Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on drugs acting on the cardiovascular system, including antihypertensive agents, glucocorticoids, diabetes management, and sedatives.

What are the two classifications of hypertension?

Primary hypertension (unknown cause, 90% of cases) and Secondary hypertension (known cause, 10% of cases).

What is the primary cause of primary hypertension?

The specific cause is unknown.

Name a beta1 blocker used as an antihypertensive agent.

Atenolol.

List one non-selective beta blocker.

Propranolol.

What class of drugs blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme?

ACE Inhibitors.

What does ACE inhibitors prevent in the Renin Angiotensin-Aldosterone System?

The formation of angiotensin II.

What is the effect of angiotensin II on blood pressure?

It causes vasoconstriction which increases blood pressure.

Side effects of ACE inhibitors include which of the following?

Fatigue, dizziness, headache, mood changes, impaired taste, dry cough.

Why are ACE inhibitors sometimes combined with thiazide diuretics?

To enhance antihypertensive effects.

Name two examples of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers.

Losartan and Valsartan.

What is the mechanism of action for loop diuretics like Lasix?

They inhibit sodium and chloride resorption in the ascending loop of Henle.

What are potassium-sparing diuretics?

Medications like Aldactone that work in collecting ducts to interfere with sodium-potassium exchange.

How do vasodilators function in treating hypertension?

They relax arteriolar smooth muscle, decreasing systemic vascular resistance.

A cardiac glycoside used as an antidysrhythmic is?

Digoxin.

What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?

Inhibits sodium-potassium ATPase, improving cardiac contraction strength.

What are glucocorticoids?

Hormones that regulate metabolism and immune responses.

What is a primary action of glucocorticoids on metabolism?

They promote gluconeogenesis and glycogen deposition.

The redistribution of body fat due to glucocorticoids results in which common physical feature?

Moon face and buffalo hump.

What effect does glucocorticoids have on calcium metabolism?

They inhibit intestinal absorption and enhance renal excretion of calcium.

What is an important side effect of glucocorticoid therapy?

Increased risk of infections due to impaired immunity.

How do glucocorticoids affect liquid retention?

They can lead to adrenal insufficiency and decrease blood volume.

What are the contraindications for glucocorticoid therapy?

Peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, viral infections, osteoporosis.

One common NSAID is?

Aspirin.

What is the pharmacological action of aspirin?

It decreases prostaglandin synthesis to relieve pain and inflammation.

What are common side effects of NSAIDs?

Gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, hypersensitivity reactions.

What is the mechanism of action of opioids?

Bind to opioid receptors in the CNS to reduce pain perception.

What are the symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome?

Anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, diarrhea.

Name a strong opioid agonist.

Morphine.

What are partial agonists in opioid therapy?

Drugs like Buprenorphine that activate receptors less effectively.

What is the function of naloxone?

It acts as an opioid antagonist to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

What is insulin's mechanism of action?

Binds to insulin receptors to facilitate glucose uptake into cells.

Insulin promotes glucose uptake primarily in which tissues?

Muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.

What type of drug is metformin?

Biguanide, which enhances insulin sensitivity.

What class of oral hypoglycemic drugs increases insulin secretion?

Sulfonylureas.

What is a major adverse effect of metformin?

Gastrointestinal disturbances.

What role do GLP-1 receptor agonists play in diabetes management?

They enhance insulin secretion in response to meals.

What type of drug is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor?

Acarbose, it delays carbohydrate absorption.

BDZs enhance the action of which neurotransmitter?

GABA.

What effect do benzodiazepines have on the CNS?

Sedation and anxiolysis.

What is the main therapeutic use of barbiturates today?

Limited, primarily for seizure control.

How do non-benzodiazepine hypnotics function?

They bind to BZ1 receptors to induce sleep.

Why are benzodiazepines preferred over barbiturates?

Higher therapeutic index and less respiratory depression.

What is an adverse effect of chronic benzodiazepine use?

Tolerance and dependence.

How does flumazenil work?

It is a GABA receptor antagonist that reverses the effects of benzodiazepines.

Describe the action of chloral hydrate.

It induces sleep via its active metabolite but is not commonly used due to adverse effects.

What happens in cases of alcohol acute toxicity?

Euphoria, blurred vision, respiratory failure.

What is alcohol dehydrogenase's function in alcohol metabolism?

Converts ethanol to acetaldehyde.

What does disulfiram do?

Blocks the oxidation of acetaldehyde, causing unpleasant reactions.

List one side effect of chronic alcohol consumption.

Dependence and liver cirrhosis.

How do glucocorticoids affect immune response?

They impair immunological competence and suppress inflammation.

What can occur with abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids?

Adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal symptoms.

What is the adverse effect of excessive mineralocorticoids?

Fluid retention and hypertension.

What is the mechanism of action for beta blockers in hypertension?

They decrease heart rate and contractility, reducing blood pressure.

How do ACE inhibitors differ from Angiotensin II receptor blockers?

ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin II, while ARBs block its action.

What is the importance of potassium-sparing diuretics in heart failure?

They help prevent hypokalemia associated with other diuretics.

What class of drugs includes losartan?

Angiotensin II receptor blockers.

What are common side effects of thiazide diuretics?

Hypokalemia, dehydration, and hyperuricemia.

How does digoxin improve symptoms of heart failure?

By increasing the force of heart contractions.

What condition can glucocorticoids treat effectively?

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

What's the role of GABA in sedatives?

It decreases neuronal excitability leading to sedation.

What is metabolic syndrome?

A cluster of conditions increasing heart disease risk, including hypertension and dysglycemia.

What are the therapeutic uses for thiazide diuretics?

Hypertension and edema.

What is a common contraindication for ace inhibitors?

Pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm.

What therapeutic class does Aspirin belong to?

NSAIDs with analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are common adverse effects of NSAIDs like Aspirin?

Gastric irritation, bleeding, and renal impairment.