Cardiovascular medications (ACE inhibitors)

Question 1

Benazepril HCL

ACE Inhibitors

Answer 1

purpose: tx of hypertension

SE: angioedema, cough, headache, dizziness, fatigue, hyperkalemia, N, V, Constiaption, hepatotoxicity, increased renal lab values

Nurs con: -often used in combination with thiazide diuretics

• avoid salt substitutes containing potassium because of potassium-sparing effect
• avoid nonprescription cough medications unless provider directed

Question 2

Captopril

ACE inhibitors

Answer 2

purpose: tx of hypertension, CHF, left ventricular dysfunction after MI & diabetic nephropathy

SE: Bronchospasm, dyspnea, cough, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, loss of taste, nephrotic syndrome, bone marrow suppression, hyperkalemia

Nurs con: -contact provider if fever, skin rash, sore throat, mouth sores, swelling of hands or feet, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or cough

• Take on empty stomach 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after tablets may be crushed & mixed with juice or soft food for ease of swallowing
• avoid changing positions (sitting/standing/lying) rapidly, esp during the first few days before body adjusts to med
• do not use OTC (cough, cold or allergy) meds unless directed by provider
• avoid potassium supplements, potassium salt substitute and potassium-sparing diuretics

Question 3

Enalapril

Answer 3

purpose: treatment of hypertension, CHF & left ventricular dysfunction

SE: headache, dizziness, hypotension, tachycardia, dysrhytmias, tinnitus, hyperkalemia, angioedema, persistent cough, insomnia, bone marrow suppression, hepatoxicity, renal failure

Nurs con: -contact provider if fever, skin rash, sore throat, mouth sores, swelling of hands or feet, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or cough

• avoid changing positions (sitting/standing/lying) rapidly esp during the first few days before body adjusts to med
• do not use OTC (cough, cold or allergy) meds unless directed by provider
• avoid potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes & potassium-sparing diuretics
• may be crushed, give without regard to food

Question 4

Lisinopril

Answer 4

purpose: treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, adjunctive therapy for systolic CHF & acute MI

SE: headache, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, cough, renal insufficiency, hepatic failure, hyperkalemia

Nurs con:

• avoid changing positions (lying/sitting/standing) rapidly
• may take without regard to food
• avoid potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes& potassium sparing diuretics

Question 5

Ramipril

Answer 5

Purpose: tx of hypertension & CHF following MI; prophylactic risk reduction of MI, stroke & death from cardiovascular disorders

SE: headache, fatigue, hypo tension, dizziness, vertigo, N, V, D, cough, hyperkalemia, altered renal & hepatic function tests, decreased Hgb & Hct

Nurs con:

• Avoid changing positions (lying/sitting/standing) rapidly
• Contact provider if persistent dry, nonproductive cough: increased SOB; edema or unusual bruising or bleeding