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Comprehensive Pharmacology
Study Guide
Pharmacology Exam Study Guide
Medication Suffixes and Classifications
Medications with the suffix '-olol' typically belong to the class of Beta Blockers. Medications with the suffix 'epam' typically belong to the class of Benzodiazepines. Medications with the suffix '-setron' typically belong to the class of 5- HT3 Antagonists. Medications with the suffix '-statin' typically belong to the class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Medications with the suffix '-mab' typically belong to the class of Monoclonal antibodies. Medications with the suffix '-pril' typically belong to the class of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Medication Concepts
Loading Dose : A large initial dose used when immediate drug response is desired. Tachyphylaxis : A rapid decrease in response to a drug. SMART Goal : Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed.
Cholinergic and Adrenergic Drug Effects
Cholinergic drugs affect the body in the following ways: - Eyes: Constrict pupils - Lungs: Constrict bronchioles and increase secretions - Heart: Decrease heart rate - Blood Vessels: Dilate blood vessels - GI system: Increase peristalsis - Bladder: Constrict bladder - Salivary Gland: Increase salivation
Adrenergic drugs affect the body in the following ways: - Eyes: Dilate pupils
- Lungs: Dilate bronchioles - Heart: Increase heart rate - Blood Vessels: Constrict blood vessels - GI system: Relax GI activity - Bladder: Relax bladder - Uterus: Relax uterine muscle - Salivary Gland: Decrease salivation
Adrenergic drugs stimulate the Sympathetic Nervous System, also known as the 'Fight or Flight' system. Cholinergic drugs stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System, also known as the 'Rest and Digest' system.
Medication Administration and Adverse Effects
Infiltration : When medication leaks into the surrounding tissue rather than into the vein. Suffix '-olytic' : Blocking or 'Anti-'. Adverse Effects of Atropine (an Anti-Cholinergic) : Can't see, can't spit, can't pee, can't poop.
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates : Sedative-Hypnotics, also known as 'Downers'. Medications with the suffix '-barbital' belong to this class. Antidote for Barbiturate Toxicity : Activated charcoal. Indications for Barbiturates : Epilepsy, inability to sleep. Benzodiazepines : Anti-Anxiety and Hypnotics, also known as 'Downers'. Medications with the suffix '-am' belong to this class. How Benzodiazepines Work : By keeping GABA (the body's natural anti-anxiety neurotransmitter) going. Antidote for Benzodiazepine Toxicity : Romazicon (flumazenil). Caution should be taken when administering Romazicon, as it is highly irritating to veins and can cause extravasation (leakage outside the intended area).
Other Medication Classes and Considerations
Phenytoin : Anti-Seizure medication, also known as Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) : Restriction on foods containing tyramine to avoid hypertensive crisis. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (with Anti-Psychotics) : Symptoms include muscle rigidity, sudden high fever, blood pressure fluctuations, tachycardia, altered mental status, seizures, and potential respiratory failure or coma. Treatment includes immediately stopping the anti-psychotic, hydration, cooling, antipyretics, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants. Controlled Substances (I, II, III, IV, V) : Rated from most addictive (I) to least addictive (V). Opiates : Adverse effects include hypotension, constipation, and urinary retention. The antidote for opiate overdose is naloxone. Acetaminophen (APAP) Overdose : The antidote is Mucomyst. Steroid Therapy Adverse Effects : Hyperglycemia, fluid retention, hypokalemia, GI irritation, bleeding tendencies, osteoporosis, adrenal atrophy, muscle wasting, and Cushing's syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome : Symptoms include agitation, confusion, fever, and rigidity. SSRI Risks : Slow therapeutic effect, tremors before positive effects, and potential serotonin syndrome. Suffix '-ine' : Indicates antidepressants and SSRIs, which have anti- cholinergic effects.
