Speaker: Dr Zahid Hussain
Institution: Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University
Topic: Anti-hypertensives; Extension Lectorial on Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Clinical Applications (Student Version) PHAR1014
Acknowledgment to Dr Vincent Chan
Focus of the session:
Revision of beta blocker pharmacology
Revision of ACE-I/ARBs pharmacology
Discussion on diuretics, especially thiazides
Overview of calcium channel blockers (DHP and non-DHP)
Emphasis on clinical use and applications, and practice points
Introduction to beta blockers
Diversity among beta blockers in:
Half-life (affects dose requirements)
Receptor selectivity (cardioselective vs non-cardioselective affects outcomes)
CNS penetration (lipid soluble vs non-lipid soluble alters effects/adverse effects)
Indications:
Hypertension
Angina (stable and unstable)
Congestive heart failure (selected types)
Headaches (prophylaxis of migraines)
Cardiac arrhythmias
Post-myocardial infarction
Glaucoma (topical application)
Anxiety, peripheral tremor, palpitations, thyrotoxicosis
Not recommended as first-line for uncomplicated hypertension
Continuation of treatment is advised if previously prescribed beta-blockers effectively manage hypertension
Alpha 1:
Eyes: dilate pupils
Urethra: tighten
Arterioles: vasoconstrict
Alpha 2: Focus on inhibition of neurotransmitter release
Beta 1: Increases heart rate and myocardial contraction force
Beta 2:
Dilates skeletal arteries
Bronchodilation
Mild increase in heart rate and contraction
Alpha 1 Blockade:
Effects on eyes, urethra, and arterioles
Beta 1 Blockade:
Decreases heart rate and myocardial force
Beta 2 Blockade:
Minor effects on dilation and bradycardia risks
Caution with peripheral vascular disease/diabetes due to potential masking of hypoglycemia symptoms
Mostly Beta-1 selective options:
Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol
Beta-1 and Beta-2 blockers:
Propranolol
Alpha-1 and beta blockers:
Carvedilol, Labetalol
Understanding half-life for dosing considerations
Renal/hepatic function impact on beta-blocker selection
Beta-1 selective:
Fewest adverse effects, used commonly
Non-selective beta blockers:
Can worsen asthma conditions
Alpha-1 and dual beta blockers:
Utilized in certain heart failure therapies
Recap of variability in half-life, receptor selection, and CNS penetration effects
Most beta blockers have some CNS penetration
Lipophilicity relates to CNS effects and side effects
Recognizing obvious and predictable adverse effects based on receptor antagonism
Lipophilicity correlates with CNS penetration
Listing characteristics such as receptors antagonized, ISA, routes of elimination, and dosing frequency for commonly prescribed beta blockers.
CNS penetration can impact treatment of heart failure
Atenolol's efficacy in heart failure compared to other agents
Reinforcing four variability aspects:
Half-life
Receptor selectivity
CNS penetration
Introduction to ACE inhibitors and ARBs for hypertension management
RAAS pathway overview:
Angiotensinogen from liver
Renin released due to decreased renal perfusion
Outcomes involve aldosterone secretion and vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure
ACE-I blocks angiotensin II formation
ARBs block receptor actions of angiotensin II
First-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension, especially in co-morbid conditions
Favorable outcomes in CKD, diabetes, and heart failure management
Overview of favorable and unfavorable drug effects in different comorbidities
Specific drug usage recommendations for various patient scenarios
Common adverse effects:
Hypotension, dizziness, hyperkalemia, renal effects
Kinin build-up may induce dry cough and angioedema
Explanation of how bradykinin mediates responses in the RAAS system related to angiotensin peptides
Comparison of adverse effects between ACE inhibitors and ARBs
Hypotension and dry cough more prevalent in ACE inhibitors
Techniques in managing adverse effects related to ACE inhibitors, such as switching to ARBs
Summary of a case study involving a patient presenting with angioedema due to lisinopril, highlighting treatment and follow-up
Key contraindications include:
History of angioedema, pregnancy, and bilateral renal artery stenosis
Features and issues associated with the utilization of captopril
Discussion of the importance of initial low dosing
Overview of current ACE inhibitors being prodrugs and exceptions like lisinopril
Advantages including once-a-day dosing for convenience
Listing of various ACE inhibitors with dosing information, including distinctive features like prodrug status
Explanation of perindopril dosing and bioequivalence between different salt forms
Recap of covered topics including beta blockers, ACE-I/ARBs, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers
Focus on diuretics, particularly thiazides
Explanation of diuretics acting by removing fluid to lower blood pressure but questioning efficacy
Clarification that diuretics do not lower effective blood pressure simply by fluid removal
Discussing specific cases, particularly in end-stage kidney disease
Not all diuretics lower blood pressure; emphasising thiazides' unique role due to inducing peripheral vasodilation
Favorable considerations of thiazides in hypertension management among elderly patients
Warning against their first-line use in younger patients due to diabetes risk
Side effects include mild diuresis, electrolyte issues, dizziness, and potential glucose elevation
Mechanism linking thiazide use and increased plasma glucose levels, highlighting slight insulin resistance
Caution on thiazides in younger patients due to long-term diabetes risk
Effectiveness in hypertension management despite diminished diuretic action in renal impairment
Discussion on the lack of cross-reactivity with sulfonamide allergies in thiazide use
Overview of various thiazide options and dosing guidelines available in Australia
Issues around dosing and ease of use of indapamide formulations
Highlighting the combination of thiazides with potassium-sparing diuretics and other antihypertensives for effectiveness
Overview of calcium channel blockers and their classification
Dihydropyridine CCBs recommended as first-line treatment options in uncomplicated hypertension
Recap of drug recommendations based on patient comorbidites and their impacts on treatment choices
Action of calcium in cardiovascular health, influencing vasodilation and contraction
Quick overview of their uses based on effects on cardiac vs peripheral conditions
Identification of various dihydropyridine CCBs and their indications
Common adverse effects associated with dihydropyridine CCBs
Discussion around the risks of reflex tachycardia with certain dosing profiles
Summary of agents and their classifications based on pharmacodynamics
General effects on peripheral and cardiac stimulation
Special notes on use, especially in patients with heart conditions
Safety considerations and dosing dynamics regarding SR formulations
Notable adverse reactions associated with these blockers
Insight into clinical notes and potential for adverse effects.
Choosing antihypertensive therapy based on individual patient profiles and expected outcomes.