PINACIDIL Meaning and
Definition
-
Pinacidil is a pharmaceutical compound primarily used as a vasodilator medication. It falls under the category of potassium channel openers and is typically prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The drug is known for its ability to relax and widen the blood vessels, leading to decreased resistance to blood flow and subsequently lowering blood pressure.
Pinacidil exerts its therapeutic effects by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This activation leads to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, preventing voltage-dependent calcium channels from opening. Consequently, intracellular calcium levels decrease, resulting in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.
Widening of the blood vessels allows for improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heart, alleviating angina symptoms associated with reduced blood flow to the cardiac muscles. Furthermore, the reduction in peripheral resistance lowers systemic blood pressure, effectively managing hypertension.
It is worth noting that pinacidil is orally administered and is rapidly metabolized in the liver, primarily by oxidation and conjugation reactions. Its metabolites are primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Common side effects of pinacidil may include headache, dizziness, flushing, and palpitations. Additionally, caution is advised while using this medication in patients with liver or kidney impairments.
In summary, pinacidil is a potassium channel opener that acts as a vasodilator, effectively reducing blood pressure and alleviating angina symptoms. It is prescribed to manage hypertension and angina pectoris, exhibiting its therapeutic effects by relaxing and widening the blood vessels.
Common Misspellings for PINACIDIL
- oinacidil
- linacidil
- -inacidil
- 0inacidil
- punacidil
- pjnacidil
- pknacidil
- ponacidil
- p9nacidil
- p8nacidil
- pibacidil
- pimacidil
- pijacidil
- pihacidil
- pinzcidil
- pinscidil
- pinwcidil
- pinqcidil
- pinaxidil
- pinavidil
Etymology of PINACIDIL
The word "Pinacidil" is a combination of two parts - "pina" and "cidil".
The prefix "pina" likely refers to "pine", as it is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which has a structural motif similar to that of pine (pine tree). It is used as a way to classify and identify the compound within a specific chemical group or class.
The second part, "cidil", is a suffix often used in the names of drugs that belong to a certain category known as potassium channel openers. Examples of other drugs using this suffix include nicorandil or minoxidil. The "-cidil" suffix implies that the compound acts as a potassium channel opener, which means it increases the permeability of potassium ions through specific channels in the cell membrane.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
