EXAM 1 - Drug Cards Flashcards
1
Q
Benzodiazepines are?
A
Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that work by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Think of them as the brain’s “brakes”—they slow down overactive nerve signals.
2
Q
Benzodiazepines Common Drugs
A
Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium)
3
Q
Benzodiazepines MOA
A
Enhance GABA activity, leading to CNS depression
4
Q
Benzodiazepines Therapeutic Uses
A
Anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms
5
Q
Benzodiazepines Adverse Effects
A
Sedation, dizziness, respiratory depression, dependence
6
Q
Benzodiazepines Contraindications
A
Glaucoma, pregnancy, CNS depression, substance abuse history
7
Q
Benzodiazepines Nursing Consideration
A
Monitor respiratory status, fall risk, avoid alcohol, taper dose
8
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics are?
A
Atypical anxiolytics are medications used to treat anxiety but do not belong to the benzodiazepine class. They have low abuse potential, cause less sedation, and lack muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant properties.
9
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics Common Drugs
A
Buspirone (generic only; brand BuSpar is discontinued)
10
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics MOA
A
Partial agonist at serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors; also affects dopamine receptors.
11
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics Therapeutic Uses
A
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), long-term anxiety management.
12
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics Adverse Effects
A
Dizziness, headache, nausea, agitation, lightheadedness.
13
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics Contraindications
A
Avoid MAOIs, use caution in liver/kidney impairment, avoid grapefruit juice.
14
Q
Atypical Anxiolytics Nursing Consideration
A
Not for acute panic; takes 1–2 weeks to start working; no dependence or withdrawal risk; educate about consistent use.
15
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) are?
A
First-generation H1 receptor antagonists are antihistamines that block histamine (H1) receptors, preventing histamine from binding and triggering symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and rash.
16
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) Common Drugs
A
Promethazine (Phenergan), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
17
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen MOA
A
Block H1 receptors, causing sedation and anticholinergic effects
18
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) Therapeutic Uses
A
Allergies, motion sickness, nausea, insomnia
19
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) Adverse Effects
A
Drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion, urinary retention
20
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) Contraindications
A
Glaucoma, asthma, BPH, age <2 (Promethazine)
21
Q
Antihistamines (1st Gen) Nursing Consideration
A
Use fall precautions, avoid CNS depressants, monitor elderly
22
Q
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are?
A
TCAs are an older class of antidepressants that increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake.
They also have anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and sedative effects.
23
Q
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Common Drugs
A
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
24
Q
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) MOA
A
Inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
25
Tricyclic Antidepressants Therapeutic Uses
Depression, neuropathic pain, insomnia
26
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Adverse Effects
Sedation, anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, cardiotoxicity
27
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Contraindications
Recent MI, seizure disorders, suicidal ideation
28
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Nursing Consideration
Monitor ECG, assess suicide risk, use fall precautions
29
MOA Inhibitors (MAOIs) are?
Last-resort antidepressants due to dangerous interactions.
30
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) Common Drugs
Phenelzine (Nardil)
31
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) MOA
Inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
32
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) Therapeutic Uses
Depression, bulimia, panic disorder
33
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) Adverse Effects
Hypertensive crisis (with tyramine), CNS stimulation
34
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) Contraindications
Tyramine foods, SSRIs, TCAs, ephedrine, amphetamines
35
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) Nursing Consideration
Teach dietary restrictions, monitor BP, allow 14-day washout
36
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are?
First-line antidepressants with fewer side effects than TCAs or MAOIs.
37
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Common Drugs
Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro)
38
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) MOA
Inhibit serotonin reuptake
39
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Therapeutic Uses
Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder
40
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Adverse Effects
Sexual dysfunction, insomnia, weight changes, serotonin syndrome
41
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Contraindications
MAOIs, St. John's Wort, seizure disorders
42
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Nursing Consideration
Assess suicide risk, taper slowly, educate about delayed onset
43
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are?
Dual-action antidepressants that affect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
44
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) Common Drugs
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
45
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) MOA
Block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
46
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) Therapeutic Uses
Depression, anxiety, panic disorder
47
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) Adverse Effects
Insomnia, nausea, sexual dysfunction, serotonin syndrome, withdrawal
48
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) Contraindications
MAOIs, uncontrolled HTN, bipolar disorder
49
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) Nursing Consideration
Monitor BP, assess for suicidal thoughts, taper gradually
50
Mood Stabilizers are?
