Drugs Flashcards
salbutamol
B2 agonist
Fast-acting for quick relief
e.g. asthma
Bronchodilation
Stabilise mast cells and inhibit inflammatory mediator release
Enhanced mucociliary clearance (action on cilia)
formoterol
B2 agonist
Formoterol acts quickly but has a long duration of action
Bronchodilation
Stabilise mast cells and inhibit inflammatory mediator release
Enhanced mucociliary clearance (action on cilia)
salmeterol
B2 agonist
Slower, longer lasting
Bronchodilation
Stabilise mast cells and inhibit inflammatory mediator release
Enhanced mucociliary clearance (action on cilia)
tiotropium
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist
Long-acting “preventer”
Bronchodilation by antagonising action of ACh released by vagus nerve
↓ mucus secretion in asthma
↑ mucociliary clearance
Ipratropium
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist
Fast-acting “reliever”
Bronchodilation by antagonising action of ACh released by vagus nerve
↓ mucus secretion in asthma
↑ mucociliary clearance
Atropine
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist
Cannot cross membranes
Bronchodilation by antagonising action of ACh released by vagus nerve
↓ mucus secretion in asthma
↑ mucociliary clearance
theophylline
Methylxanthines - 3rd line
Inhibits phosphodiesterase and blocks adenosine receptors
> increase in cAMP > Increase in activated PKA > Increased phosphorylation of MLCK > Bronchodilation
Montelukast
Leukotriene antagonist
Act as antagonists in leukotriene receptors
Decrease in bronchoconstriction, vascular permeability and mucous production
Decrease in eosinophil recruitment
Given orally, preventative for asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients with asthma
Beclomethasone
Corticosteroids
Diffuse into the cytoplasm and bind to receptor then move to nucleus to modify transcription.
Increase anti-inflammatory
Decrease pro-inflammatory mediators
hyoscine butylbromide
antispasmodic drug
anticholinergic action exerts a smooth-muscle relaxing/spasmolytic effect
Used in stomach cramps
Propranolol
beta-1-adrenergic receptor antagonist used to:
treat high blood pressure
treat conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), like atrial fibrillation
help prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes
help prevent chest pain caused by angina
Atenolol
Cardioselective beta-1-adrenergic antagonists
Beta blocker medicine, used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
bisoprolol
Beta blocker
beta-1-adrenergic receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.
Budesonide
Budesonide is a glucocorticoid, which exerts significant local anti-inflammatory effects.
Used for COPD, ulcerative colitis
fluticasone
Fluticasone propionate is a glucocorticoid used to treat asthma, inflammatory pruritic dermatoses, and nonallergic rhinitis.
cromoglicate
They are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, a condition triggered by hay fever, house mites and other allergies.
Mast cell stabilisers
Given as eye drops
Bendroflumethiazide
Thiazide diuretic
Hypertension
Blocks Na/Cl transporter in distal tubule – mild diuresis
Risk of hypokalaemia due to leaky potassium channels in collecting duct
↑ loss of H+; metabolic alkalosis
↑ loss of K +; Use with K+ -sparing diuretics (see later)
↑ loss of Mg +
↓ loss of uric acid; gout
Erectile dysfunction
Indapamide
Thiazide diuretic
Hypertension
Blocks Na/Cl transporter in distal tubule – mild diuresis
↑ loss of H+; metabolic alkalosis
↑ loss of K +; Use with K+ -sparing diuretics (see later)
↑ loss of Mg +
↓ loss of uric acid; gout
Erectile dysfunction
furosemide
Loop diuretic
Hypertension
Blocks Na/K/Cl transporter in ascending loop of Henle - Large diuresis
↑ loss of H+; metabolic alkalosis
↑ loss of K +; Use with K+ -sparing diuretics (see later)
↑ loss of Ca +,
↑ loss of Mg +
↓ loss of uric acid; gout
spironolactone
Aldosterone antagonist > reduces expression of ENaC and Na/K ATPase in collecting tubule
Little diuresis
Given with other diuretics to limit hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Gastrointestinal upset
Gynecomastia, menstrual disorders, testicular atrophy (via action on progesterone/androgen receptors outside kidney)
eplerenone
Aldosterone antagonist > reduces expression of ENaC and Na/K ATPase in collecting tubule
Little diuresis
