Question

Difficulty: EasyCardiovascular System

Match each cardiovascular medication to its most characteristic adverse effect.

  • SpironolactoneGynecomastia
  • AmlodipinePeripheral edema
  • LisinoprilDry cough
  • AmiodaroneThyroid dysfunction

Answer

Spironolactone causes Gynecomastia; Amlodipine causes Peripheral edema; Lisinopril causes Dry cough; Amiodarone causes Thyroid dysfunction.
Each listed cardiovascular medication possesses a distinct physiological or structural property that directly results in its classic adverse effect, a foundational concept for clinical management.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pharmacological properties of Spironolactone.
Identify that it blocks aldosterone and androgen receptors.
Understanding its non-selective receptor affinities explains endocrine side effects like gynecomastia.
2
Analyze the mechanism of Amlodipine.
Identify it as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker causing precapillary vasodilation.
Arteriolar dilation without matching venous dilation increases capillary pressure, directly driving fluid into the interstitium and causing edema.
3
Evaluate the metabolic effects of Lisinopril.
Identify that ACE inhibition prevents the degradation of bradykinin.
Bradykinin accumulation in the pulmonary tract is the primary pathophysiological driver for the classic ACE inhibitor-induced dry cough.
4
Consider the structural components of Amiodarone.
Identify its high iodine content and thyroxine-like structure.
These structural properties make it highly prone to disrupting normal thyroid hormone synthesis, causing either toxicity or deficiency.

Key Concept

Pharmacological adverse effects of common cardiovascular medications
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