IP1 BP counceling meds

What is the brand name of amlodipine?

Norvasc

What class is amlodipine (Norvasc) and what is its role in HTN?

DHP calcium channel blocker; first-line for hypertension.

What is the starting and max dose of amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Start: 5 mg daily; Max: 10 mg daily.

How does amlodipine (Norvasc) lower blood pressure?

Relaxes blood vessels → easier blood flow → reduced BP.

What is a key side effect of amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Peripheral edema.

When should amlodipine (Norvasc) be avoided?

In patients with edema, sick sinus syndrome, or AV block.

What monitoring is needed after starting amlodipine (Norvasc)?

No labs; assess for edema, dizziness, flushing, nausea, hypotension at 4-week follow-up.

What if a patient develops peripheral edema on amlodipine (Norvasc)?

Reduce dose and consider adding ACEi or ARB.

How should amlodipine (Norvasc) be taken?

Same time daily, with or without food. Continue even if feeling better.

What if a dose of amlodipine (Norvasc) is missed?

Take ASAP unless >12 hours passed—then skip. Never double dose.

What is the brand name of carvedilol?

Coreg

What class is carvedilol (Coreg) and its role in HTN?

Non-selective beta-blocker; second-line for hypertension.

What is the starting and max dose of carvedilol (Coreg)?

Start: 6.25 mg BID; Max: 25 mg BID (50 mg/day).

How does carvedilol (Coreg) work?

Blocks fight-or-flight response → slower, gentler heartbeats → lower BP.

Common side effects of carvedilol (Coreg)?

Dizziness, weakness, headache, GI upset, weight gain, sexual dysfunction.

When should carvedilol (Coreg) be avoided?

In uncontrolled COPD/asthma or diabetics with hypoglycemia history.

What should be monitored with carvedilol (Coreg)?

Bradycardia (keep HR >60 BPM); beta-blocker blues (fatigue).

Why should carvedilol (Coreg) not be stopped abruptly?

Risk of rebound hypertension.

How should carvedilol (Coreg) be taken?

With food, same time daily, continue even if feeling better.

What if a dose of carvedilol (Coreg) is missed?

Take ASAP unless close to next dose—then skip. Never double dose.

What is the brand name of hydrochlorothiazide?

Microzide

What class is hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) and its role in HTN?

Thiazide diuretic; first-line for hypertension.

What is the starting and max dose of hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

Start: 12.5 mg daily; Max: 25 mg daily.

How does hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) lower BP?

Promotes diuresis → less fluid for heart to pump → lower BP.

Common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

Sun sensitivity, gout, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, GI upset.

When should hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) be avoided?

Sulfa allergy, CrCl <30 mL/min, history of gout.

What labs should be monitored with hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

BMP at 2 weeks: ↓Na, ↑Cr, ↓Ca.

How should hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) be taken?

Same time daily, avoid near bedtime to prevent nocturia.

What if a dose of hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) is missed?

Take ASAP unless close to next dose—then skip. Never double dose.

What are the brand names of lisinopril?

Prinivil and Zestril

What class is lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and its role in HTN?

ACE inhibitor; first-line, especially in CKD.

What is the starting and max dose of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)?

Start: 5 mg daily; Max: 40 mg daily.

How does lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) work?

Relaxes vessels → lowers BP and protects kidneys.

Common side effects of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)?

Dry cough, dizziness, headache.

When should lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) be avoided?

AKI, hyperkalemia (K >5.5), pregnancy.

What monitoring is needed with lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)?

BMP at 2 weeks: ↑Cr, ↑K. Watch for angioedema.

How should lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) be taken?

Same time daily, with or without food. Stay hydrated.

What if a dose of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) is missed?

Take ASAP unless close to next dose—then skip. Never double dose.

What is the brand name of valsartan?

Diovan

What class is valsartan (Diovan) and its role in HTN?

ARB; first-line, especially in CKD.

What is the starting and max dose of valsartan (Diovan)?

Start: 80 mg daily; Max: 320 mg daily.

How does valsartan (Diovan) work?

Relaxes vessels → lowers BP and protects kidneys.

Common side effects of valsartan (Diovan)?

Angioedema, dizziness, fatigue, GI upset, headache.

When should valsartan (Diovan) be avoided?

AKI, hyperkalemia (K >5.5), pregnancy.

What monitoring is needed with valsartan (Diovan)?

BMP at 2 weeks: ↑Cr, ↑K. Watch for angioedema.

How should valsartan (Diovan) be taken?

Same time daily, with or without food. Stay hydrated.

What if a dose of valsartan (Diovan) is missed?

Take ASAP unless close to next dose—then skip. Never double dose.