Commonly used cardiovascular medications in small animal general practice

Question 1

**For amlodipine: **
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 1

1. Ca channel blocker (vasodilator)
2. Inhibits Ca entry into smooth muscle cells
3. PO
4. Treat systemic hypertension
5. Monitor for hypotension + bradycardia

Question 2

For enalepril:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 2

1. ACEi
2. Blocks angiotensin 2 –> vasodilation of glomerular efferent arteriole –> decreased intraglomerular pressure + decreased GFR
3. PO
4. Vasodilator - CHF, systemic hypertension, CRF and PLN
5. Monitor for hypotension, blood work for renal function + electrolytes

Question 3

For frusemide:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 3

1. Loop diuretic
2. Acts on thick ascending loop of Henle - inhibit reabsorption of Na + Cl-
3. PO/IV
4. Diuretic - CHF –> reduce pulmonary edema
5. Fluid + electrolyte changes and azotaemia, hydration status + blood work, advise owners pets will urinate more often

Question 4

For Lidocaine:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 4

1. Antiarrythmic - non cardiac uses (local anaesthetic)
2. Binds to + inhibit voltage-Na channels
3. IV
4. Ventricular tachyarrythmias
5. Cautious use in hepatic disease, decrease efficacy with hypoK

Question 5

For pimobendan:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 5

1. Inotropic drug with vasodilatory properties
2. Calcium sensitiser + selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3)
3. PO
4. Adjunct therapy for CHF - CHF secondary to DCM, CHF due to mitral valve disease
5. Don’t use in cats + HCM cases

Question 6

For spironalactone:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 6

1. Aldosterone competitive antagonist
2. Completely inhibits aldosterone @ level of distal renal tubules
3. PO
4. Diuretic agent - CHF cases
5. Weak diuretic, considered ‘potassium sparing’ - monitor for hyperkalemia

Question 7

For spironalactone:
1. State the drug class
2. MOA
3. Route
4. Common indications
5. Special considerations

Answer 7

1. Aldosterone competitive antagonist
2. Completely inhibits aldosterone @ level of distal renal tubules
3. PO
4. Diuretic agent - CHF cases
5. Weak diuretic, considered ‘potassium sparing’ - monitor for hyperkalemia