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Cardiac Meds
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
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
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
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
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
Dobutamine
Mechanism
Beta-1 Agonist
Inotropic
Indications
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Tachycardia
Arrhythmias
Considerations
Closely Monitor Patients
Other Meds May Increase Potency
1 min
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
2 mins
Bile Acid Resins
Indications
Hyperlipidemia
Mechanism of Action
Bile Acid Reabsorption Prevented
Decrease LDL
Drugs
Colestipol (Colestid)
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colesevelam (Welchol)
Side Effects
GI Distress
Cholesterol Gallstones
Decreased Absorption of Fat-soluble Vitamins
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
2 mins
Atropine
Mechanism of Action
Muscarinic Antagonist
Indications
Bradycardia
Increased Exocrine Secretions
Smooth Muscle Spasms
Side Effects
Tachycardia
Dry Mouth
Urinary Retention
2 mins
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Mechanism of Action
Alpha Agonist
Beta-1 Agonist
Indications
Severe Hypotension
Side Effect
Decreases Renal Blood Flow
Arrhythmias
Hypertension
Considerations
Tissue Necrosis
Last Resort Medication
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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