension; selected heart failure and post-infarct care
Key risks & cautions
Cough; hyperkalaemia; kidney impairment; angioedema; fetal harm
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Lisinopril. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
48Angiotensin II receptor blocker

Losartan

Common uses
Hypertension; selected diabetic kidney disease
Key risks & cautions
Hyperkalaemia; hypotension; kidney impairment; fetal harm
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Losartan. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
49Thiazide diuretic

Hydrochlorothiazide

Common uses
Hypertension and selected oedema
Key risks & cautions
Low sodium/potassium; dehydration; raised urate
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Hydrochlorothiazide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
50Loop diuretic

Furosemide

Common uses
Fluid overload, including heart failure
Key risks & cautions
Dehydration; low potassium/sodium; hypotension; ototoxicity
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Furosemide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
51Aldosterone antagonist

Spironolactone

Common uses
Heart failure; oedema; excess aldosterone
Key risks & cautions
High potassium; breast enlargement; kidney impairment
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Spironolactone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
52Cardiac glycoside

Digoxin

Common uses
Selected heart failure; AF rate control
Key risks & cautions
Toxicity: nausea, visual changes, arrhythmias
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Digoxin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
53Antiarrhythmic

Amiodarone

Common uses
Selected atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Key risks & cautions
Lung, thyroid and liver toxicity; slow heart rate
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Amiodarone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
54Antiarrhythmic

Adenosine

Common uses
Selected regular supraventricular tachycardia
Key risks & cautions
Flushing; chest discomfort; brief heart block; bronchospasm
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Adenosine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
55Antimuscarinic

Atropine

Common uses
Symptomatic bradycardia; selected poisonings
Key risks & cautions
Fast heart rate; dry mouth; urinary retention; confusion
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Atropine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
56Adrenergic agonist

Adrenaline

Common uses
Anaphylaxis; cardiac arrest (different protocols)
Key risks & cautions
Tachycardia; hypertension; arrhythmias; tissue injury
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Adrenaline. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
57Vasopressor

Noradrenaline

Common uses
Severe hypotension, including septic shock
Key risks & cautions
Poor peripheral perfusion; arrhythmias; extravasation injury
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Noradrenaline. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
58Inotrope

Dobutamine

Common uses
Selected low-output states; cardiogenic shock
Key risks & cautions
Tachycardia; arrhythmias; blood pressure changes
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Dobutamine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
59Catecholamine inotrope

Dopamine

Common uses
Selected circulatory support in monitored settings
Key risks & cautions
Arrhythmias; ischaemia; extravasation injury
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Dopamine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
60Thrombolytic

Alteplase

Common uses
Selected ischaemic stroke, pulmonary embolism or STEMI
Key risks & cautions
Major bleeding, including intracranial haemorrhage
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Alteplase. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Diabetes & hormones

10 medicines
61Glucose-lowering hormone

Insulin

Common uses
Diabetes; DKA requires a specific hospital protocol
Key risks & cautions
Hypoglycaemia; low potassium; product mix-ups
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Insulin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
62Biguanide

Metformin

Common uses
Type 2 diabetes
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal upset; low vitamin B12; rare lactic acidosis
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Metformin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
64SGLT2 inhibitor

Empagliflozin

Common uses
Type 2 diabetes; heart failure; chronic kidney disease
Key risks & cautions
Genital infection; dehydration; ketoacidosis despite modest glucose
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Empagliflozin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
65GLP-1 receptor agonist

Semaglutide

Common uses
Type 2 diabetes or weight management: product-specific
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; vomiting; dehydration; pancreatitis; gallbladder disease
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Semaglutide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
66Thyroid hormone

Levothyroxine (thyroxine)

Common uses
Hypothyroidism
Key risks & cautions
Excess replacement: palpitations, tremor, arrhythmias
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for levothyroxine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
67Antithyroid; see Australian note

Thiamazole (methimazole)

Common uses
Hyperthyroidism; not a routine Australian product
Key risks & cautions
Low white cells; liver injury; pregnancy risks

Australian contextAustralian context: carbimazole is used in Australia, but it is a different medicine - not simply another name for thiamazole. Check the actual product.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for thiamazole. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
68Corticosteroid

