c) Glycosides: chemical and clinical aspects of digoxin and other digitalis glycosides
Functioning and disease of the heart, arrhythmia, atheroma, ischemia, angina pectoris,
coronary thrombosis, myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension and
congestive heart failure.
Introduction, classification, chemistry, mode of action, structure-activity relationship,
pharmacokineties, indications, contraindications, dose, adverse effects and drug interaction of
following individual class of drugs:
a) Cardiac glycosides.
b) Antihypertensives: -blockers, vasodilators, ca-channel blocking agents, ACE inhibitors.
c) Antiarrhythmic drugs.
2. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 1
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Cardiovascular Drugs
(Medicinal Chemistry)
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the
blood pushing against the walls of the arteries (i.e.
the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart
to the rest of the body). It is determined by the
amount of blood pumped by the heart, the pumping
power of the heart, the condition of the heart
valves and the size and condition of the arteries.
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP):
When the heart contracts to pump out blood,
pressure is highest. This measurement is called the
systolic pressure.
Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP):
After pumping, the heart relaxes and pressure
drops to its lowest point just before new beat
starts. This measurement is called the diastolic
pressure.
Hypertension
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is the name of a pathological condition in which
blood pressure is persistently elevated (i.e. it stays high for a long period of time).
Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. Persistent rise of blood
pressure above normal upper level (120/80 mm Hg) according to age and sex is known
as hypertension.
Definition
Hypertension is defined as either a sustained systolic blood pressure (SBP) of greater
than 140 mm Hg or a sustained diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of greater than 90 mm Hg.
Classification of HP
According to WHO, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normal adult is equal to
or below 140 mm Hg and 90 mm Hg. The blood pressure may be of three types.
Mild hypertension - 90-104mmHg
Moderate hypertension 105-114mmHg
Severe hypertension above 115mmHg
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
3. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 2
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Secondary hypertension
A specific cause of hypertension can be established in only 10-15% patients. Patients in
whom specific cause of hypertension can be found are said to have secondary
hypertension.
Essential, idiopathic, or primary hypertension
On the other hand 85 to 90% patients in whom no specific cause of hypertension can be
found are said to have essential or primary hypertension.
Antihypertensive agents
Drugs which lower the elevated blood pressure to
normal level and which are used for the treatment
of hypertension are called antihypertensive drugs.
B.P = Cardiac output (CO) Peripheral resistance
The drugs act by reducing cardiac output or reducing the
total peripheral resistance without correcting the cause
of hypertension.
Figure : Major factors influencing blood pressure
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
4. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 3
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Anti-hypertensive drugs Anti-anginal drugs Anti-arrythmic drugs Drugs acting on
blood clotting
Diuretics Adrenergic system Renin-angiotensin Direct Anti-hyperlipidemic
inhibitors system inhibitors vasodilator drugs
Nitrates Calcium channel blockers K+-channel openers
ACEI ARB
Agents depleting Centrally acting -blockers -blockers
NE store 2-adrenergic agonist
Cardiotonics -adrenergic receptor Phosphodiesterase
(Cardiac glycosides) agonist inihibitor
HMG-coA reductase Fibric acid Bile acid Inhibitors of Misc
inhibitors derivatives sequesterant LDL oxidation
Non-selective 1-blockers
-blocker
Non-selective 1-blockers
-blockers
Loop Thiazide K+-sparing CAI Mercurial Osmotic
diuretics diuretics diuretics diuretics diuretics
Anticoagulants Antifibrinolytic drugs
Thrombin Anti-platelet Fibrinolytic
inhibitor drug drugs
Cardiovascular drugs
Classification of anti-hypertensive agents
1) Adrenoreceptor blocking agents:
Sympatholytic agents: Enhances BP, lowers reflexes, Stimulates heart rate.
