and vasodilating effects of epinephrine and the cardiac effects of norepinephrine, thereby lowering the force of cardiac contractions and decreasing the heart rate.
ACTION AND USE. Propranolol hydrochloride is a beta-blocker with many uses. It is indicated for essential hypertension, prophylaxis of angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and prophylaxis of common migraine headaches.
USUAL DOSE. It varies with each indication and is individualized to meet each patients needs. Do not discontinue medication abruptly without consulting the physician. It is available as regular tablets, sustained-release capsules, and in the injection form. Essential Hypertension. 160 to 480 mg per day, up to 640 mg daily in divided doses. Angina Pectoris. 160 mg per day. Cardiac Arrhythmias. 10 to 30 mg three or four times daily, before meals and at bedtime. Migraine. 160 to 240 mg per day in divided doses. NOTE: There are many beta-blockers not discussed here. Included in this group are Metaprolol, Atenolol, Nadolol, and Timolol. Their indications and effects are similar to propranolol hydrochloride.
ACTION AND USE. Methyldopa is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension.
USUAL DOSE. 500 mg to 2 g given in two to four doses. The maximum daily dose is 3 g.
ACTION AND USE. This drug is also indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension.
USUAL DOSE. 0.1 to 0.25 mg per day.
ACTION AND USE. Hydralazine hydrochloride is used in the treatment of essential hypertension, usually in combination with other agents.
USUAL DOSE. Take 50 mg four times daily with meals, up to 400 mg per day.
These are drugs that produce a rhythmic contraction of the uterus. Their action is selective for the uterus, although other smooth muscles are affected.
ACTION AND USE. This drug is used in the prevention and treatment of postpartum and postabortal hemorrhage.
USUAL DOSE. It is intended primarily for routine intramuscular injection of 0.2 mg. Orally, 1 to 2 tablets may be given every 6 to 12 hours.
ACTION AND USE. Oxytocin is indicated for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions or to control postpartum hemorrhage.
USUAL DOSE. By intravenous infusion, use the drip method. No more than 1 to 2 ml/minute. Gradually increase until the contraction pattern has been established.
Histamine is a substance found in tissue that has an important role in allergic reactions. This has led to the development of compounds that op pose its action. These drugs apparently compete with histamine at the site of action. The drugs listed here are representative of the entire group many of which are used for the symptomatic relief of seasonal rhinitis. Any of these drugs may cause drowsiness.
ACTION AND USE. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is indicated for the symptomatic