Medication Classifications (LO2) Flashcards
Drugs are organized into classifications according to
the body system they affect, their therapeutic use or clinical indication, and/or their physiologic or chemical action
13 classifications of drugs
Opioid antagonists
Non-narcotic analgesics
Inhalation anesthetics
Adrenergic agonists
Bronchodilators
Antianginal agents
Anticoagulants
Platelet inhibitors
Uterotonics
Vitamin and electrolyte
supplements
Antihypoglycemic agents
Antimicrobials
Antidotes or neutralizing agents
Opioid
binds to opioid receptors to provide analgesic effects
Analgesic
medication that relieves pain
Anesthetics
medication that makes the body less sensitive to the perception of pain
Bronchodilators
medication which increases airflow to lungs by dilating the bronchi and bronchioles
Antiangina
medication to manage or reduce the heart condition angina
Anticoagulants
medication to prevent blood clots
Platelet inhibitors
medications which reduce blood clotting by preventing platelet cohesion
Uterotonics
medication to induce contraction of uterus
Antihypoglycemic
counteracting low blood glucose
Antimicrobials
medication to destroy or slow growth of microorganisms
Antidotes
medication to counteract poison
The CNS
which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, receives signals from sensory receptors (e.g., pain, vision, cold, pressure, smell), processes these signals, and controls body responses to them
The classifications that you are going to study that affect the central nervous system are:
Opioid antagonists
Non-narcotic analgesics
Inhalation anesthetics
Opioid Antagonist
Narcotic medications elicit both analgesic and CNS effects
Some patients experience a feeling of well-being with their use
Opioid antagonists may be used to treat both narcotic abuse symptoms as well as therapeutic narcotic symptoms
Mechanism of Action of Opioid Antagonist
Opioid antagonists attach to opioid receptors and displace the narcotic, thereby rapidly reversing the effects of the narcotic
Types of Opioid Antagonists
Pure antagonists
Partial antagonists
Pure antagonists
Competitive blocking drugs
Occupy a receptor site so that narcotic cannot, but do not have any effect themselves
Partial antagonists
Bind with receptor sites
Produce weak narcotic-like effects in the absence of other narcotics
common uses of Opioid Antagonists
Narcotic induced respiratory depression
Narcotic addictions
common examples of Opioid Antagonists
*Naloxone Nalmefene Butorphanol Nalbuphine Pentazocine
cautions of Opioid Antagonists
Partial antagonists may cause worsening of respiratory depression
Use caution when administering to individuals that are addicted to narcotics due to resulting withdrawal symptoms
Non-Narcotic Analgesics
Pain levels must be assessed before and after an analgesic is administered to determine its effectiveness
Analgesics inhibit the body’s reaction to pain
Non-narcotic analgesics differ from narcotic analgesics as they produce analgesia through both the CNS and peripheral mechanism of action at the site of injury
Mechanism of Action of Non-Narcotic Analgesics
provide analgesia by blocking prostaglandin stimulation in the CNS
cause fever reduction by affecting the hypothalamic center to reduce temperature, and they increase sweating and peripheral blood flow in order to increase heat loss
Select non-narcotic analgesics will also reduce inflammation by stabilizing cell membranes so that cells are less permeable, thus limiting edema formation
Common Uses of Non-Narcotic Analgesics
Mild pain management
Reduce fever
Pain from inflammation
Common Examples of Non-Narcotic Analgesics
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
*Ibuprofen
*Ketorolac
Naproxen
Salicylates
*Aspirin®
Analgesic/Antipyretic
*Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Cautions of Non-Narcotic Analgesics
May cause gastric erosion and ulceration, increased risk of bleeding, and renal impairment
Overdose of salicylates and acetaminophen may result in acidosis and respiratory complications
Anesthetics
An anesthetic is any drug that has the capability of causing loss of all sensations, not only the sensation of pain
two types of general anesthetics:
Inhalation anesthetic
Injection anesthetic
Mechanism of Action of general anesthetics
There are 4 stages to anesthesia, and mechanism of action depends on the stage that is achieved by the drug.
