Drug Pharmacology Flashcards
Adrenaline
Drug class:
Sympathomimetic
Pharmacology:
Adrenaline is a naturally occurring catecholamine which primarily acts on Alpha and Beta adrenergic receptors. The actions of those receptors cause an increase in heart rate, increase in the force of myocardial contraction, increase in the irritability of the ventricles, bronchodilation, and peripheral vasoconstriction.
Metabolism:
The majority of circulating adrenaline is metabolised by sympathetic nerve endings. It is subject to the process of mitochondrial enzymatic breakdown by monoamine oxidase at the synaptic level.
Amiodarone
Drug class:
Anti-arrhythmic
Pharmacology:
Amiodarone prolongs the duration of the action potential and therefore the refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissues. It also reduces conduction across all cardiac tissue – including myocardial and conducting system cells. Amiodarone demonstrates electrophysiological proprieties across all Vaughan-Williams Class groups, which enables a broad spectrum of activity.
Metabolism:
The majority of Amiodarone is excreted via the liver and GI tract by biliary excretion; there may be some hepatic recirculation.
Aspirin
Drug class:
Antiplatelet
Pharmacology:
Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase, reducing the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (an inducer of platelet aggregation) for the life of the platelet. This action forms the basis of preventing platelets from aggregating to exposed collagen fibres at the site of vascular injury.
Metabolism:
Aspirin is converted to salicyclic acid in many tissues, but primarily in the GI mucosa and liver. It is subsequently excreted by the kidneys.
Atropine
Drug class:
Antichlolinergic (antimuscarinic)
Pharmacology:
Atropine works by inhibiting the action of the parasympathetic nervous system allowing for an unchallenged sympathetic response. It successfully blocks the action of the vagus nerve of the heart, increases the rate of the SA node, conduction through the AV node and blocks exocrine gland activity.
Metabolism:
Atropine is metabolised by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidneys.
Calcium Gluconate 10%
Drug class:
Electrolyte
Pharmacology:
Calcium plays an integral role in the muscular and neural systems. It is involved in skeletal muscle contraction, excitation coupling in cardiac and smooth muscle and acts as an intracellular 2nd messenger. These effects combine to exert a positive inotropic effect in the post cardiac arrest patient. It additionally has a role in cardiac membrane stabilisation in hyperkalaemia.
Metabolism:
Most of the calcium filtered by the renal glomeruli is reabsorbed; the remainder is excreted in faeces.
Ceftriaxone
Drug class:
Antibiotic
Pharmacology:
Ceftriaxone is a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a bactericidal action.
Metabolism:
Ceftriaxone is excreted as a variety of active and inactive metabolites from the body through urine, bile and faeces.
Fentanyl
Drug class:
Narcotic analgesic
Pharmacology:
Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic analgesic that acts on the central nervous system by binding with the opioid receptors.
Metabolism:
Hepatic metabolism and renal excretion
Frusemide
Drug class:
Loop diuretic
Pharmacology:
Frusemide is a potent loop diuretic that acts by inhibiting sodium and chloride absorption in the ascending Loop of Henle (proximal and distal tubules).
Metabolism:
The majority of parenteral Frusemide is excreted in the urine within 24 hours; the remainder is excreted in the faeces.
Gastrolyte
Drug class:
Rehydration electrolyte
Pharmacology:
Gastrolyte contains a balanced amount of electrolytes, starch and proteins in water. Oral hydration therapy with Gastrolyte enables a patient to be rehydrated rapidly. The presence of pre-cooked rice in the formulation enables watery stools to return to normal more rapidly. Contains Phenylalanine (aspartame).
Metabolism:
Gastrolyte
Glucagon
Drug class:
Hyperglycaemic
Pharmacology:
Glucagon is a hyperglycaemic agent that mobilises hepatic glycogen, which is released into the blood as glucose.
Metabolism:
Glucagon is metabolised by the liver, kidneys and in the plasma.
Glucose 5%
Drug class:
Pharmacological dilutant
Pharmacology:
Glucose is a sugar that is the principal energy source for body cells, especially the brain.
Metabolism:
Broken down in most tissues and distributed throughout total body water.
Glucose 10%
Drug class:
Hyperglycaemic
Pharmacology:
Glucose is a sugar that is the principal energy source for body cells, especially the brain.
Metabolism:
Broken down in most tissues and distributed throughout total body water.
Glucose gel
Drug class:
Hyperglycaemic
Pharmacology:
Glucose gel is a form of pure glucose that is absorbed quickly in the intestinal tract after ingestion. It is the principal energy source for body cells especially the brain.
Metabolism:
Glucose is broken down in most tissues and distributed throughout total body water.
Glyceryl Trinitrate
Drug class:
Vasodilator
Pharmacology: Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a potent vasodilator that decreases preload by increasing venous capacity, pooling venous blood in the peripheral veins, reducing ventricular filling pressure and decreasing arterial blood pressure (after load). Because of this cascade it also causes vasodilation in coronary arteries that are in spasm and may assist the redistribution of blood flow along the collateral channels in the heart.
Metabolism:
GTN is readily absorbed and metabolised by the liver.
Hydrocortisone
Drug class:
Corticosteroid
Pharmacology:
Hydrocortisone is an adrenocortical steroid that produces an anti- inflammatory process. This inhibits the accumulation of inflammatory cells at inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme release and synthesis and/or release of mediators of inflammation. Additionally, it prevents and suppresses cell mediated immune reactions.
Metabolism:
Hepatic.
