EFFECTS OF DRUGS USED FOR CARDIAC DISEASES ON LUNGS

Abstract

Many drugs used to treat cardiac diseases can directly or indirectly alter lung function. Their effects may either be irreversible, partially reversible or totally reversible depending upon type of drug, its mechanism of action and duration of usage. Their effect may be apparent within hours, days, weeks, months or even after years depending upon mechanism of action of drug and individual variability and susceptibility. Drug reactions may present to the clinician as a syndrome and several drugs may produce different syndromes in different subjects.