Mechanisms of Action Flashcards
ACE Inhibitors
Inhibits ACE enzyme from converting angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2
ARBs
Inhibits action of angiotensin 2 by blocking angiotensin 1 and 2 receptors
Calcium Channel Blockers
Inhibit L-type calcium channels causing a decrease of calcium entry into the cell
Beta Blockers
Competitively inhibit norepi and epi from binding onto beta-1 adrenergic receptors
Hydralazine
Arterial vasodilation thru a decrease in calcium movement into the smooth muscle
Clonidine
Stimulates alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem resulting in dilation of blood vessels
Nitrates
increases the amount of nitric oxide in the vascular smooth muscle
Digoxin
works by slowing electrical conduction in the AV node
Amiodarone
blocking potassium channels and prolonging the refractory period
Statins
inhibiting cholesterol synthesis by blocking HMG COA reductase
Ezetimibe
inhibits absorption of cholesterol at the brush borders of the small intestine decreasing delivery of cholesterol to the liver
Fibric Acids
Binds onto PPAR alpha receptors and enhancing the synthesis of lipoprotein lipase
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
decreases triglycerides through the hepatic synthesis of triglycerides (TG) in the liver
Cyclobenzaprine
works centrally on alpha and gamma motor neurons as well as a serotonin receptor antagonist
Tizanidine
Increases presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons through central alpha-2 receptor agonist activity which causes a reduction in release of glutamate
Baclofen
reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters by binding onto GABA-B receptors
Methocarbamol
acting centrally in the CNS and causing CNS depression and sedation
NSAIDs
inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes
Salicylates
Irreversibly blocks the synthesis of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes produced from arachidonic acid
Selective COX-2 Inhibitors
inhibits COX-2 enzymes
Opioid Agonists
Bind to variety of opioid receptors (usually mu) causing activation of ascending pain inhibitory pathways in the CNS
Centrally Acting Analgesics
Binding to central mu receptors and inhibiting serotonin and norepi uptake in the CNS
Acetaminophen
inhibit prostaglandin synthesis thru COX pathway
Lidocaine patch
inhibiting the neuronal membrane’s permeability to sodium ion fluxes which are required for the conduction of pain impulses
Phenazopyridine
acts as local anesthetic in the mucosa lining of the urinary tract
Loop Diuretics
inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- pump at the thick ascending loop of henle leading to inhibition of salt and water reabsorption
Thiazides
inhibit the NA+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubules of the nephron leading to an increase in sodium and water excretion
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
spironolactone and eplerenone inhibit aldosterone, triamterene and amiloride inhibit sodium channels
Penicillins
beta-lactam ring structure binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)
Cephalosporins
beta-lactam ring structure binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)
Metronidazole
diffuses into bacteria and causes DNA damage and cell death (bactericidal)
Tetracyclines
inhibit protein synthesis by blocking 30S ribosomal subunit (bacteriostatic)
Macrolides
blocking 50S ribosomal subunit inhibiting RNA-dependent synthesis (bacteriostatic and bactericidal)
Fluoroquinolones
inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (bactericidal)
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
interfering with use of folic acid (collectively bactericidal, individually bacteriostatic)
Nitrofurantoin
inactivates bacteria proteins and inhibits DNA, RNA, protein and cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)
Clindamycin
binding to 50S ribosomal subunits and inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis (bacteriostatic, but bactericidal at higher doses)
Antivirals
Inhibiting DNA synthesis and replication of the virus
Azole Antifungals
inhibits synthesis of ergosterol (fungicidal)
Mupirocin
binds to bacterial enzyme, isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis (bacteriostatic)
