Antihypertensives Flashcards
How do sympatholytics lower blood pressure?
reduce sympathetic vasomotor tone
act on adrenergic receptors by either:
1. stimulation or activation of central agonists
OR
2. inhibition or blockade by peripheral antagonists
Where do sympatholytics act?
sympatholytics interrupt the efferent sympathetic pathway at different sites as:
- medullary centers
- sympathetic neurons
- adrenergic receptors
Name 2 centrally acting sympatholytics
Clonidine (Catapres)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Clonidine and Methyldopa: class and MOA
Class: Centrally Acting Sympatholytics
MOA: stimulates medullary alpha-2 adrenergic receptors->reduce peripheral symp. nerve activity
-stim. presynaptic alpha 2 receptors and REDUCE transmitter release at relevant sites
-stim. post synaptic alpha 2 receptors and INHIBIT appropriate neurons
in the BRAIN, ACTS AS AGONIST (UNIQUE)
Clonidine and Methyldopa: indications/therapeutic effects
symp inhibition lowers BP by decreasing vasoconstrictor tone AND DECREASING RENAL RENIN SECRETION (by decreasing renal symp stimulation)
-cardiovascular reflexes remain intact
Which sympatholytic agent lowers heart rate and cardiac output more?
CLONIDINE lowers heart rate and cardiac output more than Methyldopa
DOC for treating HTN in pregnancy
Methyldopa, which is a PRODRUG that is converted to alpha-methylnorepinepherine
Sympatholytics: route of administration
(U) given orally
Clonidine can also be used as a transdermal or skin patch
Pharmokinetics of sympatholytics
Clonidine, guanabenz and guanifacine ACT DIRECTLY but METHYLDOPA IS A PRODRUG that is converted to alpha-methylnorepinepherine
Adverse effects of sympatholytics
SEDATION and other CNS effects (nausea, dizziness, nightmares, depression, etc)
xerostoma (dry mouth)
toxic doses of clonidine->pressor effects (stim of alpha1 receptors
METHYLDOPA may also produce: HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA W/+COOMBS TEST, hepatotoxicity, increased prolactin secretion, gynecomastia and lactation
Methyldopa adverse effects
Common to all sympatholytics: SEDATION (&other CNS effects), xerostoma
Unique to methyldopa: HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA W/ POSITIVE COOMBS TEST, hepatotoxicity, increased prolactin secretion, gynecomastia and lactation
Clonidine and Methyldopa cantraindications
- Not recommended for monotherapy b/c of CNS effects
- SUDDEN WITHDRAWAL OF CLONIDINE MAY CAUSE A HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
- TCAs and yohimibine inhibit clonidine’s therapeutic action
Name 3 alpha 1 adrenergic antagonists
the “-zosins” Prazosin (minipress), Terazosin (Hytrin), Doxazosin (Cardura)
MOA for the “-azosin” drugs & what are their names again
Prazosin, Terazosin and Doxazosin block alpha 1 receptors without affecting alpha 2 adrenergic receptors; alpha 1 adrenergic block reduces NE vasoconstriction to dilate both arteries and veins
Indications/Therapeutic Effects for Prazosin, Terazosin and Doxazosin
alpha 1-adrenergic block reduces NE vasoconstriction->dilates arteries and veins->BP falls b/c decreased peripheral resistance
DO NOT ADVERSELY EFFECT PLASMA LIPIDS
What initial drug treatment should be used for most patients with uncomplicated hypertension?
Thiazide-type diuretics, either alone or combined with drugs from other classes
What are the 2nd line drugs for:
Caucasians
African Americans
Caucasians: ACE inhibitors or ARBs
African Americans: CCBs