Cardiovascular System Meds

Question 1

G hydrochlorothiazide

B HCTZ

Answer 1

Thiazide diuretic; produces moderate diuresis, used in tx of HTN, HF

Enc high K+ foods

SE: dehydration, hypokalema w/weakness

Question 2

G furosemide

B Lasix

Answer 2

Loop diuretic; produces strong diuresis; for tx of HTN, HF

Enc high K+ foods

SE: dehydration, hypotension; diarrhea, hypokalemia w/weakness, muscle/leg cramping

Question 3

G spironolactone

B Aldactone

Answer 3

K+ sparing diuretic, aldosterone antagonist; causes mild diuresis; used in tx of HTN, HF

SE: H/A, hyperkalemia w/weakness

Question 4

G captopril

B Capoten

Answer 4

Antihypertensive; ACE inhibitor; causes increased aldosterone release, increase water & salt ex-cretion; causes periph (esp art) vasodilation

Also for tx of HF; better absorption on empty stomach

SE: annoying cough; hypotension, weakness; hyperkalemia; angioedema

Question 5

G metoprolol

B Lopressor, Toprol XL

Answer 5

Antihypertensive; antianginal; cardio-selective beta (adrenergic) blocker (BB); causes decreased heart stimulation

Caution in asthma pt, diabetic pt

SE: fatigue, weakness, hypotension, heart block & failure bradycardia (hold if P below 60)

Question 6

G prazosin

B Minipress

Answer 6

Antihypertensive; alpha (adrenergic) blocker (AB); blocks effects of nor-epinephrine on vascular bed, causes periph (art & vein) vasodilation

SE: H/A, dizziness; possible fluid retention; orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia; advise pt of risk of “1st dose fainting” due to hypotension

Question 7

G amlodipine

B Norvasc

Answer 7

Antihypertensive, antianginal; CCB decreased wk load of heart, decreased Ca+ conduction thru AV node & causes heart periph (art) vasodilation

Acts mainly on vascular smooth muscle

SE: H/A; reflex tachycardia (arteriole vasodilator effect); peripheral edema, constipation

Question 8

G hydralazine

B Apresoline

Answer 8

Antihypertensive; periph (arterial) vasodilator; relaxes vascular smooth muscle

SE: H/A, dizziness, reflex tachycardia

Question 9

G digoxin

B Lanoxin

Answer 9

Cardiotonic (causes increased force of cardiac contraction), antidysrhythmic (as, tx atrial tachydysrhythmias)

Cardiac glycoside; monitor bld level (0.5-2 ng/mL)

SE: anorexia, N&V,decreased P (hold if AP below 60), vision chgs incldg greenish-yellow halos

Question 10

G nitroglycerine (NTG)

B Nitrostat

Answer 10

Vasodilator (incldg peripheral veins, coronary arteries); antianginal

SE: H/A, hypotension, tachycardia; dizziness

Question 11

G verapamil

B Calan

Answer 11

Antintianginal, antidysrhythmic, anti-hypertensive; CCB;causes decreased wk load of heart by causing decreased conduction thru AV node; also causes peripheral (arterial) vasodilation

Also for tx of migraine H/A

SE: bradycardia, hypotension; heart block, HF, fluid overload, peripheral edema; constipation

Question 12

G propranolol

B Inderal

Answer 12

Antianginal, antidysrhythmic, anti-hypertensive; non-selective beta (adrenergic) blocker (BB), causes decreased heart stimulation, bronchoconstriction

Also inhibits bronchial receptors, promoting bronchoconstriction

SE: bradycardia, hypo-tension; heart block; can cause bronchospasm so avoid use in asthmatics

Question 13

G lidocaine

Answer 13

Antidysrhythmic (as, ventricular tachydysrhymias); Na+ channel blocker; also local anesthetic

SE: increases P or decreases P; drowsiness in high doses; paresthesias; convulsions at toxic levels

Question 14

G amiodarone

B Cordarone

Answer 14

Antidysrhythmic (as, ventricular tachydysrhythmias); K+ channel blocker

Monitor EKG

SE: bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, HF; vision chgs; photosensitivity; poss thyroid & lung toxicity

Question 15

G atropine sulfate

Answer 15

Antidysrhythmic (as. bradycardia); anticholinergic

For tx of bradycardia

SE: anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary reten-tion, constipation), drowsiness, tachycardia

Question 16

G dopamine

B Intropin

Answer 16

Vasopressor, adrenergic agonist; to improve BP, P, cardiac output, renal vasodilatn w/increased urine output in shock

Provide for hydration

SE: adrenergic effects as H/A, palpitations; excessive high BP; IV infiltration (extravasation) can cause tissue necrosis

Question 17

G epinephrine

B Adrenalin

Answer 17

Vasopressor/vasoconstrictor, causes increased P, increases myocardial contractility in shock; bronchodilator

For tx of shock; also in serious allergic reactions; antiasthmatic

SE: nervousness, tremor, hypertension