Cardiovascular Agents Flashcards

Question

# What is the common brand name(s) for: esmolol | (EZ-moe-lol)

Answer 1

Brevibloc | Class: Beta -1 Selective Adrenergic Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Tachyarrhythmias (rate control); ventricular arrhythmias; intraoperative and postoperative hypertension/tachycardia; hypertensive emergency (off-label) **MOA:** A competitive, cardioselective beta-1 receptor antagonist counteracting the effect of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, reducing inotropic and chronotropic activity of the heart **Side effects:** hypotension; dizziness; bradycardia; atrioventricular heart block; arrhythmias; bronchospasm; skin reactions; peripheral edema; GI effects; fatigue; abnormal dreams; fluid overload; hyperkalemia **Contraindications:** Cardiogenic shock; decompensated heart failure; hypotension; severe bradycardia; heart block; pheochromocytoma; pulmonary hypertension; close proximity IV administration of calcium channel blockers **Considerations:** * Injection only * Avoid in patients with Prinzmetal variant angina * Beta blockers can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia * Titrate to heart rate effect * Caution with higher doses due to fluid overload risk * Caution in renal impairment

Answer 2

Zetia | Class: Cholesterol absorption inhibitor ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypercholesterolemia (familial); homozygous sitosterolemia; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (primary or secondary prevention) **MOA:** Inhibits absorption of biliary and dietary cholesterol by acting on proteins in intestinal brush border cells **Side effects:** nausea; diarrhea; fatigue; elevated LFTs; pancreatitis; myalgia; myositis; rhabdomyolysis; erythema multiforme; angioedema **Contraindications:** Hypersensitivity to drug or components **Considerations:** * Monitor for myalgias to assess rhabdomyolysis risk * Use with diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Answer 3

Plendil | Class: Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension **MOA:** Modulates calcium influx into cells by binding to L-type calcium channels, reducing blood pressure through vasodilation and decreased cardiac contractility **Side effects:** hypotension; dizziness; syncope; peripheral edema; constipation; tachycardia; skin reactions **Contraindications:** Hypersensitivity to drug or components **Considerations:** * Relative contraindication in heart failure as outcomes may worsen * Caution with use of strong CYP 3A4 inhibitors and inducers

Answer 4

Tricor | Class: Fibric acid derivatives ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertriglyceridemia **MOA:** Reduces serum LDL-C and VLDL levels by increasing expression of hepatic LDL receptors and affinity via activation of PPAR-alpha; also inhibits lipolysis and decreases hepatic fatty acid uptake **Side effects:** GI side effects; blood cell deficiency; hypersensitivity reactions; skin reactions; myopathy; rhabdomyolysis; elevated LFTs; pancreatitis; VTE/PE; increased cholelithiasis risk **Contraindications:** Severe hepatic or renal impairment; primary biliary cirrhosis; gallbladder disease; breastfeeding **Considerations:** * Monitor for myalgias to assess rhabdomyolysis risk * Use with diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels * Stop if cholelithiasis occurs

Answer 5

Monopril | Class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; heart failure **MOA:** Inhibits conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure and counteracting adverse effects of angiotensin on cardiac remodeling **Side effects:** dry cough; hyperkalemia; hypotension; renal dysfunction; fatigue; headache **Contraindications:** Angioedema; use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Caution in pregnancy * Better tolerated in renal impairment due to dual renal and hepatic elimination * Monitor for symptomatic hypotension

Answer 6

Arixtra | Class: Anticoagulant; Factor Xa Inhibitor ## Footnote **Indication:** VTE/DVT treatment; pulmonary embolism treatment; VTE prophylaxis in surgical patients **MOA:** Synthetic pentasaccharide that inhibits factor X through an antithrombin III mediated selective inhibition **Side effects:** bleeding; hypotension; confusion; hypokalemia; thrombocytopenia; elevated LFTs **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding; weight < 50 kg; severe renal impairment; bacterial endocarditis; thrombocytopenia **Considerations:** * Caution in patients >75 years old due to prolonged elimination

