Nitrates, antianginal

The nitrate antianginal drug all have the same adverse reactions, although the intensify of some reactions may vary with the drug and the dose. A common adverse reaction seen with diese drug is headache, especially early in therapy. Hypotension, dizziness, vertigo, and weakness may also be associated with headache. Flushing caused by dilatation of small capillaries near the surface of the skin may also be seen. 

Each of the transdermal nitroglycerin systems is effective in treating angina pectoris when worn for 12—16 h followed by an off period. The FDA recommends the period without dmg (8—12 h) to mitigate the possibiUty of the patient acquiring a tolerance to the antianginal effects of nitrate therapy. Thus, a noncontinuous dosing schedule of nitrates is recommended even with the transdermal deflvery system (81). 

Because it prolongs the QT interval, ranolazine should be reserved for patients who have not achieved an adequate response to other antianginal drugs. It should be used in combination with amlodipine, /3-blockers, or nitrates. 

Isosorbide Dinitrate Hydralazine (BiDil) [Antianginal, Antihypertensive/Vasodilator, Nitrate] Uses HF in African Amer-icans improve survival functional status, prolong time between hospitalizations Action Relaxes vascular smooth muscle peripheral vasodilator Dose Initially 1 tab tid PO (if not tol ated reduce to 1/2 tab tid), titrate >3-5 d as tolerated Max 2 tabs tid Caution [C, /-] recent MI, syncope, hypovolemia, hypotension, hep impair Contra For children, concomitant use w/ PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) Disp Tabs SE HA, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, sinusitis, GI distress, tach, paresthesia, amblyopia Interactions t Risk of severe hypotension W/ antihypertensives, ASA, CCBs, MAOIs, phenothiazides, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, EtOH X pressor response Wf i -1- effects W7 NSAIDs EMS Use ASA, antihypertensives and CCBs w/ caution, may t hypotension concurrent Viagra-type drug use can lead to profound hypotension concurrent EtOH use can t effects OD May cause N/V, profound hypotension, skin flushing, HA from ICP, bradycardia, confusion, and circulatory collapse activated charcoal may be effective, epi use is contraindicated... 

Isosorbide Mononitrate (Ismo, Imdur) [Antianginal/Nitrate]... 

Organic nitrites, such as the volatile antianginal amyl nitrite, also require metabolic activation to elicit vasorelaxation, although the responsible enzyme has not been identified. Nitrites are arterial vasodilators and do not exhibit the rapid tolerance seen with nitrates. 

S. Savonitto, M. Motolese, and E. Agabiti-Rosei. Antianginal effect of transdermal nitroglycerin and oral nitrates given for 24 hours a day in 2456 patients with stable angina pectoris. Int. J. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 33 194—203, 1995. 

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