Drugs Flashcards
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors block the action of the enzyme ACE in the blood. ACE converts angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 which encourages blood vessels to constrict. The absence of them encourages dilation. ACE inhibitors block the formation of angiotensin 2.
Vasodilators
A drug that widens blood vessels. They are most predominantly used to reduce blood pressure and narrowed vessels. Therefore they improve blood flow, increasing oxygen supply and put less strain on the heart. Vasodilators dilate the blood vessel by relaxing the muscle around the vessel, by ACE inhibitors or by angiotensin 2 blockers.
Why does vasodilators affect DMD?
DMD can lead to cardiomyopathy (disease to the heart wall) that is caused by mutations in the DMD gene. The heart becomes weakened so doesn’t pump blood as efficiently. Vasodilators prevent tightening of muscles and narrowing vessel walls which helps improve blood flow.
Beta blockers function
They block the adrenal gland so they interrupt the transmission of stimuli through the beta receptors in the body. Signals from the sympathetic nervous system are carried by noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal gland and at the end of sympathetic nerve fibres. Beta blockers stop this transmission.
Beta blockers treat…
Arrhythmias, hypertension, tachycardia so slows down the heart and dilated the blood vessel. They can also be prescribed to improve heart wall function or to reduce symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland.
Beta blockers side affects
They are the same shape to fit the beta receptors in the lungs which can lead to breathing difficulties. The slower heart rate can reduce circulation leading to cold hands and feet.
How do beta blockers help DMD?
They allow the heart to beat slower with less force which leads to blood vessel dilation. This helps to lower the blood pressure and put less strain on the heart. This helps to increase the time at which the body can cope with cardiomyopathy.
How does beta blocker treat hyperthyroidism?
Helps to reduce symptoms of an over active thyroid including heart palpitations, muscle tremors and rapid heart rate. These symptoms are caused by increased beta-adrengergic tone which beta blocker stops and reduces.
Proton pump inhibitors examples
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole
Proton pump
Proton pumps are an enzyme system that transports hydrogen ions across the cell wall into the stomach which stimulates the release of stomach acid.
Proton pump inhibitor
Proton pump inhibitors stop the enzyme system, stopping the transport of hydrogen ions, therefore reducing acid secretion. they can be used long term because they block enzyme action until there is a new supply of enzymes.
Antacids examples
Aluminium hydroxide
Calcium carbonate
Antacids
Raise the pH of the stomach and increase the rate of emptying (only short term relief). The drug combines with the acid reducing acidity of the gastric juices so the stomach lining has time to heal. Can however interfere with how well other drugs are absorbed.
Antibiotics for stomach ulcer example
Amoxicillin (type of penicillin). Stops the cell wall synthesis so the bacteria cant divide or undergo mitosis. (bacteriostatic)
Antibiotics for stomach ulcer
Antibiotics can be bactericidal so kill the organism or bacteriostatic halting the multiplication of the bacteria.
