Calcium Channel Blockers (ZEM)

Pharmacodynamics:

↓ contractility force => ↓ BP

↓ electrical contractility => ↓ heart rate

Indications:

Angina Pectoris

Hypertension

Dysrhythmias

Common brands:

NP: Verapamil

NP: Diltiazem

Istin (amlodipine)

Dilzem (diltiazem)

Adizem (diltiazem)

Zemtard (diltiazem)

Cardene (nicardipine hydrochloride)

Adalat (nifedipine) S/Es:

N&V

Facial flushing

Headaches

Ankle oedema

Constipation

Cardiac Glycosides (OXIN)

Pharmacodynamics:

↓ conductivity in AV node

↑ myocardial contractility Indications:

CCF

SVT

A Fib Common brands:

NP: Digoxin

NP: Digitoxin

Lanoxin (digoxin) S/Es:

N&V; Diarrhoea

Abdo pain

Headache

Fatigue, drowsiness

Confusion

Dysrhythmias

Beta Blockers (LOL)

Pharmacodynamics:

Block β-adrenoreceptors => ↓ heart rate, ↓ BP

Indications:

Hypertension

Angina Pectoris

Post-MI Common Brands:

NP: Propanolol

NP: Atenolol

NP: Sotalol

Inderal: (propanolol)

Emcor (bisoprolol)

Eucardic (carvedilol)

Nebilet (nebivolol)

Beta-Cardone (sotalol) S/Es:

Breathlessness, wheeze

Cold extremities

Ankle oedema

Tiredness, dizziness C/I: Asthma

Loop Diuretics (IDE)

Pharmacodynamics:

↓ reabsorption from ascending limb of Loop of Henle

Indications:

CCF

Left ventricular failure

Pulmonary Oedema Common brands:

NP: Furosemide

Lasix (furosemide)

Burinex (bumetanide) S/Es:

Hypotension

N&V, GIT disturbance

Hyponatraemia

Hypokalemia

Hypomagnesemia

Thrombolytics (PLASE)

Pharmacodynamics:

↑ plasmin

↓ fibrin Indications:

MI (esp. ST segment ↑)

DVT

Pulmonary embolism Common brands:

NP: rt-PA (alteplase)

NP: streptokinase

Rapilysin (reteplase)

Streptase (streptokinase)

Metalyse (tenecteplase) S/Es:

N&V

Bleeding

Dysrhythmias

Hypotension

Rash, flushing

Anti-arrhythmics (ARONE)

Pharmacodynamics:

↓ conductivity in AV node

↑ myocardial contractility Indications:

Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias

Cardiac arrest (VF/VT) Common brands:

NP: Amiodarone

Cordarone X S/Es:

Peripheral neuropathy

Bradycardia

N&V (rare)

Metallic taste

Hot flushes, dizziness C/Is:

Pregnancy

Hypotension

Breastfeeding

Nitrates (NITRATE)

Pharmacodynamics:

Coronary vasodilation

Reduction in venous return to heart Indications:

Angina Pectoris

LVF Common brands:

NP: Glyceryl Trinitrate

Glytrin (Glyceryl Trinitrate)

Angitak (Isosorbide Trinitrate)

Nitrocine (Glyceryl Trinitrate)

TransidermNitro (Glyceryl Trinitrate) S/Es:

Hot flushes, dizziness

Tachycardia

Hypotension

Headache C/Is: hypotension, cardiac tamponade, anaemia

Antiplatelet Drugs

Pharmacodynamics:

decrease platelet aggregation

inhibit thrombus formation Indications:

prevention of ischaemic events

prophylaxis of thromboembolism Common brands:

NP: Aspirin

NP: Clopidogrel

Nu-Seals 75 (aspirin)

Caprin (aspirin)

Plavix (clopidogrel) S/Es:

Aspirin: bronchospasm, GI bleeding

Clopidogrel: dyspepsia, abdo pain, N&V, constipation, gastritis, diarrhoea, GI bleeding

C/Is:

Aspirin: U-16, breastfeeding, GI ulceration, haemophilia

Clopidogrel: Active bleeding, breastfeeding

ACE Inhibitors (PRIL)

Pharmacodynamics:

inhibit angiotensin I > II conversion

antihypertensive Indications:

Heart failure

Hypertension Common brands:

NP: captopril

Zestril (lisinopril)

Coversyl (perindopril)

Tritzce (ramipril) S/Es:

Arrhythmias, angina, chest pain, syncope, CVA, MI, hypotension

Dry mouth, loss of appetite, skin reactions, confusion, depression

Anxiety, impotence, flushing, N&V C/Is:

Renal impairment

Pregnancy

Alpha adrenoreceptor blockers (SIN)

Pharmacodynamics:

Block α-adrenoreceptors => ↓ heart rate, ↓ BP

Indications:

hypertension

angina pectoris, post-MI Common brands:

Cardura, Cardura XL (doxazosin)

Hypovase (prazosin) S/Es:

Flushes

N&V, tiredness

Hypotension

Dizziness, breathlessness

Proton Pump Inhibitors (ZOLE)

Pharmacodynamics:

inhibit gastric acid

block H-K ATP enzyme system Indications:

Gastric & duodenal ulcers

GORD; oesophagitis

NSAID assoc ulcers

Dyspepsia Common brands:

Nexium (esomeprazole)

Zoton (lansoprazole)

NP: Omeprazole

Losec (omeprazole)

Protium (pantoprazole) S/Es:

N&V, diarrhoea, constipation

Abdo pain, flatulence, dry mouth

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache

Sweating, rash, fever, insomnia