CVS Drugs

Question 1

Nitric Oxide

Answer 1

• produced by the vascular endothelium and freely diffuses into smooth muscle cells.
• activates guanylate cyclase converting GTP to cGMP which stimulates protein kinase G to induce smooth muscle relaxation.

Question 2

Mechanism of action of Organic Nitrates

Answer 2

Convert to nitric oxide once within the body. Acts as venodilators to decrease PRELOAD and stroke volume (low doses have no effect on arterial pressure).
Higher doses decrease arterial pressure and AFTERLOAD.

Question 3

Why are organic nitrates used in the treatment of angina?

Answer 3

Organic nitrates increase coronary blood flow and act to redirect the flow of blood toward the ischemic areas within the heart. (collateral vessels created to bypass narrowed coronary artery - improves perfusion to ischemic area)

Question 4

Short-acting organic nitrate, cannot be administered orally.

Answer 4

Glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) spray

Question 5

Longer-acting, more stable organic nitrate given orally and used as prophylaxis

Answer 5

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE

Question 6

What are the main side effects of using isosorbide mononitrate?

Answer 6

Tolerance (diminished by ‘nitrate low’ periods.

Headaches (due to dilatation of cranial circulation).

Question 7

What drug prevent cholesterol uptake from the small intestine?

Answer 7

Ezetimibe