Specific CVS Drugs Flashcards
What type of drug is furosemide? What are some of the possible risks of furosemide?
Loop diuretic, acting to block sodium absorption from the ascending loop of Henle. Risks: electrolytes disturbances, hypovolaemia, azotemia
What situtation is Furosemide typically administered in?
Commonly used to treat almost all cases of congestive heart failure, by decreasing preload.
What type of drug is Spironolactone? What are some of the possible risks of Spironolactone?
Potassium sparing diuretic, which acts by blocking aldosterone receptors. Risks: Hyperkalemia
What situtation is Spironolactone typically administered in?
Often administered as a second line of diuretic with Furosemide to treat congestive heart failure
What type of drug are thiazides? What are some of the possible risks of thiazides?
Diuretic which block sodium resorption from the DCT. Risks: same as furosemide
In the treatment of congestive heart failure, what is a Sequential Nephron Blockade?
It refers to using different types of diuretic e.g. Furosemide and Spironolactone/Thiazides, to have maximal diuretic effect.
What can you do if a patient becomes refractory to the actions of Furosemide by adapting?
Increase dose, increase frequency, introduce another diuretic of a different class (sequential nephron blockade), swap to Torasemide if no choice.
What type of drugs are ACEi? What is the action of ACEi? What are some risks?
They are arteriodilators or balanced vasodilators, often used to reduce afterload. They act by blocking production of Angiotensin II. Risks: hypotension, renal underperfusion.
What type of drug is Pimobendan? What is the action of Pimobendan?
Pimobendan is an inodilator causing positive inotropic effects and vasodilation. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and calcium sensitiser.
What type of drug is Amlodipine? What is the action of Amlodipine? What are some risks?
It is a vasodilator, usually used as an anti-hypertensive in cats and dogs. It is a calcium channel antagonist. Risks: Hypotension
In what situations may you want to use Pimobendan? Why?
To decrease afterload, as it is a vasodilator, and to enhance systolic function because it is an inotrope.
What type of drug is Digoxin? What is the action of Digoxin?
Digoxin is an inotrope as well as a negative chronotrope (decrease HR). It blocks Na/K ATPase and increase intracellular calcium and vagal tone.
What are some risks of using Digoxin to enhance systolic function? What situations is it typically administered in?
Narrow therapeutic ration, may create arrhythmias, GIT side effects. Typically given in advanced heart failure or supraventricular arrhythmias.
What type of drug is Dobutamine? What is the action of Dobutamine? What are some risks of using Dobutamine to enhance systolic function? What situations is it typically administered in?
Dobutamine is an inotrope, which is a beta agonist. It is used in acute heart failure management in anaesthetised animals. Risks: increased HR, pro-arrhythmia.
What is a possible disadvantage to giving inotropes to patients with heart failure? What is the argument for the use?
By increasing contractility, it may decrease myocardial function quicker. It may not make them live longer, however, it should make them feel better.
