Question

If your last name starts with S-Z you are assigned this question. The patient with hypertension is being evaluated for medications to maintain the blood pressure in normal ranges. Answer the following questions regarding these drugs 1. There are 5 drugs used for hypertension noted on your drug class this week (not including the diuretics). What are the drug names and classes of the hypertensives from your list for this week? 2. How do the beta blockers work? Compare that with the way the alpha blockers work. 3. Why would a physician order one of the drug classes over the other? 4. What are the interactions for each of these drug classes? 5. What teaching needs to be included with each of these drugs? 6. What cultural considerations need to be reviewed prior to ordering an antihypertensive for a patient? 7. In the African American population, what drugs can be given as monotherapy? What drugs need to have a diuretic given with them to be effective?What is a concern with our Asian population? Unread Search entries or author Reply Replies are only visible to those who have posted at least one reply Next Previous

Answer 1

1.

Antihypertensive drugs are classified into following groups.

Their mechanism of action is differ from one to other. But all the drugs helps in controlling hypertension.

Classification as below

Class of the drug	mechanism of action	Examples
ACE inhibitor	ACE inhibitors produce vasodilation by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II.	Captopril Enalapril Ramipril
Beta blockers	Blocks the sympathetic activity of Beta receptors	Atenolol Propronolol Metaprolol
Calcium channel blockers	Blocks the calcium channels , thus prevents vasoconstriction	Nifedipine Amlodipine
Vasodilators	Vasodilation will be facilitated, thus reduces blood pressure	Hydralazine
Alpha blockers	blocks the sympathetic activity of alpha receptors	Prazosin, Doxazosin