Mechanism of Action

Question 1

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco)

Answer 1

Relieves severe pain: Hydrocodone- binds, activates mu-opioid receptor/ Acetaminophen- suspected to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which reduces pain

Question 2

Lisinopril (Prinivil)

Answer 2

Lowers blood pressure: Inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme which ultimately leads to reduction in angiotensin 2 (a potent vasoconstrictor)

Question 3

Simvastatin (Zocor)

Answer 3

Lowers cholesterol build up: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase- this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation

Question 4

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Answer 4

Treats hypothyroidism: Synthetic form of thyroid hormone (T4)

Question 5

Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

Answer 5

Inhibits penicillin binding protein which prevents cell wall synthesis

Question 6

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Answer 6

Binds 50s ribosomal subunit and prevents protein synthesis

Question 7

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 7

Blocks sodium reabsorption in the distal convuluted tubule of kidney

Question 8

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Answer 8

Blocks the entry of calcium into smooth muscle, causing vasodilation

Question 9

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Answer 9

Enhances GABA activity, which has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties

Question 10

Metformin (Glucophage)

Answer 10

Primarily decreases hepatic glucose production

Question 11

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Answer 11

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase - this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation

Question 12

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Answer 12

Inhibits H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells (reduses hydrogen ion - stomach acid concentration in stomach)

Question 13

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin)

Answer 13

Clavulanate- inhibits beta-lactamase which is produced by bacteria to break down beta lactam antibiotics

Question 14

Atenolol (Tenormin)

Answer 14

Blocks beta-1 receptors (found primarily in the heart); prevents activity of sympathetic nervous system leading to reduction in heart read and BP

Question 15

Furosemide (Lasix)

Answer 15

Blocks reabsorption of sodium, chloride and water from the ascending limb of the loop of henle - increases urine output

Question 16

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Answer 16

Blocks beta-1 receptors (found in heart mainly); prevents activity of SNS leading to reduction in heart rate and BP

Question 17

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Answer 17

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse

Question 18

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Answer 18

Enhances GABA activity, which has sedative, hypnotic effects

Question 19

Oxycodone/ Acetaminophen (Percocet)

Answer 19

Oxycodone - binds, activates mu-opioid receptor/ Acetaminophen - suspected to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which reduces pain

Question 20

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Answer 20

Inhibits H+/ K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells (reduces hydrogen ion - stomach acid concentration in stomach)