Vasodilators

Question 1

Nitrates

Answer 1

• Very short half life b/c rapid conversion to NO
• Absorbed thru skin/mucous membrane/given IV
• Metabolized by liver into active metabolites
• Vasodilation occurs following formation of NO and reduction in Ca2+ influx into the cell

Question 2

Nitroglycerin

Answer 2

• Classification: venodilator
• MOI: increase NO
• Uses: used in heart failure and cardiogenic edema
• AE: hypotension, rebound hypertension

Question 3

Sodium Nitroprusside

Answer 3

• Classification: venodilator and arterodilator
• MOI: increases NO
• Uses: acute heart failure and hypertensive crisis
• AE: hypotension, rebound hypertension, cyanide poisoning

Question 4

Sildenafil

Answer 4

• Classification: venodilator and arteriodilator
• MOI: phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition
• Uses: treat pulmonary hypertension
• AE: profile not well described, may include GI

Question 5

Benazepril and Enalapril

Answer 5

Classification: venodilator and arteriodilator; prodrug

MOI: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (prevents formation of angiotensin II)

Uses: chronic heart failure, hypertension

AE: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperkalemia, renal injury

Question 6

MOA of arteriodilators

Answer 6

relax smooth muscle of arterioles and reduce afterload; decreasing afterload w/ mitral insufficiency

Question 7

MOA of venodilators

Answer 7

relax the vein smooth muscle and reduce preload

Question 8

Balanced or mixed vasodilators do what?

Answer 8

act on both arterioles and veins