Given with other diuretics to limit hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Gastrointestinal upset
Gynecomastia, menstrual disorders, testicular atrophy (via action on progesterone/androgen receptors outside kidney)
amiloride
Epithelial sodium channel blockers
Little diuresis
Given with other diuretics to limit hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Gastrointestinal upset
triamterene
Epithelial sodium channel blockers
Little diuresis
Given with other diuretics to limit hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Gastrointestinal upset
amlodipine
Calcium channel antagonists - Vascular selective
vasodilation
Headache
Flushing - varies with different formulations
Dizziness
Peripheral oedema
↑ gastro-oesophageal reflux
nifedipine
Calcium channel antagonists - Vascular selective
vasodilation
Headache
Flushing - varies with different formulations
Dizziness
Peripheral oedema
↑ gastro-oesophageal reflux
ramipril
Angiotensin converting enzyme Inhibitor
Hypertension, Heart failure, After MI
Particularly beneficial in patients with higher renin levels
Inhibits angiotensin II synthesis from angiotensin I and therefore inhibiting vasoconstriction and salt retention
Cough
Hypotension
Reversible renal impairment
Hyperkalaemia
lisinopril
Angiotensin converting enzyme Inhibitor
Hypertension, Heart failure, After MI
Particularly beneficial in patients with higher renin levels
Inhibits angiotensin II synthesis from angiotensin I and therefore inhibiting vasoconstriction and salt retention
Cough
Hypotension
Reversible renal impairment
Hyperkalaemia
Candesartan
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Hypertension
Heart failure
Blocks AT receptors on smooth muscle cells -
linked to Gq and then to contraction (inhibits)
Hypotension
Reversible renal impairment
Hyperkalaemia
losartan
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Hypertension
Heart failure
Blocks AT receptors on smooth muscle cells -
linked to Gq and then to contraction (inhibits)
Hypotension
Reversible renal impairment
Hyperkalaemia
Valsartan
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Hypertension
Heart failure
Blocks AT receptors on smooth muscle cells -
linked to Gq and then to contraction (inhibits)
Hypotension
Reversible renal impairment
Hyperkalaemia
doxazosin
α1-antagonist
hypertension, congestive heart failure, benign prostatic hyperplasia
α1-receptor activation
> activation of Gq,
Activation of PLC (phospholipase C)
↑IP3
↑Ca2+
contraction
Antagonists block this > vasodilation
First dose effect postural hypotension and syncope
bumetanide
Loop diuretic
Heart failure and oedema
Blocks Na/K/Cl transporter in ascending loop of Henle - Large diuresis
↑ loss of H+; metabolic alkalosis
↑ loss of K +; Use with K+ -sparing diuretics (see later)
↑ loss of Ca +,
↑ loss of Mg +
↓ loss of uric acid; gout
minoxidil
Potassium channel opener
Severe hypertension, hypertension resistant to other drugs
Activation of ATP-dependent potassium channels
Hyperpolarisation
Closes calcium channels
Less calcium influx
Less contraction
Fluid and salt retention - given with a diuretic to avoid this
Baroreceptor-mediated activation of sympathetic nervous system (increased heart rate and contractility) - given with a beta blocker to avoid this
Given with an inhibitor of RAAS to prevent remodelling effects on the heart.
hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
glyceryl trinitrate
Organic nitrate
Anti angina; 30 min duration of action
Produce nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells
NO diffuses into smooth muscle cell,
activates guanylyl cyclase (GC)
produces cGMP from GTP
relaxation of smooth muscle (vascular, biliary and oesophageal).
More effect on veins than on resistance arteries
↓ preload ↓left and right ventricular chamber size ↓ wall stress ↓ oxygen demand – advantage for angina
Has marked effect on larger arteries
↓ afterload
↑ coronary vasodilation ↑ coronary flow
Diverts blood from normal to ischaemic areas of myocardium
Tolerance occurs
Headache
Postural hypotension
Isosorbide mononitrate
Organic nitrate
Anti angina; longer duration of action > Twice daily for prophylaxis
Produce nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells
NO diffuses into smooth muscle cell,
activates guanylyl cyclase (GC)
produces cGMP from GTP
relaxation of smooth muscle (vascular, biliary and oesophageal).
