Pharmacology: Nitrates

Nitrates:

Pharmacological action:

1-Relaxation of vascular smooth muscles: results in:

a)decreased myocardial oxygen demand
b)Increased myocardial oxygen supply

2-Brief relaxation of other smooth muscles
3- Oxidation of hemoglobin

Indications:

• all types of angina pectoris
• heart failure
• acute myocardial infarction
• biliary colic
• esophageal spasm
• cyanide poisoning

Adverse effects:

• throbbing headache
• Postural hypotension
• tachycardia and palpitation
• methemoglobinemia
• tolerance
• withdrawal angina