Cardiac meds

Question 1

Ca channel blockers

Answer 1

Ex. Nifedipine

blocks movement of Ca into cells, increasing vasodilation, decreasing BP
SE: hypotension, h/a, abdominal discomfort, peripheral edema, bradycardia

Question 2

K-Sparing Diuretics

i.e. Spironolactone

Answer 2

Na and H2O out and K in!
Decreases BP, edema, etc.
SE: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, h/a, arrhythmias, erectile dysfunction, cramps

Question 3

Thiazide Diuretics

i.e. Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 3

Lowers BP, edema in HF
watch F/E
SE: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, dehydration, hypergly, renal Ca retention

Question 4

Loop Diuretics

i.e. Furosemide (Lasix)

Answer 4

Treat BP and Edema
increases kidney excretion of H2O, Na
SE: tinnitus, fever, h/a, blurred vision, frequent urination, GI upset, dehydration

Question 5

ACE inhibitors

i.e. Lisinopril

Answer 5

Decreases peripheral arterial resistance - decrease BP, afterload and improves CO
SE: ortho hypo, h/a, angioedema, nonproductive cough, hyperkalemia

Question 6

ARBs-usually used if ACE not tolerated

i.e. Losartan (sartans)

Answer 6

Vasodilation, excretion of Na and H2O. decreases fluid volume, BP and preload
SE: angioedema, fetal harm, increased renal damage

Question 7

Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists (Alpha-Blockers)

i.e. Doxazosin (Cardura)

Answer 7

Decreases symp activity - less vasoconstriction, less BP and SVR (reduce afterload)
SE: orthohypo, vertigo, tachycardia, sexual dysfunction

Question 8

Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists
(Beta-Blockers)
i.e. Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Answer 8

Reduce afterload, BP, vasoconstriction, SVR by decreasing sym activity
SE: hypotension, sym of HF, bradycardia, drowsiness, depression

Question 9

Vasodilators

i.e. Rapid or Slow Nitroglycerin

Answer 9

Reduce afterload through vasodilation and relaxing BV in the heart reducing chest pain
SE: severe hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness, h/a, syncope

Question 10

HMG Coa Reductase Inhibitors

i.e. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Answer 10

Works in liver to prevent chol formation, lowering chol in blood. Lower LDL, trigly and raise HDL
SE: muscle problems and liver abnormalities. no preg or liver disease

Question 11

Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

i.e. ezetimibe (Zetia)

Answer 11

Prevents absorption of chol from the intestine, lowers LDL, trigly, raise HDL.
SE: diarrhea, abdom pain, numbness, h/a, dizziness, joint pain

Question 12

Anticoagulants

i.e. Lovenox (enoxaparin)

Answer 12

Helps prevent formation of blood clots - DVT and PE

SE: bruising, bleeding, anemia, brain hemorrhage, nausea, CNN, pain, diarrhea

Question 13

Anticoagulants

i.e. Heparin

Answer 13

Treat and prevent blood clots

SE: chest pain, skin warmth, SOB, sweating, dizziness, bleeding/bruising, swelling, n/v, tiredness

Question 14

Anticoagulant

i.e. Warfarin (Coumadin)

Answer 14

Prevent formation of blood clots and prevent clots from getting larger
SE: SOB, chest pain, edema, infection, n/v, diarrhea, chills, bloating

Question 15

Cardiac Glycoside (HF med)
i.e. Digoxin

Answer 15

Treat HF and abnormal heart rhythm
Dig toxicity - lifethreatening, don’t give with HR <60
SE: dizziness, vision changes, SOB, weight gain, edema, n/v, diarrhea

Question 16

Antiplatelet

i.e. Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Answer 16

Prevents platelets in blood from coagulating. Lower risk for stroke, clot, MI, angina, etc.
SE: bleeding, jaundice, SOB, h/a, oliguria, seizures, hypogly, cnn, numbness, weakness