More effect on veins than on resistance arteries
↓ preload ↓left and right ventricular chamber size ↓ wall stress ↓ oxygen demand – advantage for angina
Has marked effect on larger arteries
↓ afterload
↑ coronary vasodilation ↑ coronary flow
Diverts blood from normal to ischaemic areas of myocardium
Tolerance occurs
Headache
Postural hypotension
Nicorandil
potassium channel opener and NO donor
Ivabradine
slows the heart rate by direct action on the pacemaker in the SA node
colestyramine
Bile acid binding resin
dyslipidaemia
Cholesterol is converted to bile acids in liver then secreted in bile
Bile acid binding resins sequester the bile acid and it is excreted in faeces rather than being returned to liver
Constipation
Reduced absorption of other medicines
Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
Increased triglyceride levels
Avoid in bowel or biliary obstruction
colestipol
Bile acid binding resin
dyslipidaemia
Cholesterol is converted to bile acids in liver then secreted in bile
Bile acid binding resins sequester the bile acid and it is excreted in faeces rather than being returned to liver
Decrease in cholesterol in hepatocytes > increased LDL receptor > More LDL removed from circulation
Constipation
Reduced absorption of other medicines
Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
Increased triglyceride levels
Avoid in bowel or biliary obstruction
Ezetimibe
Blocks transport protein NPC1L1 in brush border of enterocytes
Inhibits transport of both dietary and biliary cholesterol
Decrease in cholesterol absorbed > increased LDL receptor > More LDL removed from circulation
GI disturbance
Headache
Hepato-biliary disorders (rare)
Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis if used with a statin
fenofibrate
Fibrate - Agonists at PPARα receptor
Increase expression of lipoprotein lipase in muscle
increase fatty acid uptake and oxidation in muscle cells
Decrease triglycerides
Increase apoAI, apoAII synthesis in hepatocytes
increase plasma HDL
GI side-effects most common
Myositis-like syndrome
Rhabdomyolysis (with statin)
Avoid: hepato-biliary disorders
simvastatin
Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase - Responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate
> Inhibits synthesis of cholesterol in liver > increased LDL receptor/decreased lipoprotein synthesis > More LDL removed from circulation
ADRs
GI disturbances, insomnia, rashes
Hepato-biliary effects
Monitor LFT’s (baseline, within 3 months and at 12 months)
Transaminases
Myopathy / rhabdomyolysis
Advise patients to seek medical advice if develop muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
Contra-indications
Active liver disease
Pregnancy, breast-feeding
CP450 interactions:
Avoid -
Antibacterials (Clarithromycin, erythromycin)
Antifungals (Azoles – ketoconazole, itraconazole)
Grapefruit juice
Do not exceed simvastatin 20mg/day
Amiodarone
Anticoagulants
Calcium-channel blockers
Amlodipine
Diltiazem
Verapamil
10mg/day
Fibrates (bezafibrate or ciprofibrate)
Atorvastatin
Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase - Responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate
> Inhibits synthesis of cholesterol in liver > increased LDL receptor/decreased lipoprotein synthesis > More LDL removed from circulation
ADRs
GI disturbances, insomnia, rashes
Hepato-biliary effects
Monitor LFT’s (baseline, within 3 months and at 12 months)
Transaminases
Myopathy / rhabdomyolysis
Advise patients to seek medical advice if develop muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
Contra-indications
Active liver disease
Pregnancy, breast-feeding
pravastatin
Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase - Responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate
> Inhibits synthesis of cholesterol in liver > increased LDL receptor/decreased lipoprotein synthesis > More LDL removed from circulation
ADRs
GI disturbances, insomnia, rashes
Hepato-biliary effects
Monitor LFT’s (baseline, within 3 months and at 12 months)
Transaminases
Myopathy / rhabdomyolysis
Advise patients to seek medical advice if develop muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
Contra-indications
Active liver disease
Pregnancy, breast-feeding
alirocumab
monoclonal antibody for PCSK9
PCSK9 normally decreases LDL receptor number
Alirocumab ↑LDL receptors
Given s.c. every 2 weeks.
Use when statin or statin/ezetimibe are not sufficiently effective
Amiodarone
Class III antiarrhythmic
Multiple mechanisms – all include prolongation of the action potential and reduction of abnormal automaticity. (poss block of delayed rectifier potassium channel)
Both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias
Hypotension, photosensitivity, pulmonary fibrosis
Some ADRs related to its structural similarity to thyroid hormone
dronedarone
Class III antiarrhythmic
Multiple mechanisms – all include prolongation of the action potential and reduction of abnormal automaticity. (poss block of delayed rectifier potassium channel)
Atrial fibrillation and flutter
Fewer ADRs than amiodarone but also less effective
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
sotalol
Class III antiarrhythmic - also has beta-blocking effects
Multiple mechanisms – all include prolongation of the action potential and reduction of abnormal automaticity. (poss block of delayed rectifier potassium channel)
Both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias
Torsades de pointes
bronchospasm
lidocaine
Class IB antiarrhythmic
Sodium channel blocker
fast association and dissociation prevents premature beat - blocks when cells are depolarised.
