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Pharmacology (Expanded)
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Cardiovascular

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Pharmacology (Expanded) | Paramedic School Study Aid

Cardiovascular
31 Picmonics to Learn | 54 mins
Alpha 1 Receptor
Characteristics
Gq Subunit
Increase Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction
Increase Pupillary Dilator Muscle Contraction
Increase Intestinal and Bladder Sphincter Muscle Contraction
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1 min
Alpha 2 Receptor
Characteristics
Gi Subunit
Decrease Sympathetic Outflow
Decrease Insulin Release
Decrease Lipolysis
Increase Platelet Aggregation
Decrease Aqueous Humor Production
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2 mins
Beta-1 Receptor
Characteristics
Gs Protein Class
Increased Heart Rate
Increased Contractility
Increase Renin Release
Increased Lipolysis
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44 secs
Beta-2 Receptor
Characteristics
Gs Protein Class
Cardiopulmonary
Increased Heart Rate
Increased Contractility
Bronchodilation
Metabolic
Increased Lipolysis
Increased Insulin
Increased Glycogenolysis
Increased Cellular Potassium Uptake
Considerations
Increased Aqueous Humor Production
Vasodilation
Decrease Uterine Tone
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2 mins
Beta Blockers
"-olol" suffix
Mechanism
Decreases Heart Rate and Contractility
Decreases Peripheral Vascular Resistance
Decreases Renin Release
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Angina Pectoris
Contraindications
Asthma and Heart Block Patients
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Masking Signs of Hypoglycemia
Do Not Stop Abruptly
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2 mins
Selective Beta-1 Blockers
Characteristics
"-olol" Suffix
Drug Names
Beta-1 Selective
Atenolol
Esmolol
Metoprolol
Partial Beta agonists
Acebutolol
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1 min
Cardiovascular Effects of Beta-Blockers
Cardiac Myocytes and Vasculature
Decrease cAMP
Decreases SA and AV Node Conduction Velocity
Lower Blood Pressure
Decrease O2 Consumption
Decreases Mortality Post-MI
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2 mins
Systemic Effects of Beta-Blockers
Respiratory
Bronchoconstriction
Metabolic
Decreased Insulin
Decreased Glycolysis and Lipolysis
Eye
Reduces Intraocular Pressure
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1 min
Beta-1 Agonists
Dobutamine
Heart Failure
Cardiac Stress Test
Isoproterenol
Bradyarrhythmias
Torsades de Pointes
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58 secs
Hypertension Medications
Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Beta Blockers
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers
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2 mins
Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil and Diltiazem)
Mechanism of Action
Slows AV Conduction
Indications
Angina Pectoris
Arrhythmias
Essential Hypertension
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Constipation
Peripheral Edema
Gingival Hyperplasia
Nursing Consideration
Medication Education
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2 mins
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Ends in "-sartan"
Mechanism of Action
Blocks Angiotensin II Receptor
Indications
Hypertension
Side Effects
Angioedema
Contraindications
Renal Artery Stenosis
Pregnancy
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1 min
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
"-pril" Suffix
Mechanism of Action
Block Renin Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Dry Non-productive Cough
Hypotension
Dizziness
Possible Hyperkalemia
Angioedema
Nursing Considerations
Slowly Change Position
Do Not Stop Abruptly
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2 mins
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Mechanism of Action
Increases Inotropy
Indications
Heart Failure
Atrial Fibrillation
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Contraindications
Heart Block
Nursing Considerations
Heart Rate Below 60
Hypokalemia
Monitor for Toxicity and Visual Changes
Digibind
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2 mins
Heparin (Unfractionated)
Mechanism of Action
Suppresses Coagulation
Indications
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary Embolism
Side Effects
Hemorrhage
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Considerations
Monitor aPTT
Preferred (Safe) During Pregnancy
Antidote
Protamine Sulfate
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2 mins
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Pathophysiology
5-10 Days After Heparin Exposure
Heparin-Platelet Factor 4 Complex
Autoantibodies Form Against Complex
Heparin-Platelet Factor 4-Antibody Complex Binds Platelets
Platelet Aggregation
Procoagulant Release
Symptoms
Thrombocytopenia
Diagnosis
Serotonin Release Assay (SRA)
Treatment
Stop Heparin, Start Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
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2 mins