A. Centrally acting sympatholytic agents.
Methyldopa,
Clonidine
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
5. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 4
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
B. β – adrenergic receptor antagonists (β – blockers)
Propranolol, labetalol (non selective β –blockers)
Metoprolol, atenolol (β1 –selective)
Figure: β-adrenergic receptor antagonists (β-blockers)
C. α– adrenergic receptor antagonists (ARB)
Prazosin
Terazosin
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
6. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 5
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
2) Vasodilators
A. Direct vasodilators
Hydralazine,
Sodium nitroprusside
B. K+
channel antagonist
Minoxidil
Diazoxide
Fig: Diazoxide Fig: Minoxidil
C. Ca++
channel blockers
Nifedipine,
Verapamil,
Diltiazem
Figure: Ca++
channel blockers
Fig:Sodium nitroprusside
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
7. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 6
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
3) Agents acting on rennin-angiotensin system:
A. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitor)
Captopril,
Enalapril
B. Angiotensin II inhibitors
Losartan
4) Diuretics:
a) Thiazides: e.g Hydrochlorothiazide
b) Loop Diuretics: e.g. Furosemide
c) Potassium Sparing Diuretics: e.g. Triamterene, Spironolactone
Structures to be concluded from the diuretic chapter.
Do Not Forget the Diuretics
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
8. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 7
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
β –blockers
β–receptor blockers are the drugs that selectively and competitively block the actions
of catecholamines mediated through β – receptor stimulation.
Classification of β – adrenergic blocking agents:
1) Nonselective β–(β1 + β2) adrenergic antagonists:
o Propranolol
o Labetalol
o Nadolol
o Timolol
o Pindolol
2) Selective β1–adrenergic antagonists:
o Atenolol
o Metoprolol
o Esmolol
o Acebutolol
Effect of β adrenergic receptor blockers
The β-blockers reduce blood pressure primarily by decreasing cardiac output (Figure).
They may also decrease sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system (CNS) and
inhibit the release of renin from the kidneys, thus decreasing the formation of angiotensin
II and the secretion of aldosterone. The prototype β-blocker is propranolol
[proe PRAN-oh-lol], which acts at both β1 and β2 receptors.
Selective blockers of β1 receptors, such as metoprolol [met-OH-pro-lol] and atenolol
[ah-TEN-oh-lol], are among the most commonly prescribed β-blockers.
The selective β-blockers may be administered cautiously to hypertensive patients who
also have asthma, for which propranolol is contraindicated due to its blockade of
β2-mediated bronchodilation.
Figure: Actions of β-adrenoceptor–blocking agents.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
9. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 8
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Propranolol
Propranolol was the first β –blocker shown to be
effective in hypertension.
Propranolol is a competitive β –adrenergic antagonist. It has equal affinity for β1 – and
β2 –receptors; thus, it is a nonselective β – adrenergic receptor antagonist. Propranolol
decreases blood pressure primarily as a result of a decrease in cardiac output. The major
therapeutic effect of propranolol is on the cardiovascular system. β1 –receptor is present
in myocardium. Propranolol blocks the β1 – receptor in heart. Since catecholamines have
positive chronotropic and inotropic actions, β – adrenergic antagonist propranolol slows
the heart rate and decreases myocardial contractility, decreases cardiac output &
decreases blood pressure.
Nonselective β –adrenergic antagonists such as propranolol block β2 – adrenergic
receptors in bronchial smooth muscle. This usually has little effect on pulmonary
function in normal individuals. However, in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, such blockade can lead to life-threatening broncho-constriction.
Metoprolol
Metoprolol is a β1 – selective adrenergic antagonist.
It is approximately equipotent to propranolol in inhibiting
stimulation of β1 –adrenoceptors such as those in the heart but 50
to 100 fold less potent than propranolol in blocking β2 – receptors.
Although metoprolol is in other aspects very similar to
propranolol, its relative cardioselectivity may be
advantageous in treating hypertensive patients who also suffers
from asthma, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease.
Studies of small number of asthmatic patients have shown that metoprolol causes less
bronchial constriction than propranolol at doses that produce equal inhibition of β1 –
adrenocepotor responses.
