Cardiac Drugs Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering various cardiac drug classes, including their effects, monitoring requirements, and potential side effects.

Spironolactone

A potassium-sparing diuretic that may cause hyperkalemia and gynecomastia; patients should avoid salt substitutes and monitor potassium levels.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside that increases contractility and decreases heart rate; the apical pulse must be checked for 1 minute and the dose held if $HR < 60$.

Digoxin Toxicity

Signs include nausea, vomiting, and visual halos; the risk of toxicity is increased by hypokalemia.

Milrinone

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases contractility but may cause arrhythmias and hypotension; requires monitoring of ECG and BP.

Clopidogrel

An antiplatelet drug that prevents platelet aggregation; it carries a bleeding risk and should be stopped $5-7$ days before surgery.

Enoxaparin

An injectable anticoagulant that inhibits Factor Xa and is administered via subcutaneous injection; requires monitoring of platelets.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant that requires monitoring INR ($2-3$) and consistent vitamin K intake; vitamin K is the antidote.

Dabigatran

A direct thrombin inhibitor characterized by bleeding risk and GI upset; do not crush this medication and keep it in its original container.

Atorvastatin

A statin that lowers cholesterol and can cause myopathy and hepatotoxicity; monitor liver function tests and avoid grapefruit juice.

Evolocumab

A PCSK9 inhibitor used for resistant hyperlipidemia that lowers LDL cholesterol; administered via subcutaneous injection and may cause injection-site reactions.