1. PHARMACOLOGY – Simplified, not Mystified
“The arrival of a good clown exercises a more beneficial influence on the health of a town than 20 asses laden with drugs.”
Dr. Thomas Sydenham ( )

2. The Numbers…
30 years ago there were 900 drugs to choose from in the PDR
Today there are over 12,000…
Plus….

3. The numbers….
Over 600 herbals products —many of which interact with prescribed drugs including cardiac drugs and antidepressants
St. John’s Wort is the number one herbal product that interacts with over 60 percent of all prescription drugs. The interaction is to make the drugs LESS effective: Cyclosporine, tamoxifen, HIV Rx, and Combined Oral Contraceptives
Side effect?

4. I’m PREGNANT!!! CONFUCIUS say:
“It take many nail to build crib; only one screw to fill it.”

5. Vitamins and herbal supplements….
Vitamin supplements—excess A (liver toxicity), B6 (peripheral neuropathy), C (doesn’t work to prevent colds but is an excellent way to help absorb iron when iron supplements are necessary), D for bones, balance, boosting immune system, E (no extra benefit on hearts, and in the very old may actually exacerbate heart failure)…but vitamin E reduces fat in the liver in patients with fatty liver disease (800 IU/ day)
Calcium supplements, iron supplements, soy supplements, and multivitamins interfere with levothyroxine (Synthroid)—4 hour separation

6. Speaking of levothyroxine…
Nighttime dosing may be more efficacious than daytime dosing (better absorption)(Bolk)
Most important—take at the same time of day on empty stomach
Adjust doses as the patient ages—why?
Levothyroxine RX can also cause atrial fib if the dose is too high; levothyroxine doses DECREASE with aging; some patients only need 0.5 mcg/kg/day vs. younger adults with 1.7 mcg/kg/day (Prescriber’s Letter July 2011)

7. The Gs and platelet aggregation
Decrease platelet aggregation; increased risk of platelet bleeding the more you take…”stacking effect”
Garlic vs. garlic supplements (interfere with all sorts of drugs)
Gingko—not beneficial for dementia, but is beneficial for PAD
grapeseed extract—EAT GRAPES
ginseng –whatever ails ya’; side effects?
Glucosamine—worth a try
green tea** (a potentially harmful interaction is with green tea and simvastatin—the higher the dose of simvastatin the greater the risk of rhabdomyolysis)

8. Another G—Grapefruit juice
When grapefruit juice or grapefruit inhibits an enzyme in the small intestine--CYP3A4.
This enzyme normally initiates the metabolism of 40-60% of all drugs;
when grapefruit juice inhibits this enzyme the drugs are absorbed in a higher bioavailability

9. Grapefruit juice and drugs
Interaction with grapefruit/grapefruit juice may last up to 72 hours—takes this long for CYP3A4 to recover from as little as 8 ounces of GJ
What is it in the grapefruit juice? The furanocoumarins
(American Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 2006)

10. Cardiovascular drugs that may interact with grapefruit
Very high risk—dronedarone (Multaq)—torsades de pointes; lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (700% increase in bioavailability) (Zocor)—rhabdomyolysis (check CK if c/o severe muscle aches and pains)
High risk—amiodarone (Cordarone)-- torsades de pointes; atorvastatin/Lipitor – rhabdomyolysis; clopidogrel (Plavix)—loss of efficacy increasing the risk of a blood clot following angioplasty/stenting; eplerenone (Inspra)—high serum calcium levels, serious arrhythmias, ticagrelor (Brilinta)—GI or kidney bleeding

11. Cardiovascular drugs that may interact with grapefruit
Intermediate risk—felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia)—low BP, peripheral edema; quinidine (Quinidine)—torsades de pointes; rivaroxaban (Xarelto)—GI bleeding
Canadian Medical Association Journal, November 26, 2012 (online)

12. The proverbial caveat…
One important caveat to consider: There is a large individual variation in the effect of grapefruit juice on metabolism. Consequently, someone with a high intestinal CYP 3A4 activity might tolerate a certain statin dose but have a marked increase in drug levels with inhibition via grapefruit juice. Unfortunately, at this time, pretreatment intestinal CYP 3A4 activity is not measured in patients commencing drug therapy.

13. Plus…
Over 10,000 over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that can wreak havoc—examples:
1) cimetidine (Tagamet)—1st dose delirium in elderly; multiple drug interactions
2) acetaminophen (Tylenol) is in over 300 over-the-counter products (Tylenol)—inadvertent overdoses (narrow therapeutic index—toxic dose is not much higher than therapeutic dose)
….as well as numerous prescription analgesics… Fioricet, Lorcet, Percocet, Propacet, Roxicet, Ultracet (limit “cets” to 325/mg per tab to reduce toxicity)

14. Acetaminophen/Tylenol
“itchy, sneezy, wheezy, snotty, achy, breaky” products
Vicodin for pain, Excedrin for headache, Theraflu for cold or flu, Sinutab for allergies, Robitussin for cough, Allerest for sleep…
3,000 mg day is recommended total dose (McNeil Consumer Healthcare, bulletin on July 28, 2011 to reduce risk of acetaminophen liver toxicity)—even less for people who have more than 3 adult beverages per day

