Pharmacology - Drug List Flashcards
Explain 3 effects β-blockers have on the body
Reduced force and speed of contraction in the heart (relieving myocardial ischaemia), prolongation of the refractory period of AV node (slowing ventricular rate) and reduction of renin secretion from the kidney (lowering blood pressure)
Which receptors do β-blockers act upon?
β1-adrenoreceptors (G-protein linked receptor)
How are β-blockers administered?
Usually orally as regular medication however they can be administered IV when rapid effect necessary
Name 5 adverse effects of β-blockers
Cold extremities, headaches, nausea, fatigue, sleep disturbance/nightmares
2 situations when β-blockers should not be used
In patients with asthma (can cause life threatening bronchospasm) and should not be used with non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (can cause heart failure and bradycardia)
Name 2 relatively selective β-blockers and one non selective
Atenolol and Bisoprolol are relatively β-1 selective
Propranolol is non selective
Name 5 conditions ACEIs are used for
Hypertension, chronic heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, diabetic nephropathy and CKD with proteinuria
How do ACEIs work?
Block ACE, prevent conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 (vasoconstrictor and stimulates aldosterone). Blocking it’s production reduces afterload which lowers blood pressure. Reduction of aldosterone promotes sodium and water excretion which reduces preload
Name 3 side effects of ACEIs
Hypotension (especially after first dose), persistent dry cough (increased bradykinin which is usually inactivated by ACE) and hyperkalaemia (low aldosterone level promotes potassium retention)
Which drugs shouldn’t be prescribed with ACEIs?
Potassium elevation drugs, including potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics
(NSAIDs will also increase the risk of renal failure so should be avoided)
How are ACEIs administered?
Orally
Name 3 ACEIs
Ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril
What is digoxin used for?
In atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter to reduce ventricular rate (however a non dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker is more effective).
In severe heart failure when patient is already taking ACEI, BB and aldosterone antagonist/ARB
Name 5 conditions beta blockers are used for
Ischaemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, hypertension (when CCBs/ACEIs insufficient)
How does digoxin work?
Negatively chronotrophic (decreases heart rate), positively inotrophic (increases force of contraction) and reduces conduction at AV node to reduce ventricular rate
Name 5 adverse effects of digoxin
Bradycardia, dizziness, GI disturbance, rash, visual disturbance (blurred or yellow vision)
Name 4 drugs that can increase the plasma concentration of digoxin and therefore increase the risk of toxicity
amiodarone, CCBs, spironolactone, quinine
Name 3 conditions where loop diuretics would be prescribed
Relief of breathlessness in pulmonary oedema, fluid overload in acute heart failure, fluid overload in other oedematous states (due to renal disease or liver failure)
Which part of the nephron do loop diuretics act on?
Ascending limb of loop of henle where they inhibit Na/K/2Cl co-transporter, preventing sodium, potassium and chloride ions crossing from the lumen into the epithelial cells therefore inhibiting the transport of water and providing a potent diuretic effect
As well as acting on the nephron, what other effect do loop diuretics have on the body?
Direct effect on blood vessels causing dilatation of capacitance veins, reducing preload and improving contractile function of overstretched heart muscle
Name 2 loop diuretics
Furosemide, Bumetanide
Name 4 adverse effects of loop diuretics
Dehydration, hypotension, low electrolyte state (Na/K/Cl/Ca/Mg), at high doses tinnitus/hearing loss
When should loop diuretics not be prescribed?
In patients with severe hypovolemia or dehydration. In patients with gout and hepatic encephalopathy they should be used with caution
When would potassium sparing diuretics be prescribed?
For the treatment of hypokalemia arising from loop/thiazide like diuretic use. Spiranolactone may be used as an alternative
Name a potassium sparing diuretic and how it is administered
Amiloride (commonly prescribed as co-amilofruse which contains furosemide aswell) and is taken orally
How do potassium sparing diuretics work?
They act on the distal convoluted tubule inhibiting the resorption of sodium, and therefore water, by epithelial sodium channels.
Which drugs should not be prescribed alongside potassium sparing diuretics?
Potassium elevating drugs including supplements and aldosterone antagonists due to the risk of hyperkalaemia.
Who shouldn’t potassium sparing diuretics be prescribed to?
Patients with severe renal impairment, hyperkalaemia or hypovolemia
Name 3 adverse effects of potassium sparing diuretics
Hypotension, GI upset, urinary symptoms
Name 1 thiazide diuretic and 2 thiazide like diuretics
Bendroflumethiazide (thiazide) , indapamide, chlortalidone
Which condition are thiazide like diuretics prescribed for?
Hypertension, either when a CCB is unsuitable (oedema/heart failure) or as an add on treatment when inadequately controlled by CCB + ARB/ACEI