pharmacology Flashcards
What is the indication for acyclovir?
Varicella zoster infection, herpes simplex (genital, non-genital/labial), cytomegalovirus prophylaxis
What is the drug class of acyclovir?
Antiviral (purine analogue)
What is the mechanism of action of acyclovir?
Nucleoside analogue that selectively inhibits viral replication of herpes simplex and varicella zoster, by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase
What is the drug class of adrenaline?
Sympathomimetic
What are the indications for adrenaline?
acute anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
What is the mechanism of action of adrenaline?
Acts on adrenoreceptors in the same way as endogenous adrenaline, cause increased blood prssure, tachycardia and raised blood glucose
What is the drug class of alendronate/alendronic acid?
Biphsophonate
What are the indications for alendronate?
osteoporosis, Paget’s disease
What is the mechanism of action of alendronate?
Inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption by binding to bone, and becoming activated when osteoclasts attempt to break it down
What is the drug class of allopurinol?
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
What is the drug class of allopurinol?
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
What are the indications for allopurinol?
gout prophylaxis, renal stones, hyperuricaemia
What is the mechanism of action of allopurinol?
Inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for converting the precursors of uric acid, reducing plasma and urinary uric acid concentrations
What is the drug class of alteplase?
Fibrinolytic/thrombolytics
What are the indications for alteplase?
Ischaemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, acute MI
What is the mechanism of action of alteplase?
Catalyses the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which is then used to enzymatically cleave fibrin, breaking down blood clots
What is the drug class of amiodarone?
Class III anti-arrhythmic/potassium channel blocker
What are the indications for amiodarone?
Atrial fibrillation/flutter, tachyarrhythmias, tachycardias
What is the mechanism of action of amiodarone?
Blocks potassium channels, which in the heart causes an increased refractory period of the myocardium and atria, slowing heart rate and increasing coronary blood flow
What is the drug class of amitriptyline?
Tricyclic antidepressant
What are the indications for amitriptyline?
Depression, chronic/neurogenic pain
What is the mechanism of action for amitriptyline?
Non-selectively Inhibits NA (noradrenaline) and 5-HT (serotonin) reuptake by inhibiting membrane pump mechanisms
What is the drug class of aspirin?
NSAID/anti-platelet
What are the indications for aspirin?
angina, pain, pyrexia, thrombotic prophylaxis, acute thrombosis (e.g. MI)
What is the mechanism of action of aspirin?
Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to reduce inflammation, and blocks thromboxane to prevent platelet aggregation
What is the drug class of atorvastatin?
Statin
What are the indications for atorvastatin?
hypercholesterolaemia/hyperlipidaemia, prevention of CVD
What is the mechanism of action of atorvastatin?
Inhibits the HMG-reductase enzyme, which reduces the synthesis of cholesterol, and up-regulates LDL receptors to further lower plasma cholesterol.
What is the drug class of atropine?
Anti-muscarinic
What are the indications for atropine?
Bradycardia
What is the mechanism of action of atropine?
antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, decreasing parasympathetic activity at the SA node, thereby increasing heart rate
What is the drug class of bendrofluazide?
Thiazide diuretic
What are the indications for bendrofluazide?
hypokalemia, hyponatremia, Addison’s disease, renal impairment
What is the mechanism of action of bendrofluazide?
Increases sodium, and therefore water reabsorption in the distal tubule. This increases potassium excretion via Na/K exchane
What is the drug class of carbamazepine?
Antiepileptic
What are the indications for carbamazepine?
epilepsy (partial seizures), diabetic neuropahty, acute mania, bipolar disorder
What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine?
Sodium channel blocker that stabilises hyper-excited nerve membranes
What is the drug class of levodopa?
Depoaminergic agent
What are the indications for levodopa?
Parkinson’s disease
What is the mechanism of action of levodopa?
Acts as a precursor of dopamine, that is converted in the brain to replenish striatal dopamine that is lost in Parkinson’s
What is the drug class of ceftriaxone?
Cephalosporin antibiotic
What are the indications for ceftriaxone?
otitis media, sepsis, UTIs, meningitis, gonococcal infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, low resp infections
What is the mechanism of action of ceftriaxone?
Inhibits cell wall synthesis of gram-negative bacteria
What is the drug class of cilazapril?
ACE inhibitor
What are the indications for cilazapril?
hypertension, congestive heart failure
What is the mechanism of action of cilazapril?
Suppresses the RAAS system by inhibiting the conversion of Ang I to Ang II via the ACE enzyme. This results in vasodilation, lowered blood pressure and renal efferent arteriole vasodilation to protect the kidneys
What is the drug class of clozapine?
Antipsychotic
What are the indications for clozapine?
Schizophrenia
What are the indications for clozapine?
Schizophrenia
What is the mechanism of action of clozapine?
Dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonist
What is the drug class of codeine?
Opioid analgesic
What are the indications of codeine?
pain
What is the mechanism of action of codeine?
Agonist of mu opioid receptors in the CNS, and is also converted to morphine which has similar effects
What is the drug class of dabigatran?
Anticoagulant
What are the indications for dabigatran?
previous stroke/TIA, embolism, heart failure
What is the mechanism of action of dabigatran?
Direct inhibitor of thrombin
What is the drug class of diazepam?
Benzodiazipine
What are the indications for diazepam?
acute disabling anxiety, peri-operative sedation, status epilepticus