Medications and Their Effects on Blood Pressure

Flashcards covering key medications and their effects on blood pressure, including classes of diuretics, inhibitors, and blockers.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

Loop Diuretics

Medications like furosemide used to remove excess fluid from the body.

Thiazide Diuretics

Medications such as hydrochlorothiazide that are effective for lowering high blood pressure.

Osmotic Diuretics

Medications like mannitol that work by increasing the osmolarity of the blood.

Fluid Imbalance

A disturbance in the amount and composition of fluid in the body.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications such as captopril that help relax blood vessels by preventing angiotensin II formation.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Medications that block the action of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels.

Direct Renin Inhibitors

Medications like aliskiren that inhibit the activity of renin to lower blood pressure.

Alpha Adrenoreceptor Blockers

Medications like prazosin that block alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation.

Vasodilators

Medications, including nitroglycerin, that relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

Aldosterone Antagonists

Medications that block the effects of aldosterone to help remove excess sodium and water.

Blood Pressure Regulation

The physiological processes that help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.