Pharmacology Flashcards
What are the 2 types of local anesthetics?
Ester-type
Amide-type
What are the 4 members of the ester local anesthetics (LA) and their pKa? Which 2 are topical*?
Cocaine*
Benzocain*
Procaine (novocaine)
Tetracaine (pontocaine)
pKa=8-9 (moderate bases)
Which ester LA would you use as an ointment for local pain due to sunburn or insect bites?
Benzocaine
Which ester LA would you use to topically apply the cornea? Is it a vasodilator or vasoconstrictor?
Cocaine
Vasoconstrictor
Which ester LA has low potency and short duration due to significant vasodilation and rapid metabolism? What is it used for and what prolongs its effect?
Procaine (novocaine)
Used for spinal anesthesia
Epinephrine prolongs its effect :)
Which ester LA is used for spinal anesthesia but lasts longer than procaine? (Longest duration of all the ester LA)
Tetracaine (pentocaine)
10x more toxic/potent than procaine
What are the 4 members of the amide local anesthetics (LA) and their pKa?
Lidocaine
Bupivacaine
Ropivacaine
Mepivacaine
pKa=7-8 (weak base)
TQ: Which amide LA is the most widely used, effective by all routes, fast onset and long lasting (>procaine), and preferred for those allergic to ester type LA?
Lidocaine
TQ: Since Lidocaine causes more sedation than other LA, which drug should be avoided while taking Lidocaine? In which pts especially?
- Lidocaine + epinephrine
- Digital anesthesia in pts with peripheral artery dz
TQ: Which amide LA is used for sensory analgesia with minimal motor block (useful during labor)?
Bupivacaine
TQ: Which amide LA is more cardiotoxic than other LA?
Bupivacaine
TQ: Which amide LA is a good choice for longer procedures, for patients who have contraindications to epinephrine injection, for situations where there will be a delay between infiltration of local anesthetic and the procedure, or for instances in which prolonged post-procedure pain control is preferred?
Bupivacaine
What do LA reversibly block?
Nerve conduction of sensory impulses via Na channels
When you inject LA drug B (BH+) with a pKa equal to the extracellular pH, acid-base equilibrium occurs. What does this mean?
1/2 the drug is charged and protonated and 1/2 is uncharged and free (1:1 ratio)
BH+=B
Which form of the LA drug crosses the lipid membrane to enter the cytosol?
The uncharged free lipophilic form of the drug
What happens after the LA drug crosses the lipid membrane and enters the cytosol?
Acid-base equilibrium re-occurs and the flow of compound is generally towards the cytosol.
What keeps the inactivation gate closed once a LA drug has crossed the membrane?
When the drug crosses the membrane and undergoes acid-base equilibrium, the protonated form (BH+) keeps the gate closed, preventing Na+ from coming into the cell.
TQ: What is the MOA of ester and amide LA?
- Reversible, voltage-gated Na channel blockers
- Increase the threshold potential (do not alter resting potential)
- Slows the rate of depolarization and conduction
- Reduces the height of action potential
How does pKa influence LA drugs?
Influences speed of onset
How does lipophilicity influence LA drugs?
Influences potency (oil vs. water soluble)
How are esters cleared and what are the risks?
- esterases (pseudocholinesterase)
- Hypersensitivity; overexposure
How are amides cleared?
Hepatic metabolism: cytoP450
What is protein binding directly related to?
Duration of action (ex: bound to albumin vs. free)
What is the order of blocking of sensory effect for LA?
1st C fibers, a-delta fibers: Pain-->cold-->warmth 2nd a-beta fibers: touch-->deep pressure Last: motor
so..
pain to cold to warmth to touch to deep pressure to motor
What is the order of recovery of sensory effect for LA?
Opposite of blocking so…
motor->deep pressure->touch->warmth->cold->pain
What are the factors of nerve sensitivity to LA?
- smaller more susceptible than larger
- type of fiber
- degree of myelination
- fiber length
- frequency-dependence of voltage-gated Na+ channel opening
Are c-fibers sensitive to LA?
YES; very thin and have no myelination
B-fibers are sensitive as well
Where should we apply LA to block nerve impulses and why?
Nodes of Ranvier have abundant voltage-gated Na+ channels
What is pKa? Why is it important for drugs?
-Acid dissociation constant:
BH+ H+ + B
-pKa how much of a drug exists in a charged, protonated, acidic form and how much exists in a neutral, free base form.
T/F: pKa never changes
TRUE
If we add B, pKa = 7.5, and B’, Pka= 8.5 into interstitial fluid at pH 7.5 what is the ratio
of [B]/[BH+] in each case ? Which drug is faster?
B is faster than B’:
pH = pKa + log [B]/[BH+]
7.5 = 7.5 + log [B]/[BH+] 0 = log [B]/[BH+] 100=1=1/1= [B]/[BH+]
Since only the charged species can cross the nerve membrane, dispersion of the LA through the tissue occurs more rapidly as the % of uncharged B increases.
