PHARMACOLOGY POINTERS

CARDIAC MEDICATIONS

Antiarrhythmics Antiarrhythmics Antiarrhythmics

Action: Medications: Side effects:
• Interfere with electrical excitability of • Atropine sulfate • Lightheadedness
heart • Lidocaine • Hypotension
Used for: • Pronestyl • Urinary retention
• Atrial fibrillation and flutter • Quinidine Antiarrhythmics
• Tachycardia • Isuprel Nursing Considerations:
• PVCs • Monitor vital signs
• Monitor cardiac rhythm

Cardiac Glycosides Cardiac Glycosides Cardiac Glycosides

Action: Medication: Side Effects:
• Increases force of Lanoxin (Digoxin) • Bradycardia
myocardial contraction, • Nausea
slows rate • Vomiting
Used for: • Visual disturbances
• Left-sided CHF Nursing Considerations:
• Take apical pulse
• Notify physician if adult <60, child <90-110,
<70 in older children
• Monitor potassium level
• Dose: 0.5-1 milligram IV or PO over 24 hr
period
• Average: 0.25 mg

Antianginals Antianginals Antianginals

Action: Medications: Side Effects:
• Relaxes smooth muscle • Nitroglycerine • Hypotension
• Decreases venous return • Isosorbide • Tachycardia
Used for: (Isordil) • Headache
• Angina • Dizziness
• Peri-operative hypertension Nursing Considerations:
• CHF • Check expiration date
• Teach when to take medication
• May take Q5min x3 doses
• Wet with saliva and place under tongue

Antihypertensives Antihypertensives Antihypertensives

Types: ACE Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors) (ACE Inhibitors)
Action: Medications: Side Effects:
• Blocks ACE in lungs • Captopril (Capoten) • GI upset
Used for: • Enalapril (Vasotec) • Orthostatic hypotension
• Hypertension • Dizziness
• CHF Nursing Considerations:
• Give 1hr ac or 3hr pc
• Change position slowly

Compiled by: Nio C. Noveno, RN, MAN, MSN

e-mail address: nionoveno@hotmail.com