Drugs Affecting Cardiovascular and Renal Systems: Nitrates

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to nitrates and their effects on the cardiovascular system as discussed in the lecture.

Nitrates

Medications such as nitroglycerin that are used to treat angina and work by causing vasodilation.

Angina

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often relieved by nitrates.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to reduced vascular resistance.

Cyclic GMP

A second messenger that is produced from guanylate cyclase activation by nitric oxide, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation.

Dephosphorylation

The process of removing a phosphate group from a molecule, allowing myosin to interact with actin in muscle contraction.

Stable Angina

A type of angina that occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest or nitrates.

Variant Angina

Angina caused by coronary artery spasm, which nitrates can help relieve by increasing blood supply.

Sublingual Tablets

A form of nitroglycerin taken under the tongue for rapid relief of angina, typically dosed every five minutes.

First Pass Effect

The metabolism of a drug before it reaches systemic circulation, significantly impacting orally administered nitrate formulations.

Tachyphylaxis

A rapidly decreasing response to a drug following its administration, often observed with nitrates.

Cross Tolerance

Tolerance developed to one drug that applies to other drugs in the same class, such as various formulations of nitrates.

IV Nitroglycerin

Intravenous administration of nitroglycerin used in inpatient settings for severe angina or heart failure.

Adverse Effects of Nitrates

Common side effects include headache and orthostatic hypotension; patients should avoid abrupt position changes.

Drug Interactions

Nitrates can interact with other blood pressure-lowering medications, leading to enhanced hypotensive effects.

Patient Education

Instructions for patients regarding the use of nitroglycerin, including administration routes, side effects, and precautionary measures.