Download Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives
By: Carolyne Barnes
5/6/09
Facts!
• Antihypertensives are medications used to treat high blood
pressure.
• High blood pressure is a sign that the heart and blood vessels
are being overworked.
• Antihypertensives lower blood pressure by opening and widening
the blood vessels, preventing the blood vessels from closing and
tightening, or reducing the workload of the heart. If left untreated,
the disease can lead to atherosclerosis and congestive heart
failure.
• Heart disease contributes to 75% of all heart attacks and strokes.
• Whether or not medication is required to control hypertension,
patients may be advised to make lifestyle modifications to help
control their condition.
More Facts!
Hypertensives are also known as:
• High Blood Pressure Medications
• Hypertension Medications
• Antihypertensive Drugs
• Blood Pressure Medications
Medical Conditions!
• Antihypertensives are medications used primarily to treat
high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
• They are often prescribed for diabetic patients.
• About 60 percent of people with diabetes also have high
blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is a major contributor to the
development of the kidney disease, diabetic
nephropathy, atherosclerosis heart conditions, stroke
and eye diseases.
• Although some patients do not need to take medication
to control their high blood pressure, anyone who is
prescribed medication needs to take it exactly as
prescribed to avoid the serious medical problems
associated with the condition.
Medication Examples!
•
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)- Block the production of
angiotensin II that causes blood vessels to tighten. Preventing this constriction allows more
blood to flow into the heart and lowers blood pressure. Brand name- Lisinopril
•
Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs)- Instead of preventing the production of
angiotensin II, they inhibit the action of this substance by blocking it from entering
angiotensin II receptors in the body. Brand name- Ratacand
•
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)- Reduce the workload of the heart by blocking calcium
ions from signaling the blood vessels to constrict or tighten. Brand name- Procardia
•
Central adrenergic inhibitors- Act directly on the brain to prevent it from signaling the
central nervous system to increase heart rate or narrow blood vessels. Brand nameCaptopril
•
Renin inhibitors- Help blood vessels relax and widen by reducing the effect of renin, an
enzyme made in the kidneys. Brand name- Rasilez
Benefits and Risks!
!Benefits!
• The chance of getting high blood pressure which
leads to kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy,
atherosclerosis heart conditions, stroke and eye
diseases is decreased.
!Risks!
• The chance of getting high blood pressure and
all other diseases are increased.
Side Effects!
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Allergic reaction
Low blood pressure
Palpitations
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Headache
Increased sensitivity to sunlight causing severe sunburn or rash
Drowsiness, weakness or fatigue
Unusual bleeding
Back or joint pain
Abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea
Unusual skin appearance
Shallow, dry cough
Swelling in the legs
Depression
Constipation
Interactions!
Patients should consult their physician before taking any other
medication, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.
Substances that can intensify the effects of antihypertensives
and possibly lead to low blood pressure include:
• Other antihypertensives
• Nitrates- Medications that relax the arterial walls, causing a
drop in blood pressure.
• Nicotinic acid- A form of vitamin B3 used as a cholesterolreducing drug.
• Medications for sexual dysfunction.
• Alcohol.
• Grapefruit juice- Grapefruit juice interferes with the liver’s
ability to rid the body of some substance.
Five “Rights” of Medication
Administration!
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Right time
Right patient
Right dosage
Right drug
Right route of administration
And a sixth has been added!!!
• Right documentation
Dosages!
• Your doctor will prescribe your
dosage.
• Overdosing could lead to serious
health issues, even death.
• Dosages vary from patient to
patient.
Sources!
• http://youtotalhealth.ivillage.com/antihypert
ensives
• http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/583
164
• http://content.heathaffairs.org