Med Classes
This class includes metoprolol and decreases heart rate and myocardial workload.
Beta Blockers
Patients taking warfarin should keep intake of this nutrient relatively consistent.
Vitamin K
A common nitrate adverse effect caused by vasodilation.
Headaches
Check this vital sign before beta blockers and digoxin; digoxin specifically requires an apical assessment per nursing practice/order.
Heart Rate/Pulse
Rise slowly because many cardiac medications can cause this blood-pressure-related symptom.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Lisinopril belongs to this class.
ACE Inhibitors
This citrus fruit/juice should be avoided with simvastatin and amiodarone because it can raise drug exposure.
Grapefruit
ACE inhibitor emergency characterized by swelling of lips, tongue, or airway.
Angioedema
This electrolyte is especially important with loop diuretics, ACEI/ARB, and spironolactone.
Potassium
Do not abruptly stop this class because rebound tachycardia/ischemia can occur.
Beta blockers
Clopidogrel belongs to this platelet-inhibiting class.
P2Y12 inhibitors
These “low-sodium” products may contain potassium and can be dangerous with spironolactone or ACE inhibitors.
Potassium-containing salt substitutes
A severe statin reaction suggested by muscle pain and dark urine.
Rhabdomyolysis / severe myopathy
This laboratory value/organ function affects dosing and safety of many cardiac drugs, including ACEI/ARB and DOACs.
Renal function/creatinine/eGFR
Report black/tarry stools or unusual bleeding when taking these medication groups.
Antiplatelets/anticoagulants
Amiodarone belongs to this broad medication category.
Antiarrhythmics
This ED drug class can cause dangerous hypotension when combined with nitrates.
PDE-5 inhibitors
This electrolyte abnormality is a major risk with spironolactone.
Hyperkalemia
This blood count component is critical when evaluating suspected HIT during heparin therapy.
Platelet Count
Daily weights help detect fluid changes in patients receiving this medication class for heart failure.
Diuretics
Spironolactone is this type of diuretic/aldosterone antagonist.
Potassium-sparing diuretic / mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
Rivaroxaban doses of 15 mg and 20 mg should be taken this way to improve absorption.
with food
New cough and dyspnea on long-term amiodarone can signal toxicity in this organ.
Lungs
These two organ systems require ongoing laboratory surveillance with amiodarone, in addition to pulmonary and rhythm monitoring.
Thyroid and Liver
Before taking OTC drugs, supplements, or salt substitutes, the safest teaching is to do this first.
Ask the pharmacist/prescriber before starting them