CHD drugs

Question 1

Vasodilators

Answer 1

Nitrates eg. GTN - rapidly metabolized by the liver
used for > 100 yrs for angina pain
fast-acting
sublingual tablet, nasal spray, transdermal patch
unwanted effects common
tolerance can develop
short- and longer-acting nitrates used
nitrovasodilators produce nitric oxide, increasing cGMP I muscle cells = muscle relaxes, vessel dilates
dilate both arteries and veins

Question 2

Unwanted SE of nitrates

Answer 2

throbbing headache - cerebral vasodilation
dizziness - lowered BP
caution with other BP-lowering drugs

Question 3

Lipid-lowering drugs

Answer 3

Statins
inhibit a specific enzyme in the liver
statins inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which controls cholesterol production in the liver
slows down cholesterol production
SE = GI upset, abnormal liver tests, muscle problems