NO donors

NO donors are a group of drugs that release nitric oxide (NO) in a non-enzymatic or enzymatic reaction in vascular smooth muscles . Activation of guanylate cyclase converts GTP into cGMP, which has a vasodilating effect. Applications are the heart attack - prevention and angina pectoris , and in case of failure or contraindications of first-line therapy, the heart failure and arterial hypertension .

Examples of enzymatic NO donors are glycerol trinitrate (nitroglycerine) , isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) or isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), for non-enzymatic NO donors sodium nitroprusside and molsidomine . Nitroglycerins, which can be administered either sublingually (Nitrolingual), transdermally (Nitroderm) or intravenously, are often used, especially for emergencies.

A limitation of therapy for enzymatically activated active ingredients is the long-term use due to habituation. The mechanism underlying the development of tolerance has not been conclusively clarified.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Ernst Mutschler: Mutschler drug effects: textbook of pharmacology and toxicology . 10th edition. Knowledge Verl.-Ges., Stuttgart 2013, ISBN 978-3-8047-2898-1 .

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