Hydrocortisone

Common uses
Adrenal hormone replacement; selected inflammation
Key risks & cautions
High glucose; infection; adrenal suppression with ongoing use
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Hydrocortisone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
69Corticosteroid

Dexamethasone

Common uses
Selected inflammation; cerebral oedema
Key risks & cautions
High glucose; infection; mood changes; adrenal suppression
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Dexamethasone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
70Corticosteroid

Prednisone

Common uses
Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
Key risks & cautions
High glucose; infection; osteoporosis; adrenal suppression

Australian contextPrednisone and prednisolone are distinct medicines. Do not treat their names as interchangeable.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Prednisone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Airways & allergy

6 medicines
71Short-acting beta2 agonist

Salbutamol

Common uses
Relief of bronchospasm
Key risks & cautions
Tremor; fast heart rate; low potassium with intensive use
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Salbutamol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
72Inhaled antimuscarinic

Ipratropium

Common uses
COPD; adjunct in selected asthma exacerbations
Key risks & cautions
Dry mouth; urinary retention; avoid spray entering eyes
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Ipratropium. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
73Corticosteroid

Budesonide

Common uses
Inhaled asthma prevention; other uses vary by formulation
Key risks & cautions
Inhaled: oral thrush; hoarse voice; rinse mouth afterwards
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Budesonide. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
74Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Montelukast

Common uses
Asthma prevention; selected allergic rhinitis
Key risks & cautions
Serious mood, behaviour and sleep changes; suicidal thoughts
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Montelukast. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
75Sedating antihistamine

Diphenhydramine

Common uses
Selected allergy symptoms; uses vary by product
Key risks & cautions
Sedation; dry mouth; urinary retention; confusion
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Diphenhydramine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Antidotes & emergency care

4 medicines
77Opioid antagonist

Naloxone

Common uses
Reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression
Key risks & cautions
Acute withdrawal; opioid effects may return as it wears off
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Naloxone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
78Benzodiazepine antagonist

Flumazenil

Common uses
Selected benzodiazepine reversal in monitored settings
Key risks & cautions
Seizures; withdrawal; resedation; not routine in mixed overdose
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Flumazenil. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
79Antidote; glutathione precursor

Acetylcysteine

Common uses
Paracetamol poisoning under a treatment protocol
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; vomiting; infusion-related hypersensitivity
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Acetylcysteine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
80Calcium salt

Calcium gluconate

Common uses
Hypocalcaemia; cardiac protection in severe hyperkalaemia
Key risks & cautions
Extravasation injury; hypercalcaemia; arrhythmias

Australian contextCalcium gluconate protects the heart in severe hyperkalaemia; it does not lower potassium.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Calcium gluconate. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Brain, mental health & seizures

18 medicines
81Benzodiazepine

Diazepam

Common uses
Selected anxiety, seizures and muscle spasm
Key risks & cautions
Sedation; respiratory depression; dependence; withdrawal
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Diazepam. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
82Benzodiazepine

Lorazepam

Common uses
Anxiety; other uses depend on formulation and protocol
Key risks & cautions
Sedation; respiratory depression; dependence; withdrawal
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Lorazepam. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
83Benzodiazepine

Midazolam

Common uses
Procedural sedation; seizure management
Key risks & cautions
Respiratory depression; sedation; hypotension
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Midazolam. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
84SSRI antidepressant

Sertraline

Common uses
Depression; OCD; selected anxiety disorders
Key risks & cautions
Gastrointestinal upset; sexual dysfunction; serotonin syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Sertraline. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
85SSRI antidepressant

Fluoxetine

Common uses
Depression; OCD; bulimia nervosa
Key risks & cautions
Insomnia; sexual dysfunction; serotonin syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Fluoxetine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
86SSRI antidepressant

Escitalopram

Common uses
Depression; selected anxiety disorders
Key risks & cautions
Nausea; sexual dysfunction; QT prolongation; serotonin syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Escitalopram. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
87SNRI antidepressant

Venlafaxine

Common uses
Depression; selected anxiety disorders
Key risks & cautions
Raised blood pressure; withdrawal symptoms; serotonin syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Venlafaxine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
88Tricyclic antidepressant

Amitriptyline

Common uses
Depression; neuropathic pain (off-label)
Key risks & cautions
Sedation; anticholinergic effects; arrhythmias; overdose toxicity
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Amitriptyline. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
89Reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)

