GU Medications

Question 1

Diuretics

Bumex (bumetanide)

Lasix (furosemide)

Diuril (chlorothiazide)

Zaroxolyn (metolazone)

Aldactone (spironolactone) K+ sparing

Answer 1

Increases urine formation (polyurea) and fluid excretion (diuresis)
Need to monitor BP, HR. labs
Uses: Hypertension, edema, congestive heart failure
Side effects: potassium imbalance, low sodium, headache, dizziness, thirst, increase blood sugar, muscle cramps, increased cholesterol, skin rash, gout, diarrhea
Contraindications: diabetes, pancreatitis, lupus, gout, menstrual problems, kidney problems, frequent dehydration
Can deplete K+, signs and symptoms of low K+ are weakness, fatigue, arythmia and muscle cramping

Question 2

Cholinergic

Urecholine (bethenechol chloride)

Answer 2

Stimulates cholinergic receptor, causing bladder to contract and empty
Uses: urinary retention
Side effects: decreased HR and BP, dizziness
Contraindications: uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, stomach ulcers, asthma, recent bladder or intestinal surgery, intestinal blockage, low heart rate, low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease

Question 3

Anticholinergic (Antispasmodic)

Ditropan (oxybutynin)

Detrol (tolterodine)

Vesicare (solifenacin)

Answer 3

Blocks cholinergic receptor, relaxing the bladder
Uses: Overactive bladder, incontinence, urinary frequency, urgency
Side effects: confusion, hallucinations, memory problems, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, delirium, decreased sweating, decreased saliva

Question 4

Anti Androgen

Proscar (finasteride)

Answer 4

Inhibits androgen (male hormone formed in prostate responsible for male growth and characteristics), shrinks prostate, relieving urinary retention
Uses: enlarged prostate due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Side effects: Impotence, decreased libido
Contraindications: female, women and children should not handle tablets

Question 5

Alpha Adrenergic Antagonist (blocker)

Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride)

Hytrin (terazosin hydrochloride)

Answer 5

Blocks Alpha Receptors, relaxing the prostate so it is not pressing against urethra improving urine flow
Uses: BPH
Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, hypotension, , runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough, insomnia, decreased libido

Question 6

Alpha Adrenergic

Claritin D, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

Answer 6

Stimulates alpha receptors, contracting the urethral sphincter, increasing the resistance to urinary flow.
Uses: stress incontinence
Side effects: urinary retention, hypertension
Contraindications: BPH, hypertension

Question 7

Estrogen

Answer 7

Thickens walls of bladder and urethra, can improve muscle atrophy
Uses, menopause, stress incontinence
Side effects: back pain, headache, itching or pain of the vagina or genital area, thick, white vaginal discharge wih mild or no odor, weight gain
Contraindications: pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, bleeding disorder, history heart attack or stroke, breast, uterine, cervical or vaginal cancer