Essential Pharmacology Flashcards
ACE inhibitors
Mechanism
Common drugs
Work against vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion by impeding production of angiotensin II (which is a vasoconstrictor).
“-prils” ~ Enalapril, lisinopril, captopril
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Mechanism
Common drug names
Selectively block type AT1 angiotensin II receptor
“-sartans” ~ losartan, irbesartan
Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonists
Mechanism
Common Drug
Block cholinergic muscarinic receptors, preventing the binding of ACh
Ex: Atropine
Anti-parasympathetic effects: anti-arrhythmic properties and smooth muscle relaxant
Beta Blockers
Mechanism
Common Drugs
Turn down SNS tone; Most beta blockers, in medicine, impede B1 from binding epinephrine due to higher specificity than B2. Used to treat high BP by slowing heart rate.
“-olols” ~ metoprolol, atenolol
Non-specific Beta blocker: Propanolol
Type L Calcium channel antagonists
Mechanism
Common drug
Block Type L Ca channels in VSM that usually mediate smooth muscle contraction in vasoconstriction.
Ex: Amlodipine - relaxes blood vessels; can be used to treat HTN and angina
Positive inotropics
Mechanism
Common Drugs
Enhance cardiac contractility and or rate
~ Epinephrine, norepinephrine, Digoxin (Heart glycoside)
Loop Diuretics
Mechanism
Drugs
Impair Na, K and Cl reabsorption by the kidneys, thus having the body excrete more water in the form of urine; induced DIURESIS
“-emides” ~ Furosemide
Thiazide Diuretics
Mechanism
Drug
Impair Na reabsorption by the kidneys and can dilate blood vessels; commonly used to treat high BP and heart failure (with fluid buildup); poorly understood
Ex: (HCTZ) hydrochlorothiazide
Calcium Channel Blocker
Mechanism
Example drugs
- Block Cardiac Type L Ca channels (plateau of cardiomyocyte potential); SLOWS AV nodal conduction and expresses negative inotropy;
(Increases the length of the RED traffic light) Ex: Verapamil - Some Slow the Ca Channel of the Pacemaker Potential, increasing nodal delay. Ex: Diltiazem (aka Cardizem)
B2 Adrenoceptor Agonists
Mechanism
Name some Common Drugs
Promote bronchiolar smooth muscle relaxation, used to treat asthma or COPD
Ex: Albuterol (short acting) and Salmeterol (long acting)
Fluticasone
Mechanism
Anti-inflammatory drug that can be used to treat allergic reactions.
Mech: inhaled glucocorticoid receptor agonist
Name some Adrenergic and Cholinergic Agonists
- Phenylephrine, clonidine, epinephrine, norepinephrine
2. Carbochol, Nicotine
Name some Adrenergic and Cholinergic antagonists.
- Alpha blockers: Prazosin, Phentolamine
Beta blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propanolol - N2 antagonist: Timetaphan
CM antagonist: Atropine
What are some known Antiarrhythmic medications and how do they help manage symptoms?
- Ca Channel Blockers (Veramapril) - interrupt movement of Calcium into myocytes thus slowing [Phase 0] depolarization.
- Na Channel Blockers - prolong repolarization, thus increasing time of effective refractory period.
- Beta-blockers - decrease the HR and CO by lowering the slope of [Phase 4] in Pacemakers APs and raising the threshold.
Digoxin
A cardiac glycoside that increases contractility of the heart (+ Inotrope) AND Increases the Length of AV Nodal Delay (by enhancing Calcium entry into myocotes)
Tx: Congestive heart Failure; Anti-arrhythmic effect
