Drug Classifications and Cardiovascular Medications

Flashcards about drug classifications, suffixes, examples, and actions.

Examples of ACE Inhibitors

captopril, lisinopril

Examples of Beta Blockers

atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol

Examples of Calcium Channel Blockers

amlodipine, nifedipine

Examples of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers

losartan, valsartan

Action of ACE Inhibitors

Reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, thus reducing the heart's workload.

Action of Beta Blockers

Reduce blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and reducing myocardial contractility; used for hypertension and chronic heart failure.

Action of Calcium Channel Blockers

Relax blood vessels, increasing blood supply and oxygen to the heart, reducing the heart's workload and lowering blood pressure.

Action of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers

Inhibit blood vessel constriction, helping blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure.

Examples of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

spironolactone, aldactone

Examples of Thiazide Diuretics

hydrochlorothiazide

Examples of Antilipidemics

atorvastatin, simvastatin

Examples of Thrombolytics

streptokinase, alteplase (tPA)

Action of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Increase the fluid excreted by the kidneys, while retaining potassium in the body. Reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema that results from CHF. They also lower blood pressure.

Action of Thiazide Diuretics

Increase fluid and potassium excreted by the kidneys. Reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema that results from CHF. They also lower blood pressure.

Action of Antilipidemics

Reduce LDL cholesterol and lower risks from cardiovascular disease.

Action of Thrombolytics

"Clot busters" that break down clots that lead to heart attacks or strokes, to restore blood flow to the obstructed area.

Suffix of ACE Inhibitors

-pril

Suffix of Beta Blockers

-lol

Suffix of Calcium Channel Blockers

-dipine

Suffix of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers

-sartan

Suffix of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

-actone

Suffix of Thiazide Diuretics

-thiazide

Suffix of Antilipidemics

-statin

Suffix of Thrombolytics

-ase