Common Drugs Used in the Treatment of CVD Flashcards
What do diuretic do?
Block Na+ reabsorption in kidneys, so more water is excreted
Types of diuretics?
Thiazide diuretics (e.g: bendrofluazide) - mild and are used in HYPERTENSION
Loop diuretics (e.g: furosemide) - stronger and are used in HEART FAILURE
Side effects of diuretics?
Hypokalaemia - K+ follows Na+ into urine; this can result in fatigue and arrhythmias
Hyperglycaemia - produce diabetes
Increased uric acid - can cause gout
Impotence
What do β-blockers do?
Block β1 or β2 adrenoceptors, or block both
Types of β-blockers?
Cardio-selective β-blockers, e.g: atenolol - only block β1 adrenoceptors; used in ANGINA, HYPERTENSION and HEART FAILURE
Non-selective β-blockers, e.g: propranolol - block β1 and β2 adrenoceptors; used in THYROTOXICOSIS (disease where metabolic rate speeds up, causing a tremor)
Side effects of β-blockers?
Asthma - NEVER USE β-BLOCKERS IN ESTABLISHED ASTHMA (can cause bronchospasm)
Tired
Cold peripheries - e.g: Raynaud’s phenomenon
Heart failure - only use with initial low dose and then gradually increase; also, use only medium/long term in heart failure (not short-term)
What do Ca2+ antagonists do?
Decrease HR and cause vasodilatation
Types of Ca2+ antagonists?
Dihydropyridines, e.g: amlodipines - used in HYPERTENSION and ANGINA
Rate-limiting Ca2+ antagonists, e.g: verapamil, diltiazem - used in HYPERTENSION and ANGINA, plus supraventricular arrhythmias, like AF and SVT
Side effect of dihydropyridines?
Ankle oedema
Contraindications with rate-limiting Ca2+ antagonists?
Avoid use with β-blockers (also decrease HR so using both together may cause bradycardia)
What do α-blockers do and when are they used?
Block α-adrenoceptors to cause vasodilatation, e.g: Doxazosin
Used in HYPERTENSION and prostatic hypertrophy
Side effects of α-blockers?
Postural hypotension
What do Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do and when are they used?
Block angiotensin I from being converted to angiotensin II (a vasoconstrictor), e.g Lisinopril
Used in HYPERTENSION and HEART FAILURE
Cautions with ACE inhibitor use?
Good for kidneys in diabetic neuropathy but bad for kidneys in renal artery stenosis - kidneys may respond well/badly so recheck kidney function
NEVER USE IN PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION (can cause foetal abnormalities) - is there any possibility of being pregnant?
Side effects of ACE inhibitors?
Dry cough - no harm but, if too irritating, switch patient to Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Renal dysfunction
Angioneurotic oedema (allergic swelling that can also occur in the larynx; more common in black people - ensure person has not had this side effect before)
What do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers do?
Block angiotensin II receptors, e.g: Losartan - used in HYPERTENSION and HEART FAILURE