Pinacidil
Pinacidil
Pinacidil (pronunciation: pin-uh-SID-il) is a pharmaceutical drug primarily used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It belongs to the class of drugs known as vasodilators, which work by relaxing and widening blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily.
Etymology
The term "Pinacidil" is derived from its chemical name, Pyridylamino-cyclohexylcarbonyl-dicyclohexylamino-il.
Usage
Pinacidil is used to treat hypertension, a condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure. It is often prescribed when other treatments have not been effective. Pinacidil may also be used in the treatment of angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Mechanism of Action
Pinacidil acts as a potassium channel opener, causing potassium ions to flow out of the cell, which leads to hyperpolarization. This hyperpolarization relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels, causing them to dilate and thus reducing blood pressure.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Pinacidil include dizziness, headache, and flushing. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and edema (swelling due to fluid accumulation).
Related Terms
- Vasodilators
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Potassium channel opener
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Edema
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pinacidil
- Wikipedia's article - Pinacidil
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