Paper I
2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

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  • (a) Classify the drugs used in treatment of hypertension – any four groups with two examples each. ( 2 mark(s)
  • (b) Describe in detail any one group with its mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects. ( 3 mark(s)
  • (d) Name two drugs given for pregnancy induced hypertension. 1 mark(s)
Q16 marksEssays

Answer

a) Classification of antihypertensive drugs — four groups with two examples each

GroupExamples
DiureticsHydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide
ACE inhibitorsEnalapril, Ramipril
Calcium channel blockersAmlodipine, Nifedipine
Beta-blockersAtenolol, Metoprolol

b) One group in detail — ACE inhibitors

  • Mechanism: ACE inhibitorblocks angiotensin-converting enzyme↓angiotensin II formation → reduced vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion → ↓peripheral resistance and ↓sodium/water retention; also reduces bradykinin breakdown (contributes to the characteristic dry cough).
  • Uses: hypertension, heart failure (mortality benefit), diabetic nephropathy (reduces intraglomerular pressure, renoprotective), post-myocardial infarction.
  • Adverse effects: dry cough (bradykinin accumulation), hyperkalemia, first-dose hypotension, angioedema, teratogenicity (contraindicated in pregnancy), acute renal failure in bilateral renal artery stenosis.

d) Drugs for pregnancy-induced hypertension Methyldopa and Labetalol (Nifedipine is a further alternative) — chosen for their established safety profile in pregnancy, unlike ACE inhibitors/ARBs which are teratogenic.

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