Fibrinolytic agents, also known as thrombolytics, are medications used to dissolve blood clots. They are primarily used in the management of acute thrombotic conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism, and ischemic stroke. Mechanism of Action Fibrinolytic agents work by converting plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, the main component […]
Author: asiannurse
Antiplatelet Drugs
Antiplatelet drugs prevent platelets from clumping together to form a blood clot. They are primarily used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Types of Antiplatelet Drugs 1. Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Dosage: Contraindications: Antidote: activate charcoal 2. P2Y12 Inhibitors (e.g., Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor) Dosage: Contraindications: […]
Statins
Statins are a group of medications primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. 1 Specifically, they target and reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while often increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL) Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are a class of lipid-lowering medications used to manage and prevent cardiovascular diseases. They work by inhibiting the […]
Antihypertensive Drugs
Antihypertensive drugs are medications used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). They work through various mechanisms to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Here’s a detailed overview of the main classes of antihypertensive drugs, including their mechanisms of action, clinical uses, dosages, adverse effects, and […]
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Antiarrhythmic drugs are medications used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. These drugs work by affecting the electrical impulses in the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Classification of Antiarrhythmic Drugs Antiarrhythmic drugs are classified into four main classes based on the Vaughan-Williams classification system: Class I: Sodium Channel Blockers Class […]
Diuretics
Diuretics are a class of medications that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body through the urine. They are primarily used to manage conditions associated with fluid retention, such as heart failure, hypertension, and certain kidney disorders. Types of Diuretics Diuretics are classified into several categories based on their site of action […]
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are a class of drugs that help prevent the formation of blood clots by interfering with the coagulation process. They are commonly used to treat and prevent thromboembolic disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and atrial fibrillation (AF), and to prevent stroke in certain patients. Types of Anticoagulants Anticoagulants can […]
Inotropes
Inotropes are drugs that influence the strength of heart muscle contractions. They are primarily used in the management of heart failure, certain types of shock, and other cardiovascular conditions. Types of Inotropes Inotropes are classified into two main categories: positive inotropes, which increase the force of heart contractions, and negative inotropes, which decrease it. Positive […]
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)
Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a crucial secondary messenger in numerous biological processes. It transmits signals from hormones and neurotransmitters outside the cell to effectors inside the cell, thus influencing various physiological responses. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is considered a secondary messenger because it relays signals received by cell surface receptors (primary messengers) to target molecules inside […]
What are Catecholamines?
Catecholamines are organic compounds derived from the amino acid tyrosine, acting both as hormones and neurotransmitters in the body. They are vital in the body’s stress response and in regulating various physiological functions. Key Catecholamines Biosynthesis and Release Physiological Effects Clinical Relevance Catecholamines play a crucial role in the body’s immediate response to stress, ensuring […]