B. The rate and depth of the client's respirations. Show
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous administration of morphine sulfate, an opiate narcotic, is respiratory depression (B). The PCA pump should be stopped and the healthcare provider notified if the client's respiratory rate falls below 12 breaths per minute, and the nurse should anticipate adjustments in the client's dosage before the PCA pump is restarted. What are beta blockers and how do they work?Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that works by blocking the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors. There are three known types of beta receptors, known as beta1 (β1), beta2 (β2) and beta3 (β3).
When the neurotransmitters are prevented from binding to the receptors, it in turn causes the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) to be blocked. This action allows the heart to relax and beat more slowly thereby reducing the amount of blood that the heart must pump. Over time, this action improves the pumping mechanism of the heart. QUESTIONIn the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See AnswerFor what conditions are beta blockers used?Beta blockers are used to manage a variety of conditions. They include, but are not limited to:
Off-label uses of beta blockers include, but are not limited to:
Are there differences among beta blockers?Beta blockers differ by which receptors are blocked. First generation beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), nadolol (Corgard), timolol maleate (Blocadren), penbutolol sulfate (Levatol), sotalol hydrochloride (Betapace), and pindolol (Visken) are non-selective in nature, meaning that they block both beta1 (β1) and beta2 (β2) receptors and will subsequently affect the heart, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, uterus, vascular smooth muscle, and skeletal muscle and as an effect, could cause reduced cardiac output, reduced renal output amongst other actions. Second generation beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral), bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta), esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc), betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone), and acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral) are selective, as they block only β1 receptors and as such will affect mostly the heart and cause reduced cardiac output. Beta blockers such as pindolol (Visken), penbutolol sulfate (Levatol), and acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral) differ from other beta blockers as they possess intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), which means they mimic the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine and can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. ISA's have smaller effects in reducing resting cardiac output and resting heart rate, in comparison to drugs that do not possess ISA. Beta blocker such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral), and betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone) possess a quinidine-like or anesthetic-like membrane action, which affects cardiac action potential (electrical impulses within the heart that cause contractions). Beta blockers such as labetalol hydrochloride (Trandate, Normodyne) and
carvedilol (Coreg) What are the side effects of beta blockers?Beta blockers are usually well tolerated and most adverse events are mild. Beta blockers may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Rash, blurred vision, muscle cramps, and fatigue have also been reported. Beta blockers may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Effects on the heart and circulatory system include bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart failure or heart block in patients with heart problems, cold extremities due to reduced circulation. Abrupt withdrawal of beta blockers may worsen angina (chest pain) and cause heart attacks or sudden death. Effects on the central nervous system include headache, depression, confusion, dizziness, nightmares, and hallucinations. Beta blockers may cause shortness of breath in asthmatics. Sexual dysfunction may also occur. What are the drug interactions?Beta blockers [pindolol (Visken) and propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran)] should not be taken with phenothiazines [thioridazine and chlorpromazine (Thorazine)] as this will cause an increase in blood plasma levels of either or both classes of drugs. Due to the fact that increased levels of thioridazine could increase the risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, thioridazine is contraindicated in patients receiving pindolol and propranolol. Beta blockers [acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone), carteolol hydrochloride (Cartrol), esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), penbutolol sulfate (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), and timolol maleate (Blocadren)] when taken with verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Covera-HS), will cause an increase of blood plasma levels of either drug. It is important to monitor cardiac function due to additive effects of both drugs. Beta blockers [acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone), carteolol hydrochloride (Cartrol), esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), penbutolol sulfate (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), and timolol maleate (Blocadren)], when taken with clonidine (Catapres), could cause life-threatening increases in blood pressure. It is important to monitor blood pressure continuously. Beta blockers [carteolol hydrochloride (Cartrol), nadolol (Corgard), penbutolol sulfate (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), and timolol maleate (Blocadren), sotalol hydrochloride (Betapace)] when taken with beta-agonists (albuterol, arformoterol, bitolterol, formoterol (Foradil, Foradil Certihaler, Perforomist), levalbuterol (Xopenex) and salmeterol (Serevent Discus)] could affect the pulmonary organs and may cause bronchospasm. Beta blockers [metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran)] when taken with barbiturates [phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline), amobarbital, butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), and secobarbital], cause a reduction of blood plasma levels of the mentioned beta blockers. Higher doses of beta blockers are sometimes given if an interaction is suspected. SLIDESHOWHeart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes See SlideshowWhat are some examples of beta blockers?Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
Alpha/Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
From References Reviewed by: What are the most common adverse effects of propranolol Inderal )?Common side effects may include:. dizziness, tiredness;. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps;. sleep problems (insomnia); or.. runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, hoarse voice.. What adverse side effects would be reported by a patient receiving propranolol?What side effects can this medication cause?. dizziness or lightheadedness.. tiredness.. diarrhea.. constipation.. What are the symptoms of Inderal?Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, vision changes, trouble sleeping, and unusual dreams may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What are 3 adverse effects of a beta nonselective blocker?Nonselective beta-blockers may cause the following side effects:. Depression.. Fatigue.. Nausea.. Vomiting.. Insomnia.. Itching.. Cramping.. Shortness of breath.. |