Pharmacology Antihypertensives Quiz

Antihypertensives

• Antihypertensives primarily target the renin-angiotensin system, a potent vasoconstrictor, to lower blood pressure.
• This system's vasoconstriction action elevates blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and peripheral vasodilators diminish heart rate and/or blood pressure.
• Antihypertensives are used for hypertension, hypertensive emergencies, and to diagnose pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal glands that causes high blood pressure).

Adverse Effects

• Peripheral Vasodilators: Hypotension, dizziness, angina, headache, hirsutism, nasal congestion, fatigue, sodium and water retention.
• Beta Blockers: Bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, dizziness, arrhythmias, decreased libido, impotence, constipation, diarrhea.
• Central Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Drowsiness, sedation, headache, dry mouth, hypotension, syncope, fluid retention, constipation.
• Peripheral Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Headache, fatigue, hypotension, lethargy, dyspepsia (heartburn), headache.
• Alpha Adrenergics: Headache, fatigue, hypotension, sexual dysfunction, lack of energy.
• ACE Inhibitors: Cough, nausea, hypotension, headache, fatigue.
• Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypotension, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, upper respiratory symptoms, cough.
• Hypertensive Emergency Drugs: Dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sodium and water retention, apprehensive feeling, headaches.

Drug Classes and Examples

• Beta Blockers: End in "olol" (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol)
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Examples include Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amlodipine
• Central Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Examples include Clonidine, Methyldopa
• Peripheral Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Examples include Guanabenz, Guanfacine
• Alpha Adrenergics: Examples include Prazosin, Terazosin, Doxazosin
• ACE Inhibitors: End in "pril" (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril)
• Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists: End in "sartan" (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan)
• Hypertensive Emergency Drugs: IV only, used in emergency rooms and CCUs (e.g., Nitroprusside, Nicardipine, Fenoldopam)

Administration and Monitoring

• Always check blood pressure before administering antihypertensives.
• Monitor for adverse effects and notify the doctor if necessary.
• Be aware of orthostatic hypotension and have the patient dangle their feet before getting out of bed.
• Do not stop taking antihypertensives abruptly.
• Teach patients to recognize the signs of heart failure (sudden weight gain, fluid retention, edema, shortness of breath).
• Encourage patients to follow up with a physician for regular blood pressure checks.

Important Considerations

• Aldomet (methyldopa) can turn urine brown.
• Regitine (phentolamine) is an alpha adrenergic blocker.
• Coreg (carvedilol) is a popular alpha-beta blocker.
• Many antihypertensives can cause sexual dysfunction and lack of energy.
• Over-the-counter preparations can interact with antihypertensives and increase blood pressure; check with a healthcare provider.

Antihypertensives

• Most antihypertensives target the renin-angiotensin system, which is a potent vasoconstrictor
• Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure
• Calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and peripheral vasodilators decrease heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Check pulse and blood pressure before and during administration of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
• All antihypertensives can lead to hypotension
• Antihypertensives are used to treat hypertension and hypertensive emergencies and to diagnose pheochromocytoma

Adverse Effects

• Peripheral Vasodilators: Hypotension, dizziness, angina, headache, hirsutism, nasal congestion, fatigue, sodium and water retention
• Beta Blockers: Bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, dizziness, arrhythmias, decreased libido, impotence, constipation, diarrhea
• Central Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Drowsiness, sedation, headache, dry mouth, hypotension, syncope, fluid retention, constipation
• Peripheral Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Headache, fatigue, hypotension, lethargy, dyspepsia, headache
• Alpha Adrenergics: Headache, fatigue, hypotension, sexual dysfunction, lack of energy
• ACE Inhibitors: Cough, nausea, hypotension, headache, fatigue
• Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypotension, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, upper respiratory symptoms, cough
• Hypertensive Emergency Drugs: Dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sodium and water retention, apprehensive feeling, headaches

Drug Classes and Examples

• Beta Blockers: Usually end in "olol" (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol)
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amlodipine
• Central Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Clonidine, Methyldopa
• Peripheral Acting Anti-Adrenergics: Guanabenz, Guanfacine
• Alpha Adrenergics: Prazosin, Terazosin, Doxazosin
• ACE Inhibitors: End in "pril" (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril)
• Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists: End in "sartan" (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan)
• Hypertensive Emergency Drugs: Administered intravenously (IV) only and used in emergency rooms and cardiac care units (CCUs) (e.g., Nitroprusside, Nicardipine, Fenoldopam)

Administration and Monitoring

• Check blood pressure before administering antihypertensives
• Monitor for adverse effects and notify the doctor if necessary
• Be aware of orthostatic hypotension and have the patient dangle their feet before getting out of bed
• Do not stop taking antihypertensives abruptly
• Teach patients to recognize signs of heart failure (sudden weight gain, fluid retention, edema, shortness of breath)
• Encourage patients to follow up with a physician for regular blood pressure checks

Important Considerations

• Aldomet (methyldopa) can turn urine brown
• Regitine (phentolamine) is an alpha adrenergic blocker
• Coreg (carvedilol) is a popular alpha-beta blocker
• Over-the-counter preparations can interact with antihypertensives and increase blood pressure, consult with a healthcare provider.

Test your knowledge on the various drug classes used in hypertension management. This quiz covers adverse effects, monitoring practices, and key information on antihypertensive medications. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals aiming to solidify their understanding of pharmacological treatments for hypertension.