BENHA UNIVERSITY, CREDIT HOURS SYSTEM
PHARMACOLOGY, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (PHA311)
FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PHARMACOLOGY PROGRAMS
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS (Quiz 1 + Answers)
Notes:
(i) Read the associated signs and diagnose the case.
(ii) Answer the questions after carefully reading the text.
A patient with complaint of atrial fibrillation. There are no symptoms of
palpitations or fatigue. Which is appropriate to start cardiac rate control among
antiarrhythmic drugs?
1. Cardio-selective beta-blockers (Class-II antiarrhythmics) are a good start to
control rate. Metoprolol oral administration is an example.
2. Class-I antiarrhythmics are chosen when fibrillation occurs in ventricles.
3. Digitoxin can be also applied for its negative dromotropic effect if ventricles
were also involved.
4. Class-III antiarrhythmics (K-channel blockers) and Class-IV antiarrhythmics (Ca-
channel blockers) are not always the start line.
Which of the following mechanisms of action underlie the pharmacological role of
milrinone in heart failure?
A) Decreases intracellular calcium.
B) Decreases cAMP.
C) Increases cardiac contractility.
D) Activates phosphodiesterase.
The answer is (C).
Milrinone a member of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly PDE3.
Phosphodiesterase converts active cAMP into inactive AMP. Therefore, Milrinone
leads to accumulation of cAMP, increased intracellular Calcium, and increased
contractility.
Cardiovascular system Pharmacology Surviving Revision
PHARMACOLOGY, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (PHA311)
FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PHARMACOLOGY PROGRAMS
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS (Quiz 1 + Answers)
Notes:
(i) Read the associated signs and diagnose the case.
(ii) Answer the questions after carefully reading the text.
A patient with complaint of atrial fibrillation. There are no symptoms of
palpitations or fatigue. Which is appropriate to start cardiac rate control among
antiarrhythmic drugs?
1. Cardio-selective beta-blockers (Class-II antiarrhythmics) are a good start to
control rate. Metoprolol oral administration is an example.
2. Class-I antiarrhythmics are chosen when fibrillation occurs in ventricles.
3. Digitoxin can be also applied for its negative dromotropic effect if ventricles
were also involved.
4. Class-III antiarrhythmics (K-channel blockers) and Class-IV antiarrhythmics (Ca-
channel blockers) are not always the start line.
Which of the following mechanisms of action underlie the pharmacological role of
milrinone in heart failure?
A) Decreases intracellular calcium.
B) Decreases cAMP.
C) Increases cardiac contractility.
D) Activates phosphodiesterase.
The answer is (C).
Milrinone a member of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly PDE3.
Phosphodiesterase converts active cAMP into inactive AMP. Therefore, Milrinone
leads to accumulation of cAMP, increased intracellular Calcium, and increased
contractility.
Cardiovascular system Pharmacology Surviving Revision
