- medications
- pharmacokinetics
- dosage calculations
- routes of administration
- e-CPS
- Dal Pharm Drug Info
- RxFiles
Section Links
Nitrates
Vasodilators
- uses
- mechanism
- dose and half-life
- adverse drug reactions
- counter-indications and drug interactions
- metabolism and excretion
- dependency
Uses
Mechanism
- nitric oxide relaxes smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation, especially in veins
- increased venous pooling leads to decreased preload
Dose and Half Life
- oral administration leads to liver metabolism
- sublingual administration acts within 60 seconds and lasts ~20 mins
- transdermal patch provides 8-12 hours of activity
Adverse Drug Reactions
- headaches
- reflex increase in heart rate due to baroreceptor response
- high degree of tolerance over time
long term
Counter-Indications and Drug Interactions
Metabolism and Excretion