Pharm Top 200 Drug List Flashcards
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco)
MOA Hydrocodone-binds, activates mu-opioid receptor, Acetaminophen–suspected to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which reduces pain
Testable Pearls: Addiction/dependence risk, respiratory depression, constipation
Lisinopril (Prinivil)
MOA: Inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme which ultimately leads to reduction in angiotensin 2 (a potent vasoconstrictor)
Testable Pearls: Cough, Hyperkalemia, used to help protect the kidneys in diabetes
Simvastatin (Zocor)
MOA: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase – this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation
Testable Pearls: Myopathy, Reduces risk of heart attack/stroke, Dosed at night
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
MOA: synthetic form of thyroid hormone (T4)
Testable Pearls: Binding interactions w/calcium and iron can lower concentrations, TSH is monitored to adjust dose, signs of hypothyroid–fatigue, dry skin, constipation
Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
MOA: Inhibits penicillin binding protein which prevents cell wall synthesis
Testable Pearls: Diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, rash
Azithromycin (zithromaz)
MOA: Binds 50s ribosomal subunit and prevents protein synthesis.
Testable Pearls: Longer half-life than many antibiotics, GI adverse effects, rare risk for QTc prolongation
QTc prolongation
QT prolongation is a measure of delayed ventricular repolarization. Excessive QT prolongation can predispose the myocardium to the development of early after-depolarizations, which in turn can trigger re-entrant tachycardias such as TdP
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ); (Microzide)
MOA: blocks sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of kidney.
Testable Pearls: Frequent urination, elevated uric acid level (exacerbate gout), can help with edema and hypertension
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
MOA: Blocks the entry of calcium into smooth muscle, causing vasodilation.
Testable Pearls: Edema, No action on the heart (compared to diltiazem, verapamil)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
MOA: Enhances GABA activity which has a sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Testable Pearls: Used for acute management of anxiety, dizziness/sedation, generally avoid in elderly
Metformin (Glucophage)
MOA: primarily decreases hepatic glucose production
Testable Pearls: Avoid in moderate to severe kidney disease, rare risk of lactic acidosis, GI side effects like diarrhea is most prominent, first line agent in type 2 diabetes
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
MOA: inhibits HMG-CoA reductase - this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation.
Testable Pearls: Myopathy, reduces risk of heart attack/stroke, higher intensity statin
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
MOA: Inhibits H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells (reduces hydrogen ion - stomach acid concentration in stomach)
Testable Pearls: Short term only recommended for GERD, associated with low magnesium and B12, most potent acid blocking medication class
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin)
MOA: Amoxicillin - Inhibits penicillin binding protein which prevents cell wall synthesis; Clavulanate - inhibits beta-lactamase which is produced by bacteria to break down beta lactam antibiotics
Testable Pearls: Diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, rash
Atenolol (Tenormin)
MOA: Blocks beta-1 receptor (found primarily in the heart); prevents activity of sympathetic nervous system leading to reduction in heart rate and BP.
Testable Pearls: Pulse monitoring, can blunt beta-agonist activity (potentially exacerbate asthma, COPD); can block signs of hypoglycemia (exception sweating)
Furosemide (Lasix)
MOA: Blocks reabsorption of sodium, chloride nd water from the ascending limb of the loop of Henle - increases urine output
Testing Pearls: Hypokalemia; frequent urination; can lead to dehydration (rising creatinine)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
MOA: Blocks beta-1-receptors (found primarily in the heart); prevents activity of sympathetic nervous system leading to reduction in heart rate and BP.
Testing Pearls: Pulse monitoring; can blunt beta-agonist activity (potentially exacerbate asthma, COPD); block signs of hypoglycemia (exception sweating)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
MOA: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse.
Testing Pearls: takes a significant amount of time to work (usually weeks); GI side effects; serotonin syndrome risk (elevated temperature, BP, heart rate)
Zolpidem (Ambien)
MOA: Enhances GABA activity which has sedative, hypnotic effects.
Testing pearls: used for insomnia only; dizziness/sedation; generally avoid in elderly
Oxycodone/APAP (Percocet)
MOA: Oxycodone - binds, activates mu-opioid receptor, acetaminophen - suspected to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which reduces pain.
