Medication Classifications Flashcards
Captopril
Anti-hypertensive: ACE Inhibitor
Enalapril
Anti-hypertensive: ACE Inhibitor
Lisinopril
Anti-hypertensive: ACE Inhibitor
”–pril”
Anti-hypertensive: ACE Inhibitor
Atenolol
Anti-hypertensive: Beta Blocker
Nadolol
Anti-hypertensive: Beta Blocker
Propranolol
Anti-hypertensive: Beta Blocker
”–olol”
Anti-hypertensive: Beta Blocker
Nifedipine
Anti-hypertensive: Calcium Channel Blocker
Verapamil
Anti-hypertensive: Calcium Channel Blocker
Diltiazem
Anti-hypertensive: Calcium Channel Blocker
Clonidine
Antihypertensive and Sedative
Methyldopa
Antihypertensive
Hydralazine
Vasodilator
Minoxidil
Vasodilator
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help relax blood vessels.
ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance in your body that affects your cardiovascular system by narrowing your blood vessels and releasing hormones that can raise your blood pressure.
ACE Inhibitors - Side Effects
Possible ACE inhibitor side effects include:
Dry cough Increased blood-potassium level (hyperkalemia) Fatigue Dizziness Headaches Rapid heartbeat Fainting
ACE Inhibitors - Interactions
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve) decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.
Beta Blockers Treat…
Doctors prescribe beta blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:
High blood pressure Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) Heart failure Chest pain (angina) Heart attacks Glaucoma Migraines Generalized anxiety disorder Hyperthyroidism Certain types of tremors Beta blockers aren't usually prescribed until other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, haven't worked effectively. Your doctor may prescribe beta blockers as one of several medications to lower your blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics or calcium channel blockers.
Beta blockers may not work as effectively for blacks as for people of other races, especially when taken without other blood pressure medications.
Beta Blockers: Side Effects
Side effects may occur in people taking beta blockers. However, many people who take beta blockers won’t have any side effects.
Common side effects of beta blockers include:
Fatigue Cold hands Headache Upset stomach Constipation Diarrhea Dizziness
Beta Blockers: Remember…
Beta blockers generally aren’t used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks. In people who have diabetes, beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. It’s important to monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis.
Beta blockers can also affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, causing a slight increase in triglycerides and a modest decrease in high-density lipoprotein, the “good” cholesterol. These changes often are temporary. You shouldn’t abruptly stop taking a beta blocker because doing so could increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.
Calcium Channel Blocker
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers, also called calcium antagonists, relax and widen blood vessels by affecting the muscle cells in the arterial walls.
Some calcium channel blockers have the added benefit of slowing your heart rate, which can further reduce blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Uses
Doctors prescribe calcium channel blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:
High blood pressure
Chest pain (angina)
Brain aneurysm complications
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
Migraine
Some circulatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease
High blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
