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
Benztropine
Centrally acting antimuscarinic prototype for parkinsonism
Bethanechol
Muscarinic agonist: choline ester with good resistance to cholinesterase; used for atonic bowel or bladder
Botulinum
Toxin: enzyme produced by Clostridium botulinum; interacts with fusion/docking proteins to block release of acetylcholine vesicles
Bromocriptine
Ergot derivative: dopamine agonist in CNS; inhibits prolactin release. Used in parkinsonism and hyperprolactinemia. Tox: CNS, dyskinesias, hypotension
Bupivacaine
Long acting amide local anesthetic prototype: greater CV toxicity than most local anesthetics
Buspirone
Anxiolytic: atypical drug that interacts with 5HT1A receptors; slow onset. Minimal potentiation of CNS depressants including ethanol; negligible abuse liability
Captopril
ACE inhibitor prototype: used in HTN, diabetic renal disease, and CHF. Tox: hyperkalemia, fetal renal damage, cough (“sore throat”)
Carbachol
Nonselective muscarinic and nicotinic agonist: choline ester with good resistance to cholinesterase; used for glaucoma (not a first line drug)
Carbamazepine
Anticonvulsant: tricyclic derivative used for tonic clonic and partial seizures; blocks Na+ channels in neuronal membranes. Drug of choice for trigeminal neuralgia; back up drug in mania. Tox: CNS depression, hematotoxic, induces liver drug metabolizing enzymes
Cefazolin
First generation cephalosporin prototype: bactericidal beta lactam inhibitor of cell wall synthesis. Active against gram positive cocci, E coli, K pneumoniae, but does not enter CSF. Tox: potential allergy; partial cross reactivity with penicillins
Cefoxitin
Second generation cephalosporin: active against a wide spectrum of gram negative bacteria including anaerobes (B fragilis). Does not enter the CNS
Ceftriaxone
Third generation cephalosporin: active against resistant bacteria including gonococci, H influenzae, and other gram negative organisms. Crosses the blood brain barrier
Celecoxib, rofecoxib
First COX II selective NSAIDs. Reduced GI toxicity
Chloramphenicol
Antibiotic: broad spectrum agent; inhibits protein synthesis (50S); uses restricted to back up drug for bacterial meningitis, infections due to anaerobes, Salmonella. Tox: reversible myelosuppression, aplastic anemia, gray baby syndrome
Chloroquine
Antimalarial: blood schizonticide used for treatment and as a chemosuppressant where P falciparum is susceptible. Tox: GI distress and skin rash at low doses; peripheral neuropathy, skin lesions, auditory and visual impairment, quinidine like myocardial depression at high doses
Chlorpheniramine
Antihistamine H1 blocker prototype: Tox: sedation, antimuscarinic
Chlorpromazine
Phenothiazine antipsychotic drug prototype: blocks most dopamine receptors in the CNS. Tox: atropine like, EPS dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, postural hypotension, sedation, seizures (in overdose), additive effects with other CNS depressants
Cholestyramine, colestipol
Bile acid binding resins: sequester bile acids in gut and divert more cholesterol from the liver to bile acids instead of circulating lipoproteins. Tox: constipation, bloating; interfere with absorption of some drugs
Cimetidine
H2 blocker prototype: used in acid peptic disease. Tox: inhibits hepatic drug metabolism; antiandrogen effects. Less toxic analogs: ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine
Ciprofloxacin
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic: bactericidal inhibitor of topoisomerases; active against many gram negative rods including E coli, H influenzae, Campylobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Shigella. Tox: CNS dysfunction, GI distress, superinfection, collagen damage (avoid in children and pregnant women). Interactions: caffeine, theophylline, warfarin
Cisplatin
Platinum containing alkylating cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Used for several solid tumors (eg, testes, lung). Carboplatin is similar.
