Medications Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Overview What’s in a name Types of medications Storage Disposal Travel and Safety.
Post on 14-Dec-2015
222 Views
Preview:
Transcript
What’s in a name…
Drugs can have more than one name
Generic name are a shorthand version of the drug’s, chemical name, structure or formula for example (Acetominophen)
Trade name is developed by the company requesting approval for the drug
Is usually relatively easy to remember and unique (Tylenol)
Cholesterol Lowering Medications
Decrease the Total CholesterolDecrease the LDL (Bad Cholesterol)Increase the HDL (Good Cholesterol)
Reduce the build up of plaque in the blood vessels
Examples of Cholesterol Medications
Examples:
• Lipitor (Atovastatin)
• Crestor (Rosuvastatin)• Ezetrol (Ezetimibe)
• Lipidil (Fenofibrate)• Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Vit B3)
Blood Thinners
Helps keep blood from clotting
Prevent ones that have already formed from getting bigger
Won’t dissolve the clots you already have
Blood thinners used for conditions such as AtrialFibrillation, valve surgery and angioplasty
Report any of the following
• Any fall or injury to head or back
• Vomiting or diarrhea that is bloody
• “Coffee ground” vomiting
• Excessive bruising
Special notes
• You may be on a combination of blood thinners for up to a year
• In some cases you may be on one for life
• Let your Dentist, Health care provider know about being on blood thinners especially any minor procedures as you may bleed more easily
• You may receive a medical alert bracelet
Beta Blockers
carvediolol (coreg)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Bisoprolol (Monocor)
Notice that the names all end in “olol”
What it does:Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heartbeats. They are often given after a heart attack. Beta-blockers work by slowing the heart rate and decreasing blood pressure
Side effects:Common is fatigue, cold hands and feet
Beta Blockers
Special Notes
When changes are made to your beta blocker dose it may take time for your body to adjust to the new dose.
You may feel unwell for several weeks. It is important to continue your medications as directed.
Monitor your symptoms. Keep a log.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine (Norvasc)Diltiazem (Cardizem)
What it Does:Used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats
Special noteYou may be on a number of medications to treat high blood pressure or irregular beats.
Diuretics
• Helps the body get rid of excess water
to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure
• Examples:– Lasix– Hydrochlorothiazide– Aldactone
Nitrates
• Widens your blood vessels and helps to relieves angina pain
• Examples:– Nitro Patch (long acting)– Nitro Spray (intermediate acting)– Imdur (intermediate acting)
Ace Inhibitors
Ramipril (Altace) Lisinopril (Zestril)
Notice they all end in “pril”
What it does: Widen blood vessels so blood flows betterUsed to treat to congestive heart failure and blood pressure
Note: some may develop a dry hacky cough
You may be switched to angiotensin receptors blockers instead
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
• Losartin (Cozaar)
• Valsartin (Diovan)
• Irbesartan ( Avapro)
• Candesartan (Atacand)
Storage cont’d
Blister Packs
• Filled by pharmacy• Med names and numbers
on pack• Dose times easily visual• Improve compliance
Disposal
• Do not flush or put down the sink
• Return to pharmacy or use Toxic Taxi
• check expired medications as well
Travelling with Medications
Plan ahead
• Pack in carry-on (except syringes and liquids)• Leave in original containers• Carry written prescription• List of contact names• List of prescription numbers
Safety
• Get to know your pharmacist
• Get to know your medications
• Don’t stop your medications if you feel they make you unwell
• What if you miss a dose?
Three Take Home Tips
It is important to not stop your medication on your own.
See your doctor first.
More than one medication may be used to treat
your heart condition
Carry a list of current medications and get to know them
top related