applying PD/PK theory to exemplar drugs-psychoactive drugs 2; stimulants Flashcards
why do individual “abuse” these drugs?
they induce a euphoric “high” in the brain
what is the route of administration that is associated with the lowest speed of onset?
inhalation –> 1.5min
where do nicotine and cocaine get metabolised?
liver
what are the enzymes involved in the metabolism of nicotine and cocaine?
cocaine–>cholinesterase enzymes or plasma enzymes
nicotine–>cytochrome p450
do nicotine and cocaine have active metabolites?
no
what is the half life of cocaine? nicotine?
cocaine–> 20-90min
nicotine–>1-3h
what is the most powerfully addictive drug?
“crack” cocaine
is nicotine more selective that cocaine? why?
yes because it has a specific receptor
can cocaine bind to different target?
yes
what are the main targets for cocaine?
catecholamine reuptake proteins and sodium channels
what effect does cocaine have on catecholamine reuptake?
inhibitory effect
what is the effect of cocaine of dopamine?
since cocaine inhibits the effect on reuptake proteins, dopamine stay on the receptor for much longer and the dopamine effect stay for much longer
what is the receptor of nicotine? what role does it have?
nicotinic acetylcholine receptor–>key component of the autonomic nervous system but can also be found in the somatic system
where can we find the nicotinic receptor?
on the post-ganglionic neuron in the autonomic system
on the skeletal muscle in the somatic nervous system
what effect does nicotine and cocaine have on the cardiovascular function?
increase HR and increase vasoconstriction within blood vessels
