Paper I
2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

A 52-year-old man presented with complaints of tightness and discomfort in middle part of chest, particularly after brisk walking. This is relived within 10 minutes of rest. A diagnosis of Angina pectoris was made by physician after appropriate investigations. (

  • (a) Mention four different drug groups used in treatment of Angina with two examples each. ( 4 mark(s)
  • (b) Write the mechanism of action and adverse effects of Nitrates. ( 3 mark(s)
  • (c) Outline the management of Acute pulmonary edema, with rationale for use of each drug. ( 4 mark(s)
  • (d) Briefly describe Antiplatelet drugs. 4 mark(s)
Q115 marksEssays

Answer

a) Four drug groups for angina, two examples each

GroupExamples
NitratesGlyceryl trinitrate, Isosorbide dinitrate
Beta-blockersAtenolol, Metoprolol
Calcium channel blockersAmlodipine, Diltiazem
Newer agentsRanolazine, Nicorandil

b) Nitrates — mechanism and adverse effects Mechanism: enzymatically denitrated within vascular smooth muscle to release nitric oxide, activating soluble guanylyl cyclase, raising cGMP and dephosphorylating myosin light chain kinase → smooth muscle relaxation. Dilate veins more than arteries, pooling blood peripherally and reducing preload — the dominant benefit in this patient’s classical exertional angina. Adverse effects: throbbing headache, flushing, postural hypotension with reflex tachycardia; tolerance with continuous exposure; dangerous potentiation of hypotension with PDE-5 inhibitors.

c) Management of acute pulmonary edema, with rationale

  • Oxygen — corrects hypoxia.
  • IV Furosemide — rapid venodilation and diuresis, relieving pulmonary congestion.
  • IV Glyceryl trinitrate — venous pooling reduces preload, directly relieving pulmonary congestion.
  • Morphine (cautiously) — reduces anxiety and sympathetic drive, venodilation further reduces preload.
  • Inotropic support (Dobutamine) if hypotensive/cardiogenic shock.

d) Antiplatelet drugs

  • Aspirin — irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1, blocking thromboxane A2 synthesis for the platelet’s lifespan.
  • Clopidogrel — irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor, preventing ADP-mediated platelet activation.
  • Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (Abciximab) — block the final common pathway of platelet aggregation, used in high-risk PCI settings.

Used for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction/stroke and in acute coronary syndrome; dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + a P2Y12 inhibitor) is standard after coronary stenting.

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