Active stack (ATI)-Med administration

Question 1

What administration considerations apply to aliskiren?

Answer 1

Available in oral form only
High fat-meals decrease absorption
Give at a consistent time daily before eating
Expect 2 weeks before full effect is seen
Monitor for hypotension at beginning of therapy and after any dose increase

Question 2

What administration considerations apply to nifedipine?

Answer 2

Available for oral use in capsules and sustained-release tablets; sustained release form is approved to treat hypertension
Sustained-release form must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed
To prevent reflex tachycardia, nifedipine may be combined with a beta-blocker

Question 3

What administration considerations apply to doxazosin?

Answer 3

Available in oral form only

Give at bedtime – especially first dose; subsequent doses individualized based on orthostatic blood pressure changes

Question 4

What administration considerations apply to atenolol and metoprolol?

Answer 4

Atenolol and metoprolol are available for oral or IV use
Give IV initially and then orally for acute myocardial infarction
Give orally for hypertension
Atenolol is available in a tablet which may be crushed or swallowed
Metoprolol is available as an immediate-release tablet (Lopressor) or in a sustained-release dose (Toprol XL), which must not be crushed and must be swallowed whole
Absorption of metoprolol may be enhanced with food; take at consistent time each day
Atenolol is best taken before meals or at bedtime

Question 5

What administration considerations apply to reserpine?

Answer 5

Available for oral use only

Administer with food or milk to prevent GI symptoms