Cardiac drugs

Question 1

What is the management of symptomatic bradycardia?

Answer 1

Atropine- 500mcg up given at intervals up to 3mg

Then transcutaneous pacing
Isoprenaline/adrenaline infusion

Question 2

What is the purpose of adensoine?

Answer 2

To terminate supraventricular tachycardia

Question 3

What are adverse effects of adensoine?

Answer 3

Chest pain
Bronchospasm
Tranisent flushing
Can enhance conduction down accessory pathways

Question 4

How does adensoine work?

Answer 4

Causes transient heart block in AV node.

Question 5

When should digoxin be given in HF?

Answer 5

If coexistent AF

Question 6

What are the side effects of GTN?

Answer 6

Hypotension
Bradycardia
Headache
Flushing

Due to blood vessel dilatation

Question 7

What is the long term anticoagulation management for someone who had a ischaemic stroke but also has AF?

Answer 7

Prove no haemorrhage first
Then blood thinner such as warfarin/DOAC
This is to be started 2 weeks post confirmed stroke (antiplatelet in interim)
In TIA- once hamorrhage excluded then commence immediately.