Pharmacology Flashcards
What are the dangers of drug use?
Allergies = death
Toxicity = death
Interactions with other drugs which can have an effect on absorption and metabolism of other drugs.
What do LA work on?
Block propagation of impulses on ion channels
What is a positive action of adrenaline (vasoconstrictor)?
Constricts the blood vessels and allows the drug to remain in the desired area for longer.
Allows lower volume of the drug to be used.
What are the negative actions of adrenaline (vasoconstrictor)?
Constricts vessels allows drug to remain in the area for longer which can be toxic to the nerve tissue.
People can also have a reaction.
Name examples of local anaesthetics.
Lignocaine. Prilocaine. Articaine. Bupivivaine. Mepivicaine.
Name commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Amoxycillin
Metronidazole.
Doxycycline.
Clindamycin.
Name antiviral drugs and how they can be used.
Aciclovir: topical/systemic
What are the drugs used in treating pain and inflammation called?
Analgesics.
What type of analgesic reduces inflammatory mediators?
NSAIDs
What type of analgesics reduce he inflammation process?
Corticosteroids.
How do NSAID work?
inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.
Change balance of PGE1 and PGE2.
Inhibit COX 1 and 2 enzymes.
What effect can NSAIDs have on blood?
NSAID has an effect on thromboxanes which makes the platelets less adhesive = more bleeding.
Where is aspirin rapidly absorbed from?
The GIT
What kind of clearance does aspirin have?
Fast
What are the actions of aspirin (NSAID)?
Reduces synthesis of prostaglandins.
Reduces production of inflammatory mediators.
Anti-pyrexic. (Reduces fever)
What is an advantage of using aspirin (NSAID)?
It is a pre-emptive analgesic. Can be taken before the inflammatory process begins.
List the side effects of Aspirin (NSAID). (5)
Gastric irritation= ulcerations.
Inhibition of platelet function = enhanced bleeding.
Bronchospasm = Effect on asthma.
Drug interactions (protein binding)
How do corticosteroids reduce inflammation?
Inhibits capillary permeability.
Inhibits the formation of bradykinin.
Inhibits the migration of white blood cells.
Reduces eicosanoid synthesis.
What is the disadvantage of using corticosteroids?
They suppress the inflammation but do not address the cause.
What are the ways that corticosteroids can be administered?
Topically
Systemically
Give 2 examples of topical corticosteroids.
Steroid inhalers. Hydrocortisone cream (eczema)
List the 3 steroid treatments for mouth ulcers.
Beclomethasone inhalers.
Hydrocortisone adhesive tablets.
Betamethasone solutions.
Prednisolone tablets are systemic corticosteroids, what are the uses of these tablets?
Prevent transplant rejection.
Treat immunological diseases.
Dexamethasone injections are systemic corticosteroids, what are the uses of these injections?
Reduce swelling after surgery.
i.e wisdom tooth removal.
What is the danger with taking systemic steroids for a prolonged period of time?
If you take the steroids for a prolonged period of time side effects WILL occur.
The longer u take the steroid the more serious the side effects will become. High BP Weight gain Change is fat distribution (centripetal obesity) Gastric ulcers Adrenal suppression Osteoporosis Diabetes
What are the side effects of systemic steroids?
High BP Weight gain Change is fat distribution (centripetal obesity) Gastric ulcers Adrenal suppression Osteoporosis Diabetes
Name anxiolytic drugs.
Benzodiazepines:
Diazepam, midazolam.
What is the action of benzodiazepines?
Have an effect on the gamma receptor in membranes.
What are the dangers of using benzodiazepines?
The drug is helpful whilst in use but problems occur once the medication is removed.
Name an anxiolytic gas.
Nitrous oxide
What are the advantages of nitrous oxide?
The amount of effect can be adjusted during the procedure.
No issues with organ metabolism, is excreted unchanged.
When can nitrous oxide not be used and why?
In pregnancy.
Interferes with folic acid metabolism which is required for the formation of the brain and spinal cord in an embryo.
What are the functions of the thyroid hormone?
Balance bodys metabolism
What messengers (2) does thyroxine replace?
T3 and T4
How must the dosage of the thyroxine tablets be altered?
Gradually
How do thyroxine tablets act?
Directly upon the tissues - no effect on the gland.
Name the 2 types of nerve communication.
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
What drug acts on the sympathetic NS? What is this stimulation called?
Adrenaline
Adrenergic stimulation