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Antihypertensives

Review Antihypertensive Drugs Using Mnemonics

Master antihypertensive drugs with Picmonic! Our engaging characters, stories, and videos make learning fun and interactive. Use our mnemonics to remember key drugs and their classifications. Whether you're studying for your Pharmacological Nursing (RN) classes or preparing for the NCLEX, Picmonic is your go-to tool.

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Pharmacological Nursing | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Antihypertensives
11 Picmonics to Learn | 21 mins
Hypertension Medications
Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Beta Blockers
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers
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2 mins
Beta Blockers
"-olol" suffix
Mechanism
Decreases Heart Rate and Contractility
Decreases Peripheral Vascular Resistance
Decreases Renin Release
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Angina Pectoris
Contraindications
Asthma and Heart Block Patients
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Masking Signs of Hypoglycemia
Do Not Stop Abruptly
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2 mins
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
"-pril" Suffix
Mechanism of Action
Block Renin Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Side Effects
Dry Non-productive Cough
Hypotension
Dizziness
Possible Hyperkalemia
Angioedema
Nursing Considerations
Slowly Change Position
Do Not Stop Abruptly
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2 mins
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Ends in "-sartan"
Mechanism of Action
Blocks Angiotensin II Receptor
Indications
Hypertension
Side Effects
Angioedema
Contraindications
Renal Artery Stenosis
Pregnancy
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1 min
Prazosin (Minipress)
-osin suffix
Mechanisms
Selective Alpha-1 Receptor Blocker
Indications
Hypertension
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Nightmares
Side Effects
Orthostatic Hypotension
Tachycardia
Priapism / Inhibition of Ejaculation
Nasal Congestion
Considerations
First Dose Effect
Administer at Bedtime
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2 mins
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Indications
Severe Hypertension
CHF
Reduced Afterload
Pregnancy
Mechanism of Action
Vasodilates Arterioles
Side Effects
Drug-induced Lupus
Reflex Tachycardia
Hypotension
Considerations
Combined with Diuretic and Beta Blocker
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1 min
Minoxidil (Loniten, Rogaine)
Mechanism
Vasodilates Arterioles
Indications
Severe Hypertension
Baldness
Side Effects
Reflex Tachycardia
Blood Volume Expansion
Hypertrichosis
Pericardial Effusion
Rash
Considerations
Give with Beta Blocker and Diuretic
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2 mins
Nitroglycerin
Mechanism of Action
Decreases Preload
Indications
Angina
Up to 3 doses q 5 mins
Side Effects
Headache
Hypotension
Contraindications
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure
Protect From Light
Use Glass Bottle and Special Tubing
Gloves for Applying Topically
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2 mins
Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress)
Mechanism
Venous and Arterial Dilation
Indications
Hypertensive Crisis
Side Effects
Cyanide Toxicity
Thiocyanate Toxicity
Hypotension
Considerations
Short Term Administration
Light Sensitive, Use Container
Continuous BP Monitoring
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2 mins
K+ Sparing Diuretics
Indications
CHF and Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Hyperaldosteronism
Mechanism of Action
Collecting Tubule
Spironolactone
Competitive Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist
Amiloride and Triamterene
Block Na+ Channels
Side Effects
Hyperkalemia
Gynecomastia
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2 mins
Clonidine
Mechanism of Action
Alpha-2 Agonist
Indication
Hypertensive Urgency
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tourette Syndrome
Opioid Withdrawal
Side Effects
CNS Depression
Respiratory Depression
Hypotension
Considerations
Rebound Hypertension if Abrupt Cessation
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2 mins

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