NUR 2474 Module 5 Notes
Module 05 - Cardiovascular and Renal Medications
Cardiovascular Drugs/Drug Classes:
1. Positive Inotropic drugs
o Digoxin (Glycoside) & Dopamine (Sympathomimetic)
- These strengthen the force of the heartbeat.
2. Antiarrhythmic drugs
o Amiodarone & Adenosine
- Used to treat abnormal rhythms of the heart, such as atrial
fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular
fibrillation.
- Blocks the membrane sodium, potassium, and calcium channels
3. Antianginal drugs
o Nitroglycerin (Nitrates)
- These relax smooth muscle within the blood vessels, widening
them and making it easier for blood and oxygen to reach the heart
o Nifedipine & Verapamil (Calcium blockers)
- These prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the
heart and relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels, which
reduces heart rate and lower blood pressure.
o Propranolol & Metoprolol (Beta blockers)
- These reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's
output of blood, which lowers blood pressure by slowing the
heart.
4. Antihypertensive drugs
o Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone, & Triamterene (Diuretics)
- These help the body get rid of excess sodium (salt) and water and
help control blood pressure
o Propranolol & Metoprolol (Beta-blockers)
- These reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's
output of blood, which lowers blood pressure by slowing the
heart.
o Captopril (ACE inhibitors)
- These help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the
blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood
pressure.
o Losartan (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
- These block the angiotensin receptors so the angiotensin fails to
constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open
and blood pressure is reduced.
o Nifedipine & Verapamil (Calcium channel blockers)
- These prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the
heart and relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels, which
reduces heart rate and lower blood pressure.
, 5. Diuretics
o Furosemide (Loop), Hydrochlorothiazide (Thiazide), Spironolactone
& Triamterene (Potassium-Sparing)
Module 05 - Cardiovascular and Renal Medications
Cardiovascular Drugs/Drug Classes:
1. Positive Inotropic drugs
o Digoxin (Glycoside) & Dopamine (Sympathomimetic)
- These strengthen the force of the heartbeat.
2. Antiarrhythmic drugs
o Amiodarone & Adenosine
- Used to treat abnormal rhythms of the heart, such as atrial
fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular
fibrillation.
- Blocks the membrane sodium, potassium, and calcium channels
3. Antianginal drugs
o Nitroglycerin (Nitrates)
- These relax smooth muscle within the blood vessels, widening
them and making it easier for blood and oxygen to reach the heart
o Nifedipine & Verapamil (Calcium blockers)
- These prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the
heart and relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels, which
reduces heart rate and lower blood pressure.
o Propranolol & Metoprolol (Beta blockers)
- These reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's
output of blood, which lowers blood pressure by slowing the
heart.
4. Antihypertensive drugs
o Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone, & Triamterene (Diuretics)
- These help the body get rid of excess sodium (salt) and water and
help control blood pressure
o Propranolol & Metoprolol (Beta-blockers)
- These reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's
output of blood, which lowers blood pressure by slowing the
heart.
o Captopril (ACE inhibitors)
- These help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the
blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood
pressure.
o Losartan (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
- These block the angiotensin receptors so the angiotensin fails to
constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open
and blood pressure is reduced.
o Nifedipine & Verapamil (Calcium channel blockers)
- These prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the
heart and relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels, which
reduces heart rate and lower blood pressure.
, 5. Diuretics
o Furosemide (Loop), Hydrochlorothiazide (Thiazide), Spironolactone
& Triamterene (Potassium-Sparing)
