Cardiac Pharm Flashcards
drugs which influence the HR
(+) increases the HR and (-) decreases the HR
Chronotropic drug
drugs that influence the HR by altering automaticity
(-) will decrease automaticity and in turn, decrease HR
(+) will increase automaticity and in turn, increase HR
Dromotropic drug
speed at which electricity moves through the heart
Automaticity
drugs that influence the contractility of the heart
(+) increases contractility and (-) decreases contractility
Inotropic drug
used to increase preload and afterload
Vasoconstrictors
used to decrease preload and afterload
Vasodilators
venous/arterial dilation and diuresis
side effects: dry cough hyperkalemia, angioedema
ACE inhibitors (-pril)
venous/arterial dilation
used when patient can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors (side effects: hyponatremia, renal impairment, angioedema)
Angiotensin receptor blockers (-sartan)
alpha-adrenergic blocker (different drugs have varying effects of beta-blockade as well)
avoid in patients w/ bradycardia or bronchospasm, use w/ caution in patients w asthma/COPD
Beta-blockers
relax vascular smooth muscle, reduce pacemaker activity and decrease cardiac contractility
do not administer w/ beta-blockers simultaneously
Calcium channel blockers
potent venodilator (arterial dilator in higher doses), coronary artery dilator
avoid concurrent use w/ phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Nitroglycerin
potent venous AND arterial dilator w onset of action in seconds
protect from light w aluminum foil or opaque plastic
Nitroprusside (Nipride)
arterial vasodilator w little venous dilation
Hydralazine
+ inotrope, dromotrope and chronotrope as well as vasoconstrictor
reserved for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
use for refractory shock despite adequate fluid resuscitation
may cause splanchnic vasoconstriction and decreased CO
Vasopression (Pitressin)