Drugs used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood swings.
51
Mood Stabilizers Common Drug
Lithium (Lithobid), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Valproic acid (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
52
Mood Stabilizers MOA
Modulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, alter Na+ transport
53
Mood Stabilizers Therapeutic Uses
Bipolar disorder, seizures, migraine prevention
54
Mood Stabilizers Adverse Effects
Tremors, weight gain, hypothyroidism, liver toxicity, SJS (Lamotrigine)
55
Mood Stabilizers Contraindications
Pregnancy, renal/liver disease, dehydration, diuretic use
56
Mood Stabilizers Nursing Consideration
Monitor drug levels, hydration, thyroid/renal/liver labs
57
Antipsychotics are?
Drugs that treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
58
Antipsychotics Common Drugs
Haloperidol (Haldol), Risperidone (Risperdal)
59
Antipsychotics MOA
Block dopamine (D2) receptors; atypicals also block serotonin
60
Antipsychotics Therapeutic Uses
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s
61
Antipsychotics Adverse Effects
EPS, NMS, weight gain, sedation, gynecomastia
62
Antipsychotics Contraindications
Parkinson's, dementia-related psychosis, QT prolongation
63
Antipsychotics Nursing Consideration
Monitor for EPS/NMS, assess metabolic labs, ensure compliance
64
CNS Stimulants are?
Drugs that stimulate the CNS to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
65
CNS Stimulants Common Drugs
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
66
CNS Stimulants MOA
Increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels
67
CNS Stimulants Therapeutic Uses
ADHD, narcolepsy
68
CNS Stimulants Adverse Effects
Insomnia, weight loss, HTN, dependence
69
CNS Stimulants Contraindications
Cardiac disease, anxiety, glaucoma, history of substance abuse
70
CNS Stimulants Nursing Consideration
Monitor BP, HR, weight; give early in the day; avoid abuse
71
Traditional Antiepileptics are?
Older anticonvulsants used to control seizures.
72
Traditional Antiepileptics Common Drugs
Phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital, Primidone, Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
73
Traditional Antiepileptics MOA
Stabilize neuron membranes, suppress abnormal activity
74
Traditional Antiepileptics Therapeutic Uses
Seizure disorders, status epilepticus
75
Traditional Antiepileptics Adverse Effects
Gingival hyperplasia, sedation, rash, toxicity
76
Traditional Antiepileptics Contraindications
Pregnancy, liver dysfunction
77
Traditional Antiepileptics Nursing Considerations
Monitor levels, oral care (phenytoin), use contraception
78
Antiparkinson Agents are?
Drugs that increase dopamine or balance dopamine/acetylcholine levels to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
79
Antiparkinson Agents Common Drugs
Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)
80
Antiparkinson Agents MOA
Levodopa converts to dopamine; Carbidopa prevents peripheral breakdown
81
Antiparkinson Agents Therapeutic Uses
Parkinson’s disease
82
Antiparkinson Agents Adverse Effects
Dyskinesia, hypotension, hallucinations, nausea
83
Antiparkinson Agents Contraindications
MAOIs, glaucoma, psych disorders
84
Antiparkinson Agents Nursing Considerations
Avoid protein-rich meals, monitor mobility, educate on timing
85
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants are?
Medications that reduce muscle spasticity or treat muscle spasms via CNS depression.
86
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Common Drugs
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Baclofen (Lioresal), Dantrolene (Dantrium)
87
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants MOA
Depress CNS activity or reduce calcium release (Dantrolene)
88
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Therapeutic Uses
Muscle spasms, spasticity, malignant hyperthermia
89
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Adverse Effects
Drowsiness, weakness, hepatotoxicity (Dantrolene)
90
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Contraindications
CNS depression, liver disease, pregnancy
91
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Nursing Considerations
Avoid alcohol, taper slowly, monitor LFTs (Dantrolene)
92
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) are?
Drugs that bind to opioid receptors, producing pain relief and sedation.
93
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) Common Drugs
Morphine, Fentanyl, Methadone, Codeine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone
94
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) MOA
Bind to mu and kappa receptors to block pain signals
95
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) Therapeutic Uses
Severe pain, cough (codeine), opioid dependence (methadone)
96
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) Adverse Effects
Respiratory depression, constipation, sedation, tolerance
97
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) Contraindications
Respiratory issues, GI obstruction, head injury
98
Narcotic Agonists (Opioids) Nursing Considerations
Monitor RR, hold if RR <12, assess pain, stool softeners, naloxone ready
99
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists are?