4 stages of Anesthetics
Stage 1: Analgesia
Stage 2: Involuntary movement
Stage 3: Surgical anesthesia
Stage 4: Medullary paralysis
Stage 1 of anesthetics
Stage 1: Analgesia.
Cerebral cortex is inhibited causing a decreased response to pain, a feeling of euphoria, and possible unconsciousness.
stage 2 of anesthetics
Stage 2: Involuntary movement.
Cerebral cortex is completely depressed and the hypothalamus takes over control of bodily functions.
There is an increase in sympathetic tone which causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, and muscle tone.
stage 3 of anaesthetics
Stage 3: Surgical anesthesia.
The hypothalamus is depressed, and cardiac and respiratory function returns to normal.
Spinal reflexes are blocked and skeletal muscles relax.
stage 4 of anesthetics
Stage 4: Medullary paralysis. The medulla is paralyzed, thus cardiac and respiratory centres are affected, and death may occur.
common uses of anesthetics
Surgeries
Dental procedures
Pain control (nitrous oxide’s main use)
Common Types of Inhalation Anesthetics
Volatile liquids
- -Ether
- -Enflurane
- -Halothane
Gases
- *Nitrous oxide
- *Penthrox
cautions of anesthetics
Oxygen must be included with all inhalation anesthetics or hypoxia will result
They may cause nausea and vomiting in patients, so must monitor airway
Potentially hepatotoxic
May cause heart to be sensitive to catecholamines (naturally occurring hormones such as dopamine or epinephrine), thus resulting in possible dysrhythmias
Potentially fatal malignant hyperthermia may result, characterized by temperatures as high as 43° C and muscle rigidity
non-opiod analgesics
have antipyretic properties
3 main types of non-opiod analgesics
Salicylates (asprin)
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen)
Para-aminophenol derivatives (tylenol)
Sedation
used to couteract anxiety before procedure
Hypnosis
medications that ensure they sleep through event
Benzodiazepines and MOA
seditatives used to prepare pts for invasive procedures
MOA: affect the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate acid (GABA) in the brain causing brain activity to slow
Midazolam (Versed)
is a popular benzodiazepine
has potent amnesic effect that inhibits patients ability to recall the procedure
Onset of action is 1-3mins
has a 30-60min duration of action
Diazepam (Vilum)
moderatley longer acting benzodiazepine
30-90 min duration of action
Onset of action 5mins
Barbiturates and MOA
believed to work similarto benzo’s;
MOA: increase affinity between receptor sites and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
Thiopental (pentothal)
short acting barbiturate
Onset action of 10-20secs
Duration of action 5-10mins
Nonbarbiturate hypnotics
almost identical properties to benzo’s and barbiturates
Etomidate(Amidate/Lipuro)
ultra short common choice
Onset action of 5-15 secs
Duration of action of 3-5 mins
Minimal effects on hemodynamic stability and decreases intracranial pressure and cerebral oxygen metabolism
Propofol (diprivan)
Onset of 10-20 secs
Duration lasts 10 to 15mins
Anticonvulsants and MOA
anti seizure meds
MOA: work by inhibiting the influx of sodium into cells enhancing the inhibitory GABA system reducing excitatory glutamingeric neurotransmission and reducing activity in calcium channels
Classes of anticonvulstants include
hydantoins (phenytoin [Dilantin]),
iminostilbenes (carbamazepine)
valproic acid
Stimulation of CNS can be acomplished in 2 ways
increasing excitatory neurotransmitters
by decreasing inhibatory neurotransmitters
Amphetamines
are CNS stimulants
They increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase wakefullness and awarness
Increase tachycardia, hypertension and can cause seizures and psychosis
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
intended to allow pts to better focus and avoid distraction
Psychotherapeutic Medications and MOA
MOA: work by blocking dopamine receptors
Depression often treated with
seretonin reuptake inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
block the metabolism of monoamines in the brain
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
have powerful inhibitory effects:
They Block the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin from being reabsorbed in the brain
They block ACH from reaching its receptors which may lead to tachycardia
They block alpha 1 receptors which may produce orthostatic hypotension
CNS Agents
a class of drugs that produce physiological and psychological effects through a variety of mechanisms
specific agents
which bring about an identifiable mechanism with unique receptors for the agent
Nonspecific agents
which produce effects on different cells through a variety of mechanisms and are generally classified by the focus of action or specific therapeutic use
Stimulants
exert their action by excitation of the CNS
some of the specific drugs included in this group are caffeine, cocaine and various amphetamines
Patient may be prescribed CNS depressants which
slow brain activity to treat anxiety, muscle tension, pain, insomnia, stress, panic attacks and sometimes seizures
CNS depressant examples
lorazepam (Atrivan)
triazolam (Halcion),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
Diazepam (Valium),
alprazolam (xanax)
opiclone (Imovane)
the sympathetic branch of the ANS is based on…
the parasympathetic branch function is to…
The sympathetic branch of the ANS is based on
the parasympathetic branch function is to return the body to balance (homeostasis)
neurotransmitters for the adrenergic (sympathetic) response
epinephrine and norepinephrine
Medications that affect the ANS will…
either trigger or block an autonomic response
Adrenergic Agonists
often referred to as sympathomimetic drugs because they “mimic” the actions of the sympathetic nervous system.