Answer 7

Lasix | Class: Loop diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Edema/volume overload states; adjunct for hypertension **MOA:** Inhibits Na+/K+/2Cl⁻ cotransporters along the ascending loop of Henle, inducing large volume diuresis and reducing blood pressure **Side effects:** hypokalemia; hypocalcemia; hypomagnesemia; hyponatremia; hyperuricemia; hyperglycemia; hyperlipidemia; ototoxicity; blood cell dyscrasias; skin reactions; renal failure; hypersensitivity reactions **Contraindications:** Anuria **Considerations:** * Monitor urine output and electrolytes * Tinnitus is the first indication of ototoxicity * Caution in pediatric patients <4 years old

Answer 8

Lopid | Class: Fibric acid derivatives ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertriglyceridemia **MOA:** Reduces serum LDL-C and VLDL levels by increasing expression of hepatic LDL receptors and affinity via activation of PPAR-alpha; also inhibits lipolysis and decreases hepatic fatty acid uptake **Side effects:** GI side effects; blood cell deficiency; hypersensitivity reactions; skin reactions; myopathy; rhabdomyolysis; elevated LFTs; pancreatitis; VTE/PE; increased cholelithiasis risk **Contraindications:** Severe hepatic or renal impairment; primary biliary cirrhosis; preexisting gallbladder disease; use with specific drugs **Considerations:** * Monitor for myalgias to assess rhabdomyolysis risk * Use with diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels * Stop if cholelithiasis occurs * Caution in hepatic or renal impairment * Separate cholestyramine and colestipol by two hours * Avoid concurrent use with specific drugs

Answer 9

BD Heparin PosiFlush | Class: Anticoagulant ## Footnote **Indication:** Prophylaxis and/or treatment of thromboembolic disorders **MOA:** Inactivates clotting factors by potentiating antithrombin III activity, inhibiting thrombin and factor X **Side effects:** bleeding; hyperkalemia; thrombocytopenia; increased osteoporosis risk; heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding; severe thrombocytopenia **Considerations:** * Monitor PTT levels * Can be reversed with protamine sulfate * Risk of bleeding increased by salicylate

Answer 10

Apresoline | Class: Antihypertensives; Vasodilator ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; hypertension in pregnancy; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (off-label) **MOA:** Relaxes arterial smooth muscle through direct vasodilation of arterioles, decreasing afterload and systemic blood pressure **Side effects:** orthostatic hypotension; dizziness/syncope; tachycardia; skin reactions; GI effects; anginal/chest pain; flushing; drug-induced lupus-like syndrome; peripheral neuritis; fluid retention **Contraindications:** Coronary artery disease; mitral valve rheumatic heart disease **Considerations:** * Prolonged use associated with lupus-like syndrome * Often used with nitrates in heart failure * Advise patients to rise slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension

Answer 11

Inzirqo | Class: Thiazide diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; edema **MOA:** Increases sodium and water excretion, initially decreasing blood volume and cardiac output. Long-term use decreases peripheral vascular resistance. **Side effects:** hypokalemia; hypercalcemia; hypochloremic alkalosis; hyperuricemia; pancreatitis; hyperlipidemia **Contraindications:** Anuria **Considerations:** * Can help reduce renal stone formation * Close monitoring for electrolyte and fluid volume changes is important * Increases serum levels of lithium * Effectiveness decreased by NSAIDs, increased by ACE inhibitors * Not effective in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min

Answer 12

Avapro | Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; diabetic nephropathy **MOA:** Blocks angiotensin II receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion **Side effects:** hyperkalemia; dizziness; renal insufficiency **Contraindications:** Use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Less effective in Afro-Caribbean patients * Caution in elderly and those with renal or hepatic issues * Advise contraceptive use for women of childbearing age

