Medication Fustration.......

I am having a hard time differentiating between some of the most common drug classes R/T cardiac: ACE Inhibitors, beta-blockers, and Calcium channel blockers. Does anyone have any special memerization techniques that helps you remember the important stuff??? Thanks xokell

where are you going to school? i am from illinos too.

i hope this will help:

alpha 1 and beta 2 blockers: doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin; block alpha adrenergic receptors in ANS;

S yncope, sexual dysfunction

I increase drowsiness, , HR, othrostatic hypotension

N eed to recline for 3-4 hours after first dose

beta 1 blockers: decrease stimulation to heart;

acebutolol, atenolol, esmolol, metoprolol;

beta 2 blockers: constrict airways and uterus;

Bradycardia

Libido decreased, lipids increased

brOnchospasm

Chf, and conduction abnormalities

Known hypotension

Exhaustion, emotional depression

Reduced recognition of hypoglycemia

ACE INHIBITORS: lisinopril, captopril, enalapril

Action:prevent conversion of angiotensin I to II

Pruritis

Rash

Incresed hypotension, tachycardia, angioedema, cough, infection

Lously taste (for about 3 months) and headache

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER

verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine

Action: block calcium access to cell

Hypotension, headache

Edema

Constipation

Know to watch for worsening of CHF and heart block

that are tips from my pharm teacher which i found helpfull;

good luck to you, :)

great info. you got here. keep on coming.. :)

Great tips there! Do you have any for being able to remember all the ins and outs of the renin-angiotensin mechanism?? I have an exam on urinary next week and it's just not sticking as well as I'd like!

no tips for diuretics, just need to study those. i got only one cumulative:

Diet - low sodium intake and increase potassium (not for potassium sparing diuretics this one)

Intake and output monitor for edema and CHF complication

Undesirable effects: fluid and electrolytes imbalance, dizziness, hypotension

Reasses BP, HR, and electrolytes

Elderly: have dicreased liver and kidney function, monitor for toxicity, electrolytes imbalance

Take am and if bid before 6pm to prevent nocturia

Increase risk for orthostatic hypotension, teach pt to rise slowly

Cancel alcohol input

hope it helps, good luck, mine exam on this is following monday too, :)

[XIGRIS]

Renin-angiotensin system is a baroreflex mechanism that controls arterial pressure. It is a powerful mechanism for controlling pressure by the kidney.

Renin is released by the kidneys when the arterial pressure falls to low. Most of the renin enters the renal blood and passes out of the kidneys to circulate throughout the entire body. However, small portions of it remain in the kidneys and initiate several intrarenal functions one of which is the release of angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is a mild vasoconstrictor and has no significant change in the circulatory function. Angiotensin I is coverted by Angiotensin-Coverting Enzyme ( Peptidyl Dipeptidase ) into Angiotensin II which is a very potent vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II's vasoconstricting effects are:

1. constrict the arterioles increasing pressure

2. decrease the excretion of salt and water. As salt and water accumulates, there is an increase in ECF volume thereby increasing pressure.

So, with this mechanism in mind, ACE inhibitors blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angio II. Aside from this, ACE inhibitors release bradykinin which is a potent vasodilator.

Renal physiology is a very hard concept but once you understand it, you are going to be fine.

Thanks sooooo much! I so appreciate this!