15. What’s in a name??? When you hear “Bayer” what do you think?
ASPIRIN OF COURSE!
Bayer Aspirin is aspirin; but Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache is acetaminophen and caffeine
Bayer Select Pain Relief is ibuprofen
Aspirin’s principal use today is in low doses as a platelet inhibitor and to inhibit colorectal polyps in high risk patients

16. Don’t PANIC….
Know the 30 or 40 drugs you use daily in your clinical practice as well as the most common drugs most likely used by your patients…(age and gender specific)
Helpful hints…

17. Generics vs. Brand names
As a general rule, classes of drugs have the same generic “last” name
“Prils”—ACE inhibitors (BP + more)
“Sartans”—ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)—BP + more
“Triptans”—treatment of acute migraine headache
“Statins”—Lower LDL-cholesterol
“Dipines”—calcium channel blockers (BP+)
“Tidines”—H2 blockers reduce nighttime acid
“Prazoles”—Proton Pump Inhibitors, GERD
“Azoles”—antifungal
“Afils”—Erectile dysfunction
The “osins”, “mabs”, the “nibs”, the “setrons”, etc, etc, etc…

18. Let’s talk about blood pressure…
First line therapy for blood pressure today can be either:
A thiazide diuretic (HCTZ) or chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
ACE inhibitors
ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
Calcium channel blockers
(American Society for Hypertension, Spring 2013)

19. ACE inhibitors– the “prils”
Captopril (Capoten)(1981)
Enalapril (Vasotec)(1983)
Fosinopril (Monopril)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Perindopril (Aceon)
Moexipril (Univasc)
Benazepril (Lotensin)
Quinapril (Accupril)
Trandolapril (Mavik)
Ramipril (Altace)

20. A little refresher on the kidney…
At any given moment, the kidney is “sensing” the pressure and volume of blood flow
Low volume or low BP, the kidney will release renin from a small area (the JGA) just inside the afferent arteriole
Renin (the messenger)→(liver) angiotensin I →angiotensin II→ via Angiotensin Converting
Enzyme (ACE) (primarily in the pulmonary circulation)

21. What does “angie II” do?
She “tenses” your “angios”—vasoconstricts your arteries, BP increases
She triggers release of “AL”—aldosterone (from the adrenal cortex to save sodium & H2O in the kidney—inncreases BP by increasing volume; excretes potassium)
She increases inflammation in the arteries—inflammation = plaque rupture
She’s prothrombotic—increased clotting risk
She increases tissue resistance to insulin—resulting in hyperglycemia* (T2DM, dementia)
She’s a potent growth factor and “remodels” (enlarges) tissues…
Is remodeling a GOOD WORD?

22. But not in your heart, vessels, and kidneys…
Remodels myocardium and disrupts the conduction system…Increases the risk of ventricular dysrrhythmias
Remodeling increases vascular fibrosis—hypertension
Remodeling increases intraglomerular blood pressure resulting in intraglomerular hypertension leading to CKD
BOTTOM LINE?

23. So, let’s get back to the original story…Who is ACE and why do we want to inhibit him?

24. So if you were an ACE inhibitor, what would you do. Inhibit ACE
So if you were an ACE inhibitor, what would you do? Inhibit ACE? Inhibit the formation AT angiotensin II
Anti-hypertensive agent via vasodilation (due to inhibiting angiotensin 2) and inhibition of aldosterone (excrete SODIUM and H20 BUT you save POTASSIUM)— (as many as 70% of hypertensive patients in U.S. and Canada may have elevated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) systems Treatment of heart failure by inhibiting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone—CHF is a HYPER-RENINEMIC state Anti-inflammatory Anti-thrombotic Hypoglycemic (be careful when starting ACE inhibitors in diabetics) Prevents “remodeling” of the heart, vessels, and kidneys

25. What does “Angie” do in the healthy kidney?
Afferent arteriole
(vasodilated via
(prostaglandins)
Blood entering
glomerulus
Glomerulus→filter
Efferent arteriole
(vasoconstricted via
(angiotensin II)
Blood exiting PG
filter
AT II
Toilet

26. “Angie, the “prils” and the Diabetic/hypertensive Kidney…hyperglycemia/HTN
Afferent arteriole
( ↑ vasodilation by
( ↑ prostaglandins)
Blood entering
glomerulus
Glomerulus→filter
Efferent arteriole
( ↑ vasoconstriction via
( ↑ angiotensin II)
Blood exiting
PRILS inhibit ATII/vasodilate the efferent arteriole
Microalbuminuria**

27. To summarize…ACE inhibitors are used for:
Hypertension (*night time dosing of anti-hypertensive drugs—dippers (10% night) vs. non-dippers)
(American Journal of Kidney Diseases December 2007)
Prevention of diabetic nephropathy
Decrease preload and afterload in the patient with CHF and decrease the remodeling of the heart

28. To summarize…ACE inhibitors are used for:
Decrease the remodeling of the heart in post-MI patients (clearly beneficial in MI patients years of age, but not so clear in patients older than 75)
Beneficial in patients with anterior ST-elevation MIs and in patients with MIs complicated by HF or significant LV systolic dysfunction with LV ejection fractions less than 40%
Decrease the risk of 1st and 2nd myocardial infarctions in high-risk patients due to anti-inflammatory effects
Stroke prevention

29. What’s not to love about the ACE inhibitors?

30. Side effects, of course…
Hypotension—start low and go slow
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—only in diabetics on antiglycemic agents; not a problem in normoglycemic patients