Testing Pearls: Addiction/dependence risk; respiratory depression; constipation
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
MOA: Inhibits H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells (reduces hydrogen ion - stomach acid concentration in stomach)
Testing Pearls: short term only recommended for GERD; associated with low magnesium and B12; most potent acid blocking medication
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
MOA: Blocks binding of ADP to the P2Y12 receptor; by doing this, it prevents platelet aggregation
Testing Pearls: prodrug - converted to its active metabolite by CYP2C19; bleed risk; often used in combination with aspirin following stenting.
Montelukast (Singulair)
MOA: blocks leukotriene receptors in the lungs which reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
Testing Pearls: used in asthma and allergies; not a rescue medication; rare reports of psychiatric adverse events.
Prednisone (Sterapred)
MOA: Multiple possible pathways of reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system (inhibition of cytokines, chemokines, arachidonic acid, etc.)
Testing Pearls: Suppression of HPA axis; increases blood sugars, causes insomnia and GI upset; increases risk of osteoporosis.
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
MOA: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse
Testing Pearls: takes a significant amount of time to work (usually weeks); GI side effects; serotonin syndrome risk (elevated temperature, BP, heart rate.
Ibuprofen (Advil)
MOA: non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) - which ultimately reduces the production of prostaglandins which are involved in pain/inflammation
Testing Pearls: increase GI bleed risk; take with food; exacerbates CHF/edema; inhibits platelet activity
Citalopram (Celexa)
MOA: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse.
Testing Pearls: takes a significant amount of time to work (usually weeks); QTc prolongation risk (higher doses, elderly more susceptible); serotonin syndrome risk (elevated temperature, BP heart rate)
Albuterol (ProAir)
MOA: Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist - relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and opens airways.
Testing Pearls: Tremor; tachycardia; usual drug of choice for acute relief of respiratory symptoms.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
MOA: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse.
Testing Pearls: takes a significant amount of time to work (usually weeks); GI side effects; serotonin syndrome risk (elevated temperature, BP, heart rate)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
MOA: Not well understood - possible action on voltage sensitive calcium channels.
Testing Pearls: dizziness; sedation; can accumulate in renal disease.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
MOA: Inhibits vitamin K dependent production of clotting factors 2, 7, 9, and 10.
Testing Pearls: bleeding risk; routine INR monitoring require (most often goal is 2-3 with a few exceptions); tons of drug interactions (metronidazole, amiodarone, Bactrim, etc.)
Tramadol (Ultram)
MOA: binds, activates mu-opioid receptors leading to analgesic effects.
Testing Pearls: increases seizure risk; sedation; risk of dependence and addiction.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
MOA: Enhances GABA activity which has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Testing Pearls: used for acute management of anxiety; dizziness/sedation; generally avoid in elderly.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
MOA: Enhances GABA activity which has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Testing Pearls: used for acute management of anxiety; dizziness/sedation; generally avoid in elderly
Cephalexin (Keflex)
MOA: Inhibits penicillin binding protein which prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Testing Pearls: Diarrhea; nausea/vomiting; primarily gram + bacteria coverage.
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
MOA: Not well understood - skeletal muscle relaxant possibly gamma and alpha motor system effects.
Testing Pearls: sedating; anticholinergic potential (i.e. dry mouth, confusion, etc.); not well tolerated in the elderly.
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Sepra)
MOA: Sulfamethoxazole - interferes with bacterial folate synthesis; trimethoprim blocks production of tetrahydrofolic acid in bacteria by binding dihydrofolate reductase.
Testing Pearls: significant interaction with warfarin; beware of patients with sulfa allergy - should not take this medication; take with full glass of water.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
MOA: Inhibits DNA gyrase in bacteria which prevents DNA separation and cell division.
Testing Pearls: risk of spontaneous tendonitis or tendon rupture; dose adjustments with poor kidney function; binding interaction with iron and calcium can reduce absorption.
Fluticasone (Flonase)
MOA: Stimulates glucocorticoid receptors which leads to reduced inflammation.
Testing Pearls: may work a little better if taken routinely; nose bleeding, irritation; used in allergic rhinitis.
Triamterene/HCTZ (Dyazide)
MOA: Triamterene - blocks epithelial sodium channels, causing a diuretic type effect in the kidney
Testing Pearls: Elevated K+ possible with triamterene; lowers blood pressure; in combination with HCTZ can help even out potassium levels as HCTZ lowers levels.
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
MOA: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase - this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation.
Testing Pearls: myopathy; reduces risk of heart attack/stroke; if patients can’t tolerate simvastatin or atorvastatin, this one is often tried.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
MOA: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase - this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation.