Cardioselective β – antagonists:
Cardioselective β – antagonists are drugs that have a greater affinity for the
β1 – receptors of the heart than for β2 – receptors in other tissues, such cardioselective
agents should provide two important therapeutic advantages.
The first advantage would be the lack of an antagonistic effect on the
β2 – receptors in the bronchi. Theoretically, this would make β1 – blockers safe for
use in patients who have bronchitis or bronchial asthma.
The second advantage would be the absence of blockade of the vascular
β2 – receptors, which mediate vasodilatation. This would be expected to reduce or
eliminate the increase in peripheral resistance that sometimes occurs after the
administration of nonselective β – antagonists.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
10. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 9
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Ca+2
channel blockers
Classification: Chemical classification
A) Phenylalkylamines : e.g. Verapamil
B) 1,4-dihydropyridines : 1st
Gen Nifedipine
2nd
Gen Isradipine, Nicardipine, Felodipine
3rd
Gen Amlodipine
C) Benzothiazepines: e.g. Diltiazem
D) Newer second generation alkyl amine derivative: e.g. Bepridil
Second generation is more potent analogues than first generation
Chemistry
Diltiazem and verapamil
are both chiral,
possessing asymmetric
centers. In each case, the
dextro-rotatory
(i.e. the (+) enantiomer) is
approximately 10 times more potent as a calcium channel blocker than the levo-rotatory
(i.e. (–)-enantiomer).
Amlodipine is used therapeutically as a racemic mixture, composed of S- and R-
enantiomers, but its calcium channel-blocking effect is confined to S-amlodipine; R-
amlodipine has 1000-fold less activity than its S-enantiomer. The affinity of its levorotary
(-)-enantiomer to the calcium channels is 1,000 times superior to that of its dextrorotary
(+)-enantiomer.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
11. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 10
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Role of calcium in muscle contraction
Calcium channels
A calcium channel is an ion channel which displays selective permeability to calcium
ions. It is sometimes synonymous as voltage-dependent calcium channel although there
are also ligand-gated calcium channels.
Types: There are 5 types of calcium channel
• L type: located in skeletal, cardiac and smooch muscles
• T type: found in pacemaker cells
• N type: found in neurons
•
• P type: located in purkinje cells
• R-type : Cerebellar granule cells
Among the Ca-channels L-type calcium
channel is the target for calcium channel
blockers which consists of 5 peptide
subunit: 1, 2, β, , . 1 provides central
pore of the channel while other subunits
cover 1 and maintain lipophilicity of the
cell membrane. Fig: L-type channel
Mechanism of action
Calcium enters cells by voltage-sensitive channels and by receptor-operated
channels that are controlled by the binding of agonists, such as catecholamines,
to membrane receptors. The calcium channel blockers inhibit vascular
smooth muscle contraction by depriving the cell from the calcium ions.
Calcium-channel blockers, such as verapamil and diltiazem, are more effective
against the voltage-sensitive channels, causing a decrease in the slow inward
current that triggers cardiac contraction. Verapamil and diltiazem are ionic at
physiological pH so that they enter into the binding site when channel is open.
Ca2+ enters cell
•Triggers
intracellular Ca2+
release
Ca2+ binds to
•Troponin C in
cardiac and
skeletal muscle
•Calmodulin in
vascular smooth
muscle
Ca2+ forms
complex
•Allows actin &
myosin to
interact &
contract
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
12. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 11
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Nifedipine (Dihydropyridines) is neutral at physiological pH. It interacts with
Ca channel when it is open or closed due to its lipophillic nature.
Verapamil and diltiazem by binding to the open, depolarized channels, prevents
repolarization until the drug dissociates from the channel. By decreasing the
inward current carried by calcium, verapamil and diltiazem slow conduction and
prolong the effective refractory period in tissues that are dependent on calcium
currents, such as the AV node.
