Home Drug Guide Saralasin Acetate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Saralasin Acetate

Brand Names Sarenin

Classification

Therapeutic: Vasodilator, Antihypertensive

Pharmacological: Angiotensin II antagonist, partial agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Research use in hypertension and heart failure (not approved for general clinical use)

Mechanism of Action

Saralasin is a synthetic peptide that acts as a partial agonist at angiotensin II receptors, antagonizing the effects of endogenous angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer IV infusion as per research protocol; dosing varies based on study design.

Pediatric: Not established; used only in research settings.

Geriatric: Use with caution; adjust based on response and tolerability.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments not well established; monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited data, use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not applicable; administered intravenously.

Distribution: Widely distributed; specifics unknown.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via kidneys.

Half Life: Short; approximately 1-2 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to saralasin or peptides.
  • Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women is not recommended due to lack of data.

Precautions

  • Monitor blood pressure closely during administration.
  • Use with caution in patients with volume depletion or electrolyte imbalances.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Hypotension (Rare)
  • Headache (Rare)
  • Nausea (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylactic reactions (Very rare)
  • Electrolyte disturbances (hyperkalemia or hyponatremia) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other antihypertensives may augment hypotensive effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and electrolyte levels.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypotension
  • Electrolyte imbalance

Implementation: Administer as per protocol; monitor vital signs frequently during infusion.

Evaluation: Assess for desired blood pressure reduction and adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report symptoms of dizziness, hypotension, or allergic reactions.
  • Avoid abrupt position changes.
  • Maintain hydration as advised.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None known.

Lab Test Interference: May alter serum electrolyte levels; monitor labs accordingly.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypotension, dizziness, shock.

Treatment: Discontinue drug; provide supportive care, including IV fluids and vasopressors if needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable for 24 months when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.