Cardiovascular Medications

Cardiovascular Medications - Nursing Student Study Guide 1. ACE Inhibitors Suffix: -pril Examples: Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Zestril) Used for: High blood pressure (HTN), Heart failure (HF) Common Side Effect: Dry, nonproductive cough Severe Reaction: Angioedema (swelling of lips, tongue, throat) Nursing Considerations: - Use potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics cautiously - Monitor for hyperkalemia - Watch for signs of angioedema 2. Beta Blockers Suffix: -lol Examples: Metoprolol (Lopressor), Carvedilol (Coreg) Used for: HTN, HF, cardiac dysrhythmias Common Side Effects: Fatigue, hypotension Severe Reactions: Bradycardia, worsening HF Nursing Considerations: - Give Carvedilol with food - Do not stop abruptly; taper over 1-2 weeks - Avoid in asthma patients 3. Calcium Channel Blockers Suffix: Often ends in -pine Example: Amlodipine (Norvasc) Used for: HTN Common Side Effect: Pedal edema Nursing Consideration: Monitor for peripheral swelling 4. Vasodilators Examples: Hydralazine (Apresoline), Nitroglycerin (Nitrol) Used for: HTN, angina Common Side Effects: Headache, orthostatic hypotension Nursing Considerations: - Wear gloves when applying Nitro ointment - Do not give with erectile dysfunction meds (e.g., Viagra) 5. Cardiac Glycosides Example: Digoxin (Lanoxin) Used for: HF, atrial fibrillation/flutter/tachycardia Nursing Steps: - Check apical pulse for 1 min; hold if HR < 60 bpm Signs of Digoxin Toxicity: - N/V, abdominal pain, confusion, weakness, bradycardia - Visual changes (yellow/green halos, blurred vision) Monitor digoxin levels 6. Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) Suffix: -statin Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Simvastatin (Zocor) Used for: Lowering LDL and triglycerides; raising HDL Severe Side Effect: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) Nursing Considerations: - Teach to report muscle pain/weakness immediately - Avoid grapefruit juice Summary Table for Quick Review Drug Class Example ACE Inhibitors Beta Blockers Used For Key Side Effects Nursing Notes Lisinopril, Enalapril HTN, HF Dry cough, angioedema Monitor K+, avoid supplements Metoprolol, Carvedilol Fatigue, bradycardia Taper slowly, avoid in asthma HTN, HF, arrhythmias Calcium Channel Blockers Amlodipine HTN Pedal edema Watch for leg swelling Vasodilators Nitroglycerin, Hydralazine HTN, angina Headache, orthostatic hypotension No ED meds, wear gloves HF, A-fib/flutter Toxicity: N/V, vision changes Check apical pulse, monitor levels High cholesterol Rhabdomyolysis Avoid grapefruit, report muscle pain Cardiac Glycosides Digoxin Statins Atorvastatin, Simvastatin