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
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)
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)
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.
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,