Drugs Flashcards
What does ACE inhibitor stand for?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Indications for ACE inhibitors?
HTN (less effective in Afro-Caribbean pts), HF, diabetic nephropathy, secondary prevention of IHD
Mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors
Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors explained for reducing BP?
Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
→ decrease in angiotensin II levels → vasodilation and reduced blood pressure
Mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors explained in relation to the kidneys?
Inhibits coversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
→ decrease in angiotensin II levels → reduced stimulation for aldosterone release → decrease in sodium and water retention by the kidneys
AND
renoprotective mechanism: decrease in angiotensin II -> dilation of efferent glomerular arterioles -> reduced glomerular capillary pressure -> decreased mechanical stress on the delicate filtration barriers of the glomeruli (important in diabetic nephropathy)
Role of ADH?
Helps body retain water.
Dehydrated or high salt -> ADH released by pituitary gland -> acts on collecting duct -> reabsorb more water into the blood.
Therefore causes:
Water retention.
High levels ADH= less urine.
Role of aldosterone?
Helps control balance of sodium and potassium in blood.
BP drops or sodium low -> aldosterone released by adrenal glands -> kidneys reabsorb more sodium (and so water) and excrete potassium.
Therefore: increases blood volume and pressure.
High levels aldosterone: increased BP and loss of potassium.
Role of angiotensin II?
1) Constricts arterioles (increase BP).
2) Constricts efferent glomerular arterioles (increase BP).
3) Triggers adrenal glands to release aldosterone and pituitary to release ADH.
ACE inhibitors are acivated by what?
Phase 1 metabolism in the liver
Side effects of ACE inhibitors?
cough (15% and up to 1yr after starting), angioedema (up to 1yr), hyperkalaemia, first dose-hypotension (common if taking diuretics)
Why can ACE inhibitors cause a cough?
increases bradykinin levels
Why do ACE inhibitors cause hyperkalaemia?
decrease in angiotensin II -> reduced aldosterone excretion -> decreased uptake of sodium and less potassium excreted.
Cautions and contraindications of ACE inhibitors?
- AVOID: pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Renovascular disease: may result in renal impairment
- Aortic stenosis: may result in hypotension
- hereditary of idiopathic angioedema
Specialist advice should be sought before starting ACE inhibitors in pts with what?
potassium >=50mmol/L
ACE inhibitor interactions?
pts receiving high dose diuretic therapy (more than 80mg furosemdie a day)= signif increases risk of hypotension
What should you monitor in pts taking ACE inhibitors?
U&Es: rise in creatinine and K+ may be expected after starting
Acceptable changes in an increase in serum creatinine and potassium for pts who have just started an ECE inhibitor?
increase in creatinine up to 30% from baseline and potassium up to 5.5mmol/l
Significant renal impairment may occur in pts who take ACE inhibitor and have what?
undiagnosed bilateral renal artery stenosis
Examples of ACE inhibitors?
ramipril
enalapril
lisinopril
What are calcium channel blockers primarily used in the management of?
CVD
Voltage-gated calcium channels are present where?
In myocardial cells, cells of the conduction system and vascular smooth muscle
Different types of CCBs affect…
different areas: myocardial cells, cells of conduction system or vascular smooth muscle
Examples of CCBs?
1) nifedipine, amlodipine, felodipine (dihydropyridines)
2) verapamil
3) diltiazem
CCBs: indications for dihydropyridines eg. amlodipine and nifedipine?
HTN, angina, Raynaud’s
CCBs: dihydropyridines eg. amlodipine and nifedipine affect what?
Peripheral smooth muscle more than myocardium so don’t result in worsening HF but may therefore cause ankle swelling.
CCBs: shorter acting dihydropyridines eg. nifedipine cause what?
peripheral vasodilation which may result in reflex tachycardia
CCBs: S/Es for dihydropyridines eg. amlodipine and nifedipine?
flushing, headache, ankle swelling
CCBs: verapamil indications?
angina, HTN, arrhythmias
CCBs: vreapamil is highly…
negatively inotropic (keep heart muscle from working too hard by beating with less force)
CCBs: verapamil should not be given with what?
Beta blockers as may cause heart block
CCBs: S/Es of verapamil?
HF, constipation, hypotension, bradycardia, flushing
CCBs: indications for diltiazem?
angina, HTN
CCBs: diltiazem is less negatively inotropic than verapamil but should be used in caution in pts with…
HF or taking BBs
CCBs: S/Es of diltiazem?
hypotension, bradycardia, HF, ankle swelling
What CCB most likely to cause ankle and do NOT worsen HF?