Fig: Mechanism of action of Ca+2 channel blockers (CCB)
ACE Inhibitors
Renin-Angiotensin system
Renin is a proteolytic enzyme that is secreted into the circulation by the cells of
juxtaglomerular apparatus. Renin acts on a plasma globulin, angiotensinogen, splitting
off a decapeptide, angiotensin I, from the N-terminal end of the protein. Angiotensin I has
no appreciable activity, but acted on by asecond proteolytic enzyme, angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE), that removes two more amino acids to form the highly active
vasoconstrictor octapeptide, angiotensin II, which is in turn converted in the adrenal
gland to angiotensin III. Angiotensin II has vasoconstrictor and sodium retaining activity.
Angiotensin II and III both stimulate aldosterone release. ACE is a membrane bound
enzyme on the surface of endothelial cells, and is particularly abundant in the cells of
lung. It is also present in the other vascular tissues including heart, brain,
striated muscle and kidney, and is not restricted to endothelial cells.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
13. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 12
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Fig: Function of Renin-Angiotensin
enzyme system
The renin-angiotensin pathway is important in the pathogenesis of heart failure and of
some kinds of hypertension. The Angiontensin converting enzyme is an important target
for managing hypertension.
This is because –
1. ACE converts angiotension I into angiotensin II which is a peptide autacoid/hormone
that causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure.
2. Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of another hypertensive agent –aldosterone.
3. ACE also degrades bradykinin which is a vasodilator.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
14. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 13
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Fig. Mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors
Mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the enzyme that cleaves
angiotensin I to form the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (Figure). These agents
also diminish the rate of bradykinin inactivation. Vasodilation occurs as a result of the
combined effects of lower vasoconstriction caused by diminished levels of
vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and increased levels of bradykinin (a potent vasodilator).
By reducing circulating angiotensin II levels, ACE inhibitors also decrease the secretion
of aldosterone, resulting in decreased sodium and water retention. The net results are
decreased vascular resistance, venous tone, and blood pressure, resulting in an increased
cardiac output.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
15. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 14
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Structure activity relationship
• The N ring must contain a carboxylic acid to mimic the C-terminal carboxylate of
ACE substrate.
• Large hydrophobic heterocyclic rings (i.e., the N-ring) increases potency and after
pharmacokinetic factors.
• The zinc binding groups can be either sulfhydryl (A), a carboxylic acid (B), or a
phosphinic acid(C).
• X is usually methyl to mimic the side chain of alanine within the di-carboxylate
series, when X= n-butyl amine it produces an orally active drug.
• Optimum activity occurs when stereochemistry of inhibitor is consistent with L-
amino acids stereochemistry present in normal substrate.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker/ Angiotensin II Inhibitor
The angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) represent a newer class of antihypertensive
agents. Their mechanism of action differs from that of the angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which also affect the renin-angiotensin system. The ARBs were
developed to overcome several of the deficiencies of ACE inhibitors:
competitive inhibition of ACE results in a reactive increase in renin and angiotensin I
levels, which may overcome the blockade effect; ACE is a relatively nonspecific enzyme
that has substrates in addition to angiotensin I, including bradykinin and other
tachykinins, and thus, inhibition of ACE may result in accumulation of these
substrates; production of angiotensin II can occur through non-ACE pathways as well
as through the primary ACE pathway, and these alternative pathways are unaffected
by ACE inhibition.
ARBs have the advantage of more complete blockade of angiotensin II action, because
ACE inhibitors inhibit only one enzyme responsible for the production of angiotensin II.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
16. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 15
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Further, ARBs do not affect bradykinin levels & they have no effect on bradykinin
metabolism and are therefore more selective blockers of angiotensin effects than ACE
inhibitors.
They also have the potential for more complete inhibition of angiotensin action
compared with ACE inhibitors because there are enzymes other than ACE that are
capable of generating angiotensin II.
Mechanism of Action
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are orally active compounds that are competitive
antagonists of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptors.) Their pharmacologic
effects are similar to those of ACE inhibitors in that they produce arteriolar and venous
dilation and block aldosterone secretion, thus lowering blood pressure and decreasing
salt and water retention. ARBs do not increase bradykinin levels.
