Nitrates Flashcards
1
Q
What are nitrates?
A
- salts containing polyatomic ion
2
Q
What is the nitrate drug that we need to know?
A
- glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)
3
Q
What does glyceryl trinitrate do to the body?
A
- vasodilates blood vessels (⬇️ pre and afterload)
- ⬇️ systemic vascular resistance
- ⬇️ inotropic effect in heart
4
Q
What is the preferred administration of glyceryl trinitrate in acute situations?
A
- sublingually
- under the tongue
5
Q
Is glyceryl trinitrate a pro drug?
A
- yes
- only active once metabolised
6
Q
How does glyceryl trinitrate enter the body?
A
- releases nitrate ions
- converted to nitric oxide (NO) by enzymes in the blood
- NO, a hydrophobic gas diffuses into cells
7
Q
What is the mechanism of action of glyceryl trinitrate enter the body?
A
- activates guanylyl cyclase (GC)
- GC activates protein kinase G (pKG)
- pKG activates myosin phophotase (MP)
- pKG phosphorylates Ca2+ pump
- MP dephosphorylates light myosin chain