Answer 13

Isordil | Class: Nitrates; Vasodilator; Antihypertensive ## Footnote **Indication:** Angina pectoris prevention **MOA:** Releases nitric oxide, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac preload **Side effects:** severe headache; hypotension; dizziness; nausea **Contraindications:** Use with PDE-5 inhibitors or guanylate cyclase stimulators **Considerations:** * Tolerance can develop; consider drug holiday * Educate on avoiding PDE5 inhibitors

Answer 14

Imdur | Class: Nitrates; Vasodilator; Antihypertensive ## Footnote **Indication:** Angina pectoris prevention **MOA:** Releases nitric oxide, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac preload **Side effects:** severe headache; hypotension; dizziness; nausea **Contraindications:** Use with PDE-5 inhibitors or guanylate cyclase stimulators **Considerations:** * Tolerance can develop; consider drug holiday * Educate on avoiding PDE5 inhibitors

Answer 15

Trandate | Class: Non-selective beta blocker and alpha-1 blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; hypertension in pregnancy (off-label) **MOA:** Blocks beta and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and vascular resistance **Side effects:** hypotension; dizziness; bradycardia; bronchospasm **Contraindications:** Cardiogenic shock; asthma; severe bradycardia **Considerations:** * Avoid in Prinzmetal angina * Masks hypoglycemia symptoms * Do not stop abruptly

Answer 16

Prinivil | Class: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; heart failure; chronic kidney disease; myocardial infarction **MOA:** Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II production, lowering blood pressure **Side effects:** dry cough; hyperkalemia; dizziness; renal insufficiency **Contraindications:** History of angioedema; use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Monitor electrolytes * Switch to ARB if cough occurs * Zestoretic is a combination with hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 17

Cozaar | Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; diabetic kidney disease **MOA:** Blocks angiotensin II receptor, reducing blood pressure by decreasing preload **Side effects:** hyperkalemia; dizziness; renal insufficiency **Contraindications:** Use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Regularly assess BP, renal function, and potassium levels * Less effective in Afro-Caribbean patients * Hyzaar is a combination with hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 18

Mevacor | Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypercholesterolemia; prevention of cardiovascular events **MOA:** Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing LDL cholesterol **Side effects:** GI distress; elevated LFTs; myalgia; rhabdomyolysis **Contraindications:** Active liver disease; pregnancy; lactation **Considerations:** * Statins most effective at night * Combine with diet therapy * Decreases LDL by 20%-60%

Answer 19

Aldomet | Class: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension **MOA:** Metabolized to activate alpha-2 receptors, reducing sympathetic outflow **Side effects:** Bradycardia; orthostatic hypotension; Coombs positive hemolytic anemia **Contraindications:** Active liver disease; MAOI use **Considerations:** * Monitor for edema and hepatotoxicity * Primarily used for hypertension in pregnancy

Answer 20

Zaroxolyn | Class: Thiazide-like diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; edema **MOA:** Inhibits sodium reabsorption in distal tubules, increasing diuresis **Side effects:** Hypokalemia; hyponatremia; dehydration **Contraindications:** Anuria; hepatic coma **Considerations:** * Often combined with loop diuretics * Start with low dose and titrate

Answer 21

Lopressor | Class: Beta -1 Selective Adrenergic Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; angina; myocardial infarction; heart failure; migraine prophylaxis **MOA:** Beta-1 selective blocker reducing heart rate and oxygen demand **Side effects:** Hypotension; dizziness; bradycardia; bronchospasm **Contraindications:** Asthma; cardiogenic shock; heart block **Considerations:** * Avoid in Prinzmetal angina * Masks hypoglycemia symptoms * Do not stop abruptly

Answer 22

Bystolic | Class: Beta -1 Selective Adrenergic Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension **MOA:** Highly selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist with nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation, reducing heart activity and lowering blood pressure **Side effects:** Hypotension; dizziness; bradycardia; fatigue; GI effects; skin reactions **Contraindications:** Cardiogenic shock; decompensated heart failure; severe bradycardia; severe hepatic impairment **Considerations:** * Avoid in patients with Prinzmetal angina * Can mask hypoglycemia symptoms * Do not stop abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Answer 23

