Anti-Hypertensives

Question 1

Different Categories of Antihypertensive Drugs

Answer 1

• alpha and beta blockers
• calcium channel blockers (CCbs)
• ACE-Inhibitors
• ARBs
• Diuretics (will cover in its own set of cards)

Question 2

Beta Blocking Agents

Answer 2

• decrease cardiac outputs and inhibit renin secretion, which results in lowering of BP
• work by inhibiting beta receptors by competing with catecholamines at the receptor site located on membrane of the cardiac muscle (basically decreases heart function and vascular resistance)
• Prototype Beta Blocker in this case is Inderal

Question 3

Inderal

Answer 3

• lipid soluble beta blocker, therefore having a large distribution within the body
• side effects include basic side effects that occur from slowing down of the body like decreased heart function, drowsiness, n/v, depression, etc.
• interacts negatively with anti diabetics, CCbs, cocaine, xanthines, and MAO inhibitors (DEAR GOD DO NOT USE THESE TOGETHER EVARRRR)
• can cause withdrawl

Question 4

Inderal Patient Education

Answer 4

• take own pulse, if under 60 bpm withhold med
• dont take otc
• caution about orthostatic changes and rapid movements
• dont operate car or machinery until adjusted to med

Question 5

Alpha Adrenergic blocking agents

Answer 5

• main drug is prazosin
• dilate arterioles and veins causing decreased pulmonary vascular resistance
• side effects include no known drug interactions, and they can increase fluid retention
• monitor BP and orthostatic changes
• 1st dose is to be taken at bed time
• make sure to instruct client about potential side effects, including POSSIBLE SEXUAL PERFORMANCE ISSUES

Question 6

ACE Inhibitors

Answer 6

• block angiotensin I converting enzyme needed for conversion to angiotensin II (a powerful vasoconstrictor) and therefor can cause relief from hypertension
• good for young and middle aged clients with hypertension, and in combintation with diuretics are also good for the elderly and african americans
• does not effect lipid profiles
• is cardio protective
• prototype drug is capoten (captopril)

Question 7

Ace Inhibitor Side Effects and Interactions

Answer 7

• side effects include dry cough, HA, diarrhea, loss of taste, weakness, nausea, dizziness, rash, fever, joint pain
• DEAR GOD DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT
• react negatively with alcohol, diuretics, and potassium sparing diuretics

Question 8

ACE Inhibitor Patient Education

Answer 8

• Make sure to monitor WBCs, Proteinuria, and elevated K levels
• full drug effect takes several weeks
• report side effects promptly
• be cautious with physical activity
• do not use K supplements
• report signs of infection or easy bruising or bleeding

Question 9

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCbs)

Answer 9

• cause reduction in the force of myocardial contraction by blocking CA++ ion flow, less muscle excitation, and prolonged AV refractory time
• used to treat angina, hypertension, Raynauds, arryhthmias, and vascular headache
• med to focus on is Verapamil (calan)
• in the elderly monitor response to drug closely especially dizziness and orthostatic changes
• check with prescriber before using with nitroglycerine

Question 10

Carvedilol

Answer 10

• a combination alpha and beta blocker