Week 2.07 Medical Case Hx Flashcards
Hypertension drugs
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
Rarer meds used:
- Alpha blockers
- Beta blockers
- Direct vasodilators
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Angiotensin: hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict
ACE inhibitors block this enzyme - reduces vasoconstrictive effects in all blood vessels
Brings about reduction in blood pressure
S/Es include dry cough, HA & dizziness
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
Antagonist to receptors in blood vessel walls - prevent the binding of angiotensin II hormone
Produce similar falls in blood pressure to ACE inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
- reduce inflow of calcium ions into cells
Dihydropyridines - relax smooth muscle, resulting in arterial dilation
S/E include flushing, oedema, HA dizziness and visual disturbances
How do diuretics help to control hypertension
Lower by flushing salt out the body and taking unwanted extra fluid with them
Alpha blockers
Blocks noradrenaline at post synaptic receptors in arteries and veins
Causes fall in blood pressure after the first dose
S/E may incl blurred vision, dizziness and H/A
Beta blockers
Beta 1 blockade leads to reduced heart rate and contractile force
Beta 2 blockade induces bronchospasm in patient - avoid in asthmatics
Tiredness and fatigue
Direct vasodilators
Act directly on vascular smooth muscle
Reduced blood pressure
ACE inhibitors end in…
…-pril
E.g. ramipril, lisnopril, perindopril
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists end in.,..
Drug name ends in -Sartan
E.g. losartan, irbesartan, telmisartan
Calcium channel blockers end in…
End In -pine
Amlodipine, nifedipine
Diuretics end in…
…-ide
Bendrofluazide
Alpha blockers end in…
…-osin
E.g. doxazosin
Beta blockers end in…
…-olol
Atenolol
Drugs for hyperlipadaemia
Statins
Fibrates
Ezetimibe
Warfarin
Anticoagulant - any agent which is used to prevent the formation of blood clots
Increases the time taken for blood to clot
Px more likely to suffer from haemorrhaging - subconjunctival haemorrhage
Avoid in pregnancy due to risk of foetal bleeding and abnormality
What is an alternative to warfarin
Dabigatran
Can be given to px following surgery to reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis e.g. hip surgery
Angina
Demand for blood by the heart muscle exceeds supply from coronary arteries
Angina is a sensation of chest pain often due to ischaemia
Its main cause is coronary artery disease
Arrhythmia
Problems with rate or rhythm of heartbeat. Either too fast or too slow, or irregular rhythm
What are common drugs for arrhythmia
Amiadarone: decreases heart rate and vascular resistance. Corneal changes so px should be regularly monitored
Digoxin - commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation, visual side effects
