Adrenergic Antagonist

Question 0

Therapeutic

Answer 0

●Treat cardiac conditions
●Hypertension (alpha and beta1, beta2)
●Tachycardias (beta1)
●Congestive heart disease (beta1)
●Angina (beta1)
●Pupil constriction (beta)
●Increase peripheral blood flow (alpha, beta2)
●Benign prostate hypertrophy (alpha)
●Migraine headache (alpha)

Question 1

Adrenergic antagonist

Answer 1

●Definition
●AKA Adrenergic blockers, sympatholytic agents
●Not generally found in the body
●Blocks epi and norepinephrine at receptor sites

Question 2

Specific meds

Answer 2

●Atenolol (hypertension, AMI, arrhythmia)
●Inderal (migraine)
●Not on your list, but learn it by name!

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

●Ischemic heart disease
●Hypotension
●Asthma (extreme caution)
●Diabetes (caution)
●Some dysrhythmias

Question 4

Drug interactions

Answer 4

●Any adrenergic agonist
●Any other adrenergic antagonist
●Insulin or oral antidiabetic agent
●Alcohol

Question 5

Adverse reactions

Answer 5

●Hypotension (orthostatic)
●Bradycardia  (tachycardia with alpha)
●Bronchoconstriction
●Hypoglycemia
●Fatigue/weakness
●GI upset (increased motility)
●Think about the parasympathetic unchecked

Question 6

Nursing implications

Answer 6

●Do not discontinue abruptly
●Monitor for orthostatic hypotension, change positions slowly
●Avoid alcohol, sedatives
●Watch BP, P, R, until medication dose and effects are stable
●Evenly dose around the clock
●Report GI or sexual adverse effects
●Report breathing difficulties