Potassium-channel activators Health Dictionary

Potassium-channel Activators: From 1 Different Sources


Drugs that have the ability to dilate ARTERIES and VEINS and are used to relieve pain in ANGINA of the HEART. Nicorandil is the main example.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Potassium

A metal which, on account of its great a?nity for other substances, is not found in a pure state in nature. Its salts are widely used in medicine but, as their action depends in general not on their metallic radical but upon the acid with which it is combined, their uses vary greatly and are described elsewhere. All salts of potassium depress the heart’s action as a result of action by the potassium ion.... potassium

Potassium Permanganate

A salt of the metallic element POTASSIUM. It is used as a skin antiseptic (see ANTISEPTICS) and for cleaning wounds; its astringent e?ect is useful in the treatment of DERMATITIS. It should not be taken internally because the compound is poisonous.... potassium permanganate

Calcium-channel Blockers

Calcium-channel blockers inhibit the inward ?ow of calcium through the specialised slow channels of cardiac and arterial smooth-muscle cells. By thus relaxing the smooth muscle, they have important applications in the treatment of HYPERTENSION and ANGINA PECTORIS. Various types of calcium-channel blockers are available in the United Kingdom; these di?er in their sites of action, leading to notable di?erences in their therapeutic effects. All the drugs are rapidly and completely absorbed, but extensive ?rst-pass metabolism in the liver reduces bioavailability to around one-?fth. Their hypotensive e?ect is additive with that of beta blockers (see BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR-BLOCKING DRUGS); the two should, therefore, be used together with great caution – if at all. Calcium-channel blockers are particularly useful when beta blockers are contraindicated, for example in asthmatics. However, they should be prescribed for hypertension only when THIAZIDES and beta blockers have failed, are contraindicated or not tolerated.

Verapamil, the longest-available, is used to treat angina and hypertension. It is the only calcium-channel blocker e?ective against cardiac ARRHYTHMIA and it is the drug of choice in terminating supraventricular tachycardia. It may precipitate heart failure, and cause HYPOTENSION at high doses. Nifedipine and diltiazem act more on the vessels and less on the myocardium than verapamil; they have no antiarrhythmic activity. They are used in the prophylaxis and treatment of angina, and in hypertension. Nicardipine and similar drugs act mainly on the vessels, but are valuable in the treatment of hypertension and angina. Important di?erences exist between di?erent calcium-channel blockers so their use must be carefully assessed. They should not be stopped suddenty, as this may precipitate angina. (See also HEART, DISEASES OF.)... calcium-channel blockers

Potassium Citrate

A substance used to relieve discomfort in mild urinary tract infections by making the urine less acid.... potassium citrate

Acesulfame Potassium

an artificial sweetener (E950) 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners to produce a superior flavour. Not metabolized by the body, it is suitable for use in diabetic foods and can be used in cooking.... acesulfame potassium

Calcium-channel Blocker

(calcium antagonist) a drug that inhibits the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth-muscle cells; it therefore reduces the strength of heart-muscle contraction, reduces conduction of impulses in the heart, and causes *vasodilatation. Calcium-channel blockers, which include *amlodipine, *diltiazem, *nicardipine, *nifedipine, and *verapamil, are used to treat angina and high blood pressure.... calcium-channel blocker

Ion Channel

a protein that spans a cell membrane to form a water-filled pore through which ions (e.g. calcium [Ca2+], sodium [Na+], potassium [K+]) can pass into or out of the cell.... ion channel

Plasminogen Activators

enzymes that convert the inactive substance *plasminogen to the active enzyme *plasmin, which digests blood clots (see fibrinolysis). There are two types of plasminogen activators, *tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-like plasminogen activator (uPA). See blood coagulation.... plasminogen activators

Potassium-channel Activator

any one of a class of drugs that enhance the movement of potassium ions through the *ion channels in cell membranes. In the case of smooth muscle cells, such as those in the walls of arteries, their sensitivity to the normal stimuli to contract is reduced. The result is relaxation of the muscle fibres and widening of the arteries. Potassium-channel activators are used for improving the blood supply to the heart muscle in angina pectoris. Possible side-effects include headache, flushing, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. A currently available member of the class is nicorandil.... potassium-channel activator

Potassium Chloride

a salt of potassium used to prevent and treat potassium deficiency, especially during treatment with digoxin or anti-arrhythmic drugs. Some irritation in the digestive system may occur. Severe potassium deficiency may be treated by intravenous infusion.... potassium chloride

Sodium Channel

see ion channel.... sodium channel



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