Pharmacology Year 1 Lvl 2 Flashcards
Adrenergic Agents (sympathomimetic)
Meds that mimic NE, cause they mimic axn produced by SNS.
Adrenergic Blocking Agents
inhibit or reduce SNS activity adrenergic activity. (eg. beta blockers “olol”)
Cholinergic Agents (Parasympathomimetics)
Meds that mimic ACH, cause they mimic axns produced by PNS.
Gabapentine
Helps with nerve pain (neuralgia, or shingles)
Anticholinergic drugs
drugs block or inhibit cholinergic axns (block PNS axns)
Classification of sleep pattern disturbances
Transient (lasting a few nights) Short Term (less than three weeks, travel/ anxiety) Chronic (longer than 1 month)
Insomnia (3 types)
Initial: inability to fall asleep
Intermittent: inability to stay asleep
Terminal: early awakening but inability to fall asleep again
Sedatives
Drug that calms and gives feelings of rest and relaxation, not necessarily accompanied by sleep. eg. ativan
Hypnotic
Produces sleep, normal awakening, no hangover effect, no danger of habit formation.
Barbiturates
Axn: Cause CNS depression which is reversible. Sedative and Hypnotic effects. Often used for seizure disorders. eg. phenobarbital
Benzodiazepines
CNS depressant but more site specific, hypnotic and sedative effect. Think “zzz” eg. ativan
Examples of Non Barbiturate, Non Benzodiazepines Sedative/Hypnotic agents
Melatonin, Benadryl, Dimenhydrinate (Gravol), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Parkinson’s Medication Function
Drugs that aim to replace or block destruction of dopamine.
Selegiline & Rasagiline
Causes neuroprotective factors that interfere with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Blocks destruction of monoamines serotonin, dopamine, and NE to prolong their effect
Helpful for depression and parkinson’s
Antiparkinsonians
AXN: drug crosses blood brain barrier and metabolizes into dopamine increasing the levels in the brain.
Levadopa and Sinemet (Levadopa & Carbidopa)
Dopamine Agonists (Apomorphine)
AXN: dopamine agonists slow destruction of dopamine and aids in release of of dopamine from its storage site
Do not administer IV
Anticholinergic Agent
Realigns the balance between dopamine and ACH, and decreases ACH in the brain.
Will reduce drooling, and tremors. Slowing PNS so be mindful of side effects could occur, eg. constipation.
Alzheimer’s Agents (Cholinesterase inhibitors)
AXN: Blocks the breakdown of the NT ACH. (Slows progression of ACH destruction. Memory, learning and thinking)
eg. Aricept
Serotonin
NT that helps regulate memory and learning, associated with feelings of happiness, and relaxation.
Melatonin
Is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland that helps to regulate sleep schedule and circadian rhythm.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
AXN: decreases the breakdown of serotonin at the synaptic cleft to allow more serotonin available for the neurons.
Serotonin Syndrome
Toxicity of serotonin
S&S: irritability, increased muscle tones, shivering, seizures, myoclonus, tachycardia, reduced consciousness.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
AXN: prolong the axn of NE, dopamine, and serotonin to varying degrees by blocking the reuptake of these NT in the synaptic cleft between neurons. eg . amitriptyline