USMLE Pharm Flashcards
Abciximab
Monoclonal antibody to fibrin receptor (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) on platelets. Used to prevent clotting after coronary angioplasty
Acetaminophen
Antipyretic analgesic: very weak cyclooxygenase inhibitor; not anti inflammatory. Less toxic than aspirin but more dangerous in overdose (causes hepatic necrosis antidote: acetylcysteine)
Acetazolamide, dorzolamide
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic: produces a NaHCO3 diuresis, results in bicarbonate depletion, and therefore has self limited action. Used in glaucoma and mountain sickness. Dorzolamide is a topical analog for glaucoma
Acetylcholine
Cholinomimetic prototype: transmitter in CNS, ENS, all ANS ganglia, parasympathetic postganglionic synapses, sympathetic postganglionic fibers to sweat glands, and some skeletal muscle vasodilator synapses
Acyclovir
Antiviral: inhibits DNA synthesis in herpes simplex and varicella zoster. Requires activation by viral thymidine kinase (TK strains are resistant). Tox: behavioral effects and nephrotoxicity (crystalluria), but not myelosuppression
Adenosine
Antiarrhythmic: unclassified (“Group V”); parenteral only. Hyperpolarizes AV nodal tissue, blocks conduction for 10 15 sec. Used for nodal reentry arrhythmias
Allopurinol
Antigout: inhibitor of xanthine oxidase; reduces production of uric acid
Albuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline
Important beta2 agonists; used mainly for asthma.
Alprazolam
Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic: widely used in anxiety states, selectivity for panic attacks and phobias; possible antidepressant actions. Tox: psychologic and physical dependence, additive effects with other CNS depressants
Alteplase (rt PA)
Thrombolytic: human recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Used in acute MI to recanalize the occluded coronary. Occasionally used in pulmonary embolism, stroke. Tox: bleeding
Amiloride
K+ sparing diuretic: blocks Na+ channels in cortical collecting tubules
Aminoglutethimide
Nonsteroid inhibitor of steroid synthesis: reduces conversion of cholesterol to the hormone precursor, pregnenolone. Used in metastatic breast cancer
Amiodarone
Group IA and III antiarrhythmic: broad spectrum, blocks sodium, potassium, calcium channels, beta receptors. High efficacy and very long half life (weeks months). Tox: deposits in tissues; hypo or hyperthyroidism; pulmonary fibrosis
Amitriptyline
Tricyclic antidepressant: blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Tox: atropine like, postural hypotension, sedation; cardiac arrhythmias in overdose, additive effects with other CNS depressants
Amoxicillin
Penicillin: wider spectrum than pen G with activity similar to ampicillin but greater oral bioavailability; less adverse effects on GI tract than ampicillin. Susceptible to penicillinases unless used with clavulanic acid. Tox: penicillin allergy
Amphetamine
Indirectly acting sympathomimetic: displaces stored catecholamines in nerve endings. Marked CNS stimulant actions; high abuse liability. Tox: psychosis, HTN, MI, seizures
Amphotericin B
Antifungal: polyene drug of choice for most systemic mycoses; binds to ergosterol to disrupt fungal cell membrane permeability. Tox: chills and fever, hypokalemia, hypotension, nephrotoxicity (dose limiting, possibly less with liposomal forms)
Ampicillin
Penicillin: wider spectrum than pen G, susceptible to penicillinases unless used with sulbactam. Activity similar to pen G, plus E coli, H influenzae, P mirabilis, Shigella. Synergy with aminoglycosides versus enterococci and listeria. Tox: penicillin allergy; more adverse effects on GI tract than other penicillins; maculopapular skin rash
Anistreplase (APSAC)
Thrombolytic: bacterial streptokinase complexed with human plasminogen. Longer acting in body than other thrombolytics (rt PA, streptokinase, urokinase). Tox: bleeding, allergy to streptococcal protein
Aspirin
NSAID prototype: inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) I and II irreversibly. Potent antiplatelet agent as well as antipyretic analgesic anti inflammatory drug
Atenolol
Beta1 selective blocker: low lipid solubility, less CNS effect; used for HTN. (Note mnemonic for beta1 selective blockers: their names start with A through M. [Exceptions: carteolol & labetalol are not selective])
Atropine
Muscarinic cholinoceptor blocker prototype: lipid soluble, CNS effects. Tox: “red as a beet, dry as a bone, mad as a hatter,” urinary retention, mydriasis
Azithromycin
Antibiotic: similar to erythromycin, but greater activity versus chlamydia and streptococci; long half life due to tissue accumulation. Tox: GI distress, but no inhibition of drug metabolism
Baclofen
GABA analog, orally active: spasmolytic; activates GABAB receptors in the spinal cord