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Clotting Factors
Indications
Atrial Fibrillation
Venous Thrombosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Assessment
PT/INR Levels
Observe for Bleeding
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Nursing Considerations
Vitamin K and Fresh Frozen Plasma
Prolonged Therapeutic Onset
Maintain Same Diet
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2 mins
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Mechanism
Inhibits Platelet Aggregation
NSAID
Indications
Thrombotic Event Prevention
General Pain
Inflammatory Conditions
Fever
Side Effects
Pancytopenia
GI Ulcers
Bleeding
Considerations
Withhold Before Surgery 7-10 Days
Reye's Syndrome
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2 mins
Abciximab and Tirofiban (GP IIb/IIIa Inhibitors)
Mechanism
IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitors
Inhibits Platelet Aggregation
Indications
Thrombotic Event Prevention
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Side Effects
Bleeding
Considerations
Expensive
Combination Drug Therapy
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2 mins
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Mechanism
ADP Receptor Antagonist
Prevent Platelet Aggregation
Indications
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Prevention of Thrombotic Events
Side Effects
Bleeding
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
Pancytopenia
Abdominal Pain
Considerations
Withhold Before Surgery
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2 mins
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Clotting Factors
Factor Xa
Indications
Clot Formation Prevention
Side Effects
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Bleeding
Considerations
Medication Education
Subcutaneous Injection
2 Inches from Umbilicus or Incisions
Antidote
Protamine Sulfate
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2 mins
Alteplase
Mechanism
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Indications
Thrombosis
Side Effects
Bleeding
Contraindications
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Internal Hemorrhaging
Considerations
Minimize Bleeding
Monitor for Shock
Antidote
Aminocaproic Acid
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2 mins
Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Reabsorption NaCl and H2O
Indications
Edema
Mild to Moderate Hypertension
Side Effects
Hypokalemia
Hyponatremia
Dehydration
Hyperglycemia
Gout
Contraindications
Sulfa Allergy
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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1 min
Loop Diuretics
Mechanism of Action
Thick Ascending Limb of Loop of Henle
Inhibits Na+-K+-2Cl-
Sulfa Drug
Drug Names
Furosemide
Lasix
Side Effects
Ototoxicity from Rapid Injection
Gout
Dehydration
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
Orthostatic Hypotension
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2 mins
K+ Sparing Diuretics
Indications
CHF and Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Hyperaldosteronism
Mechanism of Action
Collecting Tubule
Spironolactone
Competitive Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist
Amiloride and Triamterene
Block Na+ Channels
Side Effects
Hyperkalemia
Gynecomastia
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2 mins
Statins
Rhabdomyolysis
Hepatotoxicity
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Decrease LDL
Decrease Triglycerides
Increase HDL
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2 mins
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Characteristics
-statin Suffix
Mechanism
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Indications
High Cholesterol
Side Effects
Hepatotoxicity
Rash
Rhabdomyolysis
Myopathy
Considerations
Monitor Liver Enzymes
Administer at Bedtime
Avoid Grapefruit
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2 mins
Nitroglycerin
Mechanism of Action
Decreases Preload
Indications
Angina
Up to 3 doses q 5 mins
Side Effects
Headache
Hypotension
Contraindications
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure
Protect From Light
Use Glass Bottle and Special Tubing
Gloves for Applying Topically
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2 mins
Nitroglycerin
Indications
Pulmonary Edema
Angina
Mechanism of Action
Decreases Preload
Releases NO in Blood
Side Effects
Hypotension
Reflex Tachycardia
Flushing
Monday Disease
Contraindications
Viagra (Sildenafil)
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2 mins
Adenosine (Adenocard)
Mechanism
Slows AV Conduction
Indications
Supraventricular Tachycardia (Paroxysmal)
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Flushing
Dyspnea
Considerations
Rapid IV Push
Caffeine and Theophylline Decrease Effectiveness
Dipyridamole May Intensify Effects
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2 mins
Lidocaine
Mechanism
Blocks Na+ Channels
Indications
Ventricular Arrhythmia
Anesthetic
Side Effects
Paresthesias
Seizures
Respiratory Depression
Drowsiness
Consideration
Anesthetic Effects Extended with Epinephrine
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1 min

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