Alpha Blockers

Question 1

Doxazosin trade name

Answer 1

Cardura

Question 2

Doxazosin expected effect

Answer 2

• vasodilate peripheral blood vessels

- block alpha (adrenergic) receptors to reduce blood pressure

Question 3

Why use doxazosin

Answer 3

• hypertension
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• urinary outflow obstruction

Question 4

Doxazosin adverse effects

Answer 4

• dysrhythmias

- hepatitis

Question 5

Doxazosin dosages

Answer 5

• 1-8mg/ day for BPH

- 4-16mg/ day for hypertension

Question 6

Doxazosin drug classification

Answer 6

alpha adrenergic blocker

Question 7

Doxazosin routes of admin

Answer 7

PO

Question 8

Doxazosin nursing implications

Answer 8

Hypertension

• check BP after each dose
• assess crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea
• check pulse
• look for distension of jugular vein

BPH

• assess urinary patterns (hesitancy, dribbling, urgency, nocturne, incontinence etc)
• assess weight changes & edema

Question 9

Prazosin drug classification

Answer 9

Alpha Blocker (chemical) & antihypertensive (functional)

Question 10

Prazosin trade name

Answer 10

Minipress

Question 11

Prazosin expected effect

Answer 11

blocks alpha mediated vasoconstriction of adrenergic receptors, inducing peripheral vasodilation

Question 12

why use Prazosin

Answer 12

hypertension

Question 13

Prazosin dosages

Answer 13

1mg BID or TID up to 20mg/ day in divided doses. Usual range 6-15mg/ day (some may need 40mg/ day)

Question 14

Prazosin route of admin

Answer 14

PO

Question 15

Prazosin adverse effects

Answer 15

pancreatitis

Question 16

Prazosin nursing considerations

Answer 16

assess:
- hypertension
- weight, I & O, edema
teach:
- change positions slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension
- no OTC meds, or alcohol
- do not discontinue abruptly 
- fainting can occur after 1st dose, take 1st dose at bedtime, full effect takes 4-6 week, no driving/ operating machinery until 4 hours after 1st dose

Question 17

Terazosin trade names

Answer 17

Hytrin, Zayasel

Question 18

Terazosin drug classification

Answer 18

functional: alpha blocker/ antihypertensive
chemical: adrenergic blocker

Question 19

Terazosin expected effect

Answer 19

decrease total vascular resistance by blocking alpha receptors (to decrease BP)

Question 20

why use terazosin

Answer 20

hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia

Question 21

terazosin dosages

Answer 21

BPH: 1mg/ day, can increase to 5-10mg; max 20mg
hypertension: 1mg PO, max 20mg/day

Question 22

terazosin routes of admin

Answer 22

PO

Question 23

terazosin adverse effects

Answer 23

nausea, dizzy, drowsy, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, dyspnea, edema

Question 24

terazosin nursing implications

Answer 24

urinary patterns: hesitancy, freq, dysuria, urgency, uric acid levels
hypertension: crackles, dyspnea, orthostatic BP, jugular vein
therapeutic response: lower BP, edema, less BPH symptoms
- do not drive machinery 4 hours after, fainting occur with first dose
- do not discontinue abruptly, no alcohol
- rise slowly
- for ^BP continue with regular diet & exercise