31. Side effects, of course…
Hyperkalemia (high potassium) (excreting sodium and water and retaining potassium)
Add a thiazide diuretic to the ACE inhibitor
Capozide (captopril + thiazide)
Prinizide (lisinopril + thiazide)
Zestorectic (as above)
Lotensin HCT (benazepril + hydrochlorothiazide)

32. Since ACE inhibitors conserve potassium…What about K+ containing foods?
May contribute to hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias but usually only in patients with renal insufficiency or in patients who are also on K+ sparing diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra)
Avoid excessive potassium intake when on the above drugs or with renal insufficiency
Advise patients to decrease potassium intake until they can get their potassium checked
Don’t use Bactrim/Septra for UTIs—it also increases K+ and can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias

33. High K+ containing foods
Potatoes
Prunes
Raisins
Apricots
Bananas
Halibut
Canteloupe
Oranges
Pasta sauce
Health.harvard.edu/heartextra for K+ content of 1,200 foods

34. Side effects, continued…
Cough (gender differences with F > M)
ACE inhibitors block angiotensin converting enzyme; but as ACE is inhibited, bradykinin goes UP…bradykinin is a potent bronchoconstrictor
Women have more bradykinin to begin with, therefore the gender disparity in the cough

35. Side effects, continued…
Life-threatening angioedema (“Does my voice sound funny to you?”)
Usually within the first month (but not the first week); almost all cases within the first year
An exception or two

36. And ONE OTHER THING:ACE inhibitors (category D) throughout pregnancy
Why?
Angiotensin 2 boosts growth factors
ACE inhibitors inhibit AT2 and inhibit growth; ACE inhibitors are teratogenic
Cooper WO et al. Major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors. N Engl J Med 2006 Jun 8; 354:

37. “Sartans”—Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin receptor blockers (bypass ACE) and work by blocking the angiotensin II receptors on tissues
Who are they? The “Sartan Sisters”…
losartan—Cozaar
valsartan—Diovan
candesartan—Atacand
irbesartan—Avapro
telmisartan—Micardis
olmesartan—Benicar
azilsartan -- Edarbi

38. ARBs as a safe haven for the side effects of the “prils”
Are the “sartans” safe for patients with a history of angioedema from the “prils”?
Appears to be about an 5 to 8% rate of cross-reactivity
Given this limited percentage, switching to an ARB should not be considered an absolute contraindication in all patients with ACE-inhibitor induced angioedema
Switch cautiously
(Prescriber’s Letter 2004; 11(7))

39. ACE inhibitors vs. ARBs
New and important info from American Society of Hypertension Spring meeting 2013
All ACE are = in lowering BP
ACE = ARB and both relatively safe; ARBs with less angioedema
ARBs may be better after MI
Both protect after strokes
No evidence to support combing ACE + ARB

40. Two other drug categories that influence the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
The direct renin inhibitors -- aliskirin (Tekturna)
The aldosterone antagonists – spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra)—be careful with these drugs when used for CHF in combination with ACE inhibitors; potassium levels can increase to dangerous levels and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can occur
Keep checking the potassium levels
Stacking diuretics—spironolactone (K+ sparing) with chlorthalidone (Thalitone) or furosemide to decrease hyperkalemia (American Society of Hypertension, Spring 2013)

41. “Olols, alols, ilols”—Beta blockers
atenolol (Tenormin) (NO, NO. Raises central pressure despite lowering brachial pressure—increased risk for CV events including stroke and MI)
betaxolol (Kerlone)
bisoprolol (Zebeta)[Monocor]
carvedilol (Coreg)—Beta Blocker PLUS (alpha one blocker)
Esmolol (Brevibloc)
labetalol (Trandate)(Normodyne)—safe during pregnancy
metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL, Lopressor)[Betaloc]
nadolol (Corgard)
nebivolol (Bystolic)—Beta blocker PLUS (boosts NITRIC OXIDE)
propranolol (Inderal)(1968)(nonselective)
sotalol (Betapace)
timolol (Blocadren)

42. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)—fight/flight system
In order to understand the beta blockers, a quick review of the SNS is in order
Lock and key theory
Receptors (lock) and neurotransmitters (key)
Receptors: beta-1, beta-2, alpha-1, alpha-2 receptors regulate the SNS
Neurotransmitters are the catecholamines: epinephrine, norepinephrine
Scenario: Visit Barb in Chicago

43. Fight/flight response
Pupils dilate
Heart rate goes up
BP goes up
Bronchioles dilate
Increased blood flow to arms and legs
Hair on arms and neck stands up
Tremor
What do your bowels WANT to do?

