Different types of vasodilators

(1) Nitrates: e.g., glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate These dilate both arteries and veins, and are the longest established drugs for…

Vasodilators are used to treat

(1) Heart failure. -In severe heart failure the arteries and arterioles may be more constricted than they need be, increasing…

What is Vasodilators

e.g., nitrates, calcium antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, hydralazine, prazosin. Put simply, vasodilators widen or open up blood vessels. With…

Diuretics are used to treat

(1) Heart failure-which simply means a reduction in the reserve capacity of the heart. This may be caused by a…

Diuretics (“Water tablets”)

e.g., bendrofluazide, frusemide, amiloride, spironolactone. These drugs increase the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Obviously, once the new…

Digoxin is used to treat

(1) Atrial fibrillation-an irregularity of the heart-beat. Digoxin is especially effective in slowing and strengthening the heart in this condition.…

Digoxin “Heart Tablets”

Digoxin is one of the oldest drugs used in modern medicine. Over 200 years ago a country doctor discovered that…

Questions to ask

Whenever you are given a prescription for a new drug, make sure you know the answers to these questions:   …

How are drugs taken?

Drugs may be given by mouth as tablets or capsules depending on their chemical nature, the speed of action required,…