Chapter 12, Problem 1SC

Nifedipine is an antihypertension medication that is also used to reduce the workload on the heart. The study below compares the effects of two different types of capsules used to administer the drug to patients (GITSred line, and Cotracten Xblue line). Each graph shows changes with time following initial administra- tion of the capsules. Figure A compares the levels of nifedipine in the blood with each capsule type. The ability of the different cap- sules to reduce workload on the heart by altering blood pressure or heart rate is shown in Figures B and C, respectively. Are elevated plasma levels of nifedipine(above 10 ng/mL) required for the drug to perform its actions? Source: M. J. Brown and C. B. Toal. 2008. Formulation of long-acting nifedipine tablets influences the heart rate and sympathetic nervous system response in hypertensive patients. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 65:646652.

Nifedipine is an antihypertension medication that is also used to reduce the workload on the heart. The study below compares the effects of two different types of capsules used to administer the drug to patients (GITSred line, and Cotracten Xblue line). Each graph shows changes with time following initial administra- tion of the capsules. Figure A compares the levels of nifedipine in the blood with each capsule type. The ability of the different cap- sules to reduce workload on the heart by altering blood pressure or heart rate is shown in Figures B and C, respectively. Which type of capsule would you expect to have fewer side effects? Source: M. J. Brown and C. B. Toal. 2008. Formulation of long-acting nifedipine tablets influences the heart rate and sympathetic nervous system response in hypertensive patients. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 65:646652.

One treatment for peanut allergies is to give an allergic child increasing doses of the peanut allergen proteins, starting at a very low level and progressing to higher concentrations, stopping if any reaction occurs. Such treatments are usually successful, but at least one death has been reported. Would you agree to treat your allergic child this way? What are the risk-benefit considerations?