44. But you have a “mother”—your frontal lobe…
“Don’t even think about it…if I have told you once, I have told you twice…”

45. SNS receptors – beta 1
Beta 1 receptors—found on cadiac muscle; epinephrine binds to B1 and increases heart rate and strength of contraction (+chronotropic and + inotropic)
Beta blockers that JUST block the beta 1 receptors are called cardioselective

46. Cardioselective beta blockers block the B1 receptors
Cardioselective beta blockers reduce cardiac output, heart rate falls (10-15%), blood pressure falls
Workload of the heart decreases—used to treat angina, SVT, post-MI to protect the heart from remodeling and to reduce heart rate
EXAMPLES: atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), betaxolol (Kerlone); bisoprolol (Zebeta), nebivolol doses <10 mg)

47. SNS receptors—beta 2
B2 receptors—found on skeletal muscle, the bronchioles, large arteries of arms and legs; when epinephrine binds to B2 the bronchioles of the lugns dilate, the large arteries of the arms and legs vasodilate, and hands may exhibit a slight tremor (skeletal muscle tremor), and piloerection occurs (hairs stand up on back of neck and arms)

48. Non-selective beta blockers block both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors
Blocking beta-2?—block skeletal muscle receptors and decrease the tremor, can cause bronchoconstriction (problem w/ COPD patients and asthmatics); can cause vasoconstriction of the large arteries of the legs—problem with diabetics or anyone with PAD
Non-selective beta blockers-- propranolol (Inderal), nadolol (Corgard), timolol (Blocadren), carvedilol (Coreg)
Use CARDIOSELECTIVE beta blockers for diabetics, asthmatics, and COPD patients

49. Beta blockers…other properties
Water-soluble? (low lipophilicity)
atenolol (Tenormin), nadolol (Corgard), labetalol (Trandate), nebivolol (Bystolic)
Lipid-soluble? (high lipophilicity--cross the blood brain barrier)—CNS side effects—anhedonia (the “Blahs”)—BUT…the lipid-soluble can also “calm down” the brain
propranolol (Inderal), timolol (Blocadren), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), pindolol
All of the others are moderately lipophilic

50. Functions of beta-blockers
Decrease palpitations during panic attacks
Decrease heart rate in atrial fib
Decrease essential tremors
Decrease situational anxiety
Decrease symptoms of PTSD
Decrease HR in patients with Grave’s disease
Decrease portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices
Decrease migraine headaches by 50% in 50% of the patients (mechanism unknown)
Pre-operative beta-blockers—non cardiac surgeries—high risk pts

51. Beta Blockers
Beta blockers have become obsolete for CV protection. Their “era” did not include percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), statins, antiplatelet therapies, ACE – or ARBs.
Adding beta blockers to current therapies does not improve outcomes (REACH registry, JAMA 2012; 309;1340)
EXCEPTION: Beta blockers still used for decreasing remodeling of heart in patients with systolic HF—use the beta blocker PLUS drugs

52. Highly lipid-soluble and cross the blood-brain barrier
Beta-blocker eye drops for glaucoma—second-line therapy--Lower intraocular pressure by 20-25% with once or twice daily dosing
timolol (Timoptic) [Betimol], , levobunolol (Betagan), carteolol (Ocupress), metipranolol (Optipranolol)
Highly lipid-soluble and cross the blood-brain barrier
Can cause bradycardia and anhedonia
So what can you use instead?

53. The “oprosts”—first line therapy for glaucoma
The “oprosts”—bimatoprost (Lumigan)(Latisse for eyelashes), latanoprost (Xalatan), travoprost (Travatan)
And, unoprostone (Rescula)
Prostaglandin analogues—lower Intraocular pressure by 25-30%
*Latisse for thick, long eyelashes

54. Calcium Channel Blockers; 2 categories…the nondihydropyridines
Verapamil (Isoptin SR, Verelan and Verelan PM, Calan and Calan SR, Covera-HS)—block calcium channels primarily on the coronary vessels and the AV node—increasing blood flow to the heart and decreasing impulses through the AV node—used to decrease workload of heart and slow the heart rate; HTN, angina, atrial fib, renoprotective
Negative inotropic effect—avoid in patients with CHF
Calcium channels in bowels (elderly)—severe constipation

55. 2nd drug in the non-dihydropyridine category
Diltiazem—Cardizem LA and CD, Dilacor XR, Tiazac—dilates calcium channels on the coronary arteries and peripheral vessel calcium channels; decreases impulse transmission from atrium to ventricle
Negative inotropic effects—avoid in CHF patients
Clinical uses—
Atrial fibrillation, Hypertension, Angina, Vasospasm, renoprotective
Less constipation than verapamil

56. 2nd category—the Dihydropyridines or the “DIPINES”—Peripheral vessel calcium channel blockers
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Felodipine (Plendil)**
Nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Isradipine (Dynacirc)
Nisoldipine (Sular)
Clevidipine (Cleviprex) for IV use vs. esmolol or IV nicardipine)

57. Clinical uses of the “dipines”…
Hypertension
Vasospasm—Prinzmetal’s angina, Raynaud’s phenomenon, cocaine-induced vasospasms
Ureteral spasms in patients with small kidney stones
“male contraceptive”

58. Side effects of CCBs…
Verapamil—significant constipation; lots of drug interactions
Dipines—significant peripheral vasodilation with headaches; hypotension, and peripheral edema (swollen feet—pedal edema; (Plendil)
Diltiazem—less significant constipation than Verapamil
All CCBs inhibit calcium-induced contraction of the LES, resulting in sphincter relaxation and acid reflux

59. The “Statin Sisters”… Who are they? lovastatin (Mevacor)
simvastatin (Zocor)
atorvastatin (Lipitor)
fluvastatin (Lescol)
pravastatin (Pravachol)
rosuvastatin (Crestor)
pitavastatin (Livalo)