Dihydropyridines eg. amlodipine, nifedipine
What CCBs should be not given/used in caution in pts with HF or on BBs?
Verapamil (NOT)
Diltiazem (caution)
What CCBs more likely to cause bradycardia, hypotension and HF?
verapamil and diltiazem
What does ARB stand for?
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Mechanism of action of ARB?
block effects of angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor
Common side effect of ARB?
Hyperkalaemia
When are ARB used?
Usually when ACEi not tolerated eg. cough
Example of ARB?
Ends in ‘-sartan’
eg. candesartan
Mechanism of action of Thiazide diuretics (and thiazide-like diuretics)?
Inhibit sodium absorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) by blocking the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride symporter. Potassium is lost as a result of more sodium reaching the collecting ducts.
Common side-effects of thiazide diuretics (& T-L)?
Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, dehydration, postural hypotension, hypercalcaemia & hypocalciuria, gout, impaired glucose tolerance, impotence (ED)
Do thiazide diuretics have a strong or weak diuretic action? (& T-L)
Weak
Indications for thiazide-like diuretics (& TD)?
HTN
mild HF (loop diuretics are better for reducing overload)
What type of diuretics are better for reducing overload?
Loop
Examples of thiazide-like diuretics?
Idapamide, chlortalidone
bendroflumethiazide (thiazide diuretic)
Why can thiazide diuretics cause hypokalaemia? (& T-L)
Due to increased delivery of Na+ to distal part of DCT -> increased sodium reabsorption in exchange for potassium and hydrogen ions
Rare adverse effects of thiazide diuretics? (& T-L)
thrombocytopaenia
agranulocytosis
photosensitivity rash
pancreatitis
thiazide-like diuretics vs thiazide diuretics?
Same effect, different chemical structure.
Pretty much same.
Thiazide diuretics (& T-L) cause increased…
urine output
Mechanism of action of aminosalicylate drugs?
5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA) is released in the colon and not absorbed. It acts locally as an anti-inflam. MOA not fully understood but 5-ASA may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.
Examples of aminosalicylate drugs?
sulphasalazine
mesalazine
olsalazine
Aminosalicylate drugs: sulphasalazine?
- 5-ASA + suphapydridine (a sulphonamide)
- many S/Es due to sulphapyridine moiety: rashes, oligospermia, headache, Heinz body anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, lung fibrosis
Aminosalicylate drugs: mesalazine?
- a delayed release form of 5-ASA
- no sulphapyridine S/Es
- S/Es: GI upset, headache, agranulocytosis, pancreatitis, intestinal nephritis
Aminosalicylate drugs: olsalazine?
2 molecules of 5-ASA linked by a diazo bond, which is broked by colonic bacteria
Key Ix in an unwell pt taking aminosalicylate drugs?
FBC as they are associated with vairety of haem adverse effects eg. agranulocytosis
Antidiarrhoeal agents: opioid agonists include?
loperamide and diphenoxylayte
Cholestyramine?
Bile acid sequestrant used in Mx of hyperlipidaemia to reduce LDL cholesterol.
Indications for cholestyramine?
1) hyperlipidaemia= reduces LDL cholesterol
2) Crohn’s for treatment of diarrhoea following bowel resection
Mechanism of action of cholestyramine?
decreases bile acid reabsorption in small intestine therefore upregulating the amount of cholesterol converted to bile acid
Adverse effects of cholestyramine?
- abdo cramps and constiption
- decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- cholesterol gallstones
- may raise level of triglycerides
Metoclopramide class?
D2 receptor antagonist
Indications for metoclopramide?
- main= nausea
- GORD
- prokinetic action good for gastroparesis secondary to diabetic neuropathy
- combined with analgesics for Mx of migraine (migraine attacks result in gastroparesis, slowing absoprtion of analgesics)
- paralytic ileus
Adverse effects of metoclopramide?
- extrapyramidal= acute dystonia eg. oculogyric crisis (more in children and young adults)
- diarrhoea
- hyperprolactinaemia
- tardive dyskinesia
- parkinsonism
What should metoclopramide be avoided in?
bowel obstruction, but helpful in paralytic ileus
Mechanism of action of metoclopramide?
- Primarily D2 receptor antagonist
- also a mixed 5-HT3 receptor antagonist/5-HT4 receptor agonist
- antiemetic action due to anatgonisitic activity at D2 receptors in chemoreceptor trigger zone. At higher doses the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist also has an effect
- gastroprokinetic activity is mediated by D2 receptor antagonist activity and 5-HT4 receptor agonist activity
Mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors (PPI)?
irreversible blockage of the H+/K+ ATPase of the gastric parietal cell
Examples of PPI?
omeprazole and lansoprazole
Adverse effects of PPI?
