how them drugs work and adrs - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is maximal efficacy?
The largest effect a drug can produce.
Why is maximal efficacy important in patient care?
It ensures the intensity of the medication aligns with the patient’s needs.
What is relative potency?
The amount of a drug needed to produce an effect.
What is a receptor in receptor theory?
A cellular molecule to which a drug binds to produce its effects.
How do drugs interact with receptors?
They mimic or block regulatory molecules, altering physiological activity.
What is the “lock and key” model in drug-receptor binding?
Drugs fit receptors like a key fits a lock, either activating or blocking the receptor.
What are agonists?
Drugs that activate receptors and mimic the body’s regulatory molecules.
What characteristics do agonists have?
Affinity and high intrinsic activity.
What are antagonists?
Drugs that block receptors and prevent receptor activation.
Do antagonists have intrinsic activity?
No, they have affinity but no intrinsic activity.
What are partial agonists?
Drugs that activate receptors but produce a smaller response than full agonists.
How do noncompetitive antagonists work?
They bind irreversibly to receptors, reducing the maximal response.
Is the impact of noncompetitive antagonists permanent?
No, new receptors are synthesized over time.
How do competitive antagonists work?
They bind reversibly to receptors, with the highest concentration determining receptor occupation.
What are the three outcomes of drug interactions?
Increased effects, decreased effects, or unique responses.
Name four basic mechanisms of drug-drug interactions.
Direct chemical/physical interaction, pharmacokinetic interaction, pharmacodynamic interaction, and combined toxicity.
Why are drug interactions significant for drugs with a narrow therapeutic range?
Small changes in drug levels can lead to toxicity or therapeutic failure.
How can the risk of drug interactions be minimized?
Reduce the number of drugs, take thorough histories, adjust dosages/timing, and monitor for toxicity.
How does grapefruit juice interact with medications?
It can increase the levels of certain drugs in the blood, enhancing effects or toxicity.
Name a drug class significantly affected by grapefruit juice.
Calcium channel blockers, statins, benzodiazepines, and immunosuppressants.
Give an example of a calcium channel blocker affected by grapefruit juice.
Felodipine (Plendil) or Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat).
Name a statin that interacts with grapefruit juice.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) or Simvastatin (Zocor).
Name a benzodiazepine that interacts with grapefruit juice.
Diazepam (Valium) or Midazolam (Versed).
What are some neurological medications affected by grapefruit juice?
Buspirone (BuSpar), Sertraline (Zoloft), or Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
