Medication Quiz Flashcards
Nitrates
Vasodilator
Relaxes smooth muscle
Dilation of arteries reduces peripheral vascular resistance and makes cardiac contraction easier, thus improving cardiac output and reducing the work of the left ventricle
Bronchodilator
Relaxes the smooth muscle in the respiratory tract and dilate the airways
Stimulates beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the airways
Usually given by inhalation
Calcium channel blockers
Interfere with the passage of calcium through cell membranes
Used for angina, hypertension
Unwanted effects- headache, flushing, oedema, fatigue, palpations
Ace inhibitors
Rennin is released by the kidney
Angiotensinogen is produced by the liver.
Renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin 1.
Angiotensin 1 is then converted to angiotensin 2 by the Angiotensin converting enzyme.
Angiotensin 2 is a powerful vasoconstrictor and raises bp
Ace inhibitors inhibit the enzyme ACE so prevent the formation of angiotensin 2
Meaning that these drugs are used to… - lower blood pressure (first dose taken at night time as it does this dramatically)
- can reduce nephropathy (kidney damage)
- congestive heart failure
- used after MI to prevent a stroke
Examples .. Ramipril,
Side effects..
- dry cough
- high potassium
Blood tests need doing to monitor levels
Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists
Block receptors for angiotensin II and vasodilate
Used when patients can’t take ACE inhibitors
Examples
- losartan
Digoxin
Reduces heart rate by decreasing conductivity in the av node
used for AF to slow heart rate
Used for heart failure
Dose may be omitted if heart rate is below 60.
Side effects-
- cardiac arrhythmia
- visual disturbances
Vomiting diarrhoea
Adrenaline
Stimulates all adrenergic receptors
Increases force of cardiac contraction
Bronchodilation
Vasoconstricts arterioles thus increasing BP
Uses
Cardiac arrest
Anaphylaxis (intramuscular)
Acute severe asthma
Atropine
Affects muscle contraction
Increases heart rate
Decreases smooth muscle in GI tract
May be used in theatre to decrease bronchial secretions
Beta blockers
Blocks the hormone adrenaline
Used for…
- angina (Atenolol)
- hypertension (atenolol)
- antiarrhythmics
- chronic heart failure (Bisoprolol)
- anxiety and hyperthyroidism (Propranolol)
- migraine
Unwanted effects - broncho constriction Sleep disturbances Depression Peripheral vasoconstriction Should be withdrawn slowly
Statins
Lower LDL ( cholesterol)
Reduce incidence of cardio vascular disease
Often prescribed to those at risk especially those with diabetes
Examples
Simvastatin
Side effects
- contraindicated in liver disease
Muscle effects
Anticoagulants
Inhibit clotting
Prevent thrombus formation
Anti platelet drugs
Reduce the ability of platelets to stick together
Aspirin, clopidogrel
Diuretics
Increase urine output
Used to reduce oedema in... - heart failure Renal disease Cirrhosis of the liver Acute pulmonary oedema
Unwanted effects Dehydration Electrolyte imbalance Sodium and potassium loss Calcium may be lost
Examples - furosemide, bendroflumethiazide, metolazone,
Antacids
Given when symptoms are present
Relief of dyspepsia (indigestion)
Gaviscon
Proton pump inhibitors
Reduce acid secretion.
Often used when NSAIDs are prescribed
Lansoprazole, omeprazole
