Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

What major neurodegenerative disorder is L-Dopa used in? What is the MOA of L-Dopa?

A

Parkinson’s
L-Dopa is able to cross the BBB - then converted into dopamine by aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase - allows the build up of dopamine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What disorder is Apomorphine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

It is a dopamine D2 agonist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What disorder is Rotigotine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Dopamine receptor agonist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What disorder is Cabergoline used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Long-acting dopamine receptor agonist - high affinity for D2 receptors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What disorder is Selegiline used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Monoamine Oxidase B inhibitor - stops the metabolism of dopamine and enhances its activity in the substantia nigra

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What disorder is Trihexyphenidyl used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Selective M1 muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist - partially blocks cholinergic activity in the CNS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What disorder is Orphenadrine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Antagonist of NMDA receptor; also a muscarinic anticholinergic receptor antagonist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are some of the side effects of trihexyphenidyl?

A

Mydriasis, dryness of mucous membranes and atonic bladder/bowel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What disorder is Procyclidine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Central muscarinic anticholinergic receptor antagonist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What disorder is Entacapone used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

Catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor - used to enhance the effects of L-Dopa (increase plasma levels of L-Dopa)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What disorder is Tolcapone used in? What is its MOA?

A

Parkinson’s

COMT inhibitor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What disorder is Tetrabenazine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Huntington’s

Vesicular amine transporter - depletes serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine and inhibits the transmission of these

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What movement disorder is Haloperidol used in? What is its MOA?

A

Huntington’s

Antidopaminergic/antipsychotic drug - affects the D2 receptors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What disorder is Olanzapine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Huntington’s

antidopaminergic/antipsychotic drug - antagonises d2 and 5HT2a receptors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What movement disorder is Imipramine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Huntington’s

Antidepressant (TCA) - inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What other conditions is Imipramine used in?

A

Depression and pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What movement disorder is Amitriptyline used in? What is its MOA?

A

Huntington’s

TCA - inhibits the uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What other conditions is Amitriptyline used in?

A

Depression

Neuropathic or cancer pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the side effects of amitriptyline?

A
Low BP
confusion 
convulsions
dilated pupils 
hallucinations
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What receptor/s does morphine act on?

A

mu-opioid receptors

also binds to and inhibits GABA inhibitory interneurones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What receptor/s does Pethidine act on?

A

Kappa-opiate receptors (agonist) - it inhibits the release of nociceptive neurotransmitters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What receptor/s does Fentanyl act on?

A

Mostly an agonist for mu-opioid receptors

Also binds to kappa and delta receptors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is methadone commonly used for and how does it work?

A

Synthetic opioid that is very similar to morphine (therefore mu agonist) and is used in opioid type drug dependency (such as heroin)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What receptor/s does Pentazocine act on?

A

Agonist at the kappa and sigma opioid receptors

weak antagonist action at the mu receptor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What receptor/s does Sufentanil act on?

A

binds to μ-opioid receptors

*works like other opioids by opening calcium-dependent potassium channels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the other name for paracetamol?

A

Acetaminophen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the MOA of paracetamol?

A

Reduces the active oxidised forms of COX-2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the other name for aspirin?

A

Acetylsalicylic acid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the MOA for aspirin?

A

Inhibits the COX1 and COX2 enzymes to decrease the formation of precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the MOA of Ibuprofen/diclofenac/ketoprofen?

A

Inhibits the COX1 and COX2 enzymes to decrease the formation of precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What conditions is Rofecoxib used in? What is the MOA?

A

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute pain

Inhibits COX-2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

How does codeine (like most opioids) act as an analgesic?

A

Codeine’s analgesic effects are most likely due to conversion to morphine

Opioids close N-type voltage-operated calcium channels and open calcium-dependent inwardly rectifying potassium channels = hyperpolarisation + reduced neuronal excitability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What condition/s is Carbamazepine used in?

A

Grand mal and psychomotor/focal seizures (epilepsy) and trigeminal neuralgia
**NOT used in absence seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the MOA of Carbamazepine?

A

inhibits sustained firing by blocking use-dependent sodium channels
Acts as an analgesic due to ability to block synaptic transmission in the trigeminal nucleus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What condition/s is sodium valproate used in?

A

Epilepsy - absence seizures, tonic clonic seizures (grand mal) and complex partial seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the MOA of sodium valproate?

A

inhibits sodium channels

inhibits GABA transaminase = increase in GABA (anticonvulsant)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What condition/s is Pregabalin used in?

A

Neuropathic pain, epilepsy, GAD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the MOA of Pregabalin?

A

Acts on the alpha2delta subunit of Ca2+ channels - inhibits release of monoamines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What condition/s is Duloxetine used in? What is its MOA?

