Neuro - Pharmacology (Neuromuscular blocking, Parkinson, Alzheimer, Huntington, & headache drugs) Flashcards
Pg. 495-497 in First Aid 2014 Sections include: -Neuromuscular blocking drugs -Dantrolene -Parkinson disease drugs -L-dopa (levodopa)/carbidopa -Selegiline -Alzheimer drugs -Huntington drugs -Sumatriptan
What are 2 uses for neuromuscular blocking drugs?
Used for muscle paralysis in surgery or mechanical ventilation.
For what receptor are neuromuscular blocking drugs selective?
Selective for motor (vs. autonomic) nicotinic receptor
What are the 2 types of neuromuscular blocking drugs?
(1) Depolarizing (2) Nondepolarizing
Give an example of a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug.
Succinylcholine
What is succinylcholine, and what action(s) does it have?
Succinylcholine - strong ACh receptor agonist (depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug); Produces sustained depolarization and prevents muscle contraction
What are the phases in the reversal of neuromuscular blockade due to succinylcholine? Briefly describe each.
Phase I (prolonged depolarization); Phase II (repolarized but blocked; ACh receptors are available, but desensitized)
Does Phase I or Phase II reversal of blockade (due to succinylcholine) have an antidote? If so, what is it?
Phase I - no antidote; Phase II - antidote consists of cholinesterase inhibitors
What effect do cholinesterase inhibitors have on Phase I versus Phase II of reversal of (succinylcholine) blockade?
Phase I - No antidote. Block potentiated by cholinesterase inhibitors.; Phase II - antidote consists of cholinesterase inhibitors
What are 3 complications that may result from use of depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs?
Complications include (1) hypercalcemia, (2) hyperkalemia, and (3) malignant hyperthermia.
Name 6 nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs.
(1) Tubocurarine (2) Atracurium (3) Mivacurium (4) Pancuronium (5) Vecuronium (6) Rocuronium
What is the mechanism of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs?
Competitive antagonists - compete with ACh for receptors
What class of drugs work in the reversal of blockade due to nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs? What are 2 examples of such drugs?
Cholinesterase inhibitors; Reversal of blockade - neostigimine (must be given with atropine to prevent muscarinic effects such as bradycardia), edrophonium, and other cholinesterase inhibitors
For what is neostigimine used in the context of neuromuscular blockade? What additional drug must be given with neostigime, and why?
Reversal of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade (as cholinesterase inhibitor); Must be given with atropine to prevent muscarinic effects such as bradycardia
What is the mechanism of dantrolene?
Prevents the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle
What are 2 clinical uses for dantrolene?
Used to treat (1) malignant hyperthermia and (2) neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a toxicity of antipsychotic drugs)
For which toxicity of antipsychotic drugs is dantrolene used?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
What causes Parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism is due to loss of dopaminergic neurons and excess cholinergic activity.
What are the 4 different strategies behind Parkinson disease drugs?
(1) Dopamine agonists (2) Increased dopamine (3) Prevent dopamine breakdown (4) Curb excess cholinergic activity