Histamine H2 antagonists, Serotonin Agonists/Antagonists, Eicosanoid Antagonist Flashcards
Again the H2 receptor antagonists are cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine. What is the main clinical use of these drugs?
To inhibit gastric secretion
- -reduce cAMP and therefore reduce gastric secretions
- -competitive, reversible inhibitors
What are the uses of H2 receptor antagonists?
- Peptic ulcers: healing of duodenal and gastric ulcers; recurrence is common after treatment is stopped
- Acute stress ulcers: associated with major physical trauma in high risk patients
- GERD: prevention and treatment of heart burn. Stop acid secretion so they may not stop symptoms for up to 45 minutes but longer lasting action
Adverse effects occur in less than 3% of patients, what are these effects?
Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, muscular pain and constipation
When elderly patient take Cimetidine, what adverse effect is common/
Mental status change
–esp in elderly patients in the ICU or who have renal or hepatic dysfunction
Cimetidine inhibits cytochrome P450 and therefore does what?
Can slow metabolism of several drugs
Cimetidine binds to androgen receptors and has antiandrogenic effects, such as ?
Gynecomastia
Reduced Sperm count in men
Galactorrhea in women
No harmful effects have been shown on the fetus for H2 antagonists however the drug can cross the placenta as well as?
Breast milk
Rapid IV infusion may cause bradycardia and hypotension through blockage of H2 receptors, therefore IV injection should be given how?
Over 30 minutes
Now moving on to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), It is stored or is rapidly inactivated by what?
Usually by oxidation catalyzed by MAO
serotonin in the body is found where?
Enterochromaffin cells in the GI tract: over 90%
Platelets in the blood
Serotonergic neurons are found in the enteric nervous system of the GI tract and around blood vessels
Pineal gland: precursor of melatonin
Raphe nuclei of the brain stem: which synthesizes, stores and releases serotonin
Brain serotonergic neurons are involved in various functions such as ?
Mood Sleep Appetite Temp Regulation Perception of Pain Regulation of blood pressure and vomiting
What is the mechanism of action of serotonin?
G-protein coupled receptor (6) and Ligand gated (1)
–5-HT3 receptor is the only monoamine neurotransmitter receptor known to function as a ligand gated ion channel
What are the pharmacological effects of serotonin on the GI tract and CVS
GI: 5-HT increases GI motility due to activation of 5-HT2 smooth muscle receptors and to action on ganglion cells of the enteric nervous system. 5-HT4 causes increased AcH realse and mediated the prokinetic effect of serotonin agonist like cisapride.
CVS: Constricts large vessels, both arteries and veins due to activation of 5-HT2 receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells
What are the pharmacological effects of serotonin on platelets and the nervous system?
Platelets: 5-HT causes platelet aggregation via 5-HT2A receptors
Nervous: 5-HT excites some neurons and inhibits others
–5HT3 receptors in the GI tract and in the vomiting center of the medulla participate in the vomiting reflex
–5-HT is a potent stimulator of pain and itch sensory nerve endings, an effect mediated by 5-HT3 receptors. so insect and plant sting bite pain
Now we will discuss the serotonin agonists. There is no clincal application of the drug, however, there are receptor subtypes used clinically. First is 5-HT1D/1B receptor agonist (Triptans). The drug is called sumatriptan, what is this drug used for?
Almost exclusively for migraine headaches
- -trigeminal nerve release peptide neurotransmitters, esp calcitonin gene related peptide, a powerful vasodilator
- -substance P and neurokinin A may also be involved
What is the pathophysiology of migraine attacks?
Triptans cause vasoconstriction, opposing the vasodilation thought to be involved in migraine attacks
What is first line therapy for severe migraine attacks?
Triptans
–vasoconstrictive so dont give to patients with coronary artery disease