DIGOXIN



DIGOXIN

•        Cardiac glycoside

•        Inhibits magnesium dependent Na/K ATPase, resulting in increased intracellular Na and calcium with decreased K

•         Has positive inotropic effect (increases strength of myocardial contraction) and negative chronotropic effect (reduces heart rate)

•        Has low therapeutic index - small variations in dose can cause toxicity

•        Excreted mainly by the kidneys (80%), although hepatic clearance becomes more important in renal failure. *Half life ~1-2 days with normal renal function.

•        Toxicity increased by hypokalaemia (diuretics, beta-agonists, glucocorticoids) and hypomagnesaemia *

•        Useful in the management of atrial fibrillation

TOXICITY

•        Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

•        Cardiac arrhythmias

•        Blurred vision and disturbed colour vision

NIFEDIPINE - SIDE-EFFECTS *****

•        Headache

•        Hypotension and tachycardia

•        Myocardial depression

•        Constipation / diarrhoea

•        Impotence and gynaecomastia

•        Flushing (peripheral vasodilation) and peripheral oedema

•        Increased frequency of micturiction

•        Rash

•        Gum hyperplasia and visual disturbance

NITRATES

•        Glyceryl trinitrite, Isosorbide mononitrate

•        Lipid soluble; nitric oxide (NO) donors

•        NO acts by activating guanylate cyclase, resulting in increased cyclic GMP concentrations

•        Cause smooth muscle relaxation - effect on veins / venules greater than the effect on arterioles, resulting in a greater reduction in cardiac pre-load

•        Side-effects - flushing, sweating, headache, tachycardia, fainting

•        Consumption of SH groups results in the development of tolerance

•        GTN is rapidly inactivated by hepatic enzymes - sub-lingual administration is effective. ISMO is more stable and active orally

 

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