Direct Vasodilators – Anti-Hypertensives in Cardiovascular Pharmacology

RAAS, direct vasodilators, diuretics, adrenergic system inhibitors
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Here you can find videos related to direct vasodilators which are anti-hypertensive drugs covered within cardiovascular pharmacology…

Cardiovascular pharmacology deals with the study of the effects of drugs upon the heart or circulatory system. Cardiovascular medicines help to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, slow the progression of it as well as treat its symptoms whilst providing a better quality of life and increasing life expectancy.

Types of Cardiovascular Drugs include:

  • Anti-Hypertensive Drugs
  • Anti-Angina Drugs
  • Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs
  • Anti-Coagulants
  • Anti-Hyperlipidaemic Drugs

Anti-Hypertensive Drugs are further sub-divided into 4 categories, namely:

Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone Inhibitors

Adrenergic System Inhibitors

Diuretics

Direct Vasodilators

Below you can find a collection of videos that can help provide a more visual approach to cardiovascular pharmacology, specifically on the Anti-Hypertensive Drugs – Direct Vasodilators.

Nitrates

  • Available as sublingual spray, oral tablets, transdermal patch, and IV preparation.
  • Oral medication can be taken up to 3 times within 5 minute intervals; burning sensation may be experienced (harmless).
  • Sustained release formulas: do not crush and swallow whole; Injection sites should be switched continuously; taper dose over 4-6 weeks to prevent MI.
  • Transdermal patches can lead to patient tolerance. To avoid, remove patch for 4-8 hours, ideally during the night.
  • Nitrates are sensitive to light. Protect from sunlight.
  • INDICATIONS: angina, acute coronary syndrome, for reduction of chest pain and infarct size in MI.
  • ADVERSE EFFECTS: CNS – throbbing headache, dizziness, weakness; CV – hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope; GI – nausea, vomiting, incontinence; EENT – pallor, flushing, sweating; methemoglobinemia and cyanosis if administered in high doses.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Nifedipine, Amiodipine, Nicardipine – Dihyropyridines (Anti Hypertensive properties).

Diltaziem, Verapamil – Non-Dihydropyridines (Anti-Arrhythmic properties).

  • Causes a decrease in peripheral resistance, blood pressure and cardiac workload, as well as vasodilation.
  • INDICATIONS: angina pectoris, effort-associated angina, chronic stable angina, unstable crescendo preinfarction angina, essential hypertension.
  • Parenteral administration for treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, and temporary control of rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation.
  • ADVERSE EFFECTS: dizziness, light-headedness, headache, fatigue, hypotension, heart block, peripheral oedema, bradycardia, nausea, skin flushing, rash.

Direct Vasodilators: Nitroglycerin and Angina

Direct Vasodilators: Administering Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets and Translingual Spray

Calcium Channel Blockers

Special thanks to the creators of the featured videos on this post, specifically Youtube Channels Simple Nursing and Registered Nurse RN

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Claire
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Author: Claire

Claire Galea is a mum of three currently in her final year following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education.