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Measuring Nitrite and Nitrate, Metabolites in the Nitric Oxide Pathway, in Biological Materials using the Chemiluminescence Method
Published on: December 25, 2016
Nitrate tolerance. A problem during continuous nitrate administration
1Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The organic nitrates are effective agents in the management of patients with angina pectoris. They are the agents of choice in the treatment of acute episodes of angina pectoris and are useful in angina prophylaxis. While the organic nitrates are extremely effective in angina prophylaxis during acute therapy, there is increasing evidence that with many dosing regimens for oral and transdermal therapy, substantial attenuation of the antianginal effects develops. Thus, during acute therapy the organic nitrates improve exercise tolerance for many hours, but during sustained therapy designed to provide antianginal efficacy throughout the 24-h period there is significant attenuation of the beneficial effects. It has been documented that treatment regimens designed to provide a period of nitrate washout prevent or reverse nitrate tolerance, and such changes in dosing regimens have been shown to provide continued antianginal protection. It is clear that the objective of providing 24-h antianginal protection with the organic nitrates cannot be achieved. With appropriate dosing schedules, however, it is possible to improve exercise tolerance throughout the major portion of the 24-h dosing period.
Insights
Organic nitrates effectively manage angina pectoris, but tolerance can reduce their long-term benefits. Strategic nitrate washout periods are crucial for sustained antianginal protection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Organic nitrates are primary treatments for angina pectoris, effective for acute episodes and prophylaxis.
- Sustained use of oral and transdermal organic nitrates can lead to tolerance, diminishing antianginal effects over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of organic nitrates in angina management.
- To investigate the development of nitrate tolerance and strategies to mitigate it.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on organic nitrate therapy for angina pectoris.
- Analysis of dosing regimens and their impact on antianginal effects and tolerance.
Main Results:
- Organic nitrates provide significant short-term antianginal benefits, improving exercise tolerance.
- Substantial attenuation of therapeutic effects occurs with continuous dosing regimens, indicating nitrate tolerance.
- Intermittent dosing schedules with nitrate washout periods can prevent or reverse tolerance, maintaining antianginal protection.
Conclusions:
- Continuous 24-hour antianginal protection with organic nitrates is not achievable due to tolerance.
- Appropriate dosing schedules, incorporating nitrate washout, are essential to maximize exercise tolerance during the major portion of the dosing period.
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