Drug cards Flashcards
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/Statins AKA Lipid Lower Agent Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (which is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol).
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/Statins AKA Lipid Lower Agent Indications
Management of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia; primary prevention of coronary heart disease (MI, Stroke, angina) in pt. w/ increased total and LDL and HDL cholesterol.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/Statins AKA Lipid Lower Agent contraindications
Pregnancy, liver disease, or elevation of liver enzymes
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/Statins AKA Lipid Lower AgentAdverse Effects:
Adverse Effects: Insomnia, HA, weakness, Angioneurotic edema (aka Quincke’s edema and it causes rapid swelling edema of the dermis; sub cut; and mucosa), chest pain, abdominal cramps, rhabdomyolysis, which the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood (if muscle tenderness develops during therapy w/ CPK levels raised it is an indicator for rhabdomyolysis).
Alpha 2 Receptor Agonist/stimulant mechanism of action
Drug example: Clonidine (Catapress)
Stimulate alpha 2-adrenergeic receptors in the brain. The alpha 2-adrenergeic receptors are unique in that receptor stimulation reduces sympathetic outflow, from the CNS, resulting in a lack of norepinephrine production, reducing BP.
- stimulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors also effects the kidneys, reducing the activity of renin
Alpha 2 Receptor agonist/stimulant Indications:
Primarily for Tx of HTN; either alone or in combination w/other antihypertensives
Contraindications for Alpha 2 Receptor agonists/stimulant
acute heat failure, MAOI, peptic ulcers, beta blockers (nonselective= carvedilol), liver and kidney disease
Adverse Effects: reflex tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, 1st dose syncope,
Bradycardia w/reflex tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension (postural & post exercise), 1st dose syncope,, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, depression, edema, constipation, sexual dysfunction.
- HA, sleep disturbances, nausea, rash, palpitations
- The abrupt discontinuation of these drugs can result in REBOUND HTN
Nonselective blocking drugs are commonly associated with?
Bronchoconstriction as well as metabolic inhibition of glycogenolysis in the liver
Any change in the dosing regimen for cardiovascular medications should be undertaken gradually and with appropriate patient monitoring and follow-up, why is this?
Abrupt dosage changes of cardiovascular medications, either up or down, can be especially hazardous for the patient. Some drugs can cause disruptions in blood count as well as in serum electrolyte levels and renal function. Periodic monitoring of WBC count, serum potassium, sodium, and creatinine levels is necessary
Adrenergic drugs Interactions
Adrenergic drugs can cause additive CNS depression when taken with alcohol, benzos, opioids
Alpha 2-Adrenergic receptor stimulator (Agonist)
Drug: Clonidine
- not typically 1st line antihypertensives, use associated with high incidence of unwanted AEs such as orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness
- adjunct drugs in Tx of HTN after others have failed or may be used in conjunction w/other antihypertensives such as diuretics
- MOA: decrease BP, useful in management of opioid withdrawal
- better safety profile & available in several dosage formulations (topical & oral)
- when patch used, remove old patch
- do not discontinue abruptly=rebound HTN
Calcium channel blockers for Tx of HTN
Effectiveness in treating HTN related to ability to cause smooth muscle relaxation by blocking the binding of calcium to its receptors preventing contraction
- due to effectiveness & safety they are on the list of 1st line drugs for Tx of HTN
- sometimes used in Tx of Raynaud’s disease & migraine HA
- used in combo with other drugs
Adrenergic Antagonists Metoprolol (Lopressor) Mechanism of Action
BETA BLOCKER> blocks stimulation of beta 1-adrenergic receptors
Adrenergic Antagonists Metoprolol (Lopressor) Indications
HTN, Prevention of MI and decrease mortality in clients w/ recent MI, Management of stable symptomatic CHF