Easy Q for u

Hero · **Easy Q for u -** 12-09-2006, 07:31 AM

Which of the following is the most serious side-effect of nitrates?
1. Hypotension
2. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
3. Headache
4. Glaucoma

kenneth masamaro · **Re: Easy Q for u -** 12-09-2006, 08:05 AM

I'd go for hypotension(orthostatic) because of their propensity to relax veins.They can also cause meningeal headaches.I dont know how serious those are though.

JNUS · **Re: Easy Q for u -** 12-09-2006, 10:54 AM

1)Headaches....
2)Hypotension

Oak · 12-09-2006, 01:05 PM

1. Hypotension = Serious side effect
2. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy = contraindicated but not due to nitrate
3. Headache = most common side effect - unpleasant, but not serious
4. Glaucoma = (closed angle glaucoma) worsened by nitrates but not due to nitrate

Hypotension induced by nitrates may be accompanied by paradoxical bradycardia and increased angina. Severe postural hypotension with light-headedness and dizziness is frequently observed after the consumption of alcohol while taking nitrates.

I am not happy with this answer but don't have the choice so I would go with it. Because we know that nitrates causes vasodilation & hence hypotension but its not that serious very very rare unless there is preexisting conditions like patient on antihypertensive drugs or have consume alcohol etc.

Anyway lets wait see the explanation

phenobarb · **Re: Easy Q for u -** 13-09-2006, 05:38 AM

heaches are one of the common side effects following nitrate thepary as is hypotension, which is the most serious condition associated with it,patient may collapse if not monitored and titrated with nitates.

Hero · **Re: Easy Q for u -** 13-09-2006, 09:14 AM

All guys correct. The answer is (1) Hypotension. Headache is the most COMMON side-effect, but hypotension is the most SERIOUS side-effect of nitrate therapy. Remaining two are contraidications for nitrates however in glaucoma there is no objective evidence to show any increase in intraocular pressure. Oak I am sorry that u r not happy with the answer. Yes it is true alcohol or cotherapy with other vasodilator may cause life-threatening hypotension, but the fact is that even small doses of nitrates alone may lead to SEVERE hypotension particularly when the patient is upright.