VTS-ECC: Cardiology Pharmacology

What are the four classes of antiarrhythmics?

CLASS I: Na+ channel blockers

CLASS II: Beta blockers

CLASS III: K+ channel blockers

CLASS IV: Ca2+ channel blockers

Of the four types of antiarrhythmics, which are contraindicated in cases of cocaine toxicity due to the concern for increased vasoconstriction and hypertension?

Beta blockers

What is the most common Na+ channel blocker?

Lidocaine

What are the two types of beta blockers?

Selective and non-selective

What type of beta blocker is Propranolol?

Non-selective

What type of beta blocker is Esmolol and Atenolol?

Selective

What are the two types of class IV antiarrhythmics?

Dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines

What is the main difference between dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines?

They have differing effects on the heart; dihydropyridines are used primarily for hypertension, whereas non-dihydropyridines have a greater effect on the heart and are not effective in treating hypertension but are used in treating tachyarrhythmias

Name 5 common vasopressors used in veterinary medicine.

Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Vasopressin, and Glucagon

What medication should eb avoided in Shar Pei breeds due to concern for shrinking of the muzzle and loss of wrickles?

Dexamethasone-SP (sodium phosphate), administer Prednisolone-SS (sodium succinate) instead.

What is the most common ACE inhibitor in veterinary medicine?

Enalapril

By what body system are ACE inhibitors eliminated?

Kidneys

What are the three most common types of diuretics used in veterinary medicine?

Osmotic diuretics, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics

What kind of diuretic is Mannitol?

Osmotic

What kind of diuretic is Spironolactone?

Potassium-sparing

Which diuretic is a competitive antagonist of aldosterone and is less effective than loop diuretics?

Spironolactone, or potassium-sparing diuretics

When would Aspirin ever be used in cats?

Used to prevent or reduce the risk of thrombus due to Aspirin’s ability to inhibit platelet formation

How often can cats receive Aspirin?

As often as every 48 hours, as cats cannot appropriately eliminate the drug any quicker than that.

What does the “loop” in loop diuretics refer to?

The loop of Henle, where these drugs produce diuresis

Name the mixed vasodilator used as a short-term drug to stabilize patients with dyspnea?

Nitroprusside

What kind of drug is Nitroglycerin and when would it be used?

Venous dilator, used to treat pulmonary edema secondary to heart failure

What is an inodilator and what is an example of a drug in this category?

A drug that acts as both a vasodilator and positive inotropic drug - Pimobendan

What arterial vasodilator is primarily used in cats?

Amlodipine

What are adrenergic agonists?

Drugs that cause intrinsic activity on adrenergic receptors and mimic the effects of epinephrine or norepinephrine

What are adrenergic antagonists?

Drugs that bind to adrenergic receptors, block catecholamines (thus blocking the sympathetic effects), and do not cause intrinsic activity