Heart Failure Drugs

Question 1

Broad Categories of HF Drugs

Answer 1

These drugs help minimize stress on heart; they decrease stimulation of heart or decrease force at which heart has to pump against

• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE)- “PRILs”
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers-”SARTANs”
• Beta Blockers- “LOLs”
• B-Type Natriuretic Peptide: Nesiritide
• Cardiac Glycosides: Digoxin
• Beta 1 Adrenergic Agonists: Dobutamine

Question 2

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

Answer 2

BNP is what the heart kicks of to stop RAAS and these drugs will cause profound diuresis

Key Drug: NESIRITIDE

• MOA/DE: Synthetic B-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Vasodilation (especially in the coronary arteries) and Diuresis
• Indications: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
• Contraindications: Drug Allergy
• Adverse Effects: Hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, insomnia, Headaches and abdominal pain
• Interactions: Additive hypotensive effects with antihypertensives.

Question 3

Cardiac Glycosides

Answer 3

Decrease hearts ability to respond to stimulation (although stimulation is still present)

Key Drug: DIGOXIN

• MOA: Inhibition of the sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase pump
• Indications: Systolic Heart Failure & Atrial Fibrillation
• Contraindications: Bradycardia & advanced heart blocks, Diastolic Heart Failure
• Adverse Effects: Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Hypotension, Colored vision, Halo Vision, Headache, fatigue, confusion
• Interactions: Antidysrhythmics, Beta-Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers,