Drug

Drug Class

MOA / Drug effects

Used for

SE / Contraindications

Digoxin

Positive Inotropic Agents

Cardiac Glycosides

Causes enhanced myocardial contractions.

+ inotropic effect

Increased SV

Heart failure and dysrhythmias, atrial flutter

SE: HA, halo vision, N/V, bradycardia

Contra: Low K+ increases toxicity

Antidote: Digibind

Other: Level: .5 – 2 ng/mL

Take pulse before (60-120)

Isorbide mononitrate

(Imdur)

Nitrate (Antianginal)

Dilates coronary arteries

Reduces preload & afterload

Chest pain, HF, edema

Has no active metabolites

SE: HA, tachycardia, postural hypotension

Tolerance can develop.

Contra: don’t take w/ Viagra, alcohol

Nitroglycerin

Nitrate (Antianginal)

Dilates coronary arteries

Reduces preload & afterload

~Sublingual: 1 every 5 min.

~Will burn, and cause HA

Available in IV form

Chest pain, coronary artery spasms, narrowed arteries, hypertensive emergencies, pulmonary edema from MI

SE: HA, tachycardia, postural hypotension

Tolerance can develop.

Contra: don’t take w/ Viagra, alcohol

Nifedipine

Calcium Channel Blockers

(Antianginals)

Peripheral artery vasodilation

Negative Inotropic effect (reduced contractility)

Reduce BP, slow HR

Angina, hypertension, SV tachycardia, migraines, Raynaud’s disease

SE: Hypotension, palpitations, heart failure, bradycardia, edema, constipation, wheezing

Clonidine

(Catapres)

Alpha 2 – Adrenergic receptor stimulator (Agonist)

~Antihypertensive agent

Reduces sympathetic outflow

Lowers BP

Works centrally on brain

Hypertension, opioid withdrawal

SE: hypotension, dry mouth, constipation, rebound hypertension, sedation

*Check BP before giving

Catopril

(Capoten)

Ace Inhibitor

(Antihypertensive)

Inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme (inhibits aldosterone secretion & therefore, inhibits vasoconstriction).

Antihypertensive

Nephroprotective effect on kidney (good for diabetics)

Short half life

SE: Dry nonproductive cough

Loss of taste

Hyperkalemia

Rash, pruritis, anemia

Contra: Don’t take w/ NSAIDS or K+ sparing diuretics

*Monitor K+ levels