Drug Synergy Flashcards
What is selective toxicity?
This is where a drug will selectively target infective agents/tumours and sparse healthy human cells.
How does ritonavir change the pharmokinetics of other anti-HIV drugs?
It inhibits CYP3A4 (which metabolises the protease inhibitor lopinavir) to enhance its efficacy, improved the dosing regimen and reduce the resistance
What is the mechanism of action of the new anti-Hep C drug Sofosbuvir?
Nucleotide inhibitor of NS5B - an RNA-dependent, RNA polymerase
How does penicillin synergise with gentamicin?
It damages the cell wall allowing gentamicin to enter the bacteria and block protein synthesis
How does amphotericin synergise with flucytosine?
It adrupts the fungal membrane (by targeting ergosterol) allowing flucytosine to enter and disrupt DNA synthesis
What are some targets of immunosuppressants?
Calcineurin inhibitors to block IL-2 production required for T cell proliferation (cyclosporine)
IL-2 receptor antagonist to block T cell proliferation
