ACE inhibitors and beta blockers

Question 1

Beta blockers

Answer 1

Part of a group of drugs known as sympathetic nervous system antagonists

The primary function of the BB’s is to block B1 receptor mediated vasoconstriction and decrease the heart rate

They will also increase blood flow to the kidneys, which results in a decreased release of renin

What it can treat for:
– hypertension
– heart failure
– anxiety
– angina
– arrhythmias
– thyrotoxicosis

Question 2

Cautions and contraindications of beta blockers

Answer 2

Cautions:

Diabetics:
– sympathetically mediated reductions in blood glucose may aggravate symptomology

Asthmatics:
– the bronchospasm effect of beta blockers may aggravate symptoms

Contraindications:
– printzmetals angina
– uncontrolled heart failure
– bad hypotension and marked bradycardia

Question 3

Side effects of beta blockers

Answer 3

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Bronchospasm

Dyspnoea

Dizziness

Orthostatic hypotension when you get up too quickly

Fatigue

Cold extremities/exacerbation of raynauds

Heart failure

Question 4

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

Answer 4

ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin 1 into angiotensin 2 in the lungs

angiotensin 2 is a vasoconstrictor this drug stops it

This prevents vasoconstriction

Question 5

Conditions treated with ACE inhibitors

Answer 5

Heart failure

Hypertension

Diabetic neuropathy

Question 6

Cautions of ACE INHIBITORS

Answer 6

hyperkalaemia (medicine causes increase of calcium in the blood)

Breast feeding

Hypersensitivity reactions

Concomitant diuretics

Question 7

Contraindications to ACE inhbitors

Answer 7

sensitivity to ACE inhibitors- angioodeama

Hepatic impairment

Renal impairment

Pregnancy- unless essential

Breast feeding

Question 8

ACE inhibitors side effects

Answer 8

Profound hypotension

renal problems

nausea

vomiting

diarrhoea

constipation

fatigue

headache

myalgia

arthralgia

photosensitivity