Need help learning Alpha/Beta/Channel Blockers

XIGRIS · Mar 7, 2005

Hello,
Can anyone break down Alpha, Beta, and Calcium Channel blockers?
Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2 etc...
Usually I can grasp a concept pretty easily, but this has me pulling out my hair! Any input, explanation, websites would be greatly appreciated.
An instructor was trying to find "the pig picture" I guess this picture breaks it down really well. She says once you see the pig pic you will never forget how it all works. I have yet to find this piggy!
Anyone know of "The Pig"??
Thanks!

Pig? or Big picture? If you see the Pig oh please tell me... Im curious...

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

There is a wonderful information page on all cardiac drugs at http://www.heartcenteronline.com

You can access as a provider or a patient. Very good info to help you understand. Good luck!

crb613, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2005

Beta blockers:

B1 selective vs. B1-B2 non-selective

A through N: B1 selective: Acebutalol, Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol.

O through Z: B1, B2 non-selective: Pindolol, Propanalol, Timolol.

Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta

ABCD:

Alpha = Constrict.

Beta = Dilate.

Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location "You have 1 heart and 2 lungs":

Beta-1 are therefore primarily on heart. Beta-2 primarily on lungs.

Hope this helps

mwbeah · Mar 11, 2005

There is a book named "pharmacology made ridiculously simple" which costs about 8 bucks on www.half.com , it breaks things down very simply and has nice cartoonish diagrams which details your questions fairly well.

Mike

cjandmama · Mar 11, 2005

You all are wonderful! Thank you so much. I love the mneumonics! I may have to check out that book as well. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

75 days until Graduation!!!!

tinkerwomp · Mar 11, 2005

In school, I knew the action, but confused the names. B-blockers have the -lo in the name (as in "blockers") - propanolol, etc. ACE are -pril. Ca channels are pines or mil at the end. Stupid way, but it helped jog my memory.

Reddy,RN · Mar 12, 2005

Couldn't find the pig but did find this:

http://www.hrsonline.org/professional_education/learning_categories/articles/shrbel_1_big/default.asp

http://www.hrsonline.org/professional_education/learning_categories/articles/shrbel_2_big/default.asp

mendu · Mar 12, 2005

hello cjandmam,

what my instructor gave us is:

1. ca channel blockers:

A ction - block ca access to cells

H ypotension, headache

E dema

C onstipation

K now to watch for worsening of CHF and heart block

2. blockers s/e

B radycardia

L ibido decrease

brOnchospasm

C HF, conduction abnormalities

K nown hypotension

E xhaustion, emotional depression

R educed recognision of hypoglycemia

3. alpha 1 and 2 blockers: doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin;

A ction - block alpha adrenergic receptors in ANS causing vasodilation, lower

BP

S yncope,sexual dysfunction common

I ncreased drowsiness, HR, orthostatic hypotension

N eed to recline 3-4 hours after 1st dose

others:

4. diuretic

D iet - low sodium, increse potassium intake, unless taking potassium sparing

I ntake & output, daily weight

U ndesirable effects - fluid and electrolytes imbalance, dizziness, hypotension

R eassess BP, HR, electrolytes

E lderly care - monitor for decreased kidney function (excretion of drugs)

T ake AM, if bid before 6pm, prevent nocturia

I ncreased orthostatic hypotension

C ancel alcohol use

5. ACE inhibitors (enarapril, lisinopril)

A ct - prevent conversion of angiotensin I to II

P ruritus

R ash

I ncreased hypotension. tachycardia, angioedema, cough, infection

L ousy taste, headache

6. ARB (losartan, valsartan)

A ct - prevent angiotensin II to bind to its receptors

A dminister with or without food (watch GI upset)

R enal function monitor!!! (elderly!!!)

B lock vasoconstriction (lower BP)

S ubstitutes of sodium and potassium DO NOT USE

7.Loop diuretics

A ct - rapid diuresis, block chloride pump in ascending loop of henle, causing decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride,

L oss effectivness if given with NSAIDs

I ncreae action of anticoagulant

H ypokalemia - monitor closely

O totoxicity

H yperglycemia - moniotr blood glucose

hope this help and good luck to all of you with nursing, :)

cjandmama · Mar 21, 2005

You all have helped me a lot. I greatly appreciate your knowledge and time taken to help me out! Tomorrow is my 2nd day of leadership. Graduation is so close I can almost see the light....

Thanks again!!