Drug | Action |
Alpha Adrenergic Antagonist Agents | Reduce peripheral vascular tone by blocking alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. This causes dilation of arterioles and veins and decreases BP. Indications: HTN, benign prostatic hyperplasia |
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor Agents | Decrease BP and afterload by suppressing the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Indications: HTN, CHF |
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist Agents | Blocks angiotensin II receptors which limit vasoconstriction and stimulation of vascular tissue. Indications: HTN, CHF |
Sodium channel blockers | Antiarrhythmic agent that control cardiac excitation and conduction. Example: Lidocaine |
Beta blockers | Antiarrhythmic agent inhibits sympathetic activity by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Example: Atenolol |
Prolong repolarization | Antiarrhythmic agent by inhibiting both potassium and sodium channels and are often considered the most effective anti arrhythmic agent. Example: Cordarone (amiodarone) |
Calcium channel blockers | Antiarrhythmic agent depress depolarization and slow conduction through the AV node. Example: Cardizem (diltiazem) |
Anticoagulant agents | Inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Indication: Post PTCA and CABG surgery, prevention of venous thromboembolism and cardioembolic events in pts w/ a-fib and prosthetic heart valves. |
Antihyperlipidemia agents | Statins - inhibit enzyme action in cholesterol synthesis, break down LDLs, decrease triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels. Indications: hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, prevent coronary events |
Antithrombotic (Antiplatelet) agents | Inhibit platelet aggregation and clot formation. Indications: post-MI, a-fib, prevent arterial thrombus formation |
Beta Blocker agents (Beta-Adrenergic Blocking agents) | Decrease the myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing HR and contractility by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Indications: HTN, angina, arrhythmias, HF, migraines, essential tremor |
Calcium channel blocker agents | Blocks entry of calcium into vascular smooth mm cells resulting in diminished myocardial contraction, vasodilation, and decreased oxygen demand of the heart. Indications: HTN, angina, arrhythmias, CHF |
Diuretic agents | Increases the excretion of sodium and urine. Causes a reduction in plasma volume which decreases BP. Indications: HTN, edema assoc. w/ HF, pulmonary edema, glaucoma |
Nitrate agents | Decrease ischemia through smooth mm relaxation and dilation of peripheral vessels. Indications: angina pectoris |
Positive Inotropic Agents | Increase the force and velocity of myocardial contraction, slow the HR, decrease conduction velocity through the AV node, and decrease the degree of activation of the SNS. Indications: HF, A-fib |
Thrombolytic Agents | Facilitate clot dissolution through conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin breaks down clots and allows occluded vessels to reopen to maintain blood flow. Indications: acute MI, PE, ischemic stroke, arterial and venous thrombosis |