Pharmacology Flashcards
What are NSAID’s used for?
Inflammatory pain
Which enzymes are blocked in non-specific NSAIDs?
COX1 and COX2
Give 3 examples of non-specific NSAIDS,.
Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen
What are specific NSAIDS?
They block COX2 enzymes
Give an example of a specific NSAID?
Celecoxib
What is the role of prostaglandins in pain pathways?
Prostaglandins are released where the damage has taken place. These bind to receptors and depolarise them in the first order neurones causing a signal to be sent to the somatosensory cortex.
How are prostoglandins activated?
Immune cells convert their phospholipids into arachidonic acid when damaged, this is then converted int prostoglandin F2 by the COX 1 and COX2 enzymes.
What is the role of COX1 in platelets?
Arachidonic acid is converted into thromboxane A2 by COX1. This leads to platelet aggregation.
Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in kidney disease?
COX in the kidney maintains reneal blood flow, so use of NSAIDS can lead to nephritis.
What issues do NSAIDS cause in the stomach?
Decrease acid production and can lead to nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia and ulceration
Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in asthma?
May exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause bronchiospasm
What is the definition of an antibiotic?
Substance produced by microorganisms that inhibits the growth of or kills other bacteria
What is susceptibility?
The level of vulnerability of a microorganism to an antimicrobial.
Which antimicrobials inhibit cell wall synthesis?
Beta lactams and glycopeptides
What are the different types of beta lactams?
Penicillin’s, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems
What is the mechanism of action of a beta lactam?
Interfere with the assembly of the cell wall by inhibiting transpeptidase enzymes
weakens cell wall
Lysis of microorganism
What type of bacteria do glycopeptides target?
Gram positive
Examples of glycopeptides?
Vancomycin
How do aminoglycosides work?
(has amino in the name)
Inhibits protein synthesis via 30s ribosome inhibition
Which antibiotic shouldn’t be used in pregnancy?
Trimethoprim, as it inhibits folic acid synthesis.
What is nitrofurantoin used to treat?
Uncomplicated UTI’s
How does a tetracycline work?
Inhibition of protein synthesis.
What is metformin used to treat?
Diabetes mellitus
How is metformin excreted?
Via active tubular excretion in the kidneys
What is active tubular excretion?
The transfer of materials from the peritubular capillaries to the renal tubular lumen to be excreted.
What is meant by the half life of a drug?
The time required for the serum concentration of the drug to decrease by 50%
What precautions should be taken with metformin and IV contrast?
There is a risk of lactic acidosis if patients on metformin are given IV contrast.
How long should metformin be with held for before IV contrast is given?
48 hours
How can a prescription be altered to reduce the effects on renal function?
Reduce dose, lengthen interval or substitute the drug.
How does metformin work?
Suppression of gluconeogenesis in the liver,
Is there weight gain associated with metformin?
No, it in fact often decreases appetite and causes weight loss.
What type of drug is ramipril?
ACE inhibitor
How do ACE inhibitors work?
Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin 1 into angiotensin 2
What does angiotensin 2 bind to which is inhibited with ACE inhibitors?
Binds to smooth muscle.
When this is inhibited there is a decrease in intracellular calcium.
This causes vasodilation.
Which other hormone does angiotensin 2 promote the release of?
Aldosterone
Should you be concerned about renal function when starting ramipril?
Renal function should be checked before starting and before increasing the dose of ramipril.
What is the most common side effect of ACE inhibitors?
Chronic cough occurring in 10-30% of patients
Why are ACE inhibitors less commonly used in afro-Carribean patients?
They commonly have low renin essential hypertension.
this means their RAAS system is contributing very little to their hypertension.
What group of drugs does atorvastatin belong to?
Statins
What do statins do?
Lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood
Which enzyme do statins inhibit?
HMG-CoA reductase
What is the function of HMG-CoA reductase?
The conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate is an early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
By inhibiting it there is less cholesterol.