ARBs may offer more complete angiotensin II inhibition by interacting selectively with
the receptor site providing competitive antagonism of the angiotensin II receptors with
reduced adverse effects and possibly improved clinical efficacy. ARBs displace
angiotensin II from the angiotensin II receptor and produce their blood pressure lowering
effects by antagonizing angiotensin II–induced vasoconstriction, aldosterone release and
catecholamine release. These classes of drugs are approved for the treatment of
hypertension, either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Fig: Site of action for ARBs and ACE Inhibitors
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
17. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 16
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Drugs Used to Treat Angina Pectoris
The name angina pectoris denotes chest pain caused
by accumulation of metabolites resulting from
myocardial ischemia. Typical angina pectoris is a
characteristic sudden, severe, crushing chest pain that
may radiate to the neck, jaw, back, and arms. Patients
may also present with dyspnea or atypical symptoms
such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diaphoresis.
The organic nitrates, e.g. nitroglycerin, are the
mainstay of therapy for the immediate
relief of angina. Another group of vasodilators, the
calcium channel blockers, is also important,
especially for prophylaxis, and β blockers, which are
not vasodilators, are also useful in prophylaxis.
Classification of drugs
A. Calcium Channel Blockers
Nifedipine,
Amlodipine,
Verapamil,
Diltiazem
B. Nitrates
These compounds cause a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand, followed by relief of
symptoms. They are effective in stable, unstable, and variant angina.
Examples: Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate (ISDN), Erythrityl Tetranitrate,
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), Amyl Nitrite.
ISDN
Erythrityl Tetranitrate
PETN
Amyl Nitrite
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
18. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 17
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Mechanisms of Action Nitroglycerine
Organic nitrates relax vascular smooth muscle by their intracellular conversion to nitrite
ions and then to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes activation of guanylyl cyclase and an
increase in cGMP, which are the first steps toward smooth muscle relaxation. cGMP (a
second messenger) activates a protein kinase which dephosphorylates myosin in
smooth muscle.
If myosin has no phosphate group to activate it, myosin cannot connect to actin and
cause muscle contraction. Hence, myosin is essentially inactivated, and permissive
vasodilation or relaxation of vessel tone occurs.
Nitroglycerin cause dilation of the large veins, which reduces preload (venous return to
the heart) and, therefore, reduces the work of the heart. Nitrates also dilate the coronary
vasculature, providing an increased blood supply to the heart muscle.
Figure:
Mechanism of
action of nitrates;
Steps leading to
relaxation are
shown with blue
arrows. MLCK∗,
activated myosin
light-chain kinase.
GC∗, activated
guanylyl cyclase;
PDE,
phosphodiesterase;
eNOS, endothelial
nitric oxide
synthase.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
19. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 18
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Drugs Used in Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the
body‘s needs. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop
working. It means that heart is not able to pump blood the way it should.
Classification of drugs
A. Drugs with positive inotropic effect
Digitalis: Digoxin
Bipyridines: Inamrinone, Milrinone
β-adrenoceptor stimulants: Dobutamine, Dopamine
B. Drugs without positive inotropic effect
Diuretics: Spironolactone
ACE Inhibitors: Captopril
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: Losartan
Vasodilators: Hydralazine
β-adrenoceptor blockers: Bisoprolol, Metoprolol
Inotropic: Modifying the force or speed of contraction of muscles
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
20. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 19
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Digitalis glycosides
The cardiac glycosides are often called digitalis or digitalis glycosides,
because most of the drugs come from the digitalis (foxglove) plant. They are a group of
chemically similar compounds that can increase the contractility of the heart muscle and
therefore, are used in treating HF.
Mechanism of action of Digitalis:
Digoxin’s primary mechanism of action is the ability to inhibit membrane-bound alpha
subunits of sodium-potassium ATPase (sodium pump), mainly but not exclusively
located in the human myocardium.
