Pharmacology Action Flashcards
ADRENALINE – action
Stimulates the ALPHA and BETA subdivisions of the sympathetic nervous system to produce the “Fight” or “Flight” reaction
- ALPHA stimulation causes peripheral vasoconstriction. It raises the perfusion pressure of vital organs during cardiac arrest and it decreases capillary permeability and increases blood pressure in anaphylaxis
- BETA 1 stimulation causes increased myocardial excitability, tachycardia, and increased myocardial contractility
- BETA 2 stimulation causes bronchodilation
**Onset** **Peak** **Duration**
IM 30-90sec 4-10min 5-10min
IV 30sec 3-5min 5-10min
NEB 1-5min n/a up to 20min
AMIODARONE – actions
- Slows the sinus rate and increases the refractory period of the AV node.
- Decreases peripheral vascular resistance
IV
onset- 2 mi
Peak- 20 min
Duration - 120 min
ASPIRIN - Actions
- Inhibits platelet aggregation thereby limiting thrombus enlargement in acute coronary syndrome
- Reduces production of prostaglandins thereby relieving pain and fever
Onset 2-10 min
Duration 3-6 hours
ATROPINE - Action
Antagonises the parasympathetic effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors resulting in:
- Increased heart rate via increasing intrinsic rate of the sino-atrial node andconduction through the atrio-ventricular node
- Reducing smooth muscle contraction resulting in pupillary dilation, reducedgastrointestinal motility and reduced bladder tone
- Blocks exocrine gland activity causing decreased salivary, bronchial, gastric andsweat secretions
**Onset** **Peak** ** Duration**
IM Depends on perfusion
IV <2min <5 min 2-6hours
CALCIUM GLUCONATE – action
Antagonises the effect of hyperkalaemia on the heart
IV
Onset - 30 sec
Peak- N/A
Duration - 30min - 2hrs
FENTANYL - Action
- Potent analgesic
- Effective drug for intranasal use because it is rapidly absorbed across mucous membranes
Onset 2-3 min
Duration 30-60 min
FEXOFENADINE - Action
Non‐sedating anti‐histamine
Onset 15-30min
Duration 12-16 hours
FRUSEMIDE - Action
A potent loop diuretic which produces increased urine output
IV
Onset - 5 min
Peak - 20 -60 min
Duration - 2-3 hours
IM
Onset - 10 min
Peak - 30 min
Duration - 2-3 hrs
GLUCAGON - Action
Converts liver glycogen to glucose. Glucagon may not work if liver glycogen is depleted due to starvation or chronic liver disease
GLUCOSE 10% - Action
Principle energy source for body cells, especially the brain.
IV
Onset - 30sec
Peak - 30sec
Duration - Dependant on severity of hypoglycaemic episode
GLUCOSE GEL - Action
Principle energy source for body cells, especially the brain
PO: Onset within 15 minutes
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Action
- Dilates coronary arteries
- Dilates systemic veins and arteries
- Decreases preload, afterload and blood pressure
Onset is within 2 minutes and lasts up to 30 minutes
HARTMANN’S - Action
Following intravenous infusion it is distributed throughout the extracellular fluidspace. Approximately 25% of the volume infused stays in the intravascular space for a variable period of time.
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Action
- Bronchodilation
- Blocks vagal reflexes which mediate bronchoconstriction
- Synergistic when used in combination with salbutamol
Onset 3-5min
Duration 2-4hr
LIGNOCAINE - ACTION
Blocks sodium channels reducing ventricular excitability and pain transmission
IV
Onset 1-4min
Peak 5-10 min
Duration 20 min
METHOXYFLURANE - Action
Central nervous system depressant
- Onset 2-3min
- Duration 30min
METOCLOPRAMIDE - Action
Blocks central dopamine receptors
IM
ONSET – 10 to 15 minutes
DURATION – 1 to 2 hours
IV
ONSET – 3 to 5 minutes
DURATION – 1 to 2 hours
MIDAZOLAM - Action
Reduces seizure activity and has a tranquillising and amnesic effect
** Onset, Peak, Duration**
IM 5‐10 min, 15 min, 30 min
IV 1‐3 min, 10 min, 20 min
I**N ** 1‐3 min, 12 min, 20 min
MORPHINE - Action
- Decreases pain perception and anxiety
- Causes peripheral vasodilation
IM
Onset 5-10 min
Peak 25-40 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
IV
Onset 2-5 min
Peak 10 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
NALOXONE - Action
Reverses symptoms caused by opioid analgesics:
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Hypotension
Onset Peak Duration
IM 2-5 min 10-15 min 20 min approx
IV 1-3 min 10-15min 15 min approx
ONDANSETRON - Action
Blocks central and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors
IM
Onset 10-15 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
IV
Onset 3-5min
Duration 1-2 hrs
SALBUTAMOL - Action
Stimulates beta 2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation
NEB
Onset - 2-5 min
Peak - 5 -10 min
Duration - 1-2 hours
SODIUM BICARBONATE – actions
- Reverses metabolic acidosis by buffering hydrogen ions
- Reduces plasma potassium by altering pH and causing intracellular movements of potassium ions
- Alters protein binding of tricyclics by acting on trans‐membrane sodium channels
KETAMINE - Action
Action
• Dissociates the central nervous system from painful stimuli. At low doses ketamine causes a trance like state characterised by analgesia and amnesia with retention of protective airway reflexes, spontaneous respirations and cardiovascular activity.
Sodium Chloride 0.9% - Action
Following intravenous infusion it is distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space. Approximately 25% of the volume infused stays in the intravascular space
