Core drugs - abbreviations

Question 1

what is 5-HT3, give 2 related drug classes

Answer 1

5-HT3: 5-Hydroxytryptamine
5-HT or Serotonin is biosynthesized from tryptophan amino acid.
SSRIs (Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
SNRIs (Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)

Question 2

what is ACE (and 3 examples)

Answer 2

ACE: Angiotensin converting enzyme
ACE inhibtors: prevent it converting angiotensin I to its active form angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor); decrease aldosterone secretion (angiotension II would increase aldosterone therefore ACE inhibitors also increase natriuresis)
(Inhibiting Drug examples) Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril

Question 3

what is ADP

Answer 3

ADP: Adenosine diphosphate
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is a platelet agonist that is stored in platelet-dense granules. When a platelet is activated, ADP is released and binds to platelet surface receptors, thus recruiting additional platelets to form a platelet plug. (e.g. antiplatelets Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel)

Question 4

what is COMT, name two drugs that inhibit and their purpose

Answer 4

COMT: Catechol-O-methyltransferase
Entacapone (and tolcapone) is a COMT inhibitor used as an antiparkinsonian they prevent peripheral degradation of levodopa, allowing a higher concentration to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Question 5

what is COX - what mechanisms are relevant to this (name 4 similar drugs and one with a difference)

Answer 5

COX: Cyclooxygenase
PGs by COX-1: homeostatic functions (constitutive)
PGs by COX-2: mediate pain and inflammation (inducible)
COX non selective inhibitors Aspirin, Diclofenac*, Ibuprofen, Naproxen
COX2 inhibitor Etoricoxib

Question 6

what is D2? name two receptor antagonists

Answer 6

D2: Dopamine receptor 2
D2 receptor antagonists: Metoclopramide*, Haloperidol - antiemetics (Haloperidol is also an anti-psychotic, but not 1st line)

Question 7

what is DAA

Answer 7

DAA: Direct acting Antivirals - eg for hep c

Question 8

what is DOAC, give examples

Answer 8

DOAC: Direct Oral anticoagulant
-Factor Xa inhibitors e.g. Edoxaban , Apixaban, Rivaroxaban (also linked: fondaparinux IV/SC)
-Thrombin inhibitors e.g. Dapigatran
These are superseding Warfarin in many cases as anticoagulation therapies

Question 9

what is DPP4, name two drugs and how they modulate and why

Answer 9

DPP4: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (inhibitors = “gliptins”)
DIABETES
DPP-4 inhibitors block enzyme DPP-4, which lowers incretin. Incretins (hormones) are released throughout the day and increase at mealtimes. Incretins boost insulin and reduce unessecary glucose production by liver. Incretins also slow GI
DPP4 inhibitors Linagliptin, Sitagliptin

Question 10

what is GABA, give some examples of drugs that use this and why

Answer 10

GABA: Gamma aminobutyric acid
an amino acid that serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.
Drugs from many cases work via GABAr e.g. barbiturates(sedative), valproate(mood stabiliser), propofol(sedative), gabapentin(neuropathic analgesic)

Question 11

what is GLP-1 and how is it used (name an example drug)

Answer 11

GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1
Antidiabetic,, appetite suppressant, weight loss
(GLP-1) receptor agonists bind and activate the GLP-1 receptor, enhancing insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying.
agonist drugs: Dulaglutide, Exenatide, (semaglutide, liraglutide)

Question 12

what is H1,name two related subtypes and some drugs (3-5)

Answer 12

H1: Histamine receptor 1
H1 receptor blockers (antihistamines) Chlorphenamine, Cetirizine, Cyclizine, Loratadine, Promethazine

H-1 receptors : allergies and allergic rhinitis.
H-2 receptors : upper gastrointestinal conditions that are caused by excessive stomach acid.

Question 13

what is IL-6 & give drug link example

Answer 13

IL-6: Interleukin 6
Pro-inflammatory cytokine
Inhibitor:Tocilizumab (rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis JIA, but also. used in severe Covid)

Question 14

what is LTRAand give linked drug and condition

Answer 14

LTRA: Leukotriene receptor antagonists - “add on” therapies for poorly controlled or exercise induced asthma
Montelukast
Leukotrienes are part of asthma inflammatory pathway, cause bronchoconstriction and increase vascular permeability causing swelling, increased mucus production

Question 15

what is MAOand give drug link and purpose

Answer 15

MAO: Monoamine oxidase
MAOi - old anti-depressant with more side-effects and restrictions than current 1st line
MAO A enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and tyramine.
MAO B only does dopamine (rasagiline - parkinsons)

Question 16

what is NMDA

Answer 16

NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate - receptor for glutamate (excitatory)
NMDA receptor antagonist (Memantine - anti-parkinsonian), ketamine and N2O, nitrous oxide (highs)

Question 17

what is NSAID

Answer 17

NSAID: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Question 18

what is PTH

Answer 18

PTH: Parathyroid hormones

Question 19

what is SGLT2

Answer 19

SGLT2: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2
inhibition: redces renal tubular glucose reabsorption, producing a reduction in blood glucose without stimulating insulin release.
inhibitors:Dapagliflozin* “pee a donut”

Question 20

what is SNRI

Answer 20

SNRI: Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor

inhibit the presynaptic neuronal uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and prolong the effects of the monoamines in the synaptic cleft within the central nervous system

Duloxetine, Venlafaxine

Question 21

what is SSRI - name 3 drugs and a serious side effect

Answer 21

SSRI: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
1st line antidepressants, inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin activity. Significant side effect risk: transient increased risk of suicide
Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline

Question 22

what is TNF-α? Name related two drugs and their role

Answer 22

TNF-α: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Acute inflammatory cytokines
Immunosuppressants, monoclonals against: Infliximab*, Adalimumab