Nitrates

Question 1

nitrates are ____ used to treat ____

Answer 1

vasodilators; angina pectoris

Question 2

nitrates work directly on ____ instead of through a ____

Answer 2

vascular smooth muscle; receptor

Question 3

MOA

Answer 3

• causes relaxation of smooth muscle within blood vessels to create vasodilation
• also appears to decrease preload and afterload, reduce workload of heart, reduce O2 demand

Question 4

what are the 3 forms of delivery for nitrates?

Answer 4

• IV
• Sublingual (spray, chewable, oral)
• Topical (transdermal patch)

Question 5

What type of nitrate is the first choice for acute attacks?

Answer 5

• sublingual
• immediate symptom relief
• can be administered before activity to prevent symptoms

Question 6

nitrate drug names to be familiar with

Answer 6

• isosorbide mononitrate

- nitroglycerin

Question 7

What are the special storage requirements for nitrates?

Answer 7

• Keep in glass brown bottle to limit light exposure
• Short shelf life (6 mo unopened, 3 mo opened)
• Tingling sensation as drug dissolves = it is active

Question 8

nitrate dosing

Answer 8

• After 1st dose: relief should occur within 1-2 min
• 2nd dose if symptoms still present after 5 min
• up to 3 doses in 15 min
• No relief = possible MI

Question 9

nitrate AEs

hint: WORD

Answer 9

• weakness
• OH
• reflex tachycardia
• dizziness