Cardio Pharmacology Flashcards
What is the pharmacological action of Atorvastatin?
40% reduction of non-HDL
=Reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG CoA
What does Atorvastatin inhibit?
HMG CoA
What antibiotics must be stopped while taking Statins?
Clarithromycin and Eythromycin
What should be prescribed 12 months before taking a post-MI patient off Aspirin?
Clopidogrel or Trigrelor
What is the pharmacological mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
Manipulates : RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System)
Inhibits ACE enzyme (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) and therefore prevents Vasoconstriction of arterioles by preventing release of aldosterone and therefore prevents increase of Na+ and H20 reabsorption.
What is the pharmacological mechanism of action of ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker)?
Decreases vasodilation effects by antagonistically binding AT1 receptor, meaning Angiotensin II has to bind AT2 receptors instead. As there are fewer AT2 receptors than AT1, the action is decreased (NOT blocked).
Name the common ending for ACE inhibitors as well as a few common examples.
-pril
e.g Lisinopril, Ramipril (slower onset longer duration)
e.g Catopril and Enalapril (shorter duration)
Out of these three ACE inhibitors which two have the shorter duration? :
Lisinopril , Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril
Captopril and Enalapril
(All other ACE inhibitors are shorter onset and longer duration)
Name the common ending for ARB inhibitors as well as a few common examples.
-sartan
e.g Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan
Sort the following B blocker drugs into water soluble and lipid soluble:
Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol
Lipid Soluble: Metoprolol and Propranolol
Water Soluble: Atenolol and Sotalol
What type of clearance is applicable to water soluble beta blockers e.g Atenolol?
Kidney clearance
Name a Beta Blocker that can cause poor sleep and nightmares.
Any lipid soluble Beta blocker can cross the BBB and therefore cause this.
E.g Propranolol
What Beta Blockers are indicated in critical care?
Metoprolol, Esmolol and Carvedilol
What Beta Blocker is generally prescribed for arrhythmias?
Sotalol
What two Beta Blockers are non-selective and therefore bind both B1 and B2 receptors?
Propranolol and Sotalol
What type of clearance is applicable to lipid soluble beta blockers e.g Propranolol
Hepatic clearance
Between Atenolol and Propranolol, which one can cross the BBB barrier?
Propranolol (as it is lipid soluble)
What are the side effects of B2 antagonism?
(Name 4)
-Claudication (cramping in skeletal muscles of calves)
-Bronchoconstriction
-Cold hands and feet
-Hypoglycaemia (less insulin caused by B2 antagonism means less glucose is stored)
(due to Beta blockers such as Propranolol and Sotalol)
What is the main side effect of taking beta blockers?
Bradycardia
=Hypotension, Syncope, Weakness and Dizziness
Which of these side effects apply to Beta Blockers?
Weight gain, Weight loss, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Nausea.
Weight gain, Diarrhoea and Nausea
What is an unusual yet serious side effect of Beta Blockers?
AV Block (Heart Block)
=due to the alteration of AV node, could cause impairment of conduction between atria and ventricles
Name the 4 general contraindications for Beta Blockers.
-Frequent episodes of Hypoglycaemia
-Asthma / COPD
-Type 1 Diabetes
-Patients already with Bradycardia
What are the 2 main adverse effects of long term use of Beta Blockers, that means a patient must stop taking their Beta Blockers.
1.Hypertension
2.Angina
Long term use of B-Blockers can cause a rebound so that the sympathetic stimulation starts up again causing the above problems.
A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed with Angina. What first line drug is contraindicated and what drug is prescribed?
Beta blockers are contraindicated for Type 1 Diabetics, and so this patient would be prescribed a Calcium Channel Blocker such as Amlodipine.
Is Amlodipine mainly prescribed for primary or secondary hypertension?
Primary
What Calcium channel blockers are usually prescribed for patients with secondary hypertension?
Verapamil and Diltazem
What monitoring is required for a patient on ACE inhibitors?
After 1-2 weeks:
-Renal panel
-Serum electrolytes (to check for Hyperkalaemia)