Bupropion

Common uses
Smoking cessation alongside support (Zyban SR)
Key risks & cautions
Seizures; insomnia; raised blood pressure

Australian contextZyban SR is approved in Australia for smoking cessation. Depression treatment is off-label.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Bupropion. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
90Mood stabiliser

Lithium

Common uses
Bipolar disorder; specialist mood-disorder treatment
Key risks & cautions
Toxicity; tremor; kidney and thyroid effects; interactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Lithium. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
91Antiseizure medicine; mood stabiliser

Sodium valproate

Common uses
Epilepsy; selected bipolar disorder treatment
Key risks & cautions
Liver injury; pancreatitis; major pregnancy-related harm
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Sodium valproate. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
92Antiseizure medicine

Carbamazepine

Common uses
Epilepsy; trigeminal neuralgia; selected bipolar disorder
Key risks & cautions
Low sodium; serious rash; blood disorders; interactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Carbamazepine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
93Antiseizure medicine

Levetiracetam

Common uses
Epilepsy
Key risks & cautions
Sleepiness; irritability; mood and behaviour changes
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Levetiracetam. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
94Antiseizure medicine

Phenytoin

Common uses
Selected seizure disorders
Key risks & cautions
Ataxia; gum overgrowth; serious rash; interactions; toxicity
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Phenytoin. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
95First-generation antipsychotic

Haloperidol

Common uses
Psychosis; selected severe agitation
Key risks & cautions
Movement disorders; QT prolongation; neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Haloperidol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
96Second-generation antipsychotic

Risperidone

Common uses
Schizophrenia; selected bipolar mania
Key risks & cautions
Raised prolactin; movement disorders; metabolic effects
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Risperidone. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
97Second-generation antipsychotic

Quetiapine

Common uses
Schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; selected MDD (XR)
Key risks & cautions
Sedation; postural hypotension; metabolic effects

Australian contextMDD means major depressive disorder. Selected extended-release products have this indication; check the product information.

Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Quetiapine. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
98Dopamine precursor + enzyme inhibitor

Levodopa/carbidopa

Common uses
Parkinson disease
Key risks & cautions
Dyskinesia; hallucinations; postural hypotension
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for levodopa. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

Bone health & gout

2 medicines
99Bisphosphonate

Alendronate

Common uses
Osteoporosis; selected other bone conditions
Key risks & cautions
Oesophageal irritation; rare jaw osteonecrosis and atypical fractures
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Alendronate. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.
100Xanthine oxidase inhibitor

Allopurinol

Common uses
Long-term urate lowering in gout; selected hyperuricaemia
Key risks & cautions
Rash; rare severe hypersensitivity; important interactions
Search results: select the exact product and formulation.MIMS Online (login required) ↗After signing in, search for Allopurinol. Specialist medicines may not have an Australian listing.

A few things worth knowing

Australian names are used here, including paracetamol, salbutamol, adrenaline, noradrenaline and glyceryl trinitrate. Search also recognises several overseas names. Specialist or non-routine entries from the original study list are clearly labelled.

These cards do not cover every interaction, contraindication or monitoring requirement. Formulation and route can change a medicine's uses and risks. Do not start, stop or change medicines using this page. No dosage recommendations are provided.

Make sense of the abbreviations

AF: atrial fibrillation

DVT / PE: deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism

DKA: diabetic ketoacidosis

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OCD: obsessive-compulsive disorder

MDD: major depressive disorder

XR: extended release

NSAID: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

SNRI: serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor

NDRI: noradrenaline-dopamine reuptake inhibitor

STEMI: ST-elevation myocardial infarction

QT prolongation: delayed electrical recovery of the heart, increasing arrhythmia risk

PDE5 inhibitors: medicines such as sildenafil; unsafe with nitrates

ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme

NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor

SGLT2: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2

GLP-1: glucagon-like peptide-1

Australian references & review scope

Adapted from the Australian Medicines Cartoon Study Guide. Australian naming and priority safety corrections were checked against public Australian sources. Independent AI reviews checked content and presentation; this is not pharmacist certification or an exhaustive review of every product. Local clinical review is recommended before institutional use.

Content prepared 3 October 2026. April font by Gaelleing.