Drug Chart

• What is the primary action of ACE inhibitors?

  Inhibit ACE conversion of angiotensin I to II
• How do ACE inhibitors affect blood pressure?

  They reduce blood pressure through vasodilation
• In which patients are ACE inhibitors typically combined with thiazide-like diuretics and CCBs?

  In patients under 55
• What are some uses of ACE inhibitors?

  Heart failure, post MI, stroke prevention
• What is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors?

  Dry, irritant cough due to bradykinin
• Why should ACE inhibitors be avoided in women with childbearing potential?

  Due to danger of fetal renal maldevelopment
• What is the action of ARBs?

  Antagonize angiotensin II
• How do ARBs affect blood pressure?

  They reduce BP through vasodilation
• What is a common use for ARBs?

  ACEI intolerance and type 2 diabetic nephropathy
• What is a side effect of ARBs?

  Hyperkalaemia due to potassium retention
• What is a caution when using CCBs (rate-limiting)?

  Use with caution in combination with beta-blockers
• What is the action of CCBs (dihydropyridines)?

  Pronounced peripheral vasodilator properties
• What are common side effects of dihydropyridine CCBs?

  Headache, flushing, ankle edema
• What is the action of nitrates like GTN?

  Relax all types of smooth muscle
• How do nitrates help in angina?

  Reduce myocardial oxygen requirement
• What is a common side effect of GTN?

  Postural hypotension and headaches
• What is the action of potassium channel openers like minoxidil?

  Cause hyperpolarization and relaxation of arterial smooth muscle
• When is minoxidil used?

  In severe hypertension
• What is the action of alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonists?

  Cause vasodilation by blocking vascular adrenoceptors
• In which patients are alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonists indicated?

  Hypertensive patients with prostatic hyperplasia
• What is the action of beta-blockers (B1 selective)?

  Blocks B1 adrenoceptors on SAN
• What are common side effects of beta-blockers?

  Tiredness and cold peripheries
• Why should beta-blockers be used cautiously in insulin-dependent diabetes?

  They can mask hypoglycemia symptoms
• What is the action of digoxin?

  Stimulates vagal activity on the heart
• What is adenosine used for?

  To terminate paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
• What is the action of thiazide diuretics?

  Increase secretion of Na, Cl, and water
• What are common side effects of thiazide diuretics?

  Hypokalaemia, arrhythmias, hyperglycaemia
• What are the main classes of antihypertensive drugs covered?

  • ACE Inhibitors
  • ARBs
  • CCBs (rate-limiting and dihydropyridines)
  • Nitrates
  • Potassium Channel Openers
  • Alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonists
  • Beta-blockers
  • Thiazide diuretics
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using beta-blockers?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for angina and hypertension
  • Useful in heart failure

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Can worsen heart failure
  • May mask hypoglycemia symptoms
  • Cold peripheries and tiredness
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using ACE inhibitors?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in reducing blood pressure
  • Useful in heart failure and post-MI

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like cough and angioedema
  • Caution in renal stenosis and pregnancy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using ARBs?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in reducing blood pressure
  • Useful for ACEI intolerance

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like hyperkalaemia and dizziness
  • Caution in renal stenosis and pregnancy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using CCBs?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in hypertension and angina
  • Minimal cardiac effects with rate-limiting CCBs

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like bradycardia and ankle edema
  • Caution with beta-blockers
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using nitrates?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for angina relief
  • Rapid action for acute attacks

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Tolerance can develop
  • Side effects like headaches and hypotension
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using potassium channel openers?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in severe hypertension
  • Can be used in refractory angina

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like reflex tachycardia
  • Requires combination with beta-blockers
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonists?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for hypertension with prostatic hyperplasia

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like postural hypotension
  • Less commonly used than other classes
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using thiazide diuretics?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for hypertension and heart failure
  • Moderate diuresis

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like hypokalaemia and hyperglycaemia
  • May require monitoring of electrolytes
• What condition can beta-blockers mask symptoms of?

  Insulin-dependent diabetes
• How do beta-blockers affect the sympathetic nervous system?

  They repress its activity
• What is the effect of digoxin on the heart?

  Stimulates vagal activity
• What does digoxin do to conduction in the AV node?

  Slows conduction and prolongs refractory period