Drug mechanisms for altitude sickness

Question 1

Nifedipine

Answer 1

Calcium channel blocker

Vasodilation of vascular smooth muscle

Question 2

Amoxacillin

Answer 2

Antibiotic
To treat infection
Not for altitude sickness

Question 3

Aspirin

Answer 3

NSAID

To prevent platelet adhesion, and treat fever and inflammation

Question 4

Salbutamol

Answer 4

Short- acting β2 agonist

Relaxation of airway smooth muscle

Question 5

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Answer 5

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Vasodilation of vascular smooth muscle

Question 6

Dexamethasone

Answer 6

Corticosteroid

Steroid to alleviate symptoms of mountain sickness

Question 7

Oxygen

Answer 7

Oral gas

Used to support metabolic energy production

Question 8

Acetazolamide

Answer 8

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

Reduces H20+ CO2⇌ H2CO3

Question 9

Mannitol

Answer 9

Osmotic diuretic

Reduce intracranial pressure

Question 10

Heparin (warfarin)

Answer 10

Anticoagulant
To prevent formation of blood clots
Not used for altitude sickness

Question 11

Ramipril (Lisinopril)

Answer 11

ACE inhibitor

Inhibition of angiotensin II synthesis

Question 12

Propanolol (Atenolol)

Answer 12

Beta blocker

SNS antagonist- blockade of β1/β2/β3 receptors

Question 13

Furosemide

Answer 13

Loop diuretic

Increases water loos from the loop of Henle