Beta Blockers, ARBs Overview

Beta Blockers

-Block beta receptors (found in the heart, blood vessels, and airways)

-Reducing heart rate and blood pressure (vasodilation).

-Caution: Do not use in patients with Asthma could lead to bronchoconstriction (closing of airways);

Common Suffix of Beta Blockers

-olol;

Side effects of beta blockers

Bradycardia (slow heart rate), impotence (sexual dysfunction), dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid level in blood), worsening of COPD/Asthma due to bronchospasm, depression, and hypotension (decrease in blood pressure).

Cold extremities. May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetics;

Indication for Beta Blockers

Hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and heart failure (where the heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body).;

Tenormin

Atenolol

Indication: Hypertension

Classification: Beta 1 Blocker;

Lopressor

Metoprolol

Indication: Hypertension, Heart Failure

Classification: Beta 1 Blocker;

Inderal

Propranolol

Indication: Hypertension, Angina, Migraine, Performance Anxiety ("Stage Fright"), Tremor, Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)

Classification: Nonselective Beta Blocker (Beta 1 and Beta 2 Blocker);

Coreg

Carvedilol

Indication: Heart Failure, Hypertension

Classification: Beta 1 and Alpha 1 Blocker;

Zebeta

Bisoprolol

Indication: Hypertension

Classification: Beta 1 Blocker;

ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) Mechanism of Action (MOA) :

Block angiotensin II receptors, leading to vasodilation (opening blood vessels).;

Common Suffix of A2RBs

-sartan;

Side effects of A2RBs

Headaches

Dizziness

Nasal congestion

Angioedema (facial and lip swelling)

Hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood).;

Indication for A2RBs

-HTN (hypertension)

-CHF (congestive heart failure)

-Diabetic neuropathy - kidney disease in diabetic;

Cozaar

Losartan

Indication: Hypertension

Classification: A2RB;

Diovan

Valsartan Antihypertensive - ARB ;

Micardis

Generic: Telmisartan

Drug Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (A2RB)

Indication: Hypertension;

Benicar

Olmesartan: Antihypertensive-ARB;

Avapro

Irbesartan - Antihypertensive - ARB;

qam

Every morning;

qpm; QPM

Every evening;

QD or qd

Every day

Mistaken as "qid," especially if the period after the "q" or the tail of the "q" is misunderstood as an "i"

Use "daily";

bid

Twice a day (every 12 hours);

tid

three times a day (every 8 hours);

qid

four times a day (every 6 hours);

qhs

every night at bedtime or hour of sleep;

qod

Every other day;

PRN, prn

As needed.;

STAT

immediately, now;

ac

before meals;

pc

after meals;