Antianginal Drugs

Antianginal Drugs
Table 41-1 Antianginal Drugs

Prototype Drug

Related Drugs

Drug Classification

nitroglycerin (Nitro-bid, Nitrostat, others)

amyl nitrite isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate) isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO)

Nitrates

propranolol (Inderal)

atenolol (Tenormin) metoprolol (Lopressor) nadolol (Corgard)

Beta-blockers

nifedipine (Procardia)

amlodipine (Norvasc) bepridil (Vascor) diltiazem (Cardizem) felodipine (Plendil) isradipine (Dynacirc) nicardipine (Cardene) nimodipine (Nimotop) nisoldipine (Sular) verapamil (Calan)

Calcium channel blockers

ANTIANGINAL DRUGS CLIENT TEACHING
Nitrates
  • Change positions gradually to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
  • Nitroglycerin can lose potency if exposed to light, moisture, or heat.
  • Replace tablets 6 months after opening, as nitrates lose potency over time.
  • Avoid alcohol, hot baths, saunas, and whirlpools, as they can cause vasodilatation and lead to hypotension and fainting.
  • Teach side effects and adverse effects of nitrates, which include headaches (that can last up to 20 minutes), dizziness, facial flushing, increased heart rate, and lightheadedness.
  • Report to health care provider if dry mouth, severe headaches, or blurred vision occur.
  • An analgesic can be given to treat headache.
  • Discard cotton packing after opening bottle, as the packing may absorb the drug and lead to decreased potency.
  • Encourage client to discontinue tobacco use, as tobacco causes vasoconstriction.
  • Avoid OTC and herbal remedies without first consulting health care provider.
  • Keep a journal documenting number and characteristics of anginal attacks, contributing factors and number of tablets taken, and adverse effects.
Sublingual Tablets
  • If client has an acute anginal attack, teach client to lie down and take SL tablet as soon as possible; up to 3 nitroglycerin tablets every 5 minutes for 15 minutes may be taken; if no relief, emergency services should be notified for transport to the emergency room.
  • Do not chew SL tablets. Place under tongue to dissolve. Do not swallow tablet.
  • Tablet should burn slightly under the tongue, if not replace supply of tablets.4
  • Do not eat food or smoke until tablet dissolves.
Buccal
  • Place tablet between upper lip and gum to dissolve.
Chewable Tablets
  • Chew thoroughly and hold in mouth 2 minutes before swallowing.
Oral Sustained-Release Tablets or Capsules
Oct 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Antianginal Drugs

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