60. The “Statin Sisters”…what do they do?
Inhibit an enzyme in the liver responsible for the production of the LDL-cholesterol; works primarily at night to reduce LDL, so the “statins” work the best when taken before bedtime (exceptions to the rule—atorvastatin/Lipitor and rosuvastatin/Crestor)

61. LDL-cholesterol
LDL (low density lipoprotein) is the most atherogenic of the cholesterol bunch and puts fat right smack dab into all of the arterial walls; therefore, statins decrease LDL-cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, renovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease; they also increase survival rates and improve the quality and quantity of life

62. LDL-lowering effects If so, how low should your LDL go?
Atorvastatin/Lipitor 10 mg = 39%
Fluvastatin/Lescol 40 mg BID = 36%
Fluvastatin XL/Lescol 80 mg = 35%
Lovastatin /Mevacor 40 mg = 31%
Pitavastatin/Livalo 2 mg = 36%
Rosuvastatin/Crestor 5 mg = 45%
Simvastatin/Zocor 20 mg = 38%
(Circulation 2004;110: )

63. LDL guidelines
Guidelines—with CAD or a risk equivalent (PAD, TIA, stroke, abdominal aneurysm), the LDL should be ~70 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L or even lower, perhaps 1.8 mmol/L)
For the rest of us with other risk factors—100 mg/dL (<2.85 mmol/L)
Unless you’re perfect…--130 mg/dL (<3.37 mmol/L)
Particle size is also important (LDL-P)—small and dense (B pattern) vs. large and loose (A pattern)

64. What do the statins do? Decrease total cholesterol
Decrease LDL-cholesterol
Decrease oxidation of LDL-cholesterol
Shrink plaques including plaques in the renal artery and improve blood flow to vital organs
Stabilize fatty plaques and prevent plaques from rupturing (an inflamed fatty plaque ruptures in a coronary artery triggers the coagulation cascade and clot formation)
Prevent the formation of new plaques in the renal and other arteries
Decrease mesangial proliferation in glomerulus and reduce intraglomerular hypertension
Decrease vascular inflammation
Boost neurogenesis (more later)

65. Combinations with statins
Atorvastatin and amlodipine for HTN – Caduet
Lovastatin and niacin (to lower TG)—Advicor
Simvastatin and ezetimibe (Zetia) which blocks cholesterol absorption in GI tract—Vytorin
Simvastatin and niacine – Simcor

66. SIDE EFFECTS Myalgias **(other causes in elderly patients…)
About 1/20 patients experience muscle pain or weakness
Myositis; rhabdomyolysis (rare) (ASA is 100x more likely to cause a fatal side effect than taking a statin)
Simvastatin at higher doses is the riskiest “statin” for rhabdomyolysis—never use the 80 mg dose; lots of drug interactions; do NOT drink green tea or eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice with this statin
How about adding CoQ10 for muscle aches and pains? take mg/day of CoQ10
Either switch statins, lower the dose of statins, consider every other day dosing

67. The #1 oral drug for Type 2 DM
Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet ) does not have any direct effect on insulin release from the pancreas—doesn’t require insulin to work
Primary action: DECREASE hepatic glucose production; also, decreases glucose absorption via the GI tract, and may increase sensitivity of insulin receptors
Problem? GI blues (nighttime dosing/give with food), need functioning organs--kidneys and heart especially (check serum creatinine before starting metformin)
Se Creatinine--Cut-off is 1.4 (50-90 mmol/L) in females and 1.5 ( mmol/L) in males;

68. Metformin (Glucophage)
Cardiovascular benefits: lowers BP, increases HDL, lowers LDL;
Metformin and breast and prostate cancer reduction (54%)—Diabetes Care December 2010
Metformin and slowing the aging process
Metformin and neurogenesis
Metformin and anti-psychotic drugs
Metformin and HD-Prednisone
Metformin and PCOS

69. Downside to Metformin B12 deficiency
Increase in BFR (basal flatal rate)
Diarrhea (take with food; switch to Glumetza)

70. Incretin mimetics – the “tides”
incretins are responsible for approx. 60% of the post-meal insulin secretion, but the action of the incretins is impaired in diabetics) ; Acts at the GLP-1 receptor, promoting insulin release
Exenatide (Byetta)(2005)—isolated from saliva of a Gila Monster
Bydureon (Byetta once a week); Better than Byetta as it reduces HgA1C 1.6% vs. 0.9% for Byetta; Nausea 14% vs. Byetta at 35%
Indications? Type 2 diabetics who are already receiving metformin, a sulfonylurea, or both and do not have optimal control
Weight loss is a + side effect (due to slowing of gastric emptying and “feeling full”)

71. Incretin mimetics 2nd generation—liraglutide (Victoza)—QD, less nausea
PANCREATITIS!
The “old” face of Victoza—the BUTTER QUEEN, Paula Deen—she was dumped due to her legal problems

72. The “gliptins” Weight neutral
inhibit enzymes in the intestine responsible for breaking down incretins; incretins potentiate insulin release
Sitagliptin (Januvia)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Linagliptin (Tradjenta)
Janumet (Januvia + metformin)
Kombiglyze (onglyza + metformin)
Pancreatitis!

