Pharmacology Flashcards
Trastuzumab
Monoclonal Antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer
Griseofulvin
Enters fungal cells, binds microtubules, and inhibits mitosis, effective only against dermatophyte fungi, as it accumulates, in keratin containing tissues.
Echinocandins (Caspofungin and Micafungin)
Suppress the synthesis of cell wall by blocking gluten synthesis (1,3-beta-D-glucan is a major polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall) Caspofungin is most active against cryptococcus neoformans and has limited activity against Mucor and Rhizopus species.
Enoxaperin
Form of low molecular weight of heparin that functions by binding and activating antithrombin 3 which binds to factor Xa and stops it from converting prothrombin to thrombin. Less thrombin results in anti-coagulent effect.
Shown to cause significant reduction in death and recurrent myocardial infarction as compared with unfractional heparin.
Valproate
Blocks voltage gated sodium channels and enhances GABA synthesis and release. As an anticonvulsant, it is used for generalized tonic clonic seizures, it is drug of choice for myoclonic seizures and second line agent for absence seizures. As a mood stabilizer it is used in acute mania and maintenance of bipolar disorder, especially in patients with rapid cycling (>4 episodes per year) and episodes with mixed manic depressive features.
Side effects include hepatotoxicity and neural tube defects.
Acyclovir
Used for confusion and seizures. Can cause crystalline nephrotoxicity if adequate hydration is not also provided. When its concentration exceeds its solubility in collecting duct, crystallization, crystalluria and renal tubular damage may result.
Abciximab
Chimeric mouse human antibody against the platelet GpIIb/IIIa receptor. Blocks final step in platelet aggregation. Administered during angioplasty in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Imatinib
Diagnosis of CML requires the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome or the BCR/ABL fusion gene. It is a potent inhibitor of the BCR/ABL protein tyrosine kinase. It inhibits the cellular proliferation of BCR/ABL expressing cells without inducing apoptosis. ORAL Medications used for management of CML.
Interleukin-2
Cytokine that regulates the activation and differentiation of T cells to aid in tumor cell destruction. Used for treatment of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Infliximab
Chimeric (human/murine) IgG1 monoclonal antibody to TNF-œ. Used in management of rheumatoid arthritis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis and fistulizing Crohn’s disease.
Rituximab
Biologic response modifier (BRM) intended to restore or induce the immune system’s ability to overcome disease. Monoclonal antibody used in lymphoma immunotherapy that specifically targets CD20 surface immunoglobulin.
Fluoxetine
Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and OCD. Sexual dysfunction may limit their use.
Alprazolam
Benzodiazepine with onset of action of 1-2 hours and a relatively short half life. It is used on an as needed basis
Buspirone
Selective agonist of 5HT(1A) receptor, safe and effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, clinical response is often delayed for up to 2 weeks of regular use. Not effective when used on an as needed basis, dependence does not occur with chronic treatment
Terbinafine
Accumulates in skin and nails and is used to treat dermatophytosis. Inhibits ultimately results in decreased synthesis of ergosterol.
Eplerenone
New aldosterone antagonist that has fewer side effects than spironolactone and is often used in those that cannot tolerate spironolactone. Side effect is gynecomastia in 1% of patients. Aldosterone causes resorption of sodium and water and wasting of potassium and hydrogen ions at the distal portion of the nephron leading to hypokalemia and alkalosis.
Spironolactone
First line drug for primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome) caused by aldosterone secreting tumor (adenoma). Patient presents as hypertensive, hypokalemic, metabolic alkalosis, and decreased plasma renin activity. Side effect includes gynecomastia in 9% of patients. Addition of low dose spironolactone to standard therapy (ACEIs, digoxin, diuretic) significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in class 3 and 4 heart failure patients.
Organophosphates
Lipid soluble and thus are readily absorbed via oral cutaneous and inhalation routes of exposure. Readily penetrate blood brain barrie and induce CNS symptoms. They are irreversible cholinesterase inhibitors; elicit cholinergic stimulation that lasts until new cholinesterase enzymes are synthesized. Poisoning is treated with muscarinic antagonists like atropine in addition to pralidoxime, a cholinesterase enzyme reactivate. Patient presents with non focal neurological deficits, confusion mitosis, bradycardia, relatively low BP, cutaneous vasodilation (flushing) diaphoresis, lacrimation and bronchospasm.
Loop diuretics
Work in the loop of hence and inhibit sodium resorption but the kidney is still able to absorb some sodium in the distal convoluted tubule and does not have increased absorption in the proximal tubule.
Thiazide Diuretics
Work in the distal convoluted tubule and impair sodium resorption. As a result the kidney eventually tries to compensate by increasing sodium in the proximal tubule. Presently are the first line treatment for essential hypertension in outpatient setting.
Sertraline
SSRI, indicated in treatment of major depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
Olanzapine
Second generation antipsychotic used to treat psychotic and mood disorders. Side effects, include weight gain and increased risk of metabolite syndrome (dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia)
Lorazepam
Benzodiazepine, enhances the affinity of GABA for its receptor (increases the frequency of chloride channel openings) thereby increasing its inhibitory potential. First line medication for treatment of active seizures acute anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.
Ethosuximide
Anticonvulsant, drug of choice for absence seizures. Reduces Ca+ currents in T-type Ca+ channels in the neurons thereby inhibiting the propagation of action potentials.
Lithium
Mood stabilizer that is effective in the acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Modifies second messenger signal transduction (e.g.. adenyl cyclase and phospho-inositol pathways) resulting in decreased excitatory neurotransmission. Side effects include diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, tremor, ebstein’s anomaly. Has a very narrow therapeutic index. Almost exclusively excreted by the kidneys with filtration and absorption in the proximal tubules following sodium reabsorption. Renal injury, toxins, and drugs that lead to proximal tubular absorption of Na+ (NSAIDS, ACE inhibitors and diuretics) also increase levels and increase lithium toxicity
Lamotrigene
Effective in depressed phase of bipolar disorder and is associated with skin rash which can rarely progress to life threatening mucocutaneous reactions. Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Also indicated for focal seizures.
Carbamazepine
Used as mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder, effective in treatment of mania, it is a CYP450 inducer that can cause lower levels of concomitant medications. Manic episode maintenance, absence, generalized tonic clonic, myoclonic seizures. Side effects include agranulocytosis, hyponatremia (SIAHD) neural tube defects.
Flucytosine
Inhibits the synthesis of both DNA (replication) and RNA (protein synthesis) in fungal cells. Mainly used as a synergistic agent with amphotericin B, particularly in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.
Amphotericin B
A polyene anti fungal that binds ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and leads to pore formation and cell lysis
Itraconazole
an azole anti fungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis
Bosentan
An endothelin receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of endothelin (a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates endothelial proliferation). It decreases pulmonary arterial pressure and lessens the progression of vascular and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Clopidogrel
Inhibits ADP induced platelet aggregation. It is used in atherosclerotic ischemic disease and to prevent acute stent thrombosis following precutaneous coronary interventions.Irreversibly blocks the platelet surface ADP receptors essential for platelet activation, aggregation and fibrin binding. Used as an alternative in patients with allergic reaction to aspirin.
Enalapril
An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. It is used for treatment of congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy.
Etanercept
Inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity by competitively binding to TNF and preventing it from interacting with cell surface receptors. It is an anti inflammatory agent used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Indomethacin
A nonspecific cyclo-oxegenase inhibitor that suppresses prostaglandin synthesis, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and pain reliever.
Piperacillin-Tazobactam
Tazobactam is a beta lactamase inhibitor (an enzyme that breaks down penicillin). Piperacillin is an extended spectrum penicillin. The combination of the two is effective against a large number of Gram (+) and Gram (-) and anaerobic bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin
1st gen fluoroquinolone that acts by interfering with bacterial topoisomerase 2 (DNA gyrase). It is active against most gram negative rods and bacilli, including Legionella and P. aeruginosa. It is not effective for anaerobic infections.
Ceftriaxone
3rd gen parenteral cephalosporin. It is active against Gram (-) bacilli, including most of the enteric organisms: H. influenza, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria, and Serratia species. It has poor activity against anaerobes. Used in septic arthritis due to gonococcus.