Cardiology Drugs 2

Question 1

NITRATES
Action?
Used in?
Side Effects?
Contraindications?
Example?

Answer 1

Arterial and Venous Dilation
Stable/Unstable Angina, Chronic Heart Failure, MI
Hypotension, Dizziness
Need 8 nitrate-free hours a day to prevent tolerance
GTN

Question 2

CALCIUM CHANNEL ANTAGONISTS
Action?
Used in?
Side Effects?
Contraindications?
Example?

Answer 2

Block calcium channels to cause vasodilation and antiarrythmic affect

• Hypertension, Angina, Arrythmias
• Flushing and Headache
• DON’T DRINK GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
• Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil

Question 3

BETA BLOCKERS (BETA ADRENORECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS)
Action?
Used in?
Side Effects?
Contraindications?
Example?

Answer 3

• Block the beta adrenoreceptors to cause reduced heart rate and reduced force of contraction
• Unstable Angina, Hypertension, Heart Failure, Arrythmias
• Tiredness, Asthma, Cold Peripheries
• Bradycardia
• Atenolol, Propranolol

Question 4

IVABRADINE
Action?
Used in?
Side Effects?
Contraindications?

Answer 4

Blocks HCN to slow down the heart rate (slows down pacemaker potential)

• Angina (Where Beta Blockers aren’t accepted)
• Headaches, tiredness, dizziness
• Sick Sinus Syndrome

Question 5

NICORANDIL
Action?
Used in?
Side Effects?
Contraindications?

Answer 5

K channel agonist (Opens K channels) and causes relaxation
- Angina (Last option)
- Headaches, flushing, dizziness
Low Blood Pressure