Niaspan | Class: Water soluble vitamin and lipid-modifying agent ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertriglyceridemia; increase HDL-C levels **MOA:** Inhibits formation and secretion of hepatic VLDL, reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL-C levels **Side effects:** Flushing; GI distress; elevated LFTs; hypotension; myalgia **Contraindications:** Active peptic ulcer disease; active hepatic disease; arterial hemorrhage **Considerations:** * Not first-line for elevated triglycerides * Avoid concurrent alcohol use * Caution with fibrates or statins due to myopathy risk * Caution in pregnancy

Answer 24

Procardia | Class: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; prophylaxis of angina pectoris **MOA:** Inhibits calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac workload **Side effects:** dizziness; headache; flushing; reflex tachycardia; constipation **Contraindications:** Cardiogenic shock; Use with strong CYP3A4 inducers **Considerations:** * Extended-release form preferred for chronic management * Caution with beta-blockers * Can cause hypotension/syncope

Answer 25

Nitrostat | Class: Antianginal; Vasodilator ## Footnote **Indication:** Angina; acute heart failure; hypertension; esophageal spastic disorders **MOA:** Converts to nitric oxide, causing vascular smooth muscle relaxation and reduced cardiac preload **Side effects:** headache; hypotension; syncope; peripheral edema; nausea **Contraindications:** Use with PDE-5 inhibitors; elevated ICP; pericardial tamponade **Considerations:** * Tolerance may occur with long-term use * Light sensitive; avoid UV exposure * Avoid use with PDE5 inhibitors

Answer 26

Benicar | Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension **MOA:** An angiotensin receptor 1 blocker that prevents the effects of angiotensin II, leading to decreased preload and reduced blood pressure. **Side effects:** hyperkalemia; orthostatic hypotension; dizziness; renal insufficiency; rare angioedema **Contraindications:** Use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Afro-Caribbean patients may have reduced efficacy * ARBs are fetotoxic

Answer 27

Lovaza | Class: Polyunsaturated fatty acids ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertriglyceridemia **MOA:** Modulates inflammatory pathways, reducing systemic inflammation. **Side effects:** fishy aftertaste; belching; nausea; diarrhea; bleeding risk at higher doses **Contraindications:** Hypersensitivity to fish or shellfish **Considerations:** * Take with meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects

Answer 28

Effient | Class: Antiplatelet, P2Y12 Antagonist ## Footnote **Indication:** Prevention of thrombosis and MI in ACS patients undergoing angioplasty. **MOA:** Irreversibly blocks ADP P2Y12 receptors, inhibiting platelet aggregation and prolonging bleeding time. **Side effects:** bleeding; easy bruising; abdominal pain; rare thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding; prior TIA or stroke **Considerations:** * CYP2C19 poor metabolizers may have reduced effect

Answer 29

Pravachol | Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypercholesterolemia; prevention of cardiovascular events; hyperlipidemia **MOA:** Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and increasing hepatic LDL uptake. **Side effects:** GI distress; elevated LFTs; myalgia; rare rhabdomyolysis **Contraindications:** Active liver disease; pregnancy; lactation **Considerations:** * Statins should be given at night * Combine with lipid-lowering diet * Monitor LDL-C reduction and HDL-C increase

Answer 30

Inderal | Class: Antihypertensive; Beta Adrenergic Blocker Nonselective ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; thyrotoxicosis; migraine prophylaxis; arrhythmias **MOA:** Non-selectively blocks beta receptors, possibly affecting migraines by reducing platelet aggregation. **Side effects:** abdominal discomfort; bradycardia; rare syncope **Contraindications:** Asthma; heart block; severe bradycardia **Considerations:** * Can mask hypoglycemia symptoms * Caution in myasthenia gravis * Monitor for bradycardia

