AEMCA Pharmacology
Anti-Hypertensives:
Angiotensin II Receptor blockers - ✔️✔️-Action: Blocks the action of angiotensin II,
preening vasoconstriction and release of aldosterone.
-Pathologies: HTN, CAD, HF in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
-Side Effects: Dizziness, hypotension, rhinorrhea, GI upset.
-Most Common Meds:
Candesartan
Eprosartan
Irbesartan
Losartan
Olmesartan
Telmisartan
Valsartan
Anti-Arrhythmic:
Class III Potassium channel blockers - ✔️✔️-Action: Bind to and block the K+
channels, slowing repolarization, leading to increase action potential duration and
refractory period. Prolongs the period of time that the cell cannot depolarize.
-Pathologies: V-Tach, V-Fib, A-Fib, A-Flutter.
-Side Effects: Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, photophobia, hepatic damage, can cause blue
skin (amiodarone)
-Most Common Meds:
Amiodarone
dronedarone
Bretylium
Sotalol
Diltazem
ACE Inhibitors - ✔️✔️-Action: Inhibits the conversion of Angiotensin 1 into Angiotensin
2; preventing the release of aldosterone and reducing systemic BP.
-Pathologies: HTN, HF, CKD, Post-MI.
-Side Effects: Hypotension, dizziness, chronic dry cough, angioedema, decreased renal
function.
, -Most Common Meds:
Catopril
Enalapril
Fosinopril
Lisinopril
Meoxipril
Perindopril
Quinapril
Ramipril
Anti-Arrhythmic:
Class I Sodium Channel Blockers - ✔️✔️-Action: Block voltage gated sodium channels,
slowing phase 0 of depolarization in myocytes.
-Pathologies: Ventricular tachycardia, SVT, A-fib, A-Flutter.
-Side Effects: Tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation,
nausea, HA, dizziness.
-Most Common Meds: Quinidine, lidocaine, flecainide.
Anti-Arrhythmic:
Class II Beta Blockers - ✔️✔️-Action: Blocks the effect of catecholamines at beta
receptors. Reduces HR, contractility, myocardial oxygen demand, and conduction.
-Pathologies: HTN, Irregular heartbeat, HF, Glaucoma, migraines, hyperthyroid,
tremors.
-Side Effects: Fatigue, cold extremities, headache, upset stomach, constipation,
diarrhea, asthma attack.
-Most Common Meds:
Metoprolol
Acebutolol
Nadolol
Propanolol
Anti-Arrhythmic:
Class IV Calcium Channel Blockers - ✔️✔️-Action: Decrease conduction through the
AV node, preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls,
resulting in lower BP.
-Pathologies: HTN, Brain aneurism, Irregular heartbeat, Reynaud's, migraines,
pulmonary HTN.
