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Cardiac Meds
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
2 mins
Dobutamine
Mechanism
Beta-1 Agonist
Inotropic
Indications
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Tachycardia
Arrhythmias
Considerations
Closely Monitor Patients
Other Meds May Increase Potency
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
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
1 min
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Indications
Severe Hypertension
CHF
Reduced Afterload
Pregnancy
Mechanism of Action
Vasodilates Arterioles
Side Effects
Drug-induced Lupus
Reflex Tachycardia
Hypotension
Considerations
Combined with Diuretic and Beta Blocker
1 min
Minoxidil (Loniten, Rogaine)
Mechanism
Vasodilates Arterioles
Indications
Severe Hypertension
Baldness
Side Effects
Reflex Tachycardia
Blood Volume Expansion
Hypertrichosis
Pericardial Effusion
Rash
Considerations
Give with Beta Blocker and Diuretic
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
2 mins
Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress)
Mechanism
Venous and Arterial Dilation
Indications
Hypertensive Crisis
Side Effects
Cyanide Toxicity
Thiocyanate Toxicity
Hypotension
Considerations
Short Term Administration
Light Sensitive, Use Container
Continuous BP Monitoring
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
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
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
2 mins
Acute Digoxin Toxicity
Clinical Symptoms
Hyperkalemia
Cholinergic (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea)
Blurry Yellow Green Vision with Halo of Light
Arrhythmia
Bradycardia
EKG Changes
Prolonged PR interval
Decreased QT
Scooping on EKG
T Wave Inversion
2 mins
Digoxin Toxicity Treatment
Activated Charcoal
Slowly Normalize K+
Digibind (Anti-Digoxin Fab)
Magnesium Sulfate
Lidocaine
Cardiac Pacing
2 mins
Mannitol (Osmitrol)
Mechanism
Osmotic Diuresis
Indications
Reducing Intracranial Pressure
Reducing Intraocular Pressure
Renal Failure Prophylaxis
Side Effects
Edema
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
Considerations
Avoid Use in Cardiac Patients
IV Administration
2 mins
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
2 mins
Loop Diuretic Education
Furosemide (Lasix)
Indications
Heart Failure
Pulmonary Edema
Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
Edema
Education
Notify the provider of weakness, dizziness, or muscle cramping
Increase Potassium Intake
Check BP Daily
Daily Weights and Monitor IandOs
1 min
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
1 min
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Mechanisms
Inhibition of Aldosterone
Potassium Retention
Indications
Hypertension
Edema
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Hyperkalemia
Endocrine Effects
Consideration
Avoid Potassium Supplements
2 mins
1,4-Dihydropyridines (CCBs)
Calcium Channel Blockers
Binds Depolarized Calcium Channels
Ends in "dipine"
Hypertension
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Angina
Reduce Afterload
Reflex Tachycardia
Increased Contractility
Increased Oxygen Demand
Flushing
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
Vasodilates Arterioles
Peripheral Edema
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