NURSING

NAME OF DRUG CLASSIFICATION ACTION/ KINETICS INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS

RESPONSIBILITIES

Drug may be given to lower

blood pressure rapidly in
some hypertensive
emergencies.

Stimulate the alpha2 Monitor blood pressure and

receptors and inhibit pulse rate frequently.
the central vasomotor Hypersensitivity to drug, Drowsiness,
centers, decreasing use cautiously in patients dizziness, fatigue, Dosage is usually adjusted
sympathetic outflow with severe coronary sever rebound to patient's blood pressure
Catapres to the heart, kidneys, Treatment of insufficiency, conduction hypertension,
Anti-Hypertensive and tolerance.
7.5 SL Stat and peripheral hypertension disturbances, recent MI, constipation, dry
vasculature, and cerebrovascular disease, mouth, nausea
lowering peripheral chronic renal failure, or and vomiting, Elderly patients may be
vascular resistance, impaired liver function. anorexia more sensitive than
blood pressure, and younger ones to drug's
heart rate. hypotensive effects.

Observe patient for

tolerance to drug's
therapeutic effects, which
may require increased
dosage.
Administer with food to
prevent GI upset.

Reduce dosage if given

with other Hypertensives
Rapid-acting potent
sulfonamide “loop” Give early in the day so
diuretic and that increased urination will
antihypertensive with Used for not disturbed sleep.
Fluid and
pharmacologic management of
electrolyte
effects and uses hypertension, alone Avoid IV use if all oral use
Furosemide is abnormalities
Furosemide 40 almost identical to or in combination is possible.
Anti-Hypertensive contraindicated in patients (potassium,
mg IV Stat then those of ethacrynic with other
Loop Diuretics with anuria or who are calcium and
20mg q 6 acid. Exact mode of antihypertensive Do not mix parenteral
hypersensitive to the drug. sodium),
action not clearly agents, and for solution with highly acidic
ototoxicity, GI
defined; decreases treatment of solutions with pH Below
disturbances and
renal vascular hypercalcemia. 3.5
resistance and may
increase renal blood Do not expose to light, may
flow. discolor tablets or solution,
do not discolored drugs or
solutions.

Measure and record weight