Which drug is identified as a nitrate?

Isosorbide is identified as a nitrate because it belongs to a class of medications known for their ability to dilate blood vessels, specifically through the release of nitric oxide. Nitrates, including isosorbide, are primarily used in the treatment of angina pectoris, which is chest pain resulting from inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

The mechanism of action of nitrates involves the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to a decrease in myocardial oxygen demand by reducing preload (the amount of blood returning to the heart). Additionally, they can improve blood flow to the heart muscle itself by dilating coronary arteries. This makes isosorbide an essential choice among antianginal agents.

In contrast, options like Nicardipine and Amlodipine are calcium channel blockers, which work by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, thereby reducing contractility and causing vasodilation. Metoprolol, on the other hand, is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand but does not exert the same direct vasodilatory effect as nitrates do. Therefore, the characteristic actions and chemical composition of isosorbide clearly identify it as a nitrate.