Medication Hypertensive medication CCB,BB,ARBs,ACE

What ending identifies an ACE inhibitor?

-PRIL

Lisinopril,Enalapril, Benazepril to what medication class?

ACE inhibitor (ACE-I)

What electrolyte can ACE inhibitors increase?

Potassium. Think HIGH potassium.

What common side effect can ACE inhibitors cause?

Dry cough.

A patient taking Lisinopril (ACE-I) develops a dry cough. What class can replace it?

ARB, such as Losartan.

A patient taking Lisinopril (ACE-I) develops swelling of the lips and tongue. What should you suspect?

Angioedema. Stop the ACE inhibitor and treat as an emergency if airway involvement is present.

Can ACE inhibitors be used during pregnancy?

NO. Avoid ACE inhibitors during pregnancy.

What should you remember about ACE inhibitors and kidney function?

Monitor creatinine/eGFR and potassium.

What ending identifies an ARB?

-SARTAN

Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan to what medication class?

ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)

What electrolyte can ARBs increase?

Potassium. Think HIGH potassium.

A patient cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor because of cough. What class is commonly considered?

ARB.

What ending commonly identifies a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker?

-DIPINE

Amlodipine (Norvasc), Nifedipine (Procardia XL) to what class?

Calcium channel blocker (CCB).

What common side effects occur with dihydropyridine CCBs such as Amlodipine and Nifedipine?

Peripheral edema, headache, flushing, constipation and dizziness.

Metoprolol, Atenolol belongs to what class?

Beta blocker (BB).

belongs to what class?

Beta blocker (BB).

Propranolol belongs to what class?

Beta blocker (BB).

Carvedilol belongs to what class?

Beta blocker (BB).

What happens to heart rate with beta blockers?

Heart rate decreases.

What should be checked before administering a beta blocker?

Heart rate and blood pressure.

Why should beta blockers generally not be stopped suddenly?

Abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound tachycardia, hypertension, or angina.

Which beta blocker is nonselective and should be used cautiously in patients with asthma?

Propranolol.

What are common uses for Propranolol (BB)?

Hypertension, migraine prevention, essential tremor, performance anxiety, and symptom control in hyperthyroidism.

Which beta blockers are commonly associated with treatment of heart failure?

Metoprolol succinate, Carvedilol, and Bisoprolol.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) belongs to what class?

Thiazide diuretic.

What happens to potassium with HCTZ?

Potassium can become LOW.

What happens to sodium with HCTZ?

Sodium can become LOW.

What happens to uric acid with HCTZ?

Uric acid can become HIGH, increasing gout risk.

What happens to glucose with HCTZ?

Glucose can increase.

What happens to calcium with thiazide diuretics?

Calcium can increase because thiazides decrease urinary calcium loss.

What laboratory values should be monitored with HCTZ?

Electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium, plus kidney function.

What combination greatly increases the risk of hyperkalemia?

ACE inhibitor or ARB combined with a potassium-sparing medication such as Spironolactone.

What medications commonly cause HIGH potassium?

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and potassium-sparing diuretics such as Spironolactone.

What medications commonly cause LOW potassium?

Thiazide diuretics such as HCTZ and loop diuretics such as Furosemide.

What pregnancy-safe antihypertensives are commonly tested?

Labetalol, Nifedipine, and Methyldopa.

Which blood pressure medications should be avoided during pregnancy?

ACE inhibitors and ARBs.

Labetalol belongs to what medication class?

Alpha- and beta-blocker.

Which antihypertensive classes are commonly first-line for uncomplicated hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers.

A patient taking Amlodipine develops swollen ankles. What is the likely cause?

Peripheral edema from the calcium channel blocker.

A patient taking Propranolol develops wheezing. Why?

Propranolol is a nonselective beta blocker and can cause bronchoconstriction.

A patient taking Verapamil develops constipation. Is this a known adverse effect?

YES. Constipation is a classic Verapamil adverse effect.

What is the easiest way to remember ACE inhibitors?

PRIL = ACE. Lisinopril, Enalapril.

What is the easiest way to remember ARBs?

SARTAN = ARB. Losartan, Valsartan.

What is the easiest way to remember common dihydropyridine CCBs?

DIPINE = CCB. Amlodipine, Nifedipine.

What is the easiest way to remember many beta blockers?

OLOL = beta blocker. Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol.

What is the easiest potassium rule for antihypertensive medications?

ACE and ARB keep potassium HIGH. HCTZ and Lasix can make potassium LOW. Spironolactone SPARES potassium and can make it HIGH.