Pharmacology Quiz: Diuretics and Beta Blockers

Hydrochlorothiazide

• Thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension and edema
• Usual dosage: 12.5 mg to 25 mg once daily
• Contraindicated in patients with anuria
• Cautious use in patients with a history of thiazide diuretic sensitivity
• Potential side effects: electrolyte disturbances, hyponatremia, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal distress

Lopressor

• Generic name: Metoprolol
• Beta 1 selective blocker indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and heart failure
• Usual dosage: 50 to 100 mg, maximum daily dose of 450 mg
• Contraindicated in patients with greater than first-degree heart block
• Use caution in patients with cardiac abnormalities
• Potential side effects: bradycardia, dizziness

Motrin

• Generic Name: Ibuprofen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Used to manage mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis

Lopressor-HCT

• Combination drug containing Metoprolol (beta blocker) and Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretic)
• Indicated for hypertension
• Usual dosage: 50 to 100 mg of Metoprolol and 25 mg of Hydrochlorothiazide orally daily
• Contraindicated in patients with greater than first-degree heart block or anuria
• Use with caution in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities, peripheral vascular disease, or sensitivity to thiazide diuretics
• Potential side effects: bradycardia, dizziness, tiredness, electrolyte disturbances, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, photosensitivity

Caduet

• Combination drug containing Atorvastatin (HMG CoA reductase inhibitor) and Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker)
• Indicated for dyslipidemia and hypertension
• Usual starting dosage: 5 mg of Atorvastatin and 10 mg of Amlodipine, dosage can be increased to 10 mg of Atorvastatin and 80 mg of Amlodipine
• Use caution in patients with elevated transaminase enzyme levels
• Potential side effects: muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, hypotension

Norvasc

• Generic name: Amlodipine
• Calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension
• Usual dosage: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once daily
• Potential side effects: hypertension, lower extremity edema, headache

Relafen

• Generic name: Nabumetone
• NSAID indicated for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis
• Usual dosage: 500 mg to 1000 mg twice daily, maximum daily dose of 2000 mg
• Contraindicated in patients with NSAID hypersensitivity or gastrointestinal ulceration
• Potential side effects: fluid retention (1-3%), photosensitivity (<1%), gastrointestinal diarrhea (<10%)

Practice of Pharmacy

• Pharmacists interpret, evaluate, and dispense prescriptions

Potential Drug Related Problems

• Inaccurate prescriptions
• Drug-drug interactions
• Allergies
• Patient compliance issues