Katzung 12th ed - Chapter 11 - Antihypertensives (1.8)

Question 1

Sodium nitroprusside is a vasodilator - which types of vessels does it act on?

Answer 1

Both arterioles and venules.

Question 2

By what route is sodium nitroprusside given?

Answer 2

IV

Question 3

What is the starting dose of sodium nitroprusside? What can this be increased to?

Answer 3

Start at 0.5 mcg / kg / min. Titrate to BP.

Can increase up to 10 mcg / kg / min.

Question 4

What is an important component of sodium nitroprusside that contributes to its toxicity?

Answer 4

Cyanide.

Question 5

Name the potential serious toxic effects of sodium nitroprusside.

Answer 5

Cyanide accumulation, metabolic acidosis, excessive hypotension, arrhythmia, death.

Question 6

Discuss the structure of diazoxide.

Answer 6

The chemical structure of diazoxide is similar to the thiazide drugs, although it has no diuretic activity.

Question 7

What does diazoxide do? How is it given? What is the half-life?

Answer 7

Diazoxide is an arteriolar dilator, given IV to treat hypertensive emergencies (but it is not used much these days). Half-life 24hrs.