- hyponatraemia, hypomagnesaemia
- osteoporosis -> increased risk of fractures
- micoscopic colitis
- increased risk of c.diff infections
Vitamin A?
aka retinol
Fat soluble vitamin
Functions of Vitamin A (retinol)?
- converted to retinal, an important visual pigment
- important in epithelial cell differentiation
- antioxidant
Consequences of vit A def?
night blindness
Vitamin B1?
aka thiamine
Water soluble vit of B complex group
One of Vitamins B1’s (thiamine) phosphate derivates?
Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) coenzyme
Thiamine pyrophosphate (TTP, vit B phosphate derivates) is a coenzyme in what reactions?
- pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
- pyruvate decarboxylase in ethanol fermentation
- alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex
- branched-chain amino acid dehydrogenase complex
- 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase
- transketolase
Vit B1 (thiamine) is important for what?
catabolism of sugars and aminoacids
Clinical consequence of thiamine def is seen first where?
highly aerobic tissues eg. brain (Wenicke-Koraskoff syndrome) and heart (wet beriberi)
Causes of vit B1 (thiamine) def?
- alcohol XS (alcoholics recommended to supplement)
- malnutrition
Conditions associated with Vit B1 (thiamine) def?
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy: nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia and ataxia
- Korsakoff’s syndrome: amnesia, confabulation
- dry beriberi: peripheral neuropathy
- wet beriberi: dilated cardiomyopathy
Vitamin B2?
aka riboflavin
A cofactor of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and is important in energy metabolism.
Consequences of Vit B2 (riboflavin) def?
angular cheilitis
Vitamin B3?
aka niacin
Water soluble vitamin of B complex group.
Role of Vit B3 (niacin)?
it’s a precursor to NAD+ and NADP+ and so plays an essential metabolic role in cells
Biosynthesis of Vit B3 (niacin)?
- Hartnup’s disease= hereditary disorder which reduces absorption of tryptophan
- Carcinoid syndrome= increased tryptophan metabolism to serotonin
Consequences of Vit B3 (niacin) def?
- pellagra= dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia
Vitamin B6?
aka pyridoxine
Water soluble vitamin of B complex group.
Role of Vit B6 (pyridoxine)?
converted to pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) which is a cofactor for many reactions incl. transamination, deamination and decarboxylation
Causes of Vit B6 (pyridoxine) def?
isoniazid therapy
Consequences of Vit B6 (pyridoxine) def?
- peripheral neuropathy
- sideroblastic anaemia
Vitamin C?
aka ascorbic acid
Water soluble
Functions of Vit C (ascorbic acid)?
- antioxidant
- collagen synthesis: acts as cofactor for enzymes that are needed for hydroxylation proline and lysine in synthesis of collagen
- facilitates iron absorption
- cofactor for norepinephrine synthesis
What can Vit C (ascorbic acid) def lead to?
Vit C def= scurvy
Vit C def (scurvey) leads to defective synthesis of collagen resulting in capillary fragility (bleeding tendency) and poor wound healing).
Features of Vit C (ascorbic acid) def?
- gingivitis, loose teeth
- poor wound healing
- bleeding from gums, haematuria, epistaxis
- general malaise
What vitamins are water soluble?
B and C
What is rifampicin used for?
TB
MOA of rifampicin?
inhibits bacterial DNA dependent RNA polymerase preventing transcription of DNA into mRNA
S/Es of rifampicin?
- hepatitis
- orange secretions (eg. red urine)
- flu-like symptoms
potent liver enzyme inducer
What is isoniazid used for?
TB
MOA of isoniazid?
inhibits mycolic acid synthesis
S/Es of isoniazid?
- peripheral neuropathy
- hepatitis
- agranulocytosis
liver enzyme inhibitor
What must be given with isoniazid for TB?
pyridoxine (Vit B6) as prevents peripheral neuropathy
What is pyrazinamide used for?
TB
MOA of pyrazinamide?
converted by pyrazinamidase into pyrazinoic acid which in turn inhibits fatty acid sythase (FAS) I
S/Es of pyrazinamide?
- hyperuricaemia causing gout
- arthralgia, myalgia
- hepatitis
What is ethambutol used for?
TB
MOA of ethambutol?
inhibits the enzyme arabinosyl transferase which polymerises arabinose into arabinan