Cardiovascular Pharmacology Concepts

Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.


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Clinical Disorders:

Angina

Arrhythmias

Edema

Heart Failure

Systemic Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension

Hypotension

Myocardial Infarction


Therapeutic Classes:

Antianginal

Antiarrhythmic

Antihypertensive

Cardioinhibitory

Cardiostimulatory

Diuretic
Pressor

Thrombolytic

Vasoconstrictor

Vasodilator


Mechanism Classes:

Click here to see list

 


Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, a textbook published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005)


 


Treatment of Arrhythmias

The following table summarizes which antiarrhythmic drugs may be used to treat different types of arrhythmias. It is important to note that for a given condition a particular drug may not be efficacious, and in fact, it may precipitate other arrhythmias or adverse cardiovascular effects (e.g., cardiac depression, hypotension). Therefore, drug efficacy and safety must be carefully evaluated and individualized to the patient when treating arrhythmias.

Condition
Drug
Comments
Sinus tachycardia
Class II, IV
Other underlying causes may need treatment
Atrial fibrillation/flutter
Class IA, IC, II, III, IV
digitalis; adenosine
Ventricular rate control is important goal; anticoagulation required
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Class IA, IC, II, III, IV
adenosine
 
AV block
atropine
Acute reversal
Ventricular tachycardia
Class I, II, III
 
Premature ventricular complexes
Class II, IV; 
Mg++ salts
PVCs are often benign and not treated
Digitalis toxicity
Class IB
Mg++ salts; KCl
 

 

Revised 08/24/06

 


DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 2005-2008Ed  Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.