A

Used for MDD, GAD and neuropathic pain

Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is Lignocaine/Lidocaine used for? What is its MOA?

A

Local anaesthetic and cardiac depressant (antiarrhythmia)

Stabilises the neuronal membrane by inhibiting ionic flux required for initiation and conduction of impulses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is Bupivacaine used for? What is its MOA?

A

Local or regional anaesthesia/anaesthetic

Blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses - increases the threshold for electrical activation in the nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What is Prilocaine used for? What is its MOA?

A

Local anaesthetic

acts of sodium channels on neuronal cell membranes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What is Phenytoin used for? What is its MOA?

A

Tonic-clonic/grand mal and complex partial seizures

Acts on sodium channels on neuronal cell membranes - limits the spread of seizure activity and reduces seizure propagation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is Lamotrigine used for?

A

Epilepsy and BPD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the MOA of Lamotrigine?

A

Inhibits voltage-sensitive sodium channels
Stabilises the neuronal membranes
Modulates presynaptic NT release of glutamate and aspartate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What other channel does Lamotrigine act on?

A

Ca2+ channels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is Topiramate used for?

A

Control of partial seizures and grand mal seizures

Can also be used for migraine prevention

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What is the MOA of Topiramate?

A

Blocks sodium channels
Augments GABAa
Inhibits glutamate AMPA/kainate signalling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What is Lacosamide used for? What is its MOA?

A

Adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures

Inhibits sodium channels

50
Q

What is Zonisamide used for? What is its MOA?

A

Adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures

Binds to sodium channels and voltage sensitive calcium channels, which suppresses neuronal depolarisation and hypersynchronisation

51
Q

What is Ethosuximide used for?

A

Absence seizures

52
Q

What type of channel does Ethosuximide act on?

A

T-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels

53
Q

What kind of drug is Clonazepam? What is its MOA?

A

Anticonvulsant

Allosteric interactions between central benzodiazepine receptors and GABA receptors
Potentiate the effects of GABA
Increases inhibition of ascending reticular activation system
This blocks cortical and limbic arousal

54
Q

What kind of drug is Phenobarbitone? What is its MOA?

A

Anticonvulsant

Acts on GABAa receptors
Increases synaptic inhibition
Elevates the seizure threshold and reduces the spread of seizure activity from a focus

(may also inhibit Ca2+ channels = decrease in excitatory NT release)

55
Q

What is Levetiracetam used for? What is its MOA?

A

Adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures + children with epilepsy

Thought to stimulate synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A)
Inhibits presynaptic Ca2+ channels
Reduces NT release

56
Q

What kind of drug is Tiagabine? What is its MOA?

A

Anticonvulsant

Targets the GAT-1 transporter
Reduces the removal of GABA from the synaptic cleft

57
Q

kind of drug is Vigabatrin? What is its MOA?

A

Anticonvulsant

Inhibits GABA transaminase
Increase in GABA

58
Q

What is Perampanel used for? What is its MOA?

A

Partial onset seizures that may/may not occur with generalised seizures

Non-competitive inhibitor of the AMPA receptor

59
Q

What is Felbamate used in? What is its MOA?

A

Severe epilepsy

Antagonist of NMDA receptor glycine binding site
May block the effect of the excitatory amino acids
Therefore suppress seizure activity

60
Q

What is Verapamil used for?

A

Cluster headaches
Angina
Hypertension

61
Q

What type of calcium channels does Verapamil act on? What effect does it have?

A

Blocks L-type calcium channels

This reduces ionotropy and chronotropy of the heart

62
Q

What is methysergide used for and what is its MOA?

A

Used prophylactically in migraine and in vascular headache.
Serotonin antagonist that acts on the CNS- directly stimulating smooth muscle leading to vasoconstriction.
5-HT2B antagonist

63
Q

What are triptans?

A

Class of migraine specific drugs

5-HT1D/B agonist

64
Q

What are CGRP monoclonal antibodies? and give examples

A

Class of migraine specific drugs
Antibody specifically against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as it’s been shown that CGRP levels increase during acute migraine attacks.
Examples include erenumab and fremanezumab (end in -mab)

65
Q

What are TCAs?