73. OLD Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes
Sulfonylureas—glimepiride (Amaryl); glipizide, glyburide
Major side effects? Weight gain and hypoglycemia
Boost release of insulin from remaining islet cells—high risk of hypoglycemia…use with caution in the elderly

74. Problem? Weight gain, hypoglycemia, increased cardiovascular risk
OLD Drugs…are these even worth using anymore? Considered third-line therapy…cheap drugs
Oral sulfonylureas—Glipizide (Glucotrol) and glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase) and glimipiride (Amaryl)…
Increase the secretion of insulin from the pancreas and increase receptor sensitivity
Problem? Weight gain, hypoglycemia, increased cardiovascular risk
glimipiride (Amaryl)—safest use in elderly--decreased incidence of hypoglycemia (glyburide is NOT safe in the elderly—too much hypoglycemia)

75. The “afils”—the Pfizer Riser aka sildenafil (Viagra) and friends, for erectile dysfunction
Prior to November 1998
PDE5 inhibitors which in a round about way boost nitric oxide—potent vasodilator primarily below the belt
What are the causes of ED?
Athero, neuro, drugs, ↓testo, psychological (the stamp test)
Sildenafil (Viagra)(Revatio for pulmonary hypertension)
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Tadalafil (Cialis)—the “weekend warrior” (Adcirca for PH)
Can use in patients with stable CHD

76. Can’t use with nitroglycerin…
“When was your last dose of Viagra?
Can’t use Viagra or Levitra within 24 hours of receiving NTG; Cialis within hours
Side effects
Hypotension
Headaches
GERD
Blue vision
Priapism
A surprise side effect of the “afils”…

77. Sexually transmitted diseases have increased by over 300% in the over 60 crowd since the release of Viagra…
More sex
No pregnancy worries
Swingin’ singles
Who cares what the neighbors think?
Swimming pools and golf courses
Can you have a heart attack during sex?
Only if…

78. Drugs and reducing the size of the “prostrate”
Alpha one receptors are located on the smooth muscle cells of the prostate
Enlarge with aging (BPH)
Incessant testosterone stimulation over a lifetime also increases the size of the prostate
Alpha-one blockers
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Silodosin (Rapaflo)
Doxazosin (Cardura)

79. Drugs and reducing the size of the “prostrate”
5-α reductase inhibitors to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a more potent agonist for prostate growth (not only reduce size of prostate but also decrease the risk of prostate cancer)
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Finasteride (Proscar)
Vitamin D for the prostate

80. Tamsulosin (Flomax) in women
NOT to be confused with Flonase
Can use in women to improve symptoms due to bladder outlet obstruction
Help increase urine flow by relaxing the bladder neck and urethra
Avoid all decongestants which can lead to increase tone in the bladder neck and make symptoms worse + urinary retention

81. Alpha-one blockers, cataract surgery, and floppy iris syndrome—
Who wudda thunk? If you or your patients are going to have cataract surgery:
Let the ophthalmologist know if you have EVER taken an alpha-one blocker or if currently on one (Prescriber’s Letter, May 2012)
A history of taking an alpha-one blocker can cause serious complications (even years later) during cataract surgery…(atrophy of muscle that holds the iris)
Procedure is much harder with a floppy iris
Tamsulosin (Flomax) is the biggest offender
Silodosin (Rapaflo), Doxazocin (Cardura XL), beta-blocker with alpha-one blocking properties (carvedilol/Coreg), labetalol (Trandate), risperidone…

82. The bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
The “dronates” for osteoporosis
Alendronate [Fosavance] (Fosamax + D), Risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva)
Zoledronic acid (Zometa)– lower dose for osteoporosis—brand name Reclast [Aclasta]
Trigger apoptosis of osteoclasts
Osteoblasts continue to build bone matrix but without remodeling
Any downside? Osteonecrosis of jaw
Subtrochanteric femur fractures? Very low risk
Can the patient FOLLOW directions with the oral bisphosphonates?

83. How long should a patient stay on bisphosphonates?
May 9, 2012 online New England Journal of Medicine
Discuss w/ HCP about staying on longer than 5 years
May not offer much additional fracture protection beyond this time period—women who stayed on drugs had similar fx rates to women who switched to placebo
Consider continuing drugs in women with low bone-mineral density at femoral neck of hip (T-score below -2.5) and in women w/ existing vertebral fx who have T scores below -2.0.

84. The “prazoles”—Proton Pump Inhibitors*
Omeprazole (Prilosec)(first released as Losec in U.S.)
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
DeXlansoprazole (old-Kapidex)(new-Dexilant)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex) [Pariet]
Pantoprazole (Protonix) [Pantoloc]
Esomeprazole (Nexium)-- “the purple pill”
*BIG Exception: Aripiprazole/Abilify—antipsychotic—a dopamine system stabilizer

85. The “prazoles”—Proton Pump Inhibitors
MOA—Inhibition of the proton pump at the lumenal surface of the stomach…especially after a meal
PPIs work here
H+, Intrinsic Factor-B12
Lumenal surface
Parietal cell
Basilar surface H2
H2 receptors
H2 blockers work here

86. The “prazoles”
Work within 4-7 days to reduce all acid in the stomach; take 30’-60’ before the first meal of the day or before the dinner meal (especially if nocturnal GERD is a problem)
BUT long-term suppression of acid has been shown to have significant side effects:
Increased risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia and community acquired pneumonia (PPI use might be associated with 33,000 preventable deaths due to pneumonia in hospitalized patients)(Herzig)
Increased food-borne illness
Increased risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis with long-term use (in smokers)
Increased risk of B12 deficiency due to blocking the release of intrinsic factor
Long-term use and iron deficiency anemia
Drug interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix)
Increased risk of Clostridium difficile

