Cardiovascular Agents
$8.00
Universal Activity Number: 407-000-10-055-H01-T
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacy Technicians
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 08/01/2010
Expiration date: 08/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacy Technicians
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 08/01/2010
Expiration date: 08/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
Article title:
Pharmacotherapy Using Cardiovascular Agents: Focus on the Top 200 Drugs
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. CV medications are commonly found in the Top 200 Drugs list. Designed specifically for pharmacy technicians, this article reviews the common CV diseases and their corresponding drug treatments. Technicians will learn to recognize the mechanism of action, appropriate dosage ranges, and side effects for the selected CV medications. A thorough understanding of cardiovascular drugs prepares technicians for their expanding roles in the health care team and ensures safer medication practices.
Goal
Names, dosages, pharmacology, and adverse effects of the
most common agents used to treat cardiovascular disease
are presented. Pharmacy technicians are provided with information
that will help them become more educated about the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Objectives
Upon completion of this CE article, the reader will be able to:
-
Explain the impact of cardiovascular disease on morbidity and mortality.
-
Describe the basic pathophysiology of hypertension heart failure, and hyperlipidemia.
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Recognize selected brand and generic names of drugs used to treat cardiovascular disorders from the top 200 prescribed medications.
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Identify appropriate dosage ranges for selected medications.
- List the mechanisms, adverse effects, and major counseling points for selected medications.
Abstract
Objective: To summarize pharmacologic agents available to treat cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Data Sources: Drugs used in the management of cardiovascular disease were identified from a list of the top 200 drugs of 2008 by number of prescriptions dispensed. Relevant articles were obtained via a MEDLINE search (2000–March 2010) using the key words pharmacy technician, hypertension, heart failure,
hyperlipidemia, beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, diuretic, calcium-channel blocker, clonidine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, niacin, clopidogrel, warfarin, isosorbide mononitrate, and digoxin. In addition, evidence-based practice guidelines, monographs, package inserts,
and other secondary sources were reviewed.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant information regarding dosages, trade/generic names, pharmacology, and adverse effects associated with common agents to treat cardiovascular disease was included.
Data Synthesis: Despite falling mortality rates, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the US and is a significant cause of morbidity. Pharmacy technicians should be familiar with the basic pharmacology of the most commonly prescribed medications. Selected agents used to treat heart
failure and hypertension from the following classes of drugs were reviewed: b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and a centrally acting agent. Additionally, common drugs used to treat hyperlipidemia, including
hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibric acids, and niacin, were reviewed. Antiplatelet agents, selected vasodilators, warfarin, and digoxin were also reviewed.
Conclusions: Drug therapy is the key to successful management of cardiovascular disease. Health-care providers, including knowledgeable pharmacy technicians, can assist patients in the proper use of agents in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
J Pharm Technol 2010;26:213-9.