Drugs that activate some opioid receptors and block others, offering pain relief with less respiratory depression and lower abuse potential.
100
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists Common Drugs
Butorphanol (Stadol), Buprenorphine (Subutex)
101
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists MOA
Stimulate some opioid receptors, block others
102
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists Therapeutic Uses
Moderate pain, labor pain, opioid dependence
103
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists Adverse Effects
Sedation, nausea, withdrawal in opioid users
104
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists Contraindications
Concurrent opioid use, respiratory depression
105
Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists Nursing Considerations
Monitor vitals, avoid with full opioids, educate on withdrawal risk
106
Narcotic Antagonists are?
Drugs that reverse the effects of opioids, especially in overdose.
107
Narcotic Antagonists Common Drugs
Naloxone (Narcan), Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
108
Narcotic Antagonists MOA
Displace opioids at receptors to reverse effects
109
Narcotic Antagonists Therapeutic Uses
Opioid overdose, opioid/alcohol use disorder
110
Narcotic Antagonists Adverse Effects
Withdrawal symptoms, HTN, agitation
111
Narcotic Antagonists Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
112
Narcotic Antagonists Nursing Considerations
Monitor RR/LOC, short half-life, repeat dosing may be needed
113
Ergot Derivatives are?
Oldest migraine medications; vasoconstrictors used in acute migraine attacks.
114
Ergot Derivatives Common Drugs
Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine
115
Ergot Derivatives MOA
Constrict cranial vessels by stimulating alpha and serotonin receptors
116
Ergot Derivatives Therapeutic Uses
Acute migraine and cluster headaches
117
Ergot Derivatives Adverse Effects
Nausea, paresthesia, chest pain, ischemia
118
Ergot Derivatives Contraindications
Pregnancy, CAD, HTN, sepsis
119
Ergot Derivatives Nursing Considerations
Administer early in migraine, avoid overdose, monitor extremities
120
Triptans are?
Migraine-specific drugs that stimulate serotonin receptors to relieve headache symptoms.
121
Triptans Common Drugs
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
122
Triptans MOA
Stimulate 5-HT1B/1D receptors to cause cranial vasoconstriction
123
Triptans Therapeutic Uses
Acute migraine and cluster headaches
124
Triptans Adverse Effects
Chest pressure, flushing, dizziness
125
Triptans Contraindications
CAD, HTN, stroke, MAOIs
126
Triptans Nursing Considerations
Take at onset, limit to 2 doses/day, monitor chest symptoms
127
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) are?
IV sedatives used for anesthesia or procedural sedation.
128
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) Common Drugs
Midazolam (Versed), Propofol (Diprivan)
129
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) MOA
Enhance GABA activity causing sedation and amnesia
130
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) Therapeutic Uses
Sedation, anesthesia, ICU sedation
131
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) Adverse Effects
Respiratory depression, hypotension, propofol infusion syndrome
132
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) Contraindications
Soy/egg allergy (propofol), respiratory instability
133
Barbiturate Anesthetics (Non) Nursing Considerations
Resuscitation ready, monitor sedation/RR/BP, check lipids
134
Local Anesthetic Agents are?
Drugs that block nerve conduction to provide localized pain relief.
135
Local Anesthetic Agents Common Drug
Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
136
Local Anesthetic Agents MOA
Block sodium channels to prevent nerve conduction
137
Local Anesthetic Agents Therapeutic Uses
Minor procedures, dental work, epidurals
138
Local Anesthetic Agents Adverse Effects
Seizures, bradycardia, allergic reactions
139
Local Anesthetic Agents Contraindications
Heart block, allergy to 'caine' drugs
140
Local Anesthetic Agents Nursing Considerations
Monitor for toxicity, use minimal dose, assess return of sensation
141
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers are?
Drugs that paralyze skeletal muscle during surgery or intubation (do not cause sedation).
142
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers Common Drugs
Cisatracurium, Succinylcholine
143
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers MOA
Block acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction → muscle paralysis
144
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers Therapeutic Use
Surgery, intubation, mechanical ventilation
145
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers Adverse Effects
Paralysis, malignant hyperthermia, hyperkalemia
146
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers Contraindications
MH history, electrolyte imbalance, myasthenia gravis
147
Neuromuscular Junction Blockers Nursing Considerations
Requires sedation, airway support, monitor paralysis/temp
