Med List 9: Cardiovascular

Question 1

Clopidogrel

Answer 1

Brand: Plavix

Strength: 75mg

Frequency: 300 mg loading dose, 75 mg daily

Indication:
- reduce rate of heart attack and stroke

Tips:
- avoid NSAIDS due to increased risk of bleeding
- seek attention if unusual bleeding
- avoid abrupt discontinuation (taper)

Question 2

Warfarin

Answer 2

Brand: Coumadin

Strength: 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.5, 10 mg

Frequency: daily

Indication:
- prevent blood clots
- atrial fibrillation

Tips:
- avoid NSAIDS due to increased risk of bleeding
- seek medical attention if unusual bleeding
- avoid abrupt discontinuation (taper)
- keep Vitamin K and alcohol consistent
- lots of drug interactions
- take missed dose ASAP, DO NOT DOUBLE DOSE

Question 3

Rivaroxaban

Answer 3

Brand: Xarelto

Strength: 2.5, 10, 15, 20 mg

Frequency: qd, bid

Indication:
- prevent blood clots
- atrial fibrillation

Tips:
- seek medical attention if unusual bleeding
- gastoenteritis
- vomiting
- cough (pediatrics)

Question 4

Furosemide

Answer 4

Brand: lasix

Strength: 20, 40, 80 mg

Frequency: qd, bid

Indications:
- edema
- heart failure
- hypertension

Tips:
- sun sensitivity
- decreased electrolytes
- dizziness when standing
- avoid taking at bedtime –> increased urination

Question 5

Spironolactone

Answer 5

Brand: aldactone

Strength: 25, 50, 100 mg

Frequency: qd, bid

Indication:
- heart failure
- hypertension
- acne (non FDA)
- hormone therapy (non FDA)

Tips:
- gynecomastia
- increased serum K
- diarrhea
- irregular menses

Question 6

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 6

Brand: microzide

Strength: 12.5, 25, 50 mg

Frequency: qd

Indications:
- edema
- hypertension

Tips:
- sun sensitivity
- dizziness when standing
- avoid taking at bedtime –> increase urination

Question 7

Lisinopril

Answer 7

Brand: Zestril, Prinivil

Strength: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg

Frequency: qd

Indications:
- hypertension
- heart failure
- heart attack
- migraine prevention

Tips:
- avoid during pregnancy
- dizziness
- dry cough
- headache
- increased serum K

Question 8

Losartan

Answer 8

Brand: Cozaar

Strength: 25, 50, 100 mg

Frequency: qd

Indications:
- hypertension
- heart failure
- diabetic neuropathy

Tips:
- avoid pregnancy
- dizziness
- headache
- increase serum K

Question 9

Amlodipine

Answer 9

Brand: norvasc

Strength: 2.5, 5, 10 mg

Frequency: qd

Indications:
- hypertension
- management of angina
- Raynaud’s phenomenom

Tips:
- leg swelling
- headache

Question 10

Metoprolol Tartrate or Succinate

Answer 10

Brand: Lopressor (immediate) or toprol XL (extended release)

Strength:
- IR: 25, 50, 100 mg
- XL: 25, 50, 100, 200 mg

Frequency:
- IR: bid
- XL: daily

Indications:
- hypertension
- post heart attack
- management of angina (IR)
- heart failure (XL)

Tips:
- dizziness
- fatigue (clears up in 7 days)
- take with food
- lowers heart rate
- do not d/c abruptly –> increases CV risk