Chapter 5 Cardiovascular Drugs

Question 1

What do we use nitroglycerin for and where does it exert its effect?

Answer 1

Used for edema. Affects the blood volume within the lungs.

Question 2

What is the major drawback of hydralazine and amlodipine (arterial vasodilators) versus mixed vasodilators?

Answer 2

The potential for stimulating the renin-angiotensin system, which can increase the arterial blood pressure and increase the workload on the heart.

Question 3

Nitroprusside, a potent mixed vasodilator, is used for:

Answer 3

short term to stabilize dogs and cats with dyspnea from pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure.

Question 4

Nitroglycerin can be given PO. T or F

Answer 4

False, it has a significant first-pass effect that negates the use of the drug given PO. Usually it’s a topical cream or patch.

Question 5

When should Nitroprusside not be used?

Answer 5

In any case of hypotension

Question 6

How do ACE inhibitors work?

Answer 6

Produce vasodilation by blocking or inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which prevents the formation of angiotensin II (potent vasoconstrictor) and aldosterone (hormone that increases blood volume by causing sodium retention).

Question 7

ACE inhibitors must be used with caution in animals with concurrent kidney disease. T or F

Answer 7

True, decreased BP to kidneys could worsen disease.

Question 8

What are the 4 categories of diuretics?

Answer 8

Loop diuretics
Thiazide diuretics
Potassium sparing diuretics
Others (osmotic diuretics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors)

Question 9

What is one rare side effect of Furosemide?

Answer 9

Ototoxicity in cats due to ion imbalance in inner ear, usually okay once furosemide is stopped.

Question 10

Chlorothiazide and Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretics) are very commonly used in vet. med., just as effective as Furosemide. T or F

Answer 10

False, they are not as used because Furosemide is more effective.

Question 11

What is Spironolactone and how does it work?

Answer 11

A potassium sparing diuretic, works as a competitive antagonist of aldosterone (which normally causes sodium reabsorption, therefore water/fluid, increasing blood volume). Secretes Na (therefore water) and retains K.

Question 12

Diuretics are used to:

Answer 12

Increase urine formation, promoting water loss.
Decrease fluid where we don’t want it.
Reduce blood volume and arterial BP.
Decrease workload on the heart.

Question 13

When is Mannitol used?

Answer 13

Primarily used to reduce cerebral edema associated with head trauma.