A

Tricyclic antidepressants
Prevent the reuptake of 5-HT and NA
Each drug has a different degree of selectivity for monoamines

66
Q

Why do TCAs have side effects

A

They have an affinity for H1, muscarinic and alpha 1+2 adrenoreceptors
Muscarinic -> dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation
adrenoreceptors -> postural hypotension

67
Q

Give examples of TCAs

A

Clomipramine
Desipramine
Nortriptyline
protryptyline

68
Q

What are phenelzine, tranylcypromine and iproniazid

A

Irreversible Monoamine oxidase inhibitors leading to elevated dopamine levels.
Non-selective between MAOa and MAOb so leads to increased tyramine levels from tyramine containing food (cheese effect) leading to high BP and headaches
used to treat Atypical depression (with anxiety, phobia and hypochondria)

69
Q

What is Moclobemide and why is it used

A

An antidepressant reversibile MAOI with an increased selectivity for MAOa
It is safer than irreversible MAOIs but with side effects of nausea, agitation and confusion

70
Q

What are SSRIs and give an example

A

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Have an increased selectivity for serotonin reuptake channels so has no anticholinergic activity. They are safe in overdose but have side effects of nausea, headaches GI problems. Can make symptoms of depression worse in the first few months.
Examples are citalopram (most selective), fluoxetine and paroxetine

71
Q

What is Venlafaxine used for and what class of drug is it

A

Used to treat depression. It is a serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)

72
Q

What is Reboxetine and what class is it

A

Used to treat depression. IT is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NARI)

73
Q

What is mirtazapine and what is its MOA

A

Used to treat depression. It is a Noradrenergic and specific seroternergic antidepressant (NaSSA). It Antagonises 5-HT2 and alpha2 adrenergic receptors

74
Q

What is Trazodone used for and what is its MOA

A

Used to treat depression. It is a Serotonin and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI). It mainly antagonises 5-HT2 receptors and also inhibits serotonin reuptake

75
Q

What is Agomelatine used for? What is it’s MOA? And why might it be preferred to other treatments?

A

Used to treat depression. It is an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and an antagonist at 5-HT2c receptors.
It has an onset of effect within the first week and has less sexual dysfunction than SSRIs. There is also no discontinuation syndrome

76
Q

What is the main treatment for Bipolar disorder and what are it’s side effects

A

Lithium salts. It’s exact MOA is unknown but is thought to be associated with glutamate. It’s side effects are thirst, nausea, fine tremor, polyuria, weight gain, oedema and acne.

77
Q

What is Disulfiram used for and how does it work

A

Used to treat chronic alcoholism. Irreversible inhibitor of aldehyde dehyrdogenase, an enzyme used in the metabolism of alcohol. This leads to an accumulation of alcetaldehyde giving symptoms of flushing, systemic vasodilation, respiratory difficulties, nausea and hypotension. Feels similar to a hangover.

78
Q

What is clonidine

A

Used to treat opiate withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal and nicotine dependancy along with many other things. It has a very complex MOA. It acts on alpha2 adrenoreceptors. In the CNS it acts to reduce blood pressure and reduce sympathetic overactivity

79
Q

What is naltrexone used for and what is its MOA

A

Alcohol dependence and potentially heroin addiction
It is an Opiate antagonist with highest affinity for the mu receptor but also acts at the kappa and delta receptors in the CNS

80
Q

What is Varenicline used for and what is it’s MOA

A

Used for smoking addiction
It is full agonist of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and alpha4beta2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist

81
Q

What is Donepezile used to treat and what is its MOA

A

Mild to moderate dementia/Alzheimer’s. It is an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. This increases Ach levels which can reduce anxiety, improve motivation, memory and concentration. However, this has mixed results on benefits for behavioural changes and has side effects off a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

82
Q

What is Galantamine used to treat and what is its MOA

A

Mild to moderate dementia/Alzheimer’s. It is an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. This increases Ach levels which can reduce anxiety, improve motivation, memory and concentration. However, this has mixed results on benefits for behavioural changes and has side effects off a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

83
Q

What is Rivastigmine used to treat and what is its MOA

A

Mild to moderate dementia/Alzheimer’s. It is an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. This increases Ach levels which can reduce anxiety, improve motivation, memory and concentration. However, this has mixed results on benefits for behavioural changes and has side effects off a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

84
Q

What is memantine used for and what side effects may be experienced

A

Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s for those that are intolerant to AChE inhibitors
Dizziness, headaches, tiredness and increased blood pressure

85
Q

What is the MOA of Memantine

A

An NMDA receptor antagonist
Reduces gutamate excitatory neurotoxicity and has a small benefit on slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms
(cognitive aggression, agitation and delusion)

86
Q

What is Tarenflurbil used for and what is it’s MOA

A

Mild Alzheimer’ s

Modulates the activity of Gamma-secretase so that synthesis of Abeta42 is replaced by Abeta38

87
Q

What type of drug is Chlorpromazine and what is it used for

A

Typical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

88
Q

What type of drug is Thioridazine and what is it used for

A

Typical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

89
Q

What type of drug is Fluphenazine and what is it used for

A

Typical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

90
Q

What type of drug is Haloperidol and what is it used for

A

Typical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

91
Q

What type of drug is Flupenthixol and what is it used for

A

Typical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

92
Q

What type of drug is Risperidone and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

