Antireumaticos Flashcards
What is the main purpose of antirheumatic drugs?
To treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovium (synovitis).
What does FAME stand for?
Fármacos Antirreumáticos Modificadores de la Enfermedad
This refers to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Name the first-line treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Symptomatic treatments (NSAIDs, glucocorticoids)
- Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biological agents
NSAIDs and glucocorticoids are used for immediate symptom relief.
What is methotrexate used for in the context of RA?
It is an antagonist of folic acid that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase
Methotrexate is used in RA treatment but is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What are the side effects of methotrexate?
- Mucosal ulceration
- Nausea
- Cytopenia
- Cirrhosis
Liver function should be evaluated regularly.
What is the mechanism of action of hydroxychloroquine?
Inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, leukocyte chemotaxis, and phospholipase A2
It is used for early or mild RA.
List the side effects of hydroxychloroquine.
- Ocular toxicity
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Central nervous system alterations
- Skin discoloration and rashes
Ocular toxicity can lead to irreversible retinal damage.
What is the role of leflunomide in RA treatment?
Inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH)
This action prevents the production of autoantibodies by lymphocytes.
True or False: Leflunomide is safe to use during pregnancy.
False
Leflunomide is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What are the side effects of leflunomide?
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rash
- Alopecia
- Hepatotoxicity
Leflunomide has multiple adverse effects that need monitoring.
What is the primary function of NSAIDs in RA treatment?
Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
Examples include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and celecoxib.
What are the side effects associated with NSAIDs?
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Ulcers
- Hepatic damage
- Prothrombotic effects (especially COX-2 inhibitors)
Patients should be monitored for these complications.
What are glucocorticoids used for in RA?
Potent anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressors
Common examples include prednisone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone.
What is the mechanism of action of JAK inhibitors?
Inhibit Janus kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2)
This blocks cellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation.
List the side effects of JAK inhibitors.
- Risk of anemia
- Neoplasms
- Infections
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis
- Hypertension
Regular monitoring of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and neutrophils is necessary.