Drugs

Drugs

1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

   • Action: Suppress formation of angiotensin II from the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, reduce pepripheral resistance, and improve cardiac imput
     • Treats: Hypertension and Heart Failure
       • Monitor: BP & Pulse
         • Common Side Effects: Hypotension Cough Hyperkalemia Dizziness GI Distress Headache
           • Always ends in PRIL
   • Avoid Potassium
   • Give on empty stomach
   • Generic & Trade Name: Lisinopril (Zestril) Enalpril (Vastec)

2. Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists (BETA BLOCKERS)

   • Action: Block sympathetic nervous system catecholamines, resulting in reduced renin and aldosterone release fluid balance. Vasodilation of arterioles leads to a decrase in pulmonary vascular resistance and blood pressure.
   • Treats: Hypertension, Angina and Dysrhythmias
     • Common Side Effects: Drowsiness Depression Symptoms of CHF: (SOB, Coughing, Edema Fatigue)
     • Take before meals
       • Generic & Trade Names: Metoprolol (Lopressor)
         • Always ends in OLOL
   • Monitor: BP & I&O/ Vital Signs

3. Potassuim Sparing Diuretics

   • Action: Has a direct effect on the distal tubules in the kidney. Competes with aldosterone for cell-receptor sites in the distal tubules while inducing urinary excretion of sodium and reducing excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions.
     • Prevents loss of potassium.
   • Treats: Hypertension and Edema
     • Monitor : I&O & Levels of Electrolytes (potassium, sodium)
       • Common Side Effects: Hyperkalemia
         • Avoid Potassium
         • Generic & Trade Names: Spironolactone (Aldactone)

4. Alpha Adrenergic Blockers

   • Treats: Urinary construction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
   • Action: Block receptors that relax the smooth muscle of the bladder neck, thereby reducing the obstruction of the urethra.
     • Monitor: I&O and BP
       • Common Side Effects: Hypotension Fainting Dizziness Abnormal Ejacuation
       • Generic & Trade Names: Tamsulosin (Flomax)

5. Loop Diuretics

   • Action: Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption through direct action primarily in the ascending loop of Henle.
     • Monitor: Vital Signs, I&O, and potassium loss.
       • General & Trade Names: Furosemide: Lasix
     • Common Side Effects: dehydration, hyperglycemia, orthostatic hypotension, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
   • Used for hypertension, edema and to produce more urine.

6. Calcium Channel Blockers

   • Action: Block calcium access to the cells, causing decreased heart contractility and conductivity and leading to a decreased demand for oxygen.
     • Causes constipation
   • Treats: Angina, Hypertension, and Dysrhythmias
     • Monitor: Vital Signs
       • Avoid Grapefruit Juice
     • Generic and Trade Names: Diltiazem (Cardizem)
     • Common Side Effects: edema of the extremities, decreased BP,