Antihypertensive Flashcards
Ramipril
Mechanism of action: Drug class is angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension, heart failure so it’s also prescribed after a heart attack, prevent strokes, kidney disease, diabetes. Works by inhibiting the activity of ACE which is an enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II in the RAAS (renin angiotensin aldosterone system) —> reduces production of angiotensin II which is a potent vasoconstrictor —> promotes vasodilation & inhibits release of aldosterone from adrenal cortex —> decreased sodium and water retention causing decreased blood volume —> combined effects of vasodilation & decreased sodium and water retention —> overall reduction in hypervolemia (excess blood volume) —> decrease in systemic blood pressure.
Contraindicated: pregnancy, hypersensitivity to drug
Side effects: chronic cough due to irritation of the respiratory tract because bradykinin can’t be broken down.
Indications: hypertension
Contraindications: pregnancy, allergy
Side effects: nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, cold hands or feet
Losartan
Mechanism of action: angiotensin II receptor blocker that inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, leading to arterial and venous dilation. It also blocks aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex leading to low blood pressure and decreased salt and water retention. It has no effect on bradykinin
Indications: heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes
Contraindications: pregnancy especially in 2nd & 3rd trimester, hypersensitivity
Side effects: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache
