Aortic Coarctation Medication

  • Author: Sandy N Shah, DO, MBA, FACC, FACOI; Chief Editor: Park W Willis IV, MD   more...
 
Updated: Nov 29, 2011
 

Medication Summary

No specific medications are used to treat coarctation of the aorta because it is a mechanical obstruction. In the neonate, management of concomitant congestive heart failure may include prostaglandin E1 to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus. Beyond the neonatal period, management of congestive heart failure may include digoxin and diuretics.

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Prostaglandins

Class Summary

This agent promotes vasodilatation by direct effect on the vasculature and smooth muscle of the ductus arteriosus.

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Alprostadil intracavernous/urethral (Prostin VR)

 

Used to maintain patency of ductus arteriosus when cyanotic lesion or interrupted aortic arch presents in newborn. Most effective in premature infants.

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Cardiac glycosides

Class Summary

These agents increase the contractility of cardiac muscle in a dose-dependent manner (ie, positive inotropic effect).

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Digoxin (Lanoxin)

 

Cardiac glycoside with direct inotropic effects in addition to indirect effects on cardiovascular system. Acts directly on cardiac muscle, increasing myocardial systolic contractions. Its indirect actions result in increased carotid sinus nerve activity and enhanced sympathetic withdrawal for any given increase in mean arterial pressure.

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Loop diuretics

Class Summary

These agents inhibit electrolyte reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, thus promoting diuresis.

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Furosemide (Lasix)

 

Commonly used diuretic with moderate diuretic potency.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Sandy N Shah, DO, MBA, FACC, FACOI  Cardiologist

Sandy N Shah, DO, MBA, FACC, FACOI is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American College of Osteopathic Internists, and American Osteopathic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Alan D Forker, MD  Professor of Medicine, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine; Director, Outpatient Lipid Diabetes Research, MidAmerica Heart Institute of St Luke's Hospital

Alan D Forker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Society of Hypertension, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Research Grant Grant/research funds Hospital contracts to do research; I am a hospital employee with no personal profit; Speakers Bureau Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Frank M Sheridan, MD  Cardiology, Providence Everett Medical Center

Frank M Sheridan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Amer Suleman, MD  Private Practice

Amer Suleman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Institute of Stress, American Society of Hypertension, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Royal Society of Medicine, and Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Park W Willis IV, MD  Sarah Graham Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Park W Willis IV, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Echocardiography

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous coauthor Dawn M Calderon, DO to the development and writing of this article.

References

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