Answer 31

Accupril | Class: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction **MOA:** Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II and leading to lower blood pressure. **Side effects:** dry cough; hyperkalemia; rare angioedema **Contraindications:** Angioedema with previous ACE inhibitor; use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Monitor electrolytes * Switch to ARB if dry cough occurs

Answer 32

Altace | Class: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; heart failure; post-MI **MOA:** Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II and lowering blood pressure. **Side effects:** dry cough; hyperkalemia; rare angioedema **Contraindications:** History of angioedema; Use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * Monitor electrolytes * Switch to ARB if dry cough occurs

Answer 33

Ranexa | Class: Antianginal; Vasodilator ## Footnote **Indication:** Chronic stable angina; off-label for ventricular tachycardia **MOA:** Blocks late inward sodium current, reducing diastolic wall tension and oxygen consumption. **Side effects:** dizziness; headache; QT prolongation **Contraindications:** Use with strong CYP3A inhibitors; Hepatic cirrhosis **Considerations:** * Not for acute anginal attacks * Caution in liver impairment

Answer 34

Xarelto | Class: Anticoagulant; Factor Xa Inhibitor ## Footnote **Indication:** Atrial fibrillation; venous thromboembolism; VTE prophylaxis **MOA:** Inhibits factor Xa, preventing clot formation. **Side effects:** bleeding; elevated LFTs; rare agranulocytosis **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding **Considerations:** * Caution in patients with BMI >40 or >120 kg

Answer 35

Crestor | Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypercholesterolemia; prevention of cardiovascular events; hyperlipidemia **MOA:** Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and increasing hepatic LDL uptake. **Side effects:** GI distress; elevated LFTs; myalgia; rare rhabdomyolysis **Contraindications:** Active liver disease **Considerations:** * Most effective at lowering triglycerides * Caution in pregnancy and lactation

Answer 36

Entresto Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker | Class: Neprilysin Inhibitor, ## Footnote **Indication:** Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction **MOA:** Sacubitril inhibits neprilysin, valsartan antagonizes angiotensin II receptors. **Side effects:** anemia; hypotension; hyperkalemia **Contraindications:** History of angioedema with ACE inhibitors; Use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * 36-hour washout required when switching from ACE inhibitor * Monitor for hypotension

Answer 37

Zocor | Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypercholesterolemia; prevention of cardiovascular events; hyperlipidemia **MOA:** Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and increasing hepatic LDL uptake. **Side effects:** GI distress; elevated LFTs; myalgia; rare rhabdomyolysis **Contraindications:** Active liver disease; use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors **Considerations:** * Metabolized by CYP3A4 * Monitor for drug interactions

Answer 38

Aldactone | Class: Potassium Sparing Diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Ascites due to cirrhosis; heart failure; hypertension; primary hyperaldosteronism; female hirsutism (off-label); hormone therapy for transgender females (male to female - off-label) **MOA:** Competitive inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidney **Side effects:** hyperkalemia; cardiac arrhythmias; menstrual abnormalities; amenorrhea; gynecomastia (in males); sedation; headache; GI disturbances; hepatotoxicity; skin rashes **Contraindications:** hyperkalemia; use with eplerenone **Considerations:** * Monitor potassium levels before and during administration * Educate patient not to use potassium-containing salt substitutes (hyperkalemia risk)

Answer 39

Brilinta | Class: Antiplatelet, P2Y12 Antagonist ## Footnote **Indication:** Adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reduce risk of thrombotic events; acute coronary syndrome; coronary artery disease (stable); minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack **MOA:** Directly inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 receptors, preventing ADP-induced platelet aggregation by inhibiting expression of GP IIb/IIIa receptors for fibrinogen, reversible **Side effects:** bleeding; dyspnea (common with ticagrelor); nausea; syncope; increased serum creatinine **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding; History of intracranial hemorrhage **Considerations:** * Ticagrelor commonly causes unexplained shortness of breath in some patients which requires discontinuation * Caution in renal impairment * Other P2Y12 inhibitors as well as NSAIDs, SSRIs may increase risk of bleeding

