Welcome! This guide covers key topics from Module 11 (Blood Coagulation, Diuretics, Renal Function)
and Module 12 (Antihypertensives, Antiarrhythmics, Antianginals, Lipid-Lowering Agents).
Each step gives you the main points about how these drugs work, why they’re used, and important safety tips.
Move forward using the “Next” button below. The gold bar above shows your progress.
At the end, you can link to a fillable worksheet (light theme) to solidify your notes.
1. Blood Coagulation Medications
These drugs help prevent or treat blood clots (like DVT, PE, stroke), but they can increase bleeding risk.
Anticoagulants
Heparin/LMWH (Enoxaparin): Quick onset, monitor aPTT (for IV heparin), watch for HIT.
Warfarin: Long-term use, monitor INR, keep Vitamin K intake consistent.
Aspirin: Blocks platelet aggregation; used for heart attack/stroke prevention.
Clopidogrel: Often used with stents or combined with aspirin.
Thrombolytics (tPA)
“Clot busters” dissolve existing clots; used for acute MI, stroke, or large PE in a strict time window.
High bleeding risk!
2. Diuretics & Renal Function
Diuretics help remove extra fluid by blocking sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys.
They’re used for high blood pressure, edema, and sometimes to protect kidney function.
Loop Diuretics
Furosemide (Lasix): Powerful, watch for low potassium, low BP, possible hearing issues if given IV too fast.
Thiazide Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Common for mild hypertension, can lower potassium and raise blood sugar.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Spironolactone: Blocks aldosterone; can cause high potassium and hormonal side effects (e.g., gynecomastia).
Osmotic Diuretics
Mannitol: Draws fluid into the urine; used for high intracranial or intraocular pressure.
3. Antihypertensives & RAAS
High blood pressure is managed by reducing heart workload, relaxing blood vessels, or lowering fluid volume.
RAAS inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) are a mainstay.
ACE Inhibitors / ARBs
Lisinopril (ACE): Lowers Ang II production; can cause cough, high K⁺, angioedema.
Losartan (ARB): Blocks Ang II receptors; avoids cough but watch for hyperkalemia.
Beta Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol)
Slow heart rate and reduce contractility → lower BP and heart workload.
Check heart rate; can mask low blood sugar signs in diabetics.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine: Vasodilates, watch for edema.
Diltiazem/Verapamil: Also slow heart rate; avoid grapefruit juice.
Other classes: Alpha-1 blockers (like Prazosin), Central alpha-2 agonists (Clonidine), direct vasodilators (Hydralazine).
4. Cardiac Glycosides
Digoxin
Increases heart's pumping force but lowers heart rate.
Narrow therapeutic range (~0.5–2.0 ng/mL); risk of toxicity.
Toxic signs: GI upset, vision changes (halos), arrhythmias.
Hold if HR <60 bpm; check potassium levels.
5. Antiarrhythmic Drugs
These help correct or control abnormal heart rhythms. They can also cause new rhythm problems if not used carefully.
Class I (Na⁺ Channel Blockers)
IA (Procainamide): Slows conduction, can prolong QT interval.
IB (Lidocaine IV): Shortens repolarization, used for ventricular arrhythmias.
IC (Flecainide): Strong block; avoid in structural heart disease.
Class II (Beta Blockers)
Slow SA/AV node conduction, helpful in AF/flutter or post-MI arrhythmias.
Class III (K⁺ Channel Blockers)
Amiodarone: Works in many arrhythmias; can damage lungs, liver, thyroid, eyes.
Class IV (Ca²⁺ Channel Blockers)
Diltiazem, Verapamil: Slow AV node; used for rate control in AF.
Others
Adenosine: Resets SVT by causing brief asystole.
Atropine: Speeds up bradycardia by blocking vagal stimulation.
Digoxin: (Also see Cardiac Glycosides) can help control ventricular rate.
6. Antianginal Medications
Nitrates (Nitroglycerin)
Dilate veins and some arteries → lower heart’s oxygen demand.
Sublingual for quick relief, also patches/pills for prevention.
Side effects: Headache, low BP, reflex tachy. Avoid ED meds (e.g. sildenafil).