Pharmacology Flashcards
When should someone consider opioids?
They are more efficacious in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain than NSAIDs
What are the risks of taking opioids?
They can cause respiratory depression
They have no ceiling effect
They have greater potential for tolerance and dependence
What does tramadol do?
Micro-receptor full agonist
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
How does buprenorphine work?
Limits agonist activity at the micro opioid receptor
Which means it has a reduced risk of respiratory depression
What are some adverse reactions to opioids?
Sedation
Dysphoric reactions
Spasmogenic effect on GI smooth muscle
- constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Peudo-allergic phenomena
Respiratory depression
Withdrawal
Identify the mechanisms of action of spasmolytic skeletal muscle relaxants
They act at various sites in the CNS to reduce muscle spasms or spasticity
Identify the mechanisms of action of neuromuscular blocker skeletal muscle relaxants
Act at the neuromuscular junction
What is the mechanism of action of polysynaptic inhibitor skeletal muscle relaxants?
Non-specific inhibition of polysynaptic reflex pathways in the brainstem and spinal cord
- decrease motor neuron excitability
What is the mechanism of action of diazepam?
Facilitated GABA which leads to diminished neuronal excitability
When do we use corticosteroirds?
To decrease painful, inflammatory symptoms
What effect do corticosteroids have on others?
Antiinflammatory
What are the benefits of using corticosteroids?
Much more powerful anti-inflammatory agents that NSAIDs
- reduce vasodilation
- overall decrease in accumulation and activation of inflammatory and immune cells
What are the risks of using corticosteroids?
They decrease healing by diminishing immunoprotection and metabolic effects
What are adverse events associated with corticosteroids?
Osteoporosis
Skin atrophy, loss of collagen support
Depression
Hypertension
GI upset
Hyperglycemia
