Cardiac drugs: Difference between revisions
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The [[heart]] is very useful, and [[cardiology|cardiologists]] attempt to keep it that way. The drugs they use are below: | The [[heart]] is very useful, and [[cardiology|cardiologists]] attempt to keep it that way. The drugs they use are below: | ||
==ACE inhibitors== | |||
====How they work==== | ====How they work==== | ||
They inhibit the action of [[angiotensin converting enzyme]] (ACE). This prevents the [[renin-angiotensin]] loop from working, thus preventing peripheral constriction of blood vessels, and effectively lower [[blood pressure]]. | They inhibit the action of [[angiotensin converting enzyme]] (ACE). This prevents the [[renin-angiotensin]] loop from working, thus preventing peripheral constriction of blood vessels, and effectively lower [[blood pressure]]. | ||
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Their key side effect is a '''characteristic dry tickling cough''', that won't go away. If patients get this, and can't cope with it, you need to take them off the drug, probably best to try them on a angiotensin-II receptor antagonist... | Their key side effect is a '''characteristic dry tickling cough''', that won't go away. If patients get this, and can't cope with it, you need to take them off the drug, probably best to try them on a angiotensin-II receptor antagonist... | ||
==Angiotension II receptor agonists== | |||
losartan cadesartan | losartan cadesartan | ||
==Anti-arrhythmics== | |||
==Beta blockers== | |||
==Calcium channel blockers== | |||
==Diuretics== | |||
[[Diuretics]] are used to control [[hypertension]], by reducing the amount of fluid in the body. They are so sexy that they have their [[diuretics|own page]]. Check it out! | [[Diuretics]] are used to control [[hypertension]], by reducing the amount of fluid in the body. They are so sexy that they have their [[diuretics|own page]]. Check it out! | ||
Revision as of 17:42, 22 May 2010
The heart is very useful, and cardiologists attempt to keep it that way. The drugs they use are below:
ACE inhibitors
How they work
They inhibit the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). This prevents the renin-angiotensin loop from working, thus preventing peripheral constriction of blood vessels, and effectively lower blood pressure.
What are they used for
They are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure. They are the first line treatment for white people under the age of 55 with high blood pressure.
Common types and dose
- Ramipril 2.5–5mg OD (max 10mg)
- Perindopril 2-4mg OD
Side effects
They can have a negative effect on renal function, and should never be used on a patient with bilateral renal artery stenosis. They also shouldn't be used with potassium sparing diuretics as this can cause hyperkalaemia.
Their key side effect is a characteristic dry tickling cough, that won't go away. If patients get this, and can't cope with it, you need to take them off the drug, probably best to try them on a angiotensin-II receptor antagonist...
Angiotension II receptor agonists
losartan cadesartan
Anti-arrhythmics
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to control hypertension, by reducing the amount of fluid in the body. They are so sexy that they have their own page. Check it out!