Class Common Names
Aldosterone Sprinolactone (Aldactone)
Antagonists Eplerenone (Inspra)
K sparing diuretic
Alpha-1 Blockers alpha Prazosin (minipress)
adrenergic agonists Terazosin (Hytrin)
Doxazosin (Cardura)
Angiotensin Converting Enalapril (Vasotec)
Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE) Ramipril (Altace)
Captopril (Capoten)
Lisinopril (Zestril/Prinivil)
Transolapril (Mavik)
Quinapril (Accupril)
Benazepril (Lotensin)
Angiotensin II Receptor Candesartan (Atacand)
Blockers/Antagonists Irbesartan (Avapro)
(ARBs) Losartan (Cozzar)
Valsartan (Diovan)
Beta Blockers Atenolol (Tenormin)
aka Beta Adrenergic Carvedilol (Coreg)
Blockers Labetalol (Normodyne)
Metroprolol (Lopressor or
Toprol)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sotalol (Betapace)
Calcium Channel Verapamil (Calan)
Blockers Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Vasodilators Felodipine (Plendil)
Nifedipine (Procardia,
Adalat)
Digoxin Digoxin
Not used much
Loop Diuretics Furosemide (Lasix)
(not K sparing) Torsemide (Denadex)
Nitrates Nitroglycerin (NTG), many Action: relaxation of
routes: Sub lingual, PO,
patch, IV
Thiazide Diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Action: blocks reabsorption
(not K sparing) 1st Line – CHEAPEST
Triglycerides
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors
- Ezetimibe (Zetia) “- statins”
Action/Use Uses Adverse Effects Nursing Implications
Action: Blocks action CHF Hyperkalemia, Monitor for hyperkalemia
of aldosterone, causing HTN Gynecomastia No grapefruit juice or St.
excretion of Na, Cl, and John’s Wort
water BUT hold onto K
Action: Blocks alpha-1 HTN NOT 1st line treatment!
vasoconstriction (reduce
peripheral resistence)
Action: Blocks conversion of HTN Cough, headache and Monitor BP, esp for
angiotensin I to angiotensin CHF angioedema (swelling of orthostasis
II, promoting vasodilation. CAD lips or mouth)
Action: Similar to ACE HTN Same as ACE, but no Same as ACE
resulting in vasodilation, CHF (If cough and less likely to
decreased blood volume ACE not cause angioedema
and prevention of ventricular tolerated)
remodeling.
Action: Blocks sympathetic CAD Severe bronchospasm Monitor: HR, BP, and heart
nervous system (fight/ CHF – do NOT give to rhythm, check for orthostasis,
flight): decreases HR, HTN asthma pt, bradycardia assess lung sounds
BP, contractility & oxygen (<60),depression/fatigue, Check for peripheral edema
demand of heart may mask signs of and wt gain, esp in HF
hypoglycemia in diabetic patients
patients Teach diabetic pt to closely
monitor glucose levels
Action: blocks initial calcium HTN Hypotension, Dizzy Check for orthostasis if pt is
influx into cardiac cells and CAD dizzy/light headed
vascular smooth muscle
cells. Slows conduction in
the atria and ventricles.
Vasodilates coronary
arteries
Action: Improves heart CHF Digoxin toxicity, esp if low toxic s/s non specific, antacids
contractility and slows AV K levels. affect absorption, kindey probs
conduction, decreases HR cause body to hold onto it,
increases workload of the
heart
Action: blocks reabsorption HTN Ototoxicity Hypotension, Monitor for electrolytes (esp
of Na, Cl and water CHF dehydrate, decreased K, K), ototoxicity
Mg, and Na Pt on Falls Precautions
Low K + digoxin = renal failure
CHF Headache (ok to treat w/
smooth muscle, significant Angina Tylenol)
vasodilation, some coronary (CAD) Hypotension, syncope
artery dilation
HTN Same as above, but NO Same as above
of Na, Cl and water CHF ototoxicity Encourage foods high in K
Low K + digoxin = renal failure
Omega 3 fatty acids Bile acid-binding resins
Fish Oil Cholestyramine (Questran)
Omacar Colestipol
Colesevelam (Welchol)