(The pH of the solution and surrounding tissues and the pKa of the specific agent determine the proportion of charged and uncharged anesthetic)
The lower the pKa, the slower/faster the drug onset.
Faster
The higher the pKa, the slower the onset
Weak bases (amides) are faster than moderate bases (esters). Why?
Weaker bases (amides) have a lower pKa (faster)
Stronger bases (esters) have a higher pKa (slower)
Inflammation or an abscess may decr. pH and therefore slow the onset of drug action. What may be done to help prevent clinical failure?
- Draining an abscess before injecting the drug will increase the local pH (removing acidic fluid)
- Increases drug efficacy
The higher the lipid solubility, the more/less potent the drug.
The higher the lipid solubility, the more potent the drug
Which LA drugs have the lowest and highest relative potency?
Procaine has the lowest potency (1) while Tetracaine and Bupivacaine have the highest relative potency (16)
(directly related to the # of C’s; bupivicaine has 4 CH2, while ropivicaine has 3 and mepivocaine has 1 CH2)
The most cardiotoxic LA (Bupivacaine) is due to….
lipophilicity
Systemic toxicity of the Na+ channel starts at approx. 2 ug/ml then 10 then 20. What side effects are associated with each level of ug/ml?
2 ug/ml=numb tongue, tinnitus, light headed
10 ug/ml= muscle twitching, disorientation, loss of consciousness
20 ug/ml=*Convulsions, coma *Respiratory arrest, *Cardiovascular (Na+ channels in heart)
CASE: Too much bupivacaine in a highly perfused tissue. What are the options?
Heart transplant
Use drug Intralipid: lipid extraction of drug from heart
Since nerves and blood vessels are in close proximity, LA gets into the bloodstream and goes to highly perfused tissues! Therefore, drugs that cause vasodilation enhance drug distribution. Which LAs cause significant vasodilation? What are they at risk for?
Procaine, lidocaine
(Tetracaine, bupivacaine)
Shortens duration of action & increases risk of systemic toxicity
Why do many preparations of LA contain ____________, intended to counteract vasodilation?
Epinephrine constricts blood vessels and limits systemic exposure to LA
What does the epinephrine do to the duration of the drugs lidocaine and bupivacaine?
Lidocaine + epinephrine duration is longer (from 30-60 min to 120-260 min)
Bupivacaine + epinephrine duration is longer as well (from 120-240 min to 180-420 min)
TQ: What should we avoid giving patients that prescribed ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine?
Epinephrine! ergotamine is an enhanced hypertensive drug and vasoconstrictor
Why should we be wary of applying epinephrine to the end of our fingers or toes (ingrown nail)?
Low perfusion areas can be damaged if we vasoconstrict too much
LA with _______lipophilic nature show __________penetration of the lipid nerve membane
Vasodilation promotes systemic absoprtion, _________local potency and __________risk for toxicity
LA with greater lipophilic nature show greater penetration of the lipid nerve membane
Vasodilation promotes systemic absoprtion, decreases local potency and increases risk for toxicity
Metabolism of esters vs. amides?
esters: rapid (1-5 min), plasma cholinesterase
amides: slow (1-4 hours), hepatic CYP 450
Hypersensitivity of esters vs. amides?
esters: PABA metabolite*** (tetracaine and procaine hypersensitivity)
amides: none
Systemic toxicity of esters vs. amides?
Esters: less likely*, cleared quickly
Amides: more likely b/c cleared by liver! and slower metabolism (lidocaine can lead to bronchio problems and overdose)
Lidocaine (amide) in pts with hepatic insufficiency may require dosage adjustment in order to avoid overexposure. Which patients will need to be adjusted?
- CHF pts (poor perfusion of liver so poor clearance)
- Geriatric pts
1 in 3000 pts have a polymorphism in their pseudo-cholinesterase enzyme, which makes it less active and therefore…
- Elimination of ester LA is slower!
- Be careful! Even tetracaine pts with a genetic variant of pseudo-cholinesterase could have side effects
A pt with a variant pseudo-cholinesterase could experience side effects of apnea and prolonged paralysis when given…..
succinylcholine or mivacurium (ester based)
T/F: Anti-seizure drugs, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine also block neuronal voltage-gated Na+ channels. Therefore, when treating LA induced seizures use phenytoin because it shares properties with lidocaine and enhances its toxicity.
FALSE. DO NOT USE phenytoin….Avoid use of phenytoin (Dilantin) in this situation because it shares pharmacologic properties with lidocaine and may potentiate lidocaine toxicity.
What agents can be used to treat muscle spasticity?
Baclofen
Diazepam
What is the MOA of Baclofen vs. Diazepam?
