Drug Classification / Action

Question 1

Beta Blockers

Answer 1

S = affects B1 receptors only
NS = affects B1 and B2 (may cause bronchconstriction if have Asthma - not good)
Decrease HR, BP & myocardial contractility @ rest & with exercise
Decrease myocardial O2 demand
^ refractory period of AV node

Question 2

Nitrates

Answer 2

Antianginals
Reduce workload of heart
Systemic Vasodilator (venous side) = reduce preload
(arterial side) = decrease after load
decrease myocardial O2 demand
Acts directly on smooth muscles = release of nitric oxide

Question 3

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 3

Inhibits calcium from entering cardiac and vascular smooth arteries = dilation of coronary arteries.
Prevents coronary artery spasms
Slows conduction through the SA and AV nodes
^ blood flow to heart

Question 4

Diuretics

Answer 4

Loop diuretics = inhibit NA+/K+/2CL- cotransporter
Thiazides = inhibit NA+/CL- cotransporter
Potassium-sparing diuretics = inhibit Na+ reabsorption and K+ excretion in collecting tubule

Question 5

Vasodilator

Nonadrenergic

Answer 5

Directly dilates arteries = Decrease BP and systemic vascular resistance and Decrease workload on heart

Question 6

Vasodilator

Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

Answer 6

Lowers BP by reducing total PVR (pulmonary vascular resistance)

Question 7

Vasodilator

Centrally Acting Agents

Answer 7

Decreases BP by inhibiting CNS regulation of sympathetic outflow = Vasodilation

Question 8

Vasodilator
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
(ACE inhibitors)

Answer 8

Reduces pressure by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angio II
Indirectly leads to decrease aldosterone secretion

Question 9

Vasodilators

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Answer 9

Reduces pressure by preventing vasoconstriction

Increases excretion of salt and water

Question 10

Cardiac Glycosides

Answer 10

Increases force of myocardial contraction = more complete emptying of ventricles
Slows conduction through AV node by ^ the refractory period
Decreases HR

Question 11

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 1a (Sodium Channel Blockers)

Answer 11

Moderate slowing of phase 0 and mod. slowing of action potential propagation throughout myocardium
Prolongs repolarization and refractory period

Question 12

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 1b (Sodium Channel Blockers)

Answer 12

Min. slowing of phase 0 and min. slowing of action potential propagation throughout myocardium
Shortens repolarization and refractory period

Question 13

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 1c (Sodium Channel Blockers)

Answer 13

Marked slowing of phase 0 and marked slowing of action potential propagation throughout myocardium
Has little effect of repolarization

Question 14

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 2 (Beta Blockers)

Answer 14

Decreases cardiac automaticity and prolongs effective refractory period
Slows conduction throughout myocardium

Question 15

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 3 (Drugs that prolong repolarization)

Answer 15

Delays repolarization of cardiac cells resulting in prolongation of refractory period

Question 16

Antiarrhythmic Agents
Class 4 (Calcium channel blockers)

Answer 16

Decreases rate of discharge of SA node

Inhibits conduction velocity through AV node