Pharmacology Lecture 17: Blood Pressure Drugs Part 2

What are the two common combinations of drugs to treat hypertension?

1. Beta Blockers + Diuretic

2. Calcium Channel Blocker + ACE Inhibitor

What concentration plays an important role in maintaining smooth muscle tone and in contraction of the mycardium?

Calcium

Do calcium channel blockers mostly affect venous beds?

No

Do calcium channel blockers affect preload?

No

What type of effect is done by calcium channel blockers?

Negative inotropic effect

What is the vascular effect of calcium channel blockers?

Vasodilation of arterioles

What is the main goal of calcium channel blockers to treat hypertension?

Decrease peripheral vascular resistance

Why do calcium channel blockers not require diuretics?

Intrinsic natriuretic effect

What four conditions combined with hypertension are indications for using calcium channel blockers?

1. Asthma

2. Diabetes

3. Angina

4. Peripheral vascular disease

Which calcium channel blocker has the highest incidence of gingival hyperplasia?

Nifedipine

How can you make gingival hyperplasia caused by calcium channel blockers go away?

Discontinue

How can you make gingival hyperplasia overgrowth caused by calcium channel blockers go away?

Switch to different class of drugs (not other CCBs)

What two rates are decreased by beta-adrenergic receptor blockers?

1. Heart rate

2. Cardiac output

What release from kidneys is inhibited by beta-adrenergic receptor blockers?

Renin

What two hormones are reduced by beta-adrenergic receptor blockers?

1. Angiotensin II

2. Aldosterone

Why must cadioselectives be used with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers for patients with asthma?

Beta 2 receptors in airway are not blocked

What are the two adverse effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers?

1. CNS issues

2. Bradycardia

Which type of antihypertensive is least used?

Alpha-adrenergic blockers

What is blocked by alpha-adrenergic blockers?

Alpha 1 adrenoceptors

What is the vascular effect of alpha-adrenergic blockers?

Relaxation of arteriole/venous smooth muscle

How do alpha-adrenergic blockers affect peripheral vascular resistance?

Decreases

What is the main adverse effect of alpha-adrenergic blockers?

Postural hypotension