Alpha Blockers Flashcards
Doxazosin trade name
Cardura
Doxazosin expected effect
- vasodilate peripheral blood vessels
- block alpha (adrenergic) receptors to reduce blood pressure
Why use doxazosin
- hypertension
- benign prostatic hyperplasia
- urinary outflow obstruction
Doxazosin adverse effects
- dysrhythmias
- hepatitis
Doxazosin dosages
- 1-8mg/ day for BPH
- 4-16mg/ day for hypertension
Doxazosin drug classification
alpha adrenergic blocker
Doxazosin routes of admin
PO
Doxazosin nursing implications
Hypertension
- check BP after each dose
- assess crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea
- check pulse
- look for distension of jugular vein
BPH
- assess urinary patterns (hesitancy, dribbling, urgency, nocturne, incontinence etc)
- assess weight changes & edema
Prazosin drug classification
Alpha Blocker (chemical) & antihypertensive (functional)
Prazosin trade name
Minipress
Prazosin expected effect
blocks alpha mediated vasoconstriction of adrenergic receptors, inducing peripheral vasodilation
why use Prazosin
hypertension
Prazosin dosages
1mg BID or TID up to 20mg/ day in divided doses. Usual range 6-15mg/ day (some may need 40mg/ day)
Prazosin route of admin
PO
Prazosin adverse effects
pancreatitis
Prazosin nursing considerations
assess: - hypertension - weight, I & O, edema teach: - change positions slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension - no OTC meds, or alcohol - do not discontinue abruptly - fainting can occur after 1st dose, take 1st dose at bedtime, full effect takes 4-6 week, no driving/ operating machinery until 4 hours after 1st dose
Terazosin trade names
Hytrin, Zayasel
Terazosin drug classification
functional: alpha blocker/ antihypertensive
chemical: adrenergic blocker
Terazosin expected effect
decrease total vascular resistance by blocking alpha receptors (to decrease BP)
why use terazosin
hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia
terazosin dosages
BPH: 1mg/ day, can increase to 5-10mg; max 20mg
hypertension: 1mg PO, max 20mg/day
terazosin routes of admin
PO
terazosin adverse effects
nausea, dizzy, drowsy, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, dyspnea, edema
terazosin nursing implications
urinary patterns: hesitancy, freq, dysuria, urgency, uric acid levels
hypertension: crackles, dyspnea, orthostatic BP, jugular vein
therapeutic response: lower BP, edema, less BPH symptoms
- do not drive machinery 4 hours after, fainting occur with first dose
- do not discontinue abruptly, no alcohol
- rise slowly
- for ^BP continue with regular diet & exercise