Ventricular arrhythmias
Seizures
Nystagmus
flecainide
Class IC antiarrhythmic
Sodium channel blocker
slows rate of depolarization
Atrial fibrillation, Ventricular arrhythmias, Ventricular tachycardia, Certain congenital ventricular arrhythmias
Blurred vision, Exacerbate congestive heart failure, Exacerbate some arrhythmias, Overall mortality increased after MI
disopyramide
Class IA antiarrhythmic
Sodium channel blocker
slows rate of depolarization
Diltiazem
Class IV L-type Calcium channel blockers – cardio selective
Slow conduction in SA and AV nodes
Shorten plateau of action potential and reduce force of contraction
Decreased calcium entry decrease after-depolarisation.
Supraventricular arrhythmias
Worsening of heart failure
Constipation
Sinus bradycardia or AV block
(do not use with beta blockers)
verapamil
Class IV L-type Calcium channel blockers – cardio selective
Slow conduction in SA and AV nodes
Shorten plateau of action potential and reduce force of contraction
Decreased calcium entry decrease after-depolarisation.
Supraventricular arrhythmias
Worsening of heart failure
Constipation
Sinus bradycardia or AV block
(do not use with beta blockers)
Adenosine
Unclassified antiarrhythmic
Activates A1 adenosine receptors in AV node
activate inward rectifier potassium channel
hyperpolarisation, slows rate of rise of pacemaker
i.v. lasts 20-30s
terminates supraventricular tachycardias
One example of how drugs can induce arrhythmias
The hERG channel was identified in the 1990s and shown to be the channel responsible for one of the repolarising potassium currents IKR.
Block of the hERG channel slows repolarisation and leads to “long QT syndrome”.
Aspirin
Inhibits COX-1 irreversibly and hence TxA2 production by platelets
Also inhibits prostacyclin synthesis (reversibly) in vascular endothelium
Secondary prevention of MI
Management of cerebrovascular disease
Prevention of vascular events in pts with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
Bleeding – approx 1 in 200 pts
GI intolerance
Hypersensitivity
0.2% general population
4% of asthmatics
Risk of Reyes syndrome in children - avoid
clopidogrel
P2Y (ADP) receptor antagonists
Irreversibly blocks effect of ADP on platelets
prasugrel
P2Y (ADP) receptor antagonists - anti-platelet
Irreversibly blocks effect of ADP on platelets
abciximab
GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors - anti-platelet
Limited to single use
Blocks binding of fibrinogen
Prevents platelet aggregation
given iv; adjunct to aspirin and heparin for coronary artery angioplasty, stenting
alteplase
Fibrinolytic
human recombinant t-PA,
activates plasminogen bound to fibrin
longer half life
Acute ischaemic stroke
Arterial thrombosis
Life threatening venous thrombosis
Acute MI (given within 12 h)
ADRs:
Bleeding
Allergic reactions (streptokinase more antigenic, recombinant are less antigenic)
Contraindications:
Internal bleeding
Pregnancy
Trauma (incl CPR)
Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis
streptokinase
Fibrinolytic - directly converts plasminogen to active plasmin
Acute ischaemic stroke
Arterial thrombosis
Life threatening venous thrombosis
Acute MI (given within 12 h)
ADRs:
Bleeding
Allergic reactions (streptokinase more antigenic, recombinant are less antigenic)
Contraindications:
Internal bleeding
Pregnancy
Trauma (incl CPR)
Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis
enoxaparin
Low molecular weight heparins
Subcutaneous
Preferred over heparin (longer acting, longer half life)
Inhibit Xa (but not thrombin)
Monitoring not required
Not neutralised by protamine
Thromboprophylaxis (low doses)
DVT and PE – prevents extension of thrombosis
Prevent coronary events e.g. in unstable angina
MI – prevents extension of thrombosis
Haemorrhage
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Osteoporsis
Hyperkalaemia
dalteparin
Low molecular weight heparins
Subcutaneous
Preferred over heparin (longer acting, longer half life)
Inhibit Xa (but not thrombin)
Monitoring not required
Not neutralised by protamine
Thromboprophylaxis (low doses)
DVT and PE – prevents extension of thrombosis
Prevent coronary events e.g. in unstable angina
MI – prevents extension of thrombosis
Haemorrhage
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Osteoporsis
Hyperkalaemia
edoxaban
Orally-active Xa inhibitor (DOAC)
No reversal agent
rivaroxaban
Orally-active Xa inhibitor
Reversed by andexanet alfa
warfarin
Given orally
Inhibits factors VII, IX, X, II
4-5 days for full effect
Reversed by giving vitamin K
Vitamin K occurs in green vegetables and green tea
Requires monitoring – prothrombin time measured and expressed as INR (International Normalised Ratio) of 2 - 4.
Metabolised by CYP2C9 – half life variable