Baclofen: GABA B Receptor Agonist (B n B)
Diazepam: GABA A Receptor Agonist
MOA of Baclofen:
1) Excitatory afferent pre-synaptic GABA B Receptor K+ Channel
2) Baclofen GABA B agonist inhibits _______ release
Glutamate
MOA of Diazepam:
1) Inhibitory interneuron post-synaptic GABA A Receptor Cl- Channel
2) Diazepam GABA A agonist potentiates _______
GABA
Use and Adverse effects of diazepam
Use: spinal cord lesions, MS
AE: physical dependence and tolerence
Use and Adverse effects of Baclofen
Use: spinal cord lesions, cerebral palsy
AE: seizures, withdrawal
Other agents to treat muscle spasm and their risks?
Carisoprodol: high abuse potential due to addictive metabolite
Cyclobenzaprine: anti-depressant analog causing catecholamine re-uptake issues
List the generic names of soluble, bioavailable, opioid narcotic AGONISTS used for analgesia / other indications (11)
Codeine Fentanyl Heroin Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Meperidine Methadone Morphine Oxycodone Oxymorphone Tramadol
List the generic names of opioid narcotic μ receptor ANTAGONISTS used for management of opioid narcotic overdose/ addiction / side effects (3)
Naloxone
Naltrexone
Methyl naltrexone (GI specific)
List the generic names of opioid PARTIAL AGONISTS or MIXED AGONISTS/ANTAGONISTS (3)
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine-Naloxone
Pentazocine
List the generic names of ‘insoluble’, poorly absorbed opioid receptor agonists used for diarrhea (2)
Loperamide
Diphenoxylate
List the generic names of the most common opioid related anti-tussive agents (cough suppression) (3)
Codeine
Dextromethorphan
Hydrocodone
Is it safe to prescribe codeine for nursing mothers for post-labor pains?
No! Discontinue codeine after 2 to 3 days of use post-labor. Mother is making more morphine which is toxic to both her and the baby
What are the 3 types of opioid receptors and their ligands
Mu (μ) MOR: Peptides=Endorphins
Kappa (κ) KOR: Peptides=Dynorphins
Delta (δ) DOR: Peptides=Enkephalins, Endoprphins
What is the pain impulse? (starting with afferent sensory signal)
1) Afferent sensory signal
2) Pre-synaptic: Increases Ca2+ influx
3) Increases glutamate discharge
4) Post-synaptic: Increases NMDA receptor-Na+ influx
What happens in opioid agonist-mediated signaling?
1) Blunts afferent signal
2) Blunts Ca2+ influx
3) Blunts glutamate discharge
4) Increases K+ Efflux***
Drugs that bind to μ opioid receptors include full agonists, partial agonists/mixed, and antagonists. Which drugs from these categories bind to the μ opioid receptors?
Full Agonists:
Fentanyl & Morphine
Partial Agonist/Mixed: (potent!)
Buprenorphine
Antagonist:
Naloxone & Naltrexone
Opioids such as morphine are μ receptor agonists. What would we use them clinically for?
Tissue injury=acute stimuli≥ Nerve injury
The pain treatment ladder is based on an opioid-sparing rationale. What is the ladder? (mild, moderate, severe)
Mild pain: NSAID, Acetaminophen
Moderate pain, persisting, or uncontrolled pain: Codeine, Codeine-related + Acetaminophen, Tramadol
Severe pain, persisting, or uncontrolled pain: Morphine, Fentanyl, etc extended release
What are the clinical effects of agonists at the Mu (μ) opioid receptor? (6)
- Analgesia (supra-spinal)
- Euphoria
- CNS & Respiratory depression
- Drug dependence
- Miosis (pupil contraction)
- GI, uterine contraction/spasm
What are the clinical effects of agonists at the Kappa (κ)opioid receptor? (4)
- Analgesia (spinal)
- Sedation
- Miosis
- GI, uterine contraction/spasm
Tolerance (deteriorated response) to Morphine (μ Agonists) includes increased tolerance to…(5)
What are the exceptions? (2)
Analgesia Euphoria Sedation Nausea Respiratory depression
Exception: no tolerance to miosis or constipation
What are the adverse effects of morphine?
Sedation
GI effects: constipation & biliary pressure
Emesis
Pruritis (scratching)
What puts morphine at an abuse liability?
Euphoria (altered limbic system)
Physical dependence
Why is morphine deadly?
Respiratory depression: depresses CO2 sensitivity in the brainstem
can have low O2 and high CO2 and brainstem doesn’t realize you need to breathe.
What are some contra-indications to morphine use?
Brain injury, emphysema, and heart failure (perfusion issue)
Can you use opioids in heart attack pts?
YES! cuts back anxiety and pain
What are some clinical indications for morphine?
-Post-operative pain (surgery)
-Cancer pain (Primary & metastatic malignancy)
-Other pain:
Sickle cell crisis, trauma, severe diarrhea, dyspnea caused by pulmonary edema from left ventricular failure
TQ: What is a major issue in pts post-surgery (esp. GI/ biliary) and chronic use of morphine?
Constipation!
-may be necessary to compromise analgesic to help GI and biliary SM
What opioid μ agonists drugs are full agonists and used in parenteral and oral tx? (6)
Morphine** Methadone Meperidine (Hydromorphone Oxymorphone Levorphanol)