229 Unit 3 cardiac pharm

What is the purpose of statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin?

To lower LDL levels and prevent myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, and coronary atherosclerosis.

What are common adverse effects of statins?

GI symptoms, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and myopathy.

What is the antidote for warfarin?

Vitamin K.

What are the contraindications for using warfarin?

Hemorrhagic disorders, recent trauma, GI ulcers, tuberculosis, and indwelling catheters.

What class of drugs do atorvastatin and simvastatin belong to?

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

What are common adverse effects of amlodipine?

Bleeding.

What are beta-blockers contraindicated in?

Acute coronary syndrome and heart rate above 260.

How do beta-blockers like metoprolol affect the heart?

They reduce excitability, cardiac output, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What are some contraindications for using metoprolol?

Bradycardia, heart block, cardiogenic shock, and pregnancy.

What are common adverse effects of beta-blockers?

Dizziness, fatigue, GI effects, and peripheral edema.

What is nitroglycerin used for?

To treat acute angina attacks.

What should be done if a patient still has pain after 5 minutes of administering nitroglycerin?

Call for help and administer another dose.

How many doses of nitroglycerin can be given in total?

A maximum of 3 doses.

What should be done to prevent tissue damage when administering nitroglycerin?

Rotate the site of application.

What is lidocaine used for?

For treatment in code situations, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, or cardiac surgery.

What is flecainide used for?

For treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

What are the contraindications for using flecainide?

Bradycardia, heart block, heart failure, and hypotension.

What adverse effects can occur with flecainide?

CNS effects like dizziness, fatigue, GI symptoms, and potential arrhythmias.

What is digoxin primarily used for?

To control heart rate in atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia.

What should be monitored when giving digoxin?

Resting ventricular rate.

What are contraindications for sotalol?

AV block, thyroid disease, and pulmonary disease.

What are the adverse effects of sotalol?

GI symptoms, hypotension, AV block, and arrhythmias.

What is amiodarone used for?

For treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

What should be noted about dosing with amiodarone?

It is used for maintenance of normal sinus rhythm.

What are the contraindications for atropine?

Glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, arrhythmias, and liver or kidney function problems.

What are common adverse effects of atropine?

Weakness, dizziness, insomnia, mental confusion, and psychosis.

What are anticholinergic agents such as atropine known for?

They slow GI activity and may cause CNS effects.

What should be assessed regarding heart rate with beta-blockers?

They should not be given if heart rate is excessively low (bradycardia).

How does warfarin affect coagulation?

It alters normal coagulation processes.

What are the common effects of using nitrates?

Increased availability of nitric oxide leading to vasodilation.

What is the relationship between digoxin and heart rate?

Digoxin helps control the resting heart rate.

What condition is Atrial Fib likely to require treatment with?

Anticoagulants like warfarin.

What is the general requirement for using medications like metoprolol?

Patients should be screened for previous cardiac issues.

What aspect of pharmacology do calcium channel blockers affect?

They block calcium entry into cells, affecting heart contractions.

What is the role of antiarrhythmic agents like lidocaine?

To stabilize the myocardial membrane and reduce excitability.

What is the significance of monitoring blood pressure while on beta-blockers?

To prevent excessive hypotension.

What are some considerations when dosing with amiodarone?

Routine heart monitoring due to its potential arrhythmogenic effects.

What should be avoided in patients prescribed Amiodarone?

Use in presence of known AV block.

What is the primary mechanism by which beta-blockers exert their effect?

Blocking the effects of adrenaline, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

How does nitroglycerin relieve angina?

By dilating blood vessels, reducing heart workload and oxygen demand.

What is a potential issue with digoxin overdose?

Tachyarrhythmias can occur due to increased cardiac contractility.

What are signs of hypotension when using beta-blockers?

Dizziness and fatigue.

Why might warfarin be contraindicated in patients with active bleeding?

It increases the risk of further bleeding.

Amlodipine is primarily used for which condition?

Hypertension and angina.