Medications Affecting Blood Pressure Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering pharmacology details, side effects, and nursing considerations for twelve major blood pressure medications.

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)

A thiazide diuretic prototype and first-line hypertension drug that blocks sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule to lower blood volume.

Hypokalemia

A condition where potassium levels fall below $3.5$ (standard range $3.5-5.3$), often presenting as leg cramps, muscle spasms, and dysrhythmias.

Captopril (Capoten)

An ACE inhibitor that blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation; common side effects include a dry persistent cough and hyperkalemia.

Angioedema

A serious adverse reaction involving swelling of the lips, tongue, or airway, which is an emergency associated with ACE inhibitors like captopril.

Losartan (Cozaar)

An Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks AT1 receptors in blood vessels and adrenal glands, used for hypertension with less risk of cough than ACE inhibitors.

Aliskiren (Tekturna)

A direct renin inhibitor that acts at the start of the RAAS pathway to prevent the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I; common side effects include diarrhea.

Nifedipine (Procardia XL)

A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that relaxes arterial smooth muscle to reduce afterload; notable for causing flushing, peripheral edema, and reflex tachycardia.

Gingival overgrowth

A potential side effect of calcium channel blockers requiring diligent oral care to manage gum tissue enlargement.

Verapamil (Calan / Verelan)

A non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and Class IV antiarrhythmic that slows SA/AV nodes and contractility; frequently causes constipation.

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

A non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and Class IV antiarrhythmic used for AFib rate control by slowing AV-node conduction and relaxing arteries.

Metoprolol (Lopressor / Toprol XL)

A cardioselective beta-1 blocker that reduces heart rate and renin release; it can mask tachycardia, an important sign of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

Propranolol (Inderal)

A nonselective beta-1 and beta-2 blocker and Class II antiarrhythmic used for hypertension and migraine prevention; contraindicated in asthma due to the risk of bronchospasm.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing that causes lightheadedness; a common side effect of drugs like propranolol and carvedilol.

Carvedilol (Coreg)

A combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker that slows the heart and dilates vessels, used for chronic heart failure and hypertension.

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

A rapid-acting IV arterial and venous vasodilator for hypertensive emergencies that requires continuous BP monitoring and protection from light.

Cyanide toxicity

A dangerous adverse reaction to sodium nitroprusside characterized by metabolic acidosis, altered mental status, and cardiovascular collapse.

Thiocyanate toxicity

A complication of prolonged high-dose sodium nitroprusside use, especially in renal impairment, causing tinnitus, confusion, and hyperreflexia.

Eplerenone (Inspra)

A selective aldosterone antagonist and potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks mineralocorticoid receptors with fewer endocrine side effects than spironolactone.