Fig: Mechanism of action of Digitalis
Digoxin
Digitalis purpurea
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
21. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 20
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
By inhibiting the Na+
/K+
-ATPase, cardiac glycosides cause intracellular sodium
concentration to increase. This then leads to an accumulation of intracellular calcium
via the Na+
-Ca++
exchange system. In the heart, increased intracellular calcium causes
more calcium to be released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby making more
calcium available to bind to troponin-C, (actin-troponin-tropomyosin system) which
increases contractility (inotropy). Inhibition of the Na+
/K+
-ATPase in vascular smooth
muscle causes depolarization, which causes smooth muscle contraction and
vasoconstriction.
Digoxin increases the force of cardiac contraction, causing cardiac output to more
closely resemble that of the normal heart.
In the human myocardium, there is no evidence of up-regulation of the sodium pump
during chronic digoxin therapy. The inhibition of the sodium pump may also improve
baroreceptor sensitivity in HF and may explain some of the neurohormonal effects
(low-dose digoxin inhibits sympathetic activation with minimal effects on contractility) of digoxin.
Antiarrhythmatic Drugs
The term "arrhythmia" refers to any change from the normal sequence of electrical
impulses, causing abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias may be completely harmless or
life-threatening.
Classification of antiarrhythmatic Drugs
Sodium channel blocking drugs:
a. Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide
b. Lidocaine, Mexiletine
c. Flecainide, Propafenone, Moricizine
B. β-adrenoceptor blockers: Propranolol
C. Drugs that prolong effective refractory
period: Amiodarone, Dofetilide
D. Calcium channel blockers: Verapamil,
Diltiazem
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
22. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 21
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Actions of antiarrhythmic drugs
Class IA antiarrhythmic drugs: Quinidine, procainamide and disopyramide
Quinidine [KWIN-i-deen] is the prototype class IA drug. Other agents in this class include
procainamide [proe-KANE-a-mide] and disopyramide [dye-soe-PEER-a-mide]. Because of
their concomitant class III activity, they can precipitate arrhythmias that can progress
to ventricular fibrillation.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
23. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 22
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
Mechanism of action: Class IA antiarrhythmic drugs
Quinidine binds to open and inactivated sodium channels and prevents sodium influx. By
blocking sodium channels it slows the rapid upstroke of the action potential during
phase 0, slows conduction, and prolongs the QRS duration of the ECG. It decreases the
slope of phase 4 spontaneous depolarization, inhibits potassium channels, and
blocks calcium channels. Because of these actions, it slows conduction velocity and
increases refractoriness. Quinidine also has mild α-adrenergic blocking and
anticholinergic actions. Procainamide and disopyramide have actions similar to those of
quinidine. However, there is less anticholinergic activity associated with procainamide
and more with disopyramide.
Fig. Mechanism of action of Class IA antiarrhythmic drugs
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik
24. Medicinal Chemistry: Cardiovascular drugs
Prepared By: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm; M.Pharm Page 23
manikrupharmacy@gmail.com; Lecturer; Department of Pharmacy; Northern University Bangladesh.
References:
1) Katzung, Bertram G., Susan B. Masters, and Anthony J. Trevor. Basic & Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th
ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical, 2012.
2) Goodman, Louis S, Alfred Gilman, and Laurence L Brunton.
Goodman & Gilman's Manual of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
New York: McGraw-Hill Medical, 2008.
3) Remington, Joseph P. Remington, the Science and Practice of Pharmacy.
Easton, Pa: Mack Pub. Co, 1995.
4) Richard Finkel, Michelle A. Clark, Luigi X. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews:
Pharmacology. 6th
ed. Baltimore, MD; New Delhi: Wolters Kluwer
Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012.
5) Dr. Bahar Ahmed: MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY: Cardiovascular Drugs; Jamia
Hamdard Hamdard Nagar , New Delhi-110062, 2007.
6) Ashutosh Kar. Medicinal Chemistry. New Delhi: New Age International, 2007.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik