Top 100 Drugs

Question 1

Abilify

Answer 1

Aripiprazole
Dopamine system stabilizer 
ODT, tab, IM, liquid 
Hepatic metabolism 
Weight, waist, BP, FG, lipids 
ADR: HA, drowsy, constipation, akathesia, anticholinergic effects 
BBW: suicide

Question 2

Accutane

Answer 2

Isotretinoin
Capsule; cystic nodular acne
Hepatic metabolism
Monthly pregnancy test; iPLEDGE
Inxn: retinoids, vit A
ADR: depression, incr TG, sun sensitivity, anemia, muscle pain
Do not donate blood until 30 days after stopping; avoid waxing

Question 3

Adderall (XR)

Answer 3

amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts 
Tablet, Capsule XR
Stimulates NE and Dopamine release 
Hepatic metabolism; Renal excretion 
MP: BP, ht, wt, growth, tolrnce, dpndnc
Inxn: MAOIs, anti-HTN, Meperidine, anti-psychotics 
CI: anorexia, GLAUCOMA, cardiac issues
ADR: poor appetite, anxiety, mood chng
BBW: high potential for abuse/depndnc
XR does not increase manic/psychosis events

Question 4

Advair

Answer 4

Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Asthma/COPD) 
Diskus, Inhaler (ICS + LABA) 
Hepatic metabolism 
MP: BG, Pulmonary fxn tests, growth, K+
Inxn: MAOIs, B-agonist, B-blockers 
CI: acute bronchospasm 
ADR: oral thrush, chest pain, dizziness, cgh
PEd: avoid exposure to chknpox/measles; rinse mouth out after use

Question 5

Aspirin

Answer 5

Aspirin (ASA) - Mild-Moderate pain, inflammation, Fever, Coronary syndromes, RA
Inhibits COX1&2 irreversibly; inhbts plt aggregation
Hepatic metabolism; Renal excretion
MP: liver fxn
Inxn: ACE-I, SSRIs, SNRIs
ADR: N/V/GI discomfort, bleeding, bronchospasm, ulcer, tinnitus
CI: chldrn & teens with chknpox or flu sx for risk of Reyes syndrome; avoid while preg or brst feeding
PEd: tk with food or milk; avoid alcohol and other NSAIDs; tk with 8oz water

Question 6

Aldactone

Answer 6

Spironolactone (K+ sparing diuretic)
HTN, ascites, edema, HF
Hepatic metabolism; renal excretion
MP: SCr, BUN, CHEM-7, K and RENAL fxn in HF
Inxn: Eplerenone, ARB, ACE-I, Lithium
CI: DM nephropathy, anuria, renal failure
ADR: hyperK+, GYNECOMASTIA, GI upset
PEd: avoid dehydration; check BP; avoid high K+ food, Tx hirsutism in females
(will not cause acne, wt gain, decr libido)

Question 7

Advil/Motrin/Caldolar

Answer 7

Ibuprofen (Caldolar is injection)
Inhibits COX1&2
Hepatic metabolism; highly protein bound
MP: CBC, LFTs, SCr, BUN
Inxn: sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia); FQ + NSAIDs incr risk of seizures!!; salicylates
CI: CABG
ADR: GI bleed/anemia; Tinnitus; ARF; esophagitis
PEd: avoid in 3rd trimester; but compatible for breast feeding

Question 8

Alphagan P

Answer 8

Brimonidine (Ophthalmic solution)
Glaucoma - open angle; Ocular HTN
selective alpha-2 agonist
hepatic metabolism; renal excretion
Inxn: MAOIs, HTN meds
ADR: dry mouth, HA, blurred vision, light sensitivity, bitter taste
PEd: don’t blink or rub eyes; wait 10 mins before other eye meds; 15 mins before contacts

Question 9

Altace

Answer 9

Ramipril (ACE-Inhibitor) 
HTN, HF 
hepatic metabolism; renal excretion 
MP: SCr, BUN, K+, Na+ 
Inxn: K+ sparing diuretics 
CI: Preg, breast feeding, Angioedema 
ADR: hyperkalemia, COUGH, ARF, dizziness, angioedema 
PEd: don't treat yourself for coughs/colds/pain

Question 10

Amaryl

Answer 10

Glimepiride (Diabetes)
stimulates pancreatic cells to incr insulin
Hepatic metabolism; renal elimination
MP: blood glucose
Inxn: fluconazole, rifampin, warfarin
CI: diabetic ketoacidosis, sulfa allergy, CrCl <22
ADR: hypoglycemia, wt gain, sun sensitive
PEd: tk with first meal of day; avoid alcohol; effects fasting glucose levels best

Question 11

Ambien - Zolpimist - Edluar

Answer 11

Zolpidem (Insomnia)
Tablet, Oral spray, SL tab
Binds to & increases GABA transmission
Hepatic metabolism; Renal excretion
Inxn: caffeine, bupropion, SSRI, alcohol, sedative antihistamines
ADR: daytime drowsy, tolerance, dependnc, HA, STRANGE DREAMS, binge eating, rebound insomnia

Question 12

Amitiza

Answer 12

Lubiprostone (chronic constipation; IBS)
incr Cl intestinal fluid secretion facilitating stool passage
NO CYP metabolism or Monitoring
CI: bowel obstruction
ADR: N/V/D, HA, bloating, farts, abdm pain
PEd: tk with food

Question 13

Aranesp

Answer 13

Darbepoetin alpha (IV, SQ) - Anemia
stimulates erythropoiesis
MP: CBC, serum tests
Inxn: epoetin alpha, alcohol, androgens
BBW: incr risk of cardio events, mortality
ADR: HYPO/HTN, fatigue, N/V/D/C, infection, HA
PEd: do not shake solution

Question 14

Argatroban

Answer 14

Argatroban (IV) - Thrombosis - HIT, PCI
highly selective thrombin inhibitor; directly inhibits factor 2
Hepatic metabolism
MP: Hg, Hct, aPTT, Plts, SCr, Urinalysis
Inxn: ASA, NSAIDs, Hep, Warf, etc
CI: bleeding
ADR: chest pain, hypotension, GI/GU bleed, black tarry stools
PEd: monitor for bruising, avoid injury, MAY FALSELY ELEVATE INR 1-2 pts

Question 15

Aricept

Answer 15

Donepezil (tab, ODT) - Dementia/Alzheimers
Inhibits ACh breakdown
Hepatic metabolism; renal excretion
MP: neuro fxn, weight
CI: breast feeding, GI bleed, childrn, Jaund
ADR: dizziness, insomnia, N/D
PEd: usually take before bedtime

Question 16

Arimidex

Answer 16

Anastrozole (breast cancer) - tablet
selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor
corticosteroids&aldosterone are NOT effected
Hepatic metabolism
MP: bone density, TC, LDL
Inxn: estrogen derivatives
CI: preg
ADR: vasodilation, fatigue, mood change, HA, pain, hot flashes, weakness, arthritis, cough, osteoporosis

Question 17

Arixtra

Answer 17

Fondaparinux (SQ) - DVT, PE, STEMI
Direct factor Xa inhibitor; NO FACTOR 2 ACTIVITY! (Renal excretion)
MP: anti-Xa activity, SCr, blood work NOT TYPICALLY MONITORED unless preg/obese
Inxn: anticoagulants
CI: renal failure; CrCl < 30, wt <50kg
ADR: bleeding, fever, anemia, bruising
PEd: do not rub injection site, no antidote

Question 18

Asacol - Lialda - Apriso

Answer 18

Mesalamine (enema, XR/DR capsules)
Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis; inflammatory suppressant; Renal excretion
MP: CBC and renal fxn
Inxn: Digoxin, antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs
CI: salicylate hypersensitivity
ADR: fever, rash, HA, D, abdm pain, alopecia, flatulence

Question 19

Ativan

Answer 19

Lorazepam (IM, IV, tab, oral soln)
Anxiety, sedation, Status Epilepticus, EtOH detox, agitation
Enhances GABA
Hepatic metabolism, Renal excretion
(adjust for IV only in renal impairmnt)
MP: HR, BP, respiratory, anxiety
Inxn: EtOH, caffeine, OC, pain meds, theophylline, phenytoin, meds for anxiety
CI: COPD, closed<glaucoma, shock, sleep apnea, preg/BF
ADR: confusion, depression, hallucination, resp depression, dbl vision

Question 20

Augmentin XR

Answer 20

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (tabs, chewbl, ER, oral susp) Gm + infections/anaerobes
B-lactam antibiotic w/ b-lactamase inhibtr
Hepatic metabolism; renal excretion(adjust)
MP: LFTs, SCr/BUN, anaphylaxis
Inxn: methotrexate, OC, anticoagulants
ADR: seizure, rash, Diarrhea, allergic rxn
PEd: tk with meal, finish full course of med

Question 21

Avelox - Vigamox

Answer 21

Moxifloxacin (IV, tab, Opht drops-Vigamox)
Mild-mod CAP, MDR-pneumo; PINK EYE
resp. FQ; no renal or hepatic adjustmnts
MP: WBCs, LFTs, SCr
Hepatic metabolism
Inxn: metal cations(Mg), NSAIDs(seizure), antipsychotics, warfarin, anti-arrhythm
BBW: FQs associated w/ tendon rupture
ADR: N/D, dry eyes, Torsades, SJS, anemia, Liver failure, ARF, SEIZURE
PEd: don’t take antacids 4hrs b4 or 8hrs after, stay out of sun

Question 22

Bactrim (DS)

Answer 22

Trim/Sulfa (IV, Susp, Tab)
UTIs, AOM, CA-MRSA, traveler’s diarrhea
MP: CBC, LFTs, SCr/BUN
Inxn: warfarin, carbamazepine, fluoxetine
CI: G6PD deficiency, children (kernicteris), BF, renal failure
ADR: HA, N/V/D, dizziness, loss appetite
PEd: tk with full glass of water, photosensitive, monitor glucose if diabetic

Question 23

Bactroban

Answer 23

Mupirocin (topical ointment, intranasal oint)
MRSA colonization/skin lesion/nasal; Impetigo (Gm+ skin infections)
inhibits protein synthesis
ADR: dry skin, itching, HA
PEd: wash hands, ointmnt into nostrils and squeeze together

Question 24

Boniva

Answer 24

Ibandronate (Inj q3mon; tab q month)
osteoporosis tx and prevention
reduces VERTEBRAL fractures but NOT hip; decreases rate of bone resorption 
MP: Ca, Mg, Phos, SCr/BUN
Inxn: AMGs, antacids, NSAIDs, ASA
CI: vit D definciency, renal impairment 
ADR: N/D/C, HA, bone, muscle, joint pain
PEd: tk in morning b4 meal w/ full water; do not eat for 1hr

Question 25

Buspar

Answer 25

Buspirone (tab) - GAD; best in bzd naive pts with anxiety, improves SSRI sexual dysfxn
5HT1a partial agonist; no GABA effect
short acting, Hepatic metabolism; renal excretion; adjust for both!
MP: mental status
Inxn: warfarin, grapefruit juice, SSRIs, etc
NOT ASSOCIATED W/ ABUSE OR WITHDRAWAL
ADR: dizzy, drowsy, HA, N/V, nightmares
PEd: tk w/ or w/o food; may tk 1-2 wks before improvement, NOT PRN!!

Question 26

Byetta

Answer 26

Exenatide (SQ pen) ADJUNCT tx only!! 
used with metformin, TZD, sulfonylurea
Major effect on post-prandial glucose 
SLOWS gastric emptying, WEIGHT LOSS
MP: glucose, A1c, renal fxn 
Avoid in renal impairment 
ADR: acute pancreatitis, N/V/D, constipation
DO NOT USE AS INSULIN SUBSTITUTE

Question 27

Bystolic

Answer 27

Nebivolol (tablet) - HTN, Heart Failure, MI
Beta-1 SELECTIVE blocker and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation. (Slows HR & blocks NE/Epi)
Adjust for renal and liver impairment
MP: BP, EKG, BG, neurological status
Inxn: alpha-1 blockers, alpha-2 agonists
CI: severe HF, AV block, bradycardia
ADR: fatigue, blunting effect, bronchospasm, bradycardia
PEd: mask signs of hypoglycemia, hypotension, less likely to cause erectile dysfunction due to NO effects, report unusual weight gain

Question 28

Cardizem (CD) - Cartia - Dilacor - Tiazac

Answer 28

Diltiazem (SR, ER cap, Inj soln, Inj powder)
PO - HTN, ANGINA
IV - Afib or atrial flutter, PSVT
Prevents Ca from entering myocardial channels causing relaxation of smooth muscle = vasodilation; incr oxy delivery
Hepatic metabolism; INHIBITS 3A4
Inxn: statins, ranolazine, cilostazol
Contraindicated in HF due to LVSD
ADR: bradycardia, HA, N/V/D, sexual dysfunction
PEd: tk with or w/o food, avoid grapefruit, don’t suddenly stop taking

Question 29

Cardura (XL)

Answer 29

Doxazosin (ER tablet) - BPH, HTN
alpha-1 blocker, High PB
MP: BP, syncope
Inxn: other alpha-blockers, NSAIDs, OC, MAOIs, sildenafil, BP meds, cold meds
No role in HF
ADR: HA, N, ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION - dose qhs, incr HDL
PEd: avoid alcohol, priapism, may notice EMPTY SHELL of tablet in stool

Question 30

Catapres

Answer 30

Clonidine (inj, tab, patch) - HTN
stimulates alpha-2 receptors in brain, reduces sympathetic outflow, decr peripheral resistance, HR, renal resistance, BP; Decreases NE/EPI - SVR decreases due to vasodilation
Hepatic metabolism (OK in renal failure)
MP: BP, mental status, HR
Inxn: alcohol, NSAIDs, BBs, barbs, diabetes meds, MAOIs, pain meds
ADR: Depression, orthostasis, rebound HTN
PEd: do not suddenly stop taking, need to taper, dry mouth

Question 31

Celebrex

Answer 31

Celecoxib (capsule) - RA, osteoarthritis, mngmt of acute pain, tx of dysmenorrhea
Decreases activity of COX-2
Excreted in urine and feces; substrate of 2C9
MP: CBCs, LFTs, SCr/BUN, stool guaiac
Inxn: alcohol, ASA, cimetidine, warfarin
ADR: C/D, dizziness, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, hard to swallow
CI: CABG, sulfa, salycilate, or NSAID hypersensitivity
unopposed COX-1 leads to vasoconstriction, thrombosis, plt aggregation = CV EFFECTS!
PEd: tk in upright position, tk more than 10 mins b4 bedtime, avoid cigs and EtOH, avoid in 3rd trimester

Question 32

CellCept

Answer 32

Mycophenolate (cap, tab, Inj, oral susp)
Prophylaxis of organ rejection w/ cyclosporine & corticosteroids in renal, hepatic, cardiac transplants; LUPUS induction and maintenance phase
T&B lymphocytes can’t proliferate
Hepatic metabolism
MP: CBC, pregnancy test, sxs of infection, electrolytes
Inxn: antacids, acyclovir, iron, OC, immunosuppressive meds
CI: PREGNANCY X
ADR: hyperglycemia - toxic to pancreatic beta cells, HA, N/V/D, anemia
PEd: tk on empty stomach

Question 33

Chantix

Answer 33

Varenicline (tab) - smoking cessation
Stimulates DA activity to smaller degree than nicotine -> decr cravings & withdrawal
Partial agonist at alpha4/beta2 receptor in brain
Inxn: may alter PK properties of other drugs (warfarin, insulin, theophylline)
*BBW: mood changes, depression, suicidal ideation
ADR: abdm pain, N/C, dry mouth, HA, insomnia, changes in appetite
PEd: start one week before quit date!, tk AFTER EATING

Question 34

Cipro (XR)

Answer 34

Ciprofloxacin (inj soln, oral susp, ophthalmic oint/susp, ER tab) - Gm (-) infection, pseudomonas, FQ = incr risk of MRSA; Does not cover anaerobes, NOT for strep pneumo
Inhibits DNA gyrase causes break of DNA
MP: renal and hepatic fxn in long term tx
Inxn: iron, Mg, Ca, caffeine, NSAIDs, warfarin, phenytoin
ADR: N/D, HA, insomnia, dizziness, confusion
PEd: tk with full glass water, do NOT tk with antacids, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg or dairy products, sun sensitivity, stay hydrated

Question 35

Claritin (D)

Answer 35

Loratadine & (PSE) - allergic rhinitis sxs
Non-sedating H1 blocker; antihistamine & decongestant w/ PSE
Inxn: alcohol, caffeine, MAOIs, BBs, pain meds, reserpine, HIV meds
CI: acute MI, cardiac issues, neonates
ADR: cough, dry mouth, HA, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite