Pharmacology Flashcards
Catecholamine
precursor to EP
DA, NE
Monoamine
NTs that contain one amino group that is connected to an aromatic ring
Ex) thyroid hormones, Histamine, catecholamines (EP, DA, NE), tryptamines (5-HT)
Where is ACh made?
Nucleus basalis of Meynert
Where is DA made?
substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area
Where is Histamine made?
Ventral Posterior hypothalamus (Tuberomammillary nucleus)
Where is NE made?
locus ceruleus in upper pons
Where is 5-HT made?
raphe nucleus in brain stem
NMJ-blocking Agents: What do they cause?
Used for skeletal muscle relaxation–> ONLY paralysis, NO analgesia or unconsciousness
Depolarizing Agents (mech, ex, use, side effects)
Mech: binds aggressively to AChR–> depolarizes–> resistant to AChE–> stays bound–> Na+ channels remain closed–> cannot depolarize. Cannot be reversed.
Ex) Succinylcholine
short-acting (onset 30sec, last 10min) due to Pseudocholinesterase
temporary muscle paralysis (surgery, intubation)
Non-depolarizing agents
Mech: competitive inhibition
Ex) MivaCURIUM, -curium
elimination depends on renal/hepatic activity
Side effects: resp. failure
How do you reverse Nondepolarizing Agents?
AChE inhibitors
Why can’t you give AChE inhibitor to person w/ Depolarizing Muscle agent?
AChE inhibitors will also block Pseudocholinesterase, which is the main way to eliminate depolarizing agents–> prolong Phase I (aggressive binding)
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Mech: inactivate AChE
used to reverse nondepolarizing NMJ agents
Ex) neostigmine, physostigmine
Side effects: bradycardia, broncospasm, pupil constriction, increased bladder tone, etc.
Anticholinergic Drugs
Mech: competitive inhibition
used in anesthesiology
Ex) Atropine
Side effects: decreased secretions, urinary retention, CNS stimulation, cutaneous blood vessel dilation
Atropine
first-line tx for organophosphate poisoning, w/ pralidoxime (2-PAM)
Effects: reverses bradycardia, bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, decrease resp. secretions, reverse psychotic effects
What are the 2 biggest concerns with benzodiazepines and barbiturates?
tolerance and withdrawal
Barbituates
Mech: increase DURATION of Cl- channel opening
Uses: anesthesia, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, insomnia
*withdrawal is dangerous and pts must be hospitalized
What are 3 side effects of barbituates?
induce CYP-450
suppress REM sleep (even though given for insomnia)
Contraindicated in pts w/ Acute Intermittent Poryphyria b/c barbs activate ALA synthase–> heme synthesis
Benzodiazepines
Mech: Increase FREQUENCY of Cl- channel opening
Uses: anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, amnesic agents, anticonvulsants
Benzodiazepines and pregnancy
can cross placental barrier
How to reverse effects of benzodiazepines? How does withdrawal compared to that of barbiturates?
Flumazenil (competitive antagonist)
Withdrawal similar, but NOT as severe as barb withdrawal
How do benzodiazepines and barbituates affect sleep?
Benzo: decrease latency, increase Stage 2 of NREM sleep, decrease REM and slow-wave sleep
Barb: suppress REM sleep
Opiods
Mech: agonist at M-opioid receptors, with varying strengths
Uses: local analgesia, systemic pain relief, chronic pain management, antitussive
Side effects: tolerance, dependence, overdose
Buspirone
Mech: partial agonist of 5-HT-1A receptors
* NO EFFECT on GABA rec, does NOT interact w/ EtOH, NO sedating effects or euphoria (like with benzo, barb). Less potential for abuse!
Use: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (NO muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant properties)
What are endogenous endorphins made from?
POMC (proopiomelanocortin)
Which NTs do Antidepressants target? What can extended treatment lead to?
5-HT, NE, and sometimes DA
Extended treatment can lead to downregulation of postsynaptic NT receptors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
first-line tx for depressive and anxiety disorders
Increases 5-HT levels
Ex) Citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine
see effects after 3-6wks
Uses: depressive disorders, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, etc.
Side effects: diarrhea, sexual dysfcn, Discontinuation Syndrome
For whom are SSRI’s better to use? Who should NOT use them? For whom are they ineffective?
Good: Pregnant women, elderly
Bad: patients with Mania
Ineffective: mood is not elevated in non-depressed patients
What is the most common congenital defect with SSRI use?
ventral septum defect
SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome
dizziness, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, HAs, agitation, suicidal ideation, etc.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (contraindications)
IRREVERSIBLY inhibits MAO–> Increases NE levels
Ex) Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid
Uses: depressive disorders, anxiety
Contraindications: tyramine-containing foods, SSRIs
What else is MAO responsible for?
breakdown of 5-HT and tyramine