Testing Pearls: myopathy; reduces risk of heart attack/stroke; higher intensity statin
Fluticasone + salmeterol (Advair)
MOA: Corticosteroid combined with long acting beta agonist - steroid works on inflammation and salmeterol opens up the airway
Testing Pearls: Rinse mouth following use of steroid (reduces thrush risk); controller medication, not for rescue; beta agonist effects - increased heart rate, tremor
Trazodone (Desyrel)
MOA: Possible serotonin type activity, not well understood; histamine blockade may be responsible for sedative effect.
Testing Pearls: dry mouth; most often used for sleep, rarely used for straight depression; possibly a little safer in elderly than Z-drugs like Zolpidem.
Aledronate (Fosamax)
MOA: Inhibits resorption of bone by osteoclasts.
Testing Pearls: extremely long half life; administration w/out other drugs, food - with a plain glass of water, patient to remain upright after usually reassessed after 5 years of use.
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
MOA: Selective H1 receptor antagonist which leads to relief of allergy symptoms
Testing Pearls: sedation; dry mouth; one daily dosing
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
MOA: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase - this enzyme is the rate limiting step in cholesterol formation.
Testing Pearls: myopathy; reduces risk of heart attack/stroke; risk of rhabdomyolysis (associated with all statins)
Rhabdomyolysis
Breakdown of muscle tissue that releases the protein (myoglobin) into the blood. Myoglobin can damage the kidneys
Carvedilol (Coreg)
MOA: Blocks beta-1 receptors (found primarily in the heart); prevents activity of sympathetic nervous system leading to reduction in heart rate and BP; has some alpha blockade as well.
Testing Pearls: pulse monitoring; can blunt beta-agonist activity (potentially exacerbate asthma, COPD); can block signs of hypoglycemia (exception sweating)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
MOA: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin which leads to higher concentrations in the synapse.
Testing Pearls: takes a significant amount of time to work (usually weeks); GI side effects; serotonin syndrome risk (elevated temperature, BP, heart rate).
Meloxicam (Mobic)
MOA: Non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) - which ultimately reduces the production of prostaglandins which are involved in pain/inflammation.
Testing Pearls: increase GI bleed risk; take w/food; exacerbates CHF/edema; inhibits platelet activity.
Diazepam (Valium)
MOA: Enhances GABA activity which has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Testing Pearls: used for acute management of anxiety/seizure; dizziness/sedation; generally avoid in elderly.
Valsartan (Diovan)
MOA: Angiotensin receptor blocker - prevents the activity of angiotensin which is vasoconstrictor.
Testing Pearls: hyperkalemia; alternate to ACE inhibitor; less incidence of cough compared to ACE inhibitors.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
MOA: Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which increases concentrations of both in the brain synapses.
Testing Pearls: more beneficial for pain than SSRI’s (neuropathy); possible increase in hypertension at high doses; GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk.
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
MOA: Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which increases concentrations of both in the brain synapses.
Testing Pearls: more beneficial for pain than SSRI’s (neuropathy); possible increase in hypertension at high doses; GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk.
Ranitidine (Zantac)
MOA: Histamine 2 receptor antagonist which reduces gastric acid secretion leading to relief of heartburn and GI symptoms.
Testing Pearls: slightly less potent than the PPI’s; can accumulate in kidney disease; tend to work a little quicker than the PPI’s.
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
MOA: Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14alpha-demthylase.
Testing Pearls: 3A4 drug interactions (amiodarone, phenytoin, warfarin, etc.); GI upset; liver concerns.
Naproxen (Aleve)
MOA: Non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) - which ultimately reduces the production of prostaglandins which are involved in pain/inflammation.
Testing Pearls: increase GI bleed risk; take with food; exacerbates CHF/edema; inhibits platelet actitivty.
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
MOA: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30s ribosomal subunit.
Testing Pearls: increases sensitivity to sunburn; binding interactions with calcium and iron; avoid in pregnancy.
Potassium (Klor-Con)
MOA: Potassium replacement.
Testing Pearls: often used for patient on diuretics that deplete potassium; GI upset; often patients do have trouble swallowing larger doses (big pills) - some forms can be dissolved in water.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
MOA: Inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, leading to increased concentrations in the synapse.
Testing Pearls: highly anticholinergic (sedation, confusion, dry eye, etc.); can be used for pain syndromes (migraines, fibromyalgia, etc.); higher risk of cardiac concerns in overdose compared to SSRI’s so less often used for depression.
