Top 300 Medications: Antihypertensives, Cholesterol Lowering, and Diuretics

Vocabulary flashcards covering first-line antihypertensives, cholesterol-lowering medications, and diuretics based on the lecture series.

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

A representative Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) indicated for hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It competitively inhibits ACE, preventing stimulation of angiotensin II receptors, and carries a Black Box Warning for pregnancy.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) Examples

A class of antihypertensives sharing the suffix '-pril', including Enalapril, Ramipril, Quinapril, Benazepril, and Fosinopril.

Valsartan (Diovan)

A representative Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) indicated for hypertension, MI, and HFrEF. It functions as a selective, reversible competitive antagonist of angiotensin II receptors and carries a Black Box Warning for pregnancy.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) Examples

A class of antihypertensives sharing the suffix '-sartan', including Irbesartan, Losartan, Candesartan, Olmesartan, and Telmisartan.

AAPHD Mnemonic

A mnemonic for ACEI and ARB adverse effects and warnings standing for Angioedema, Acute Kidney Injury, Pregnancy (avoid), Hyperkalemia, and Dizziness ('ACEI's and ARB's are Pretty Helpful Drugs').

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

A representative Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker (DHP CCB) indicated for hypertension and angina that inhibits calcium ions from entering slow channels of vascular smooth muscle during depolarization, leading to vasodilation.

DHP CCB Examples

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers sharing the suffix '-ipine', including Nifedipine and Felodipine.

Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt-XR, Taztia XT, Tiazac)

A representative Non-Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker (Non-DHP CCB) indicated for hypertension, angina, and atrial arrhythmia that inhibits calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and myocardium, slowing AV node automaticity.

DHP vs. Non-DHP CCB Comparison

DHP CCBs specifically target vascular smooth muscle ('D' for dilation), whereas Non-DHP CCBs non-specifically affect both vasculature and myocardium ('N-D' for Node and Dilation).

Chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)

A representative thiazide diuretic indicated as a first-line antihypertensive that increases sodium, chloride, and water excretion by blocking reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of the nephron.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

A representative HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated for hyperlipidemia, ASCVD prevention, and familial hypercholesterolemia that competitively inhibits conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate.

HMG-CA / HMGA Mnemonic

A mnemonic for statin side effects and warnings standing for Hepatotoxicity, Myopathy, GI side effects (diarrhea), CPK increase, and Avoid in breastfeeding.

Ezetimibe (Zetia)

A cholesterol absorption inhibitor indicated for hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia that inhibits cholesterol absorption at the brush border of the small intestine via Niemann-Pick C1-Like1 (NPC1L1).

Colesevelam (Welchol)

A bile acid sequestrant indicated for hyperlipidemia that binds intestinal bile acids into an insoluble complex eliminated in feces. Contraindicated in history of bowel obstruction, triglycerides $> 500\,mg/dL$, or hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis.

Fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide)

A fibric acid derivative indicated for hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor $\alpha$ ($PPAR\alpha$) to increase lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles.

Niacin (Niaspan)

An antilipemic medication indicated for hyperlipidemia that reduces hepatic synthesis of VLDL and LDL. Common side effects include flushing and headache, which can be reduced by food, avoiding alcohol/spicy foods, or pre-treating with aspirin $30\,minutes$ prior.

Omega-3-Ethyl-Esters (Lovaza)

An omega-3 fatty acid medication indicated for hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia that reduces hepatic production of triglyceride-rich VLDL. Common ADRs include diarrhea, 'fishy' breath, burping, and taste changes.

Furosemide (Lasix)

A representative loop diuretic indicated for edema due to heart failure and hypertension. It inhibits sodium reabsorption by competing for the chloride site on the $Na^+-K^+-2Cl^-$ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop.

Spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)

A representative Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) or aldosterone antagonist indicated for heart failure and hypertension that competes with aldosterone in distal renal tubules to promote sodium/water excretion while conserving potassium and hydrogen ions.

Triamterene / Hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide)

A combination potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretic indicated for hypertension. Triamterene acts directly on sodium exchange in distal tubules, while HCTZ blocks sodium and chloride reabsorption in the DCT.

Tolvaptan (Samsca)

A vasopressin (ADH) antagonist indicated for hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia that increases free water clearance. It carries a Black Box Warning against rapid serum sodium correction ($> 12\,mEq/24\,h$) due to risk of osmotic demyelination syndrome.