Question

GB is a 62 year old male with hypertension who has been visiting your facility for exercise therapy in treatment of his hypertension.  His blood pressure is normally 124/92 with a pulse rate of 72.  He has been taking captopril and furosemide for his hypertension.    

1. What do the drugs furosemide and captopril specifically do to help treat GB’s hypertension?
2. What specific things should you be most aware of when prescribing and monitoring GB’s exercise when taking these drugs?
3. What if GB were prescribed captopril and amiloride – What type of drugs are these?  Captopril can cause K+ retention; what would be the most serious adverse reaction that could result? Why

Answer 1

GB is a 62-year-old male with hypertension.

He has been taking captopril and furosemide for his hypertension.    

A.

Furosemide is a diuretic, which is also known as a water pill.

Furosemide increases urine output and blocks the reabsorption of Sodium and chloride, which helps in lower blood pressure.

captopril is a class of drug called Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACE Inhibitor). It decreases blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

B.

Furesimide can cause Hyponatremia and Hypokalemia.

So, GB should avoid excess sweat loss during exercise.

Furosemide also causes water loss so GB should be properly hydrated otherwise with captopril, exercise my cause hypotension.

C.

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that may increase the potassium level.

amiloride is a Pottasium sparing diuretic, which is a diuretic but increases potassium level.

Both drugs can elevate potassium level which can cause serious side effects like life-threatening arrhythmias, seizures, and paralysis.