All Drugs + MOA + Examples only

Question 1

Β-lactam Antibiotics (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 1

Ex. Penicillins
Inhibit synthesis of bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall

Question 2

Macrolides (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 2

Ex. Azithromycin
Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding reversibly to 50S bacterial ribosome subunit

Question 3

Aminoglycosides (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 3

Eg. Gentamicin
Interfere with bacteria protein synthesis by binding irreversibly to 30S and 50S bacterial ribosome subunit. This creates fissures in bacteria outer membrane -> defective bacterial cell membrane

Question 4

Tetracyclines (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 4

Eg. Doxycycline
Inhibit bacteria protein synthesis by binding reversibly to 30S bacterial ribosome subunit. May also cause changes to cytoplasmic membrane

Question 5

Sulfonamides (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 5

Eg. Sulfamethoxazole
Interfere with folic acid synthesis (important for proteins) by inhibiting dihydropteroate synthetase + preventing addition of PABA into folic acid

Question 6

Quinolones (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 6

Eg. Ciprofloxacin
Inhibit DNA gyrase/topoisomerase -> inhibit relaxation of supercoiled DNA -> inhibit DNA replication

Question 7

Glycopeptides (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 7

Eg. Vancomycin
Binds to D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units ->inhibit cell wall formation in gram positive bacteria

Question 8

Oxazolidinone (ex + mechanism of action)

Answer 8

Eg. Linezolid
Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to P site of 50s ribosomal subunits

Question 9

MOA and an example of alkylating agents

Answer 9

Bind DNA by creating covalent bonds → cross-link DNA → prevent unwinding of DNA molecule → less protein synthesis

Cyclophosphamide, melphalan

Question 10

MOA and an example of Epipodophyllotoxins

Answer 10

Inhibit topoisomerase II (responsible for DNA breaks) → inhibit DNA synthesis

Etoposide

Question 11

MOA and an example of Taxanes

Answer 11

Promote assembly and stabilization of microtubules → inhibit cell replication

May inhibit angiogenesis (blood vessel formation that cancer can use to spread throughout the body)

Docetaxel

Question 12

MOA and an example of Antimetabolites

Answer 12

Resemble naturally occurring nuclear structural components (eg. nucleotide bases) → incorporate into DNA/RNA → inhibit function/synthesis

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Question 13

MOA and an example of Anti-tumor Antibiotics

Answer 13

Insert b/w DNA base pairs → uncoil DNA helix→ inhibit DNA/RNA synthesis. May also inhibit polymerase

Doxorubicin

Question 14

MOA and an example of Alkylating Agent + Anti-tumour Antibiotic

Answer 14

Undergoes spontaneous decomposition → reactive methylcarbonium ions → alkylate DNA → interstrand cross links → inhibit mitosis

Streptozocin

Question 15

MOA and an example of Camptothecins

Answer 15

Bind topoisomerase I (responsible for reversible, single-strand DNA breaks during DNA replication) → prevent religation of DNA strand → cell death

Irinotecan

Question 16

MOA and an example of Vinca Alkaloids

Answer 16

Prevent polymerization of tubulin to form microtubules + depolymerizes formed tubules → inhibit mitosis

Vincristine

Question 17

MOA of Immunotherapy

Answer 17

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - Take ‘brakes’ off immune system → helps it to recognize & attack cancer cells

Question 18

An example of Targeted Therapy

Answer 18

Monocolonal Antibodies target a receptor

Ex. Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Anti-HER2

Question 19

An example of Endocrine Therapy

Answer 19

Aromatase Inhibitors: Letrozole

Question 20

What is the MOA of Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors? Give an example and its side effects

Answer 20

It inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which blocks the production of angiotensin II. This decreases the constriction of arteries and veins, aldosterone secretion, renal Na+ reabsorption, and SNS activity

Ex. captopril

May cause dry cough, hyperkalemia (too much K+ in blood), angioedema

Question 21

What is the MOA of Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)? Give an example and its side effects

Answer 21

Prevents the action of angiotensin II by blocking the AT1 receptors. The effects are similar to ACE inhibitors

Ex. Losartan

May cause dizziness and hyperkalemia. Lower risk of cough and angioedema (swelling beneath the skin due to fluid buildup)

Question 22

What is the MOA of thiazide diuretics? Give the 2 subtypes, an example of each, and its side effects

Answer 22

Prevents reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the distal tubule by inhibiting the Na+/Cl- co-transporter. Because of this, kidneys excrete more Na+ and water, which reduced blood volume and cardiac output. It can also reduce peripheral resistance

Thiazide-type: hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide-like: chlorthalidone

May cause hypokalemia, hyperuricemia (increased risk of gout), and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)

Question 23

What is the MOA of calcium channel blockers (CCBs)? Give the 3 subtypes, an example of each, and its side effects

Answer 23

Inhibits Ca2+ channels to reduce Ca2+ influx into vascular smooth muscle cells and/or myocardial cells. It decreases the constriction of arteries, heart rate, and cardiac contractility

Dihydropyridines: amlodipine
Phenylalkylamines: verapamil
Benzothiazepenines: diltiazem

Dihydropyridines:
-headaches
-flushing
-peripheral edema (leg swelling due to retention of fluid in leg tissues

Non-dihydropyridines:
-bradycardia (abnormal heart rhythm - beats very slowly)
-constipation