Anti-hypertensive Drugs

Question 1

How do ACE inhibitors work?

Answer 1

They block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by stopping the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in the lungs which stops the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and preventing vasoconstriction.

Question 2

How do angiotensin receptor blockers work?

Answer 2

They bind to angiotensin receptors to prevent vasoconstriction and the release of aldosterone.

Question 3

How do calcium channel antagonists work?

Answer 3

They prevent the movement of calcium into the cardiac and smooth muscle cells and interfere with the muscles ability to contract.

Question 4

How do beta-blockers work?

Answer 4

They decrease the release of renin to prevent vasoconstriction and cardiac contraction and increase blood flow to the kidneys.

Question 5

How do alpha-blockers work?

Answer 5

They inhibit post-synaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors which block the action of NaCl and adrenaline. This decreases sympathetic tone and causes vasodilation.

Question 6

Now do thiazide-like diuretics work?

Answer 6

They increase the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys which affects blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

Question 7

How do vasodilators work?

Answer 7

These are for emergencies and cause direct vasodilation.

Question 8

What are examples of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 8

• Captopril
• Enalapril
• Moexipril
• Ramipril

Question 9

What are examples of angiotensin receptor blockers?

Answer 9

• Cardesartan
• Eprosartan
• lrbesartan
• Olmesartan

Question 10

What are examples of calcium channel blockers?

Answer 10

• Amlodipine
• Felodipine
• Isradipine
• Nicardipine
• Verapamil

Question 11

What are examples of Beta-blockers?

Answer 11

• Atenolol
• Metaprolol
• Propanolol
• Sotalol

Question 12

What are examples of alpha-blockers?

Answer 12

• Prozosin
• Terazosin
• Doxazosin

Question 13

What are examples of thiazide-like diuretics?

Answer 13

• Bendroflumethiazide

Question 14

What are examples of vasodilators?

Answer 14

• Diazoxide
• Hydrazine

Question 15

What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 15

• dizziness,
• headache,
• drowsiness,
• diarrhea,
• low blood pressure,
• weakness,
• cough, and.
• rash

Question 16

What are the side effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers?

Answer 16

• headache.
• fainting.
• dizziness.
• nasal congestion.
• diarrhea.
• back pain.
• leg pain.

Question 17

What are the side effects of Calcium Channel Antagonists?

Answer 17

• headache,
• constipation,
• rash,
• nausea,
• flushing,
• edema (fluid accumulation in tissues),
• drowsiness,
• low blood pressure
• Dizziness

Question 18

What are the side effects of beta-blockers?

Answer 18

• Fatigue.
• Cold hands.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath
• Impaired concentration
• Aggregation of asthma.

Question 19

What are the side effects of alpha-blockers

Answer 19

• Headaches or nausea
• Swelling of the ankles or legs
• Feeling tired or lethargic
• Feeling dizzy
• Sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing up
• Other possible side effects include sleep disturbance, tremor, rash or itchy skin, and rarely problems with erections in men

Question 20

What are the side effects of thiazide-like diuretics?

Answer 20

• Hypokalaemia
• Reduced insulin release
• Increased plasma lipid and urate - gout
• dizziness and lightheadedness,
• blurred vision,
• loss of appetite,
• itching,
• stomach upset,
• headache, and
• weakness.

Question 21

What are the side effects of vasodilators?

Answer 21

• Chest pain.
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Heart palpitations.
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Flushing.

Question 22

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of diltiazem?

Answer 22

Blocks voltage-operated calcium channels in cardiac muscle

Question 23

Oedema (swollen ankles) is a common side-effect of which of the following classes of anti-hypertensive drug?

Answer 23

Calcium channel blockers

Question 24

Losartan is often preferred to enalapril in the treatment of hypertension because it

Answer 24

does not cause a dry cough