Cardiac Drugs

Framework (5 drug-class groupings): Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers — slowing the heart, relaxing the vessels ACE inhibitors and ARBs — the cough, the potassium risk, first-dose hypotension Diuretics — loop vs. thiazide vs. potassium-sparing, and what each does to electrolytes Antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants — digoxin's narrow margin, warfarin vs. heparin vs. newer agents Nitrates and statins — the nitrate/ED-medication interaction, muscle pain on statins Practice Lab — Top Cardiac Drugs Practice Lab (5 drills): Name the class  — 8 generic drug names sorted into 6 classes What to check first  — 6 scenarios on the essential pre-administration check for each class Spot the side effect  — 6 findings matched back to the likely drug class, including digoxin toxicity signs Hold or give?  — 7 scenarios with vitals, deciding hold vs. give against general teaching parameters Teaching point match  — 6 patient-teaching lines matched to the class they belong to