Hypertension Therapy Flashcards
When should non-pharmacological treatment for HTN be used?
It should be started in all patients, but only some can use it alone for treatment
What is the non-pharmacological approach to treating HTN?
- Weight loss
- Diet
- Exercise (150 min/week)
- Alcohol consumption (2 drinks - men/1 drink -women)
- Smoking cessation
What are the three classes of diuretics?
- Thiazide
- Loop
- Potassium sparing
What is the site of action for thiazides?
The luminal side of the distal convoluted tubule?
What is the MOA for thiazides?
They compete for Cl binding site on the Na/Cl cotransporter. This leads to the excretion of Na, Cl, K, and H2O.
What is the starting dose for thiazide diuretics?
12.5 mg/day
What is the max dose for thiazide diuretics?
25 mg/day
In what patient population should you take caution when using thiazide diuretics?
Elderly patients due to the potential for hyponatremia and hypokalemia
What time of day should you avoid taking thiazide diuretics?
At bedtime
What lab value would you check before starting a thiazide diuretic?
CrCL NEEDS to be greater than 40 ml/min
What is the frequency of dosing for thiazide diuretics?
once daily
What are the adverse effects of thiazide diuretics?
- Electrolyte disturbance
- Orthostasis
- Dizziness
- Hyperuricemia
What are the monitoring parameters for thiazide diuretics?
- BUN/SCr
2. Electrolytes
What are the common loop diuretics (brand/generic)?
- Bumex/Bumetanide
- Lasix/Furosemide
- Demadex/Torsemide
What is the site of action for the loop diuretics?
The luminal side of the thick ascending loop of Henle
What is the MOA for loop diuretics?
Compete for the Cl binding site on the Na, K, 2Cl symporter causing excretion of Na, Cl, H2O, K, Ca, and Mg
What is the dosing range for Furosemide?
20 - 80 mg/day up to twice daily
What are the adverse effects of loop diuretics?
- Orthostasis
- Dizziness
- Electrolyte disturbance
What are the monitoring parameters for loop diuretics?
- BUN/SCr
- Electrolytes
- Serum bicarbonate
- CBC, Plt, and LFT’s
What are the two sub-classes of K+ sparing diuretics?
- Na channel blockers
2. Aldosterone inhibitors
What is the site of action for Na channel blockers?
The late distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct
What is the site of action for aldosterone inhibitors?
Mineralocorticoid receptors in the late distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct
Name one aldosterone inhibitor? (Brand/generic)
- Aldactone/Spironolactone
What is the dosing range and frequency of Spironolactone?
50 - 100 mg 1 to 2 times daily
What is the mechanism of action for the aldosterone inhibitors?
They antagonize aldosterone receptors in the distal convoluted tubule and block sodium movement from the lumen to the interstitial space
What are the adverse effects of aldosterone inhibitors?
Hyperkalemia, GI, and gynecomastia
What are the monitoring parameters for aldosterone inhibitors?
- BUN/SCr (closely follow)
2. electrolytes (closely follow K+)
What is the mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors?
They inhibit the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 which decreases total peripheral resistance and increases the excretion of water and Na. They also inhibits the inactivation of bradykinin which increases vasodilation and Na excretion.
In which patient population are ACE inhibitors less likely to be effective?
African Americans
What are the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors?
- ACE-induced cough
- Angioedema (More likely in African Americans)
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal impairment
- Hypotension
Why do you see a “bump” in SCr and K+ levels when a patient begins an ACE inhibitor?
Vasodilation occurs which decreases the pressure in the glomerular. Because of the decreased pressure there is decreased filtration; therefore, SCr will in increase in the blood until there is compensation for the pressure. Then Scr will decrease again. Potassium increases because ACE inhibitors decrease the levels of aldosterone which is responsible for excreting potassium.
What is a positive aspect of using ACE inhibitors in diabetic patients?
renal protection
What is the dosing range and frequency of lisinopril?
10 - 40 mg once daily
What is the dosing range and frequency of benazepril?
10 - 40 mg once or twice daily
What are the monitoring parameters for ACE inhibitors?
- BUN/SCr
2. Electrolytes
What is the mechanism of action for ARBs?
It inhibits the effects of angiotensin 2 at various sites in the body (same MOA as ACE inhibitors)
What is an acceptable rise in SCr when taking an ACE or ARB?
30%
List 3 ARBs (generic/brand)
- Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Losartan (Cozaar)