Angina Pectoris Drugs

Question 1

Organic nitrates

Answer 1

NO relaxes smooth muscle and allows circulation to cardiac muscle. Low dose affects veins while high dose affects arteries.

Question 2

Isorbide mononitrate

Answer 2

Given as prophylaxis, leads to vasodilation. SE: headache and tachycardia.

Question 3

Ca channel blockers

Answer 3

Block L type Ca channels and thus decrease contractility and heart rate.
Verapamil is heart selective. SE: heart failure, aV node blocking, not combined with beta blockers. Nifedipine is vessel specific. SE: flush, fainting, headache, edema, nausea. Diltiazam is for both.

Question 4

Beta blockers

Answer 4

Block the beta 1 receptor in the heart, decrease renin release and some cause vasodilation. Non selective affect beta 1 and 2. Selective affect beta 1. Nonselective can also affect alpha 1 causing vasodilation or activate the NO pathway. SE: hypotension, nausea, bronchospasm, nightmares, hallucinations and depression.

Question 5

Name 4 drugs to treat angina pectoris

Answer 5

Organic nitrates, isorbide mononitrate, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers.