medication groups

Question 1

what is an SSRI? Name 4 types.

Answer 1

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor- serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood. SSRI’s block the reabsorption of serotonin so there are increased amounts of serotonin to be received by the receptors which results in a better/more stable mood.

• fluoxetine
• citalopram
• sertraline
• escitalopram
• fluvoxamine
• paroxetine,

Question 2

mood stabilizers?

Answer 2

SODIUM VALPROATE- blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, this decreases the amount of Na+ that enters the neuron, this decreases the excitation. increased GABA activity- contributes to anti manic properties
LITHIUM-

Question 3

ANTI PSYCHOTICS? what do the do and name 4.

Answer 3

used to treat bipolar, schizophrenia and psychosis

effectively reduces the positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

olanzapine 
haloperidol
aripriprazole 
clozapine
quetiapine 
risperidone

Question 4

anti anxiety meds?

Answer 4

bind to GABA A receptors, results in increased GABA action, opens ion channel and allows -vly charged chloride ions into the neuron, results in hyperpolarization, neuron is less likely to fire an action potential

lorazepam
clonazepam
diazepam
alprazolam

DONT USE WITH OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS- EG alcohol, antipsychotics, sedatives, opioids.

Question 5

anti emetics

Answer 5

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Question 6

what does an ACE inhibitor do? name some.

Answer 6

PRIL
lisinopril, cartopril

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, works in the RAAS, act in the lungs preventing the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2. this reduces vasoconstriction, decrease in aldosterone secretion = loss of fluid and sodium in the urine

TERATOGENIC
SIDE EFFECTS: unrelenting cough

Question 7

calcium channel blockers??

Answer 7

PINE

felopine and amoldipine

inhibit the movement of calcium ions across cell membranes of myocardial and arterial muscle cells. this alters action potential and blocks muscle cell contraction. depresses myocardial contractility, relaxes and dilates arteries, decreases BP and venous return

SIDE EFFECTS: peripheral oedema, skin flushing, rash

Question 8

diuretics??

Answer 8

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Question 9

loop diuretics??

Answer 9

oral and IV
frusemide, bumetanide

(as above) inhibit sodium and chloride absorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and in both the proximal and distal tubules = very potent

can cause hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia

Question 10

Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN)

Answer 10

sublingual spray- 400mg

Glyceryl Trinitrate acts on vascular smooth muscles to produce arterial and venous vasodilation
Vasodilation results in a reduction of venous return and an improvement in myocardial perfusion
Reduction in the work performed by the heart = reduced oxygen demand