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
MOA: Inhibits H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells (reduces hydrogen ion - stomach acid concentration in stomach).
Testing Pearls: short term only recommended for GERD; associated with low magnesium and B12; most potent acid blocking medication class.
Pioglitazone (Actos)
MOA: Decreases insulin resistance in the periphery; leading to greater uptake of glucose into muscle tissue and lower blood sugar.
Testing Pearls: weight gain; edema; generally avoid in CHF patients.
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
MOA: Multiple possible pathways of reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system (inhibition of cytokines, chemokines, arachidonic acid etc.).
Testing Pearls: suppression of HPA axis; increases blood sugars, causes insomnia and GI upset; increases risk of osteoporosis.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
MOA: Inhibition of xanthine oxidase which results in less production of uric acid and lower levels.
Testing Pearls: not meant for acute gout flares; rash; can accumulate in kidney disease.
Codeine + APAP (Tylenol #3)
MOA: codeine -binds, activates mu-opioid receptor, Acetaminophen - suspected to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which reduces pain.
Testing Pearls: addiction/dependence risk; respiratory depression; constipation.
Enalapril (Vasotec)
MOA: Inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme which ultimately leads to reduction in angiotensin 2 (a potent vasoconstrictor).
Testing Pearls: Cough; hyperkalemia; used to protect the kidneys in diabetes
Carisoprodol (Soma)
MOA: Not well understood, potential effects at GABA receptors.
Testing Pearls: sedation; controlled substance; dizziness.
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
MOA: Blocks alpha-1a receptors which causes smooth muscle relaxation of the bladder neck and prostate.
Testing Pearls: dizziness, low blood pressure; work fairly quickly compared o 5 alpha reductase inhibitors; rare risk of floppy iris syndrome in patients having eye surgery.
Ezetimibe (Zetia)
MOA: Inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol leading to lower levels.
Testing Pearls: GI upset; not great evidence that indicates reduces eh risk of heart attack and stroke; 2nd or third line agent for lowering cholesterol (statins are drug of choice).
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
MOA: Blockade of dopamine 2 receptors is primary mechanism.
Testing Pearls: sedation and orthostasis risk; extrapyramidal symptoms metabolic syndrome and QTc prolongation risk.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
drug-induced movement disorders that include acute and tardive symptoms
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
MOA: Inhibits DNA gyrase in bacteria which prevents DNA separation and cell division.
Testing Pearls: risk of spontaneous tendonitis or tendon rupture; dose adjustments with poor kidney function; binding interaction with iron and calcium can reduce absorption.
Fenofibrate (Tricor)
MOA: Activates lipoprotein lipase and reduces synthesis of apoprotein C-3; both of these mechanisms work to lower cholesterol.
Testing Pearls: target for elevated triglycerides, SE = myopathy; statins reserved for cardiovascular risk reduction and LDL lowering; elevated triglycerides increase risk of pancreatitis.
Clonidine (Catapres)
MOA: Stimulates centrally acting alpha-2 receptors causing reduced sympathetic outflow which lowers BP and pulse.
Testing Pearls: Dry mouth; dizziness, CNS changes; generally avoided in the elderly.
Promethazine (Phenergan)
MOA: Possible anticholinergic (blocks acetylcholine) and antihistamine effects, also may mildly block dopamine receptors.
Testing Pearls: used for motion sickness, nausea and vomiting; sedating; anticholinergic side effects.
Ethinyl estradiol + Drosperinone (Yaz)
MOA: Oral contraceptive - estrogen prevents ovulation and reduces risk of pregnancy.
Testing Pearls: DVT/PE; hypertension; headache/GI symptoms.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
MOA: Inhibition of phosphodiesterace-5 (PDE-5) causes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the penis.
Testing Pearls: low blood pressure; rare vision adverse effect; avoid using with nitrates.
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
MOA: Selective inhibition of COX-2 leads to reduced formation of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins.
Testing Pearls: GI side effects generally less than traditional NSAIDs; edema risk; kidney risk still the same as traditional NSAIDs.
Loratadine (Claritin)
MOA: Selective H1 receptor antagonist which leads to relief of allergy symptoms.
Testing Pearls: Sedation; dry mouth; once daily dosing.
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
MOA: Oxycodone - binds, activates mu-opioid receptor.
Testing Pearls: addiction/dependence risk; respiratory depression; constipation.