Mechanism of Action of Adrenergic Agonists
are used to stimulate peripheral adrenergic receptors, alpha (α) and beta (β), and mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system
Drugs that act directly on the receptor are direct-acting, and those that alter the release of norepinephrine are indirect-acting
The drug can be either non-selective or selective to the receptor sites they stimulate.
Non-selective α and β Agonists uses and action
- Treatment of anaphylaxis/shock (currently only use for PCP)
- Stimulates α1 receptors causing vasoconstriction, thus increasing blood pressure
Treatment of cardiac arrest
-Stimulates β1 receptors stimulate the heart, causing an increase in heart rate, force of contraction, and impulse contraction
Treatment of glaucoma
-Decreases intraocular pressure
α1 agonist uses and action
Decongestants
-Stimulate α1 receptors causing vasoconstriction and thereby decreasing congestion in the area
α2 Agonists uses and action
Treatment of glaucoma
-Stimulates α2 receptors causing a decrease in intraocular pressure
β1 Agonists: uses and action
Treatment of cardiac arrest and hypotension
-Stimulates β1 receptors causing an increase in heart rate, force of cardiac contraction, and cardiac conduction
β2 Agonists: uses and actions
Bronchodilators
-Stimulate β2 receptors, decreasing bronchoconstriction and causing bronchodilation
adrenergic drug cautions and side effects
CNS stimulation — anxiety, jitters, insomnia, tremors
Cardiac stimulation (β1 effect) — increase heart rate, force of cardiac contraction, and cardiac impulse conduction; palpitations and arrhythmias can occur
Increased blood pressure (α1 effect)
Urinary retention (α1 effect)
Beta-receptor - general
(non-specific)
ex: eye
- effect
- beta agonist
- beta antagonist
-effect
relaxes ciliary muscle
-beta agonist
non specific agonists: isoproterenol
epinephrine
-beta antagonist
propranolol
timolol
nadolol
b1 selective drugs
ex: myocardium
- effect
- beta agonist
- beta antagonist
-effect
increases contractility
increases heart rate
-beta agonist
norepinephrine
-beta antagonist
metoprolol
atenolol
b2 selective adrenergic drugs
ex: lungs
- effect
- beta agonist
-effect
bronchodilation
-beta agonist bronchodilators: fenoterol albuterol terbutaline
Alpha-receptor - general
ex: vascular smooth muscle
- effect
- beta agonist
- beta antagonist
-effect
skin and skeletal muscle vessel constriction
-beta agonist
epinephrine
norepinephrine
-beta antagonist
phentolamine
a1 drugs
ex: vascular smooth muscle
- effect
- beta agonist
- beta antagonist
-effect
vasoconstriction
-beta agonist
phenylephrine
-beta antagonist
prazosin
a2 drugs
ex: vascular smooth muscle
- effect
- beta agonist
- beta antagonist
-effect
Opposes α1 vasoconstriction Inhibits NE release
Decreases adrenergic activity
-beta agonist
clonidine
-beta antagonist
yohimbine