NEET MDS Lessons
Pharmacology
DIURETICS
The basis for the use of diuretics is to promote sodium depletion (and thereby water) which leads to a decrease in extracellular fluid volume.
An important aspect of diuretic therapy is to prevent the development of tolerance to other antihypertensive drugs.
TYPES OF DIURETICS
A. Thiazide Diuretics examples include chlorothiazide
hydrochlorothiazide
a concern with these drugs is the loss of potassium as well as sodium
B. Loop Diuretics (High Ceiling Diuretics) examples include
furosemide (Lasix)
bumetanide
these compounds produce a powerful diuresis and are capable of producing severe derangements of electrolyte balance
C. Potassium Sparing Diuretics examples include
triamterene
amiloride
spironolactone
unlike the other diuretics, these agents do not cause loss of potassium
Mechanism of Action
Initial effects: through reduction of plasma volume and cardiac output.
Long term effect: through decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance.
Advantages
Documented reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Least expensive antihypertensive drugs.
Best drug for treatment of systolic hypertension and for hypertension in theelderly.
Can be combined with all other antihypertensive drugs to produce synergetic effect.
Side Effects
Metabolic effects (uncommon with small doses): hypokalemia,hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia (increased total
and LDL cholesterol), impaired glucose tolerance, and hypercalcemia (with thiazides).
Postural hypotension.
Impotence in up to 22% of patients.
Considerations
- Moderate salt restriction is the key for effective antihypertensive effect of diuretics and for protection from diuretic - induced hypokalaemia.
- Thiazides are not effective in patients with renal failure (serum creatinine > 2mg /dl) because of reduced glomerular filtration rate.
- Frusemide needs frequent doses ( 2-3 /day ).Thiazides can be given once daily or every other day.
- Potassium supplements should not be routinely combined with thiazide or loop diuretics. They are indicated with hypokalemia (serum potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) especially with concomitant digitalis therapy or left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs can antagonize diuretics effectiveness.
Special Indications
Diuretics should be the primary choice in all hypertensives.
They are indicated in:
- Volume dependent forms of hypertension: blacks, elderly, diabetic, renal and obese hypertensives.
- Hypertension complicated with heart failure.
- Resistant hypertension: loop diuretics in large doses are recommended.
- Renal impairment: loop diuretics
Megltinides
nateglinide
repaglinide
Mechanism
binds to K+ channels on β-cells → postprandial insulin release
Clinical use
type 2 diabetes mellitus
may be used as monotherapy, or in combination with metformin
Kinins
Peptide that are mediated in the inflammation.
Action of kinin:
On CVS: vasodilatation in the kidneys, heart, intestine, skin, and liver. It is 10 times active than histamine as vasodilator.
On exocrine and endocrine glands: kinin modulate the tone of pancreas and salivery glands and help regulate GIT motility, also affect the transport of water and electrolytes, glucose and amino acids through epithelial cell transport.
Lithium carbonate: 1st choice (controls mania in bipolar disorders); delay before onset of therapeutic benefit; no psychotropic effects in normal humans
i. Mechanism: blocks enzymes in inositol phosphate signaling pathway; no consistent effects of lithium on NE, 5-HT, and DA
ii. Side effects: severe CNS (ataxia, delirium, coma, convulsions) and CV (cardiac dysrhythmias)
Methyl salicylate
also known as oil of wintergreen, betula oil, methyl ester) is a natural product of many species of plants Structurally, it is methylated salicylic acid It is used as an ingredient in deep heating rubs
Thiazide diuretics
Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide
Mechanism(s) of Action
1. Block facilitated Na/Cl co-transport in the early distal tubule. This is a relatively minor Na absorption mechanism and the result is modest diuresis
2. Potassium wasting effect
a. Blood volume reduction leads to increased production of aldosterone
b. Increased distal Na load secondary to diuretic effect
c. a + b = increase Na (to blood) for K (to urine) exchange which produces indirect K wasting
3. Increase distal Ca re-absorption (direct effect)
o causes an increase in plasma calcium.This is unimportant NORMALLY but makes thiazides VERY inappropriate choice for hypercalcemic patients.
4. Anti-diuretic effect in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus patients secondary to depletion of Na and Water.
Toxicity
• Electrolyte imbalance (particularly hypokalemia) ,Agranulocytosis , Allergic reactions
• Hyperuricemia , Thrombocytopenia
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, and sertraline
- Most commonly used antidepressant category
- Less likely to cause anticholinergic side effects
- Relatively safest antidepressant group in overdose
- Selectively inhibits reuptake of serotonin(5-HT)
Mode of Action;
- Well absorbed when given orally
- Plasma half-lives of 18-24 h allowing once daily dosagedaily dosage
- Metabolised through CYP450 system and most SSRIs inhibit some CYP isoforms
- Therapeutic effect is delayed for 2-4 weeks
ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS
- Insomnia, increased anxiety, irritability
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, and ejaculatory delay
- Bleeding disorders
- Withdrawal syndrome