Common Drugs Flashcards
Important need-to-know drugs
ACE Inhibitor impact the..
Cardiovascular system
ACE Inhibitors generic names
“pril”: captopril; enalapril; lisinopril
ACE Inhibitors brand names
Capoten; Vasotec; Prinivil
ACE Inhibitors side effects
*cough; hypotension
ACE Inhibitors severe effects
Angioedema; Agranulocytosis
ACE Inhibitors–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
*Obtain BP before administering–hold typically if SBP <90; Change position slowly–especially with elderly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; monitor for decreased WBC count, hyperkalemia as well as liver function, and GFR, creatinine (metabolized by liver–excreted by kidneys)
Beta Blockers impact the…
Cardiovascular system
Beta Blockers generic names
“olol”: atenolol; metoprolol; propranolol
Beta Blockers brand names
Tenormin; Lopressor; Inderal
Beta Blockers side effects
fatigue, weakness
Beta Blockers severe effects
bradycardia; CHF; pulmonary edema
Beta Blockers–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
Obtain BP and HR before administering–hold typically is SBP <90 and HR <60; change position slowly–especially with elderly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; contraindicated in worsening CHF, bradycardia of heart block…use with caution in diabetes, liver disease
Calcium Channel Blockers impact the…
cardiovascular system
Calcium Channel Blockers generic name
Amlodipine; diltiazem; nifedipine; verapamil
Calcium Channel Blockers brand names
Norvasc; Cardizem; Procardia; Calan
Calcium Channel Blockers side effects
peripheral edema
Calcium Chanel Blockers severe effects
cardiac arrhythmias; CHF
Calcium Channel Blockers–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
Change position slowly–especially with elderly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; measure I&O closely and fluid status due to potential for edema; monitor liver and kidney function (metabolized in liver–excreted in kidneys); Obtain BP and HR before administering–hold typically if SBP <90 and HR <60
Vasodilators impact the…
Cardiovascular system
Vasodilators generic names
hydralazine; isosorbide; nitroglycerine
Vasodilators brand names
Apresoline; Isordil; Tridil
Vasodilators side effects
dizziness; headache; hypotension; tachycardia
Vasodilators–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
- Tolerance common and serious problem with long acting nitrates. Nitrates lose their effectiveness if transdermal patches remain on continually. Patches must be taken off at night and then reapplied in the morning.
- Contraindicated if client taking any erectile dysfunction meds as these are a similar nitrate that improves blood circulation to the penis–synergistic effect can cause dramatic hypotension
Blood Pressure Agents
Vasodilators; Calcium Channel Blockers; Ace Inhibitors; Beta Blockers
Cholesterol Binding Agents
Statins
Statins impact the
cardiovascular system
Statins generic names
lovastatin; rosuvastatin; simvastatin; atorvastatin
Statins brand names
Mevacor; crestor; zocor; lipitor
Statins side effects
abdominal cramps; constipation; diarrhea; heartburn; rashes
Statins severe effect
rhabdomyolosis
Statins–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
Give with or without food; Can cause liver injury/damage–watch AST-alk phos, bili levels closely; can cause muscle injury/damage. If CPK elevated DC use
Heart Rhythm Stabilizers
Class III antiarrythmics; digitalis
Class III Arrhythmic meds impact the
cardiovascular system
Class III Arrhythmic generic name
amiodarone
Class III Arrhythmic brand name
Cordorone
Class III Arrhythmic side effects
dizziness; fatigue; malaise; ataxia; bradycardia
Class III Arrhythmic severe effect
pulmonary fibrosis
Class III Arrhythmic meds–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
*Watch for QT prolongation–can lead to VT/VF with IV; assess HR before giving–hold if <60 with IV; Can cause pulmonary toxicity with chronic use–assess for crackles, diminished breath sounds, fatigue, pleuritic chest pain; Assess for neurotoxicity (ataxia, muscle weakness, tingling in fingers/toes, tremors); Assess for signs of thyroid dysfunction (lethargy, weight gain, edema…HYPOTHYROIDISM or tachycardia, weight loss, nervousness–HYPERTHYROIDISM); Monitor liver labs (AST-ALT-bili) and thyroid labs (T3/T4)
Digitalis impacts the
cardiovascular system
Digitalis generic name
digoxin
Digitalis brand name
Lanoxin
Digitalis side effects
fatigue; bradycardia; anorexia; N/V
Digitalis sever effect
arrythmias
Digitalis–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
Apical pulse for 1 minute before giving–hold if <60; increase fall risk for elderly–assess closely; Monitor K+, Mg+, Ca+ levels closely–if these are low more likely to become a digoxin toxic. Elderly more likely; Assess serum levels of digoxin (norm 0.5-2.0); Assess for TOXICITY–abdominal pain, anorexia, N/V, bradycardia, visual changes)
Diuretics
Loop; K+ Sparring; Thiazides
Loop diuretics impact the
cardiovascular system
Loop diuretics generic name
furosemide
Loop diuretics brand name
Lasix
Loop diuretics side effects
dehydration; hypovolemia; hypokalemia; hyponatremia; hypomagnesemia
Loop diuretics–Nursing Considerations/Vital Assessments
Change position slowly–especially with elderly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; Obtain BP before administering–hold typically if SBP <90; Monitor sodium and K+ levels closely as well as GFR and creatinine; Assess for signs of hypokalemia (weakness-fatigue-increased PVC’s on cardiac monitor)
Potassium Sparring Diuretics generic name
spironlactone
Potassium Sparring Diuretics brand name
Aldactone
Potassium Sparring Diuretics side effect
hyperkalemia