Drugs for HTN

Question 1

What is HTN?

Answer 1

Consistent elevation of arterial blood pressure.

Question 2

What are complications if HTN is left untreated?

Answer 2

Heart failure, renal failure, heart attack, TIA/cerebral vascular accident, visual impairment and blindness.

Question 3

What drug is an ACE inhibitor?

Answer 3

“prils”

Captopril

Question 4

MOA of ACE inhibitors

Answer 4

Captopril-
Block conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
1. vasodilation
2. block aldosterone- sodium and water excretion

Question 5

Prime uses of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 5

Captopril
HTN, HF, nephropathy(protect kidneys), post MI

Question 6

AE of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 6

Captopril-
* Angioedema
* Cough
* Electrolyte: hyperkalemia

Question 6

What drug is an angiotensin receptor blockers? (ARBs)

Answer 6

“sartans”

losartan (Cozaar)

Question 7

MOA of angiotensin receptor blockers? (ARBs)

Answer 7

losartan (Cozaar)-
Block angiotensin II receptors in arteriolar smooth muscle and adrenal glands.
1. Arteriolar dilation
2. Increase renal excretion of sodium

Question 8

Prime use of ARBs?

Answer 8

losartan (Cozaar)-
HTN, diabetic nephropathy (protect kidneys)

Question 9

What drug is a calcium channel blocker?

Answer 9

“pines”

nifedipine (Procardia XL)

Question 10

What is the MOA of calcium channel blockers?

Answer 10

nifedipine (Procardia XL)-

Block/slow calcium channels in plasma membrane.
1. Vasodilation
2. Decrease BP

Question 11

Prime uses for calcium channel blockers?

Answer 11

nifedipine (Procardia XL)-

HTN, angina, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Question 12

AE of calcium channel blockers?

Answer 12

nifedipine (Procardia XL)-

Generally minor and related to vasodilation; HA, dizzy, peripheral edema, nausea and flushing.

Reflex tachycardia if suddenly stopped.

Question 13

Adrenergic antagonists: alpha and beta

Answer 13

Cause direct blockade of adrenergic receptors.
Block fight or flight responses.

Question 14

Adrenergic drugs cause different effects based on selectivity.(Selective/non-selevctive)

Answer 14

Selective: Beta 1- heart (HR and BP) and renal tissue.
Non-selective: Beta 2- lungs, GI, liver, uterus, vascular smooth muscle, and skeletal muscle.

Question 15

What drug is a beta blocker?

Answer 15

“lols”

metoprolol

Question 16

What is the MOA of metoprolol?

Answer 16

metoprolol-

Blocks beta 1 receptors in heart
1. resulting decreased cardiac output
2. decreased HR
3. Suppression of conduction through AV node (blocks fight or flight)

Question 17

What are the prime uses of metoprolol?

Answer 17

Angina, migraines, cardiac dysrhythmias, decrease mortality post MI, heart failure (use caution)

Question 18

Administration considerations for metoprolol?

Answer 18

1.Check HR and BP
2.Take 1 min. apical HR.
3.Can mask s/s of hypoglycemia.

Question 19

What is an alpha 2 agonist?

Answer 19

clonidine(Catapres)

Question 20

What is the MOA of clonidine?

Answer 20

Alpha receptors block release of norepinephrine.
1.Vasodilation
2. Decreased peripheral resistance
3. Decreased afterload

Question 21

What are the primary uses for clonidine?

Answer 21

HTN and ADHD

Question 22

What are AE and other considerations for using clonidine?

Answer 22

AE: hypotension, bradycardia, sedation, anticholinergic effects.

Contraindicated to be used with alcohol and CNS depressants.

PO and patch (good for 7 days)

Question 23

What is a direct acting vasodilator?

Answer 23

hydralazine

Question 24

What is the MOA of hydralazine?

Answer 24

Vasodilation by direct relaxation of arterial smooth muscle.
No effects on veins.

Question 25

What is the prime use for hydralazine?

Answer 25

Parenteral administration for hypertensive emergency.

Question 26

What are AE for hydralazine?

Answer 26

Sudden vasodilation and hypotension. HA, reflex tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, N/V/D, sodium and fluid retention.

Question 27

Considerations for hydralazine administration.

Answer 27

PO & IV monitor HR and BP before/after dosing. Monitor Na levels and I&O.