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USMLE/1
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Introduction
1. Anatomy
2. Microbiology
3. Physiology
4. Pathology
5. Pharmacology
5.1 Pharmacokinetics
5.2 Pharmacodynamics
5.3 Receptors, agonists and antagonists
5.4 Types of drug receptors
5.5 Anti-neoplastic drugs
5.6 Adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs
5.7 Newer chemotherapeutic drugs
5.8 Important drugs of the cardiovascular system
5.8.1 Drugs affecting coagulation
5.8.2 Drugs used in the treatment of hypertension
5.8.3 Anti-anginal drugs
5.8.4 Antiarrhythmics
5.8.5 Lipid lowering agents
5.8.6 Miscellaneous
5.9 Antimicrobials
5.10 Drugs acting on the renal system
5.11 Drugs acting on the respiratory system
5.12 Drugs acting on the gastrointestinal system
5.13 Antidiabetics and insulin
5.14 Miscellaneous
5.15 Additional information
6. Immunology
7. Biochemistry
8. Cell and molecular biology
9. Biostatistics and epidemiology
10. Genetics
11. Behavioral science
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5.8.3 Anti-anginal drugs
Achievable USMLE/1
5. Pharmacology
5.8. Important drugs of the cardiovascular system

Anti-anginal drugs

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Drug Features
Nitrates: nitroglycerine (acts within minutes when given sublingually); isosorbide mono- and dinitrate are longer acting Anti-anginal effect is due to decreased preload, which reduces myocardial oxygen demand; decreases coronary vasospasm in Prinzmetal’s angina; dilates epicardial coronary arteries
Calcium channel blockers Non-dihydropyridines are preferred, such as diltiazem and verapamil
Beta blockers Anti-anginal effect is due to beta 1 blockade: decreases heart rate and contractility, which decreases myocardial oxygen requirements; atenolol, metoprolol, carvedilol preferred
Ranolazine Reduces sodium influx during ventricular depolarization by blocking Na channels; may prolong QTc; adverse effects include dizziness, edema, tinnitus, vertigo, constipation, dry mouth, asthenia, palpitations, hypotension
Dipyridamole (persantine) Acts as a vasodilator and platelet inhibitor; inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP; adverse effects include dizziness, diarrhea, headache, flushing, arthralgia, bleeding tendencies
Ivabradine Inhibits funny currents in the SA node, decreasing heart rate; levels are affected by drugs acting on Cyt P450 enzymes; adverse effects include blurred vision, gastrointestinal upset, AF, prolongation of QTc, bradycardia
Trimetazidine Increases myocardial resistance to ischemia by decreasing beta oxidation of fatty acids, thereby decreasing oxygen demand; cytoprotective effect; adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatic dysfunction, and may worsen Parkinson syndrome

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