Pharmacology Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of Codeine?
Codeine is an agonist that acts on the central nervous system and has an analgesic effect - it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
What is the mechanism of action of Paracetamol?
Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect by the inhibition of prostaglandins.
What is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?
Sertraline inhibits the CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin, increasing the amount of serotonin that exists in the brain.
What is the mechanism of action of Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in presynaptic terminals, leading to higher levels of these in the brain.
What is the mechanism of action of Valproic acid?
Valproic acid inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels causing a decrease in neurone firing rate.
What is the mechanism of action of Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a non-selective NSAID that reversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2. This causes prostaglandin synthesis to be blocked, and therefore leads to a reduction of pain and inflammation.
What drug classification does Codeine belong to?
Opiates
What drug classification does Paracetamol belong to?
Analgesics and Antipyretics
What drug classification does Sertraline and Paroxetine belong to?
Antidepressants - serotonin reuptake inhibitor class
What drug classification does Amitriptyline belong to?
Tricyclic Antidepressants
What drug classification does Valproic acid belong to?
Anticonvulsants
What drug classification does Ibuprofen belong to?
NSAIDs
When would Codeine be prescribed?
To relieve mild-to-moderate pain
It is often combined with paracetamol
When would Ibuprofen be prescribed?
To reduce general aches and pains
Useful for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout
When would Valproic acid be prescribed?
Bipolar disorder
It is also used for epilepsy
When would Amitriptyline be prescribed?
Depression, sometimes in combination with anxiety and insomnia
When would Sertraline be prescribed?
Depression, anxiety and OCD
When would Paracetamol be prescribed?
To relieve mild-to-moderate pain and to reduce fever
What is the mechanism of action of Carbamazepine?
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in their inactive state, preventing repetitive and sustained firing of an action potential
When would Carbamazepine be prescribed?
Epilepsy, bipolar disorder or trigeminal neuralgia / peripheral neuropathy
What is Allopurinol?
A drug that reduces blood uric acid levels
What is the mechanism of action of Allopurinol?
Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase - limits hypoxanthine conversion to (xanthine then) uric acid
What is Colchicine?
An anti inflammatory drug used to treat symptoms of Gout attacks
What is the mechanism of action of Colchicine?
Colchicine disrupts cytoskeletal functions by inhibiting β-tubulin polymerization into microtubules
It binds to neutrophils and prevent them from migrating to areas where uric acid crystals have accumulated
