pharm Flashcards
What suffix is commonly associated with anti-convulsants, specifically benzodiazepines?
-pam (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications primarily used for their sedative and anxiolytic properties.
What do -pam and -lam drug names indicate?
They are benzodiazepines used for sedation, anxiety, or anti-convulsant effects.
Examples include diazepam (-pam) and alprazolam (-lam).
What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in anti-convulsant therapy?
They bind with GABA in the CNS to decrease CNS activity.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
What are examples of benzodiazepines?
Lorazepam, diazepam, midazolam
These medications are commonly used in various medical settings for their calming effects.
What suffixes are associated with anti-psychotic medications?
-done and -pine
These suffixes indicate different classes of antipsychotic medications.
How do anti-psychotics work?
They block dopamine receptors in the limbic system, causing a tranquilizing effect.
This action helps to reduce symptoms of psychosis.
What are examples of anti-psychotic medications?
Risperidone, quetiapine
These medications are used to treat various mental health disorders.
What suffix is commonly found in tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s)?
-ine (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
TCAs are one of the first classes of antidepressants developed.
What is the mechanism of TCA’s?
They increase serotonin and norepinephrine availability in the brain.
This mechanism is crucial for alleviating depressive symptoms.
What suffixes are associated with SSRIs?
-pram and -tine (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine)
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders.
How do SSRIs work?
They inhibit re-uptake of serotonin to increase its availability in the brain.
This leads to improved mood and emotional balance.
What suffix is used for SNRIs?
-faxine (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
SNRIs are used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
What is the mechanism of SNRIs?
They block re-uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
This dual action can enhance mood and energy levels.
What suffix is associated with ACE inhibitors?
-pril (e.g., enalapril, ramipril)
ACE inhibitors are used primarily for hypertension and heart failure.
How do ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure?
They prevent conversion of angiotensin I to II and break down bradykinin.
This results in vasodilation and reduced blood volume.
What side effect is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin?
Dry cough
This occurs in some patients as a result of increased bradykinin levels.
What suffix is associated with ARBs?
-sartan (e.g., valsartan, losartan)
ARBs are often used as an alternative to ACE inhibitors.
What is the difference between ACE inhibitors and ARBs?
ARBs block angiotensin II receptors without affecting the lungs—no cough.
This makes ARBs a preferred choice for patients who experience cough with ACE inhibitors.
What suffix is associated with beta-blockers?
-lol (e.g., metoprolol)
Beta-blockers are used to manage cardiovascular conditions.
What are the two types of beta blockers?
Non-selective (B1 & B2) and cardio-selective (B1 only)
Cardio-selective beta-blockers are often preferred for patients with respiratory conditions.
What are the effects of beta-blockers?
Negative inotropic and chronotropic effects, lowering BP
This means they decrease heart rate and force of contraction.
Which receptor does salbutamol target?
B2 (used for bronchodilation)
Salbutamol is commonly used in asthma treatment.
What suffix is associated with H2 blockers?
-tidine (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine)
H2 blockers are used to reduce stomach acid production.
What is the function of H2 blockers?
They block histamine 2 receptors to reduce stomach acid production.
This helps in conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers.
