Drug

Drug Class

MOA / Drug effects

Used for

SE / Contraindications

Losartan

(Cozaar)

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

(Antihypertensive)

Dilates arteries

Blocks vasoconstriction and the secretion of aldosterone

Antihypertensive agent

Adjunct for heart failure

SE: Risk for URI

Insomnia, dyspnea, nasal congestion, back pain 

(Does not cause cough)

Hydralazine Hydrochloride

(Apresoline)

Vasodilator

(Antihypertensive)

Works directly on blood vessel to cause peripheral vasodilation

Antihypertensive agent

Antihypertensive emergencies

Restores hair growth

SE: dizziness, HA, tachycardia, nasal congestion, anorexia, dysrhythmia

Contra: Pts w/ impaired cerebral or cardiac circulation

Avoid OTC cold meds.

Furosemide

(Lasix)

Loop Diuretic

Blocks chloride & sodium resorption

Dilation of blood vessels of kidneys, lungs & body

Rapid onset of action

Edema associated w/ heart failure, renal disease

Hypertension

Ascites

SE: photosensitivity, aplastic anemia

Hypokalemia

Contra: NSAIDS, lithium

Spironolactone

(Aldactone)

Potassium Sparing Diuretic

Causes Na & H2O to be secreted, K+ retained

Competitively binds to aldosterone

Hypertension

Hyperaldosteronism

Ascites (high doses)

SE: Cramps, urinary frequency, weakness, gynecomastia, irregular menses

Hyperkalemia

Contra: can cause lithium toxicity, don’t take w/ NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors (Hyperkalemia), K+ supplements

Hydrochlorothiazice

(Hydrodiuril)

Thiazide Diuretic

Inhibits sodium, potassium and chloride resorption – results in osmotic water loss

Direct relaxation of arterioles, decreasing afterload

Adjunct for heart failure

Edema

Hypertension

~most common diuretic

~inexpensive

SE: Electrolyte disturbances

Hypokalemia (leg crams, weakness), hyperglycemia

Contra: Digoxin (increases dig. Tox, hypokalemia)

Warfarin Sodium

(Coumadin)

Anticoagulant

Interferes w/ proper production of Vit. K, prevents clots from forming.

PT range 2-3

IMR

Prevents formation of blood clots.

SE: Bleeding, N/V, abd cramps, ulcerations, osteoporosis, skin necrosis, allergic rxns.

Antidote: Vitamin K

Contra: Do not give IM – will bleed

Drug

Drug Class

MOA / Drug effects

Used for

SE / Contraindications

Heparin

Natural Anticoagulant

From tissues of sheeps & cows

Prevents clots from forming

APPT: 1.5-2x normal

(60-80 range)

Prevent clot formation

Rapid acting

Can give as IV

SE: Bleeding, N/V, abd cramps, ulcerations, osteoporosis, skin necrosis, allergic rxns.

Antidote: Protamine sulfate

Contra: Do not give IM – will bleed

Aspirin

Antiplatelet agent

(Coagulation agent)

Affects normal functioning of platelets- prevents formation of TX, which causes blood vessels to constrict & platelets to aggregate

Dilates vessels, lasts 7 days

Prevent blood clots

Analgesic

Anti-pyretic

SE: drowsiness, confusion, flushing, GI bleed, heart burn

Tinnitus = toxicity

Contra: K+ deficiency, GI bleed, peptic ulcer disease

Clipidogrel

(Plavix)

Antiplatelet agent

(Coagulation agent)

Affects normal functioning of platelets- alters platelet membrane so it can no longer receive signal to aggregate & form clot.

Takes 24-48 hours to work

Prevent blood clots

Reduction of MI, stroke

*Better than aspirin

SE: chest pain, hypertension, edema, flu-symptoms, rash, pruritis, diarrhea

Contra: Don’t mix with NSAIDS- increases bleeding

Streptokinase

(Streptase)

Thrombolytic agent

(Coagulation agent)

Dissolves clots

Digests fibrin

~Not from human source

Dissolves blood clots

Acute MI

DVT

PE

SE: Bleeding, hypotension, allergic reaction

*take baseline lab values

Contra~ Avoid K+ and antacids, do not give an IM injection (bleeding)

Don’t give w/ other drugs that affect platelet function

Lidocaine

(Xylocaine)

Antidysrhythmic

Class 1B

Raises the ventricular fibrillation threshold

Long half life

Can be administered by IV, topical, or Sub Cutaneous

For Ventricular tachycardia

Post MI

Rapid onset (2-15 min)

SE: Bradycardia, CNS toxicities (confusion, tremors), hypotension, blurred vision

*Use sunscreen