Cardiology Drugs Flashcards
Pimobendan (Vetmedin)
- improves heart function and delays the time to recurrent congestion
- only available from veterinarians or pharmacies that carry veterinary prescription drugs
~~Wiki~~ Pimobendan is a positive inotrope (increases myocardial contractility). It sensitizes and increases the binding efficiency of cardiac troponin in the myofibril to the calcium ions that are already present in systole. In normal hearts it increases the consumption of oxygen and energy to the same degree as dobutamine but in diseased hearts it may not. Pimobendan also causes peripheral vasodilation by inhibiting the function of PDE3. This results in decreased resistance to blood flow through systemic arterioles, which decreases afterload (decreases the failing heart’s workload) and reduces the amount of mitral regurgitation.
Enalapril/Benazepril/Lisinopril
- used to decrease the workload on the heart
- can decrease blood pressure (cause hypotension)
Benazepril, enalapril, and lisinopril are in a family of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ACE inhibitors (ACEi). These medications work to prevent activating certain substances in the body that cause vasoconstriction (tightening of the blood vessels) of both arteries and veins. The medication also works to help with the retention of salt and water, and fibrosis (scarring) within the heart muscle.
Benazepril for dogs and cats is often prescribed to help treat heart failure and high blood pressure but is also good for various types of kidney diseases. These drugs make it easier for blood to circulate and are often used alongside other heart medications to help your pet live its most comfortable life.
~~Wiki~~
Enalapril: Normally, angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. Enalaprilat, the active metabolite of enalapril, inhibits ACE. Inhibition of ACE decreases levels of angiotensin II, leading to less vasoconstriction and decreased blood pressure.
Benazepril:
Lisinopril:
Furosemide (Lasix)
- diuretic used to help remove the fluid/congestion from the lungs
- causes increased urination and thirst (PU/PD:
polyuria/polydipsia)
Uses/Indications
Most important medication in the treatment of congestive heart failure
To treat fluid accumulation for reasons other than heart failure
Some forms of acute kidney failure
Elevated blood calcium levels
Used at low dosages in some dogs with chronic bronchitis
Spironolactone
- has combined effect of mild fluid reduction and decreasing the workload on the heart
Uses
Congestive heart failure in dogs and cats
Sometimes used in advanced heart disease before congestive heart failure
Dilated cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle disease)
Spironolactone (brand names: Aldactone®, Prilactone®, Tempora®, CaroSpir®) is a potassium sparing diuretic used as an adjunctive therapy to treat congestive heart failure. It has also been used to treat fluid accumulation in the abdomen and may be effective for treating kidney disease or high blood pressure.
Atenolol
- antiarrhythmic used to help control the heart rate and rhythm - OR, for cats- reduces heart rate and improves blood flow
Sotalol
- antiarrhythmic used to help control the heart rate and rhythm
Plavix (clopidogrel)
- reduces the risk for blood clot disease (increases clot time for blood draws)
- bitter, recommend using an empty gel cap to hide the taste
Aspirin 81 mg tablets sometimes referred to as
Low-dose Aspirin)
- reduces the risk for blood clots
Sildenafil (Viagra)
- pulmonary vasodilator used to open blood vessels in the lungs and reduce lung pressures
Amlodipine
- vasodilator used to help open the blood vessels and decrease the workload on the left heart
- lowers blood pressure (used for hypertension)
Theophylline (2 different/separate uses)
- used to increase the heart rate and prevent collapse events
- bronchodilator used to relax the airways and help lessen the work of breathing
Hydrocodone 5mg/Homatropine 1.5mg tablets
(Tussigon/Hycodan)
- used to decrease coughing (monitor for constipation and sedation)
- requires a written prescription to be taken to the pharmacy, no refills (unable to
phone/fax prescriptions to the pharmacy), must see pt within past 6 months to prescribe
Pepcid AC (famotidine), Prilosec OTC (omeprazole), Cerenia, Zofran (ondansetron)
- for nausea/vomiting
Remeron (mirtazapine), Entyc
- for appetite stimulation
Fish oil supplement, Taurine, L-carnitine, KCL supplement
- can be purchased at any health food/nutrition store or online (KCL from pDVM usually)
