Rational pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases: The importance of pharmacokinetics, interactions and side effects

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases therapy is very complex task, primarily due to the fact that many of these diseases are simultaneous, that one class of drugs is used in several indications, and that the therapy is often of combined type. The knowledge of pharmacokinetics, interactions and side effects of the drugs used, significantly contribute to the rational pharmacotherapy, as well as the collaboration of all health care professionals. Beside the therapeutic drugs (ACE inhibitors, antiarrhytmics, cardiotonic glycosides, diuretics and nitrates), the complete knowledge on risk factors drugs , such as anticoagulants and hypolipemics, is also needed. For the pharmacist in health care team, therapeutic drug monitoring, direct such as with cardiac glycosides, or alternative with anticoagulant drugs, is also of great importance.