ways to remember medications cardiacI got this from another forum. It has some cardiac drugs on it but the whole thing is very useful.

what my instructor gave us is:1. ca channel blockers:

A ction - block ca access to cellsH ypotension, headacheE demaC onstipationK now to watch for worsening of CHF and heart block

2. blockers s/eB radycardiaL ibido decreasebrOnchospasmC HF, conduction abnormalitiesK nown hypotensionE xhaustion, emotional depressionR educed recognision of hypoglycemia

3. alpha 1 and 2 blockers: doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin;A ction - block alpha adrenergic receptors in ANS causing vasodilation, lowerBPS yncope,sexual dysfunction commonI ncreased drowsiness, HR, orthostatic hypotensionN eed to recline 3-4 hours after 1st dose

others:4. diureticD iet - low sodium, increse potassium intake, unless taking potassium sparingI ntake & output, daily weightU ndesirable effects - fluid and electrolytes imbalance, dizziness, hypotensionR eassess BP, HR, electrolytesE lderly care - monitor for decreased kidney function (excretion of drugs)T ake AM, if bid before 6pm, prevent nocturiaI ncreased orthostatic hypotensionC ancel alcohol use

5. ACE inhibitors (enarapril, lisinopril)A ct - prevent conversion of angiotensin I to IIP ruritusR ashI ncreased hypotension. tachycardia, angioedema, cough, infectionL ousy taste, headache

6. ARB (losartan, valsartan)A ct - prevent angiotensin II to bind to its receptorsA dminister with or without food (watch GI upset)R enal function monitor!!! (elderly!!!)B lock vasoconstriction (lower BP)S ubstitutes of sodium and potassium DO NOT USE

7.Loop diureticsA ct - rapid diuresis, block chloride pump in ascending loop of henle, causing decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride,L oss effectivness if given with NSAIDsI ncreae action of anticoagulant

H ypokalemia - monitor closelyO totoxicityH yperglycemia - moniotr blood glucose