Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System

Flashcards for review covering key concepts related to drugs acting on the cardiovascular system, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, NSAIDs, opioids, and diabetes management.

What are the two classifications of hypertension?

Primary Hypertension and Secondary Hypertension.

What is Primary Hypertension also known as?

Essential or idiopathic hypertension.

What percentage of hypertension cases does Secondary Hypertension account for?

10%.

What are Adrenergic antagonists used for?

To manage hypertension.

Name an example of a Beta1 blocker.

Atenolol (2nd generation).

What are ACE Inhibitors used for?

They are first-line agents for congestive heart failure and hypertension.

What is the role of Aldosterone in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System?

Stimulates water and sodium resorption, increasing blood pressure.

Which substance do ACE Inhibitors prevent from breaking down?

Bradykinin.

List one example of an ACE Inhibitor.

Captopril.

What is a common side effect of ACE Inhibitors?

Dry cough.

Name one Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker.

Losartan.

What do loop diuretics such as Lasix act on?

The ascending loop of Henle.

What is the effect of Vasodilators on the cardiovascular system?

They decrease systemic vascular resistance.

What is digoxin classified as?

A cardiac glycoside.

What condition is digoxin mainly used for?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial dysrhythmias.

What is the primary mechanism of action of glucocorticoids?

They bind to cytoplasmic receptors and influence gene expression.

How do glucocorticoids affect carbohydrate metabolism?

They promote glycogen deposition in the liver.

What hormonal effect do glucocorticoids have on fats?

They promote lipolysis and redistributes body fat.

What do glucocorticoids do to calcium metabolism?

They inhibit intestinal absorption and enhance renal excretion of calcium.

What serious effect can excessive glucocorticoid use lead to in patients?

Fluid retention and hypertension.

What condition do mineralocorticoids primarily affect?

Sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

What is the main adverse effect of high-dose glucocorticoids?

Immunosuppression.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on the lymphatic system?

They enhance destruction of lymphoid cells.

What condition is profoundly affected by glucocorticoids, potentially leading to psychosis?

Addison's disease.

Name one contraindication for glucocorticoid use.

Peptic ulcer.

What do NSAIDs do to help relieve pain?

They decrease prostaglandin synthesis.

What is an antipyretic drug?

A drug that lowers body temperature.

What is the mechanism of action of aspirin in small doses?

It decreases platelet aggregation.

What syndrome is aspirin use in children associated with?

Reye's syndrome.

What is a common side effect of NSAIDs?

Gastrointestinal ulcers.

In which condition should aspirin be avoided?

Peptic ulcer disease.

What is the main action of COX-2 inhibitors?

To directly inhibit COX-2 and reduce inflammation.

What drug is an example of a COX-2 inhibitor?

Celecoxib (Celebrex®).

Who should not use opioids?

Patients with acute respiratory disease.

What is the mechanism of action by which opioids produce analgesia?

They bind to opioid receptors and inhibit neurotransmitter release.

What is a common adverse effect of opioids?

Constipation.

What is the purpose of using naloxone?

To reverse opioid overdose effects.

What effect do opioids have on the CNS?

They produce sedation and euphoria.

What is insulin's role in glucose metabolism?

It promotes glucose uptake in tissues.

What type of insulin acts quickly, typically within minutes?

Rapid-acting insulin.

Name one class of oral hypoglycemic drugs that enhance insulin secretion.

Sulfonylureas.

What is the mechanism of action of biguanides?

They suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis.

What adverse effect is generally associated with metformin?

Gastrointestinal upset.

What do thiazolidinediones do in relation to insulin?

They enhance insulin sensitivity.

How do glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists work?

They stimulate insulin secretion in response to meals.

What is a common concern with sulfonylureas?

They can cause hypoglycemia.

What distinguishes benzodiazepines from barbiturates?

Benzodiazepines have a higher therapeutic index.

What is a significant risk when using high doses of benzodiazepines?

Tolerance and dependence.

What advantage do non-benzodiazepine sleep medications have?

Lower risk of dependence.

What does Flumazenil do?

It acts as a benzodiazepine antagonist.

What is a common effect of barbiturates at therapeutic dose?

Sedation.

What is the primary risk of barbiturates with overdose?

Respiratory depression and death.

How does disulfiram work in alcohol dependency treatment?

It inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing adverse effects with alcohol.

What is a potential effect of chronic alcohol use on the liver?

Liver cirrhosis.

What type of receptor does buspirone act upon?

5-HT1A receptor.

What is the primary effect of trazodone as an anxiolytic?

It provides sedation without major muscle relaxant effects.

What is one action of melatonin receptor agonists?

They help induce sleep.

Why are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used?

To treat depression and anxiety disorders.

What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

Sexual dysfunction.

What is the role of dopamine in the CNS?

It regulates mood, reward, and motor control.

Name one condition treated by opioid medications.

Severe pain management.

What do calcium channel blockers primarily do?

They inhibit calcium entry into cells, leading to vasodilation.

What type of drug is a second-generation antihistamine?

Loratadine.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on appetite?

They may increase appetite.

How does hydrocodone function mechanistically?

As a mu-opioid receptor agonist.

What therapeutic use does prednisone have?

It is used for anti-inflammatory purposes.

What mechanism explains the effects of beta-blockers on the heart?

They decrease heart rate and myocardial contractility.

What hormonal condition is associated with adrenal insufficiency?

Addison's disease.

Describe the function of angiotensin II aside from raising blood pressure.

It stimulates aldosterone secretion.

Name one condition where diuretics are contraindicated.

Severe renal impairment.

What is one therapeutic use of corticosteroids?

Management of autoimmune diseases.

How do antipsychotics affect neurotransmitter levels in schizophrenia?

They typically reduce dopamine levels.

What is the primary function of insulin in muscle cells?

To increase glucose uptake.

What therapeutic class does metformin belong to?

Biguanides.

What is an example of a long-acting insulin?

Insulin glargine.

How do glitazones, such as pioglitazone, function?

They improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.

What is one of the first effects of glucocorticoids on the immune system?

They suppress inflammatory responses.

Which drug acts as a full agonist at opioid receptors?

Morphine.

What is an effect of high doses of benzodiazepines?

Decreased respiratory rate.

What is the role of alpha-2 agonists in opiate withdrawal?

To alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

They inhibit the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic cells.

What is the other name for acetaminophen?

Paracetamol.

What type of drug is dexamethasone?

A potent glucocorticoid.

What common condition can be triggered by insulin overdose?

Hypoglycemia.

State the effect of thiazide diuretics on electrolytes.

They can cause hypokalemia.

What is the medical use of naltrexone?

It is used to manage alcohol dependence.