93
Q

What type of drug is Olanzapine and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

94
Q

What type of drug is Clozapine and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

95
Q

What type of drug is Quetiapine and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

96
Q

What type of drug is Paliperidone and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

97
Q

What type of drug is Aripiprazole and what is it used for

A

Atypical antipsychotic

Schizophrenia

98
Q

What is the difference between typical and atypical antipsychotics

A

Both are dopaminergic, but atypical antipsychotics are also serotinergic resulting in less side effects

99
Q

What is the MOA of chlorpromazine and what side effects are common

A

Antagonist of postsynaptic dopamine receptors (D1 to D4) and serotonin receptors (5-HT1 and 5-HT2)
Extrapyramidal side effects include eight gain, a fall in BP, sedation and sexual dysfunction

100
Q

What is the MOA of Thoridazine and what are its side effects

A

Antagonist of post synaptic D1 and D2 receptors; blocks alpha adrenergic effect; depresses release of hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones
Side effects: Affects basal metabolism, body temperature, wakefulness, vasomotor tone and emesis

101
Q

What is the MOA of Fluphenazine and what are its side effects

A

Antagonist of post synaptic D1 and D2 receptors; depresses release of hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones
Side effects: Affects basal metabolism, body temperature, wakefulness, vasomotor tone and emesis

102
Q

What is the MOA of Haloperidol and what are it side effects

A

Competitively blocks post synaptic D2 receptors, eliminates domapne neurotransmission. Also has some effect on 5-HT2 and alpha1 receptors
Extrapyramidal side effects: weight gain, fall in BP, sedation, sexual dysfunction

103
Q

What is the MOA of Flupenthixol

A

Powerful antagonist of D1 and D2 receptors and alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist

104
Q

How do atypical antipsychotics affect symptoms

A

D2 antagonism alleviates positive symptoms whilst 5-HT2a antagonism alleviates negative symptoms

105
Q

What is the MOA of Risperidone

A

Inhibits D2 and 5-HT2a receptors.

Antagonist of alpha1 and 2 receptors and H1 receptors

106
Q

What is the MOA of Clozapine and what is it’s main side effect

A

Antagonist of D2 and 5HT2a receptors as well as D4 receptor

Weakens the immune system and causes agranulocytosis

107
Q

what is the drug of choice in refractory schizophrenia

A

Clozapine

108
Q

What is Zolpidem used for, whats its MOA and how long does it last

A

persistent vegetative state (and chronic insomnia)
Indirect GABAa receptor agonist - thought to cause thalamocortical overactivity although there is only anecdotal evidence. Has only lasted 4 hours in anecdotal evidence

109
Q

What is Lorazepam

A

Benzodiazepine

110
Q

What is Temazepam

A

Benzodiazepine

111
Q

What is Alprazolam

A

Benzodiazepine

112
Q

What are Benzodiazepines used for and what are their MOA

A

Anxiolytic and Insomnia
Binds to the postsynaptic receptors in the GABAa ligand gated chloride channel causing a flow of chlorine into the cell resulting in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation of the plasma membrane

113
Q

What is Eszopiclone used for and what is its MOA

A

Anxiolytic

Thought to act on the benzodiazepine receptors as an agonist and interacts with GABA receptor complexes

114
Q

What is Suvorexant used for and what is its MOA

A

Anxiolytic and insomnia
Selective dual agonist of orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R. It causes a decrease in arousal and wakefulness resulting in indirect sleep promotion

115
Q

What is Buspirone used for and what is its MOA

A

Anxiolytic
Binds to 5-HT1a receptors on presynaptic neurones in the dorsal raphe and postsynaptic in the hippocampus. It binds to D2 receptors
May have indirect effects on other NT symptoms

116
Q

What is Ipsapirone used for and what is its MOA

A

Anxiolytic

Partial agonist of 5-HT1a

117
Q

What is Natalizumab used for and what is its MOA

A

Multiple sclerosis
Binds to alpha4 subunit of integrins expressed on the surface of all leukocytes - prevents immune cells crossing blood vessel walls and causing inflammation

118
Q

What is Alemtuzumab used for and what is its MOA

A

Multiple sclerosis

Binds to CD52 antigen preset on most B and T cells

119
Q

What is Mitoxantrone used for and what is its MOA

A

Used in worsening Relapsed Remitting Multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Inhibit B cell, T cell and macrophage proliferation and impairs antigen to reduce inflammation

120
Q

What is Fingolimod used for and what is its MOA

A

Used in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator; therapeutic effect may be due to reduction of lymphocyte migration into the CNS