Answer 40

Hytrin | Class: Alpha-1 Adrenergic receptor blockers ## Footnote **Indication:** Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); hypertension (adjunct); ureteral calculi (off-label) **MOA:** Selectively inhibit the postsynaptic alpha-1 receptors on smooth muscle, reducing peripheral resistance and decreasing blood pressure; relaxes prostate smooth muscle to promote urinary flow **Side effects:** reflex activation of SNS; orthostatic hypotension; “first dose” syncope; priapism (rare); impotence; dizziness; myasthenia; drowsiness; fluid retention **Contraindications:** Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components **Considerations:** * Hypotensive effect increased by beta-blockers and potassium supplements * Caution with history of micturition syncope and postural hypotension

Answer 41

Demadex | Class: Loop diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Edema or volume overload; hypertension **MOA:** Inhibits Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporters in the ascending loop of Henle, causing large volume diuresis and reduction in blood pressure; causes vasodilation of capacitance veins **Side effects:** hypokalemia; hypocalcemia; hypomagnesemia; hyponatremia; hyperuricemia; hyperglycemia; hyperlipidemia; ototoxicity; blood cell dyscrasias; skin reactions; renal failure; hypersensitivity reactions **Contraindications:** Anuria; hepatic coma **Considerations:** * Close monitoring of urine output and electrolytes * Tinnitus is the first indication for ototoxicity * More consistent and higher oral bioavailability than furosemide

Answer 42

Maxzide | Class: Thiazide diuretic; potassium sparing diuretic ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; edema **MOA:** Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the early distal convoluted tubule; triamterene inhibits sodium reabsorption in the collecting ducts **Side effects:** electrolyte imbalances; dizziness; hypotension; dehydration; hyperuricemia; nausea; vomiting **Contraindications:** Anuria; acute and chronic renal insufficiency; receiving potassium-sparing diuretics; hyperkalemia **Considerations:** * Patients with adrenal insufficiency are at increased risk for electrolyte imbalances * Not recommended in patients with anuria or severe renal dysfunction * Counsel on maintaining adequate fluid intake

Answer 43

Diovan | Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; myocardial infarction **MOA:** Angiotensin receptor 1 blocker, preventing the effects of angiotensin II, leading to decreased preload and blood pressure **Side effects:** hyperkalemia; orthostatic hypotension; renal insufficiency; neutropenia (rare); angioedema (rare) **Contraindications:** use with aliskiren **Considerations:** * NSAIDs may reduce valsartan’s antihypertensive effect * Caution is advised when used with NSAIDs

Answer 44

Calan | Class: Non-dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker ## Footnote **Indication:** Hypertension; cardiac arrhythmias; management of angina pectoris **MOA:** Significant effect on cardiac tissue, reducing heart rate and cardiac output **Side effects:** AV block; bradycardia; constipation; edema; gingival hyperplasia; headache; elevated LFTs **Contraindications:** Acute MI; hypotension; sick sinus syndrome; AV block without pacemaker; ventricular tachycardia **Considerations:** * More cardioselective than diltiazem * Monitor for dose-dependent hypotension * Not recommended in acute heart failure

Answer 45

Coumadin | Class: Anticoagulant; Vitamin K Antagonist ## Footnote **Indication:** Risk reduction of systemic embolism after MI; prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders **MOA:** Inhibits the VKOR complex, inhibiting synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors and proteins C and S **Side effects:** bleeding; systemic cholesterol micro-embolism; vasculitis; skin necrosis; renal failure; calciphylaxis **Contraindications:** Active pathological bleeding; inability to maintain compliance; pregnancy (except with mechanical heart valves) **Considerations:** * Monitor INR levels routinely * Educate on diet and consumption of vitamin K-rich foods * Titration based on facility algorithm * Delayed onset may require bridging with another anticoagulant

Cardiovascular Agents Flashcards

Reinforce essential cardiovascular medications including antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, and lipid-lowering agents for exam readiness. (69 cards)