87. **Use of PPIs and clostridium difficile
Daily PPI use associated with an estimated 74% increase in Clostridium difficile infection
People using PPIs while being treated for C. difficile had a 42 % increased risk of recurrence Archives of Internal Medicine 2010;170: ,
Should all patients be put on PPIs upon admission to the hospital? NO, it’s NOT necessary…ICU patients? YES, because they have been shown to have the highest risk for a GI bleed from stress-induced gastric ulcers; but not for every bunionectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, or tonsillectomy

88. PPIs and Inappropriate subscribing in hospital patients
Reid M et all. Inappropriate prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in hospitalized patients. J Hosp Med 2012 May/Jun 7:421
Herzig SJ et al. Acid-suppressive medication use and the risk for nosocomial gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Arch Intern Med 2011 Jun 13;171:991.

89. The “tidines” (H2 blockers)
Best to give at night—decrease vagally-induced histamine release in stomach (double the OTC dose for best results)
Use PEPCID in patients taking low-dose aspirin therapy for heart disease prevention
Cimetidine--Tagamet—can cause delirium in the elderly; increases the bioavailability of many drugs—beta blockers and bradycardia, morphine and bradypnea
Other H2 blockers—Ranitidine (Zantac); Nizatidine (Axid); Famotidine (Pepcid)—safest and most effective

90. The antifungals--the “azoles”
75% of all women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their life…
Miconazole (Monistat-7)
Tioconazole (Vagistat)
Clotrimazole (Mycelex)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Voriconazole (Vfend)
Posaconazole (Noxafil)—newest of the bunch (HIV)
DRUG INTERACTIONS
“You have a yeast infection…”

91. The antiherpetics—the “cy{i}clovirs”
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Famciclovir (Famvir)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Ganciclovir (Cytovene) – CMV retinitis in HIV patients; CMV pneumonitis in transplant patients

92. The antiherpetics—Varicella Zoster Virus
Acyclovir (Zovirax)(4000/d)
Famciclovir (Famvir)(750/d)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)(3000/d)
Tx must be started within hours after the first signs of a rash appear.
+Prednisone
PREVENTION?

93. Zostavax the “SHINGLES vaccine”
Zostavax (Merck) to reduce the incidence of Herpes Zoster (shingles/Hell’s fire) in people over 50 (14 x stronger than Varivax)(risk reduction—50%); reduces severity and decreases post-herpetic neuralgia

94. DEPRESSION
“The FDA this week approved the first-ever transdermal patch for the treatment of depression. Simply remove the backing and press the patch firmly over your mother’s mouth.” Tina Fey, on Saturday Night Live (March 2006)

95. Drugs for depression
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs)—fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil)(Seroxat), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro)(Cipralax)
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)—venlafaxine (Effexor), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Studies find that about percent of those who take SSRIs are responders, showing a 50 percent or greater reduction in symptoms. Keep on drugs for at least 6-12 months after depressive symptoms disappear.

96. Drugs for depression
The “other” category—mirtazapine (Remeron), buproprion (Wellbutrin)
“old” antidepressants (used primarily for neuropathic pain)—Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Norpramin, Pamelor)—are actually SNRIs as they inhibit the re-uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine;
Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine can be used for neuropathic pain (duloxetine/Cymbalta and amitriptyline (Elavil) are commonly used for neuropathic pain;
Milnacipran HCl (Savella, 2009)—SNRI approved for the management of fibromyalgia (not approved for kids)

97. Is there a better SSRI?
Top two are sertraline and escitalopram (Lancet, Jan. 09)
Sertraline/Zoloft—short half life; great for use in the elderly; few drug interactions—(cheapest)
Escitalopram/Lexapro/Cipralex—few drug interactions, not as many as Paxil
Citalopram/Celexa (not to be confused with Celebrex)—very few drug interactions
Fluoxetine/Prozac—half-life is too long for elderly
Paroxetine/Paxil—many, many drug interactions and not good for use in the elderly; is the most anti-cholinergic of all (interferes with cholinesterase inhibitors used for Alzheimer’s disease) and can cause anti-cholinergic side effects in elderly

98. Anti-cholinergic drugs—side effects
Confusion
Pupillary dilation (blurred vision, glaucoma)
Tachycardia (angina, possible MI)
Decreased salivation (dry mouth)
Decreased peristalsis in GI tract (constipation)
Tighten urinary sphincter (urinary retention)

99. SSRIs—a major side effect
Boost serotonin
Makes ya’ happy
Blocks dopamine though and dopamine in the brain is responsible for sexual functioning (among other things)
Decreases libido, anorgasmia (50-75% of patients)
However, if premature ejaculation is your problem, the SSRIs are for you

100. I’m here for my SSRI prescription…
Low serotonin is part of the problem with patients with premature ejaculation

101. Other side effects of the SSRIs
Bruxism (due to low dopamine)--morning headaches, jaw pain, a clicking sound in your jaw, sensitive teeth, and damaged teeth and crowns. Permanent long-term effects can include temporomandibular disorder, a painful condition affecting the jaw and facial muscles, and periodontal disease.
RLS (restless leg syndrome) due to low dopamine (check iron levels) (Rx? Dopamine agonists—ropinirole (Requip) or pramipexole (Mirapex) (p.s. dopamine and addiction)
SSRIs inhibit platelet aggregation—increased risk for GI bleed
SSRIs cause hyponatremia—increased risk for delirium, confusion, and seizures in the elderly

