Deja Ch 5 Neuropharma Flashcards
What amino acid derivative serves as the central nervous system’s (CNS) inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
What are the effects of benzodiazepines and barbiturates on the CNS?
Dose-dependent CNS depression
What are the different levels of CNS depression?
Anxiolysis, sedation, hypnosis, medullary depression, coma, and death
What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Increased frequency of GABAergic chloride ion conductance
What is the mechanism of action of barbiturates?
Increased duration of GABAergic chloride ion conductance
Why are benzodiazepines generally safer than barbiturates?
Barbiturate overdose is lethal, whereas benzodiazepines exhibit indirect inhibition of the GABAA at high doses.
What pharmacokinetic properties determine the clinical utility of specific benzodiazepines and barbiturates?
Duration of onset and duration of action
Why are alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam the preferred benzodiazepines used in the treatment of anxiety disorders?
Intermediate to long duration of action
What non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic is used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder?
Buspirone, a serotonin-1A receptor partial agonist
What benefits does buspirone offer compared to benzodiazepine anxiolytics?
Minimal side effects and decreased potential for tolerance, dependence, and abuse
What benzodiazepine, marketed under the trade name Librium, is often used to treat severe alcohol withdrawal?
Chlordiazepoxide
Why is chlordiazepoxide preferred in the treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal?
Long duration of action and parenteral administration
What benefits does oxazepam offer compared to chlordiazepoxide in the treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal?
Renal elimination; and can be used in severe hepatic dysfunction
Why are diazepam and lorazepam preferred in the treatment of status epilepticus?
Rapid onset and parenteral administration
Why is the phenobarbital the preferred barbiturate in the maintenance treatment of seizure disorders?
Long duration of action
Why are oxazepam, temazepam, and triazolam the preferred benzodiazepines used in the acute treatment of insomnia?
Short duration of action
What benzodiazepine and barbiturate are used in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia?
Midazolam (shortest duration of action benzodiazepine) and thiopental (short duration of action barbiturate)
What peptides are the endogenous opioids of the CNS?
β-endorphin, dynorphin, and enkephalin
What CNS receptors are preferentially activated by β-endorphin, dynorphin, and enkephalin?
μ-, κ-, and δ-opioid receptors, respectively
What are the effects of opioids on the CNS?
Analgesia, euphoria, sedation, and respiratory depression
What are the clinical indications for administration of opioids?
Analgesia, anesthesia, pulmonary edema, cough suppression, and diarrhea
Why are opioids contraindicated in pulmonary dysfunction other than pulmonary edema?
Opioids depress respiratory drive.
Why are opioids contraindicated in states of increased intracranial pressure?
Opioids increase cerebrovascular dilation.
What are common side effects of opioids?
Respiratory depression, constipation, miosis, hypotension, and bradycardia