102. A few more notes on antidepressants
Give them at least 8 weeks to work—WHY? Neurogenesis; stay on them for 9-12 months after improvement in all activities of daily living
Switching from one SSRI to another SSRI is an option—another 25% can show benefit by a switch to another drug in the same class or another antidepressent in another class
Augmentation strategies—add buproprion (Wellbutrin) or buspirone (Buspar), Lithium, mirtazepine (Remeron)
Add T3 thyroid hormone (Cytomel)
Add aripiprazole (Abilify) or other anti-psychotics

103. The antibiotics—the fluoroquinolones, the “floxacins”…
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)*(2) (↑ INR)
Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)(2)
Norfloxacin (Noroxin)*(2)
Ofloxacin (Floxin)(2)*
*uncomplicated UTI if resistance to TMP/SMX is ≥20%
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) (3)—too broad spectrum for UTI
Gemifloxacin (Factive)(4)
Moxifloxacin (Avelox)(4)—effective against TB
WARNINGS: C. difficile after the quinolones…
Acute tendonitis in elderly and patients on corticosteroids

104. The antibiotics—the macrolides
Erythromycin—dangerous with many other drugs due to prolongation of the QT interval; low-dose increases bowel motility in patients with gastroparesis
Azithromycin (Zithromax)—Z-pack (don’t take with food)
Clarithromycin (Biaxcin)—take with food!
Clarithromycin and digoxin toxicity

105. It’s a “MAB, MAB, MAB” (monoclonal antibodies) world—immune system
Infliximab (Remicade)—targeted against TNF-α, the culprit in Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, psoriatic arthritis; TB and Hepatitis B testing prior to use
Adalimumab (Humira)—as above
certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)—as above
Golimumab (Simponi)—as above
Palivizumab (Synagis)—RSV protection for developing lungs 34-week neonates have just 52% of the calculated lung volume of full-term infants at birth)
Omalizumab (Xolair)—mab to IgE
Belimumab (Benlysta)—SLE (targets B cell activating factor)
Tocilizumab (Actemra)

106. MABs for tumors
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)—HER2-neu+ Breast cancers; when given in early stages, prognosis improves significantly
Rituximab (Rituxan)—targets CD 20 receptor on B lymphocytes; used for Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cetuximab (Erbitux)—colon cancer (Martha Stewart)
Alemtuzumab (Campath)
more….

107. It’s a “MAB, MAB, MAB” world
Bevacizumab (Avastin)—inhibits angiogenesis; used to inhibit tumor growth; used to decrease neovascular growth in the retina; glioblastoma multiforme (with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor)
Abciximab (Reopro)—inhibits platelet aggregation

108. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors—the “nibs”
Tyrosine kinases act as growth-stimulating factors, and inhibiting them directly by inhibiting their signal is another way of zapping the growth of cancer cells
Imatinib (Gleevec)(2001)—CML (Philadephia chromosome + t9:20)(complete cytogenetic remissions in 70%)
Gefitinib (Iressa)—lung cancer (investigational for other cancers)
Erlotinib (Tarceva)*--NSCLC
Crizotinib (Xalkori)—NSCLC w/ specific gene mutation
Dasatinib (Sprycel)—CML
Nilotinib (Tasigna)(2007)—CML w/better results and for resistance to Gleevec)
Vandetanib (Caprelsa) – medullary thyroid cancer
*reduced cravings for alcohol (gene in fruit flies, called happyhour is reduced with erlotinib and gefitinib)

109. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors—the “nibs”
Sunitinib (Sutent)—renal cell carcinoma
Lapatinib (Tykerb)—HER2/neu+ breast cancer if the breast cancer doesn’t respond to trastuzumab
Sorafenib (Nexavar)—survival benefit in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (Journal Watch Oncology/Hematology 23 Jul 2008); renal cell carcinoma
Tofacitinib citrate (Xeljanz)—moderate to severe RA that has not responded to methotrexate (test for TB before prescribing)
Vemurafenib (Zelboraf)—metastatic melanoma

110. 5-HT3 (serotonin) receptors and N & V
5-HT3 in the CTZ (chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain stem) is responsible for vomiting from chemo and post-anesthesia
5-HT3 in the duodenum is responsible for nausea– “the organ of nausea”

111. Serotonin antagonists for 5-HT3
The “setrons” for chemotherapy, reduced risk of anticipatory nausea and vomiting, postanesthesia-induced, and migraine-induced nausea and vomiting, morning sickness, and oral rehydration in kids
Granisetron (Kytril)
Ondansetron (Zofran, and generic)—also used for acute n and v
Dolasetron (Anzemet)
Tropisetron (Navoban) (add on to risperidone for chronic schizophrenia)(Noroozian )
Palonesetron HCl (Aloxi)—long acting

112. And last, but not least, an all in one pill for the stress of being a wonderful nurse…

113. THANK YOU…and remember…
“Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.”
Barb Bancroft, RN, MSN, PNP

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