Clindamycin
Lincosamide antibiotic: bacteriostatic inhibitor of protein synthesis (50S); active against gram positive cocci, B fragilis. Tox: GI distress, pseudomembranous colitis
Clomiphene
Estrogen partial agonist: synthetic used in infertility to induce ovulation
Clonidine
Alpha2 agonist: acts centrally to reduce SANS outflow, lowers BP. Tox: rebound HTN if stopped suddenly
Clozapine
Atypical antipsychotic: low affinity for dopamine D2 receptors, higher for D4 and 5 HT2A receptors; less EPS adverse effects than other antipsychotic drugs. Tox: ANS effects, agranulocytosis (infrequent but significant)
Cocaine
Indirectly acting sympathomimetic: blocks amine reuptake into nerve endings. Local anesthetic (ester type). Marked CNS stimulation, euphoria; high abuse liability. Tox: psychosis, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures
Colchicine
Microtubule assembly inhibitor: reduces mobility and phagocytosis by WBCs in gout inflamed joints; useful in acute, not chronic gout. Tox: GI, hepatic, renal damage
Cyclopentolate, tropicamide
Antimuscarinics for ophthalmology: shorter duration than atropine (a few hours or less); cause cycloplegia and mydriasis
Cyclophosphamide
Antineoplastic, immunosuppressive: cell cycle nonspecific alkylating agent. Tox: alopecia, gastrointestinal distress, hemorrhagic cystitis, myelosuppression
Cyclosporine
Immunosuppressant: antibiotic; inhibits interleukin 2 synthesis, suppresses T cells. Tox: HTN, hirsutism, nephrotoxicity (dose limiting), seizures (in overdose). Not a myelosuppressant
Dantrolene
Blocks Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle. Used in muscle spasm (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, cord injury) and in emergency treatment of hyperthermia caused by malignant hyperthermia, malignant neuroleptic syndrome, and serotonin syndrome
DDAVP
ADH analog: synthetic peptide used for pituitary diabetes insipidus
DDT
Insecticide: prevents inactivation of sodium channels, causes uncontrolled neuronal activity. Stored for years in body fat in mammals, birds, fish
Deferoxamine
Chelator: bacterial product; chelates iron very avidly, aluminum less so
Dexfenfluramine
5 HT reuptake inhibitor and receptor agonist previously used as anorexic. Tox: produced cardiac valve damage when used in combination with phentermine
Dexamethasone
Glucocorticoid: very potent, long acting; no mineralocorticoid activity
Diazepam
Benzodiazepine prototype: binds to BDZ receptors of the GABAA receptor chloride ion channel complex; facilitates the inhibitory actions of GABA by increasing frequency of channel opening. Uses: anxiety states, ethanol detoxication, muscle spasticity, status epilepticus. Tox: psychologic and physical dependence, additive effects with other CNS depressants
Didanosine (DDI)
Antiviral: nucleoside inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase. Tox: peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis
Digitoxin
Cardiac glycoside: half life 168 h, excreted in the bile (partially as digoxin); subject to enterohepatic circulation. See digoxin
Digoxin
Cardiac glycoside prototype: positive inotropic drug for CHF, half life 40 h; renal excretion; inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase, also a cardiac parasympathomimetic. Tox: calcium overload arrhythmias, GI upset
Diltiazem
Calcium channel (L type) blocker prototype: like verapamil, has more depressant effect on heart than dihydropyridines (eg, nifedipine). Tox: AV block, CHF, edema, constipation
Dimercaprol (BAL)
Chelator (British AntiLewisite): used for arsenic, lead, and mercury poisoning
Dioxin (TCDD)
Toxin: byproduct of the manufacture of herbicides 2,4 D and 2,4,5 T. Tox: extremely potent carcinogen in guinea pigs; poorly documented in humans except for chloracne, a skin disorder that occurs acutely upon exposure
Diphenhydramine
Antihistamine H1 blocker prototype: used in hayfever, motion sickness, dystonias. Tox: antimuscarinic, anti alpha, sedative
Disopyramide
Group IA antiarrhythmic: used for ventricular arrhythmias. Tox: strong antimuscarinic; may cause CHF
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter and agonist drug at dopamine receptors: used in shock to increase renal blood flow, stimulate heart
Doxorubicin
Antineoplastic: anthracycline drug (cell cycle nonspecific); intercalates between base pairs to disrupt DNA functions and forms cytotoxic free radicals. Tox: cardiotoxicity, myelosuppression
Doxycycline
Tetracycline antibiotic: protein synthesis inhibitor (30S), more effective than other tetracyclines against bacillary dysentery. Unlike other tetracyclines, it is eliminated mainly in the feces. Tox: see tetracycline
Echothiophate
Organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor: less lipid soluble than most organophosphates; used in glaucoma
Edetate (EDTA)
Chelating agent: used in lead poisoning. Tox: renal tubular necrosis
Edrophonium
Cholinesterase inhibitor: very short duration of action (15 min). Used to reverse NM blockade and as diagnostic test in myasthenia gravis
Enoxaparin
Low molecular weight heparin. Primary effect is anti factor X. Other low molecular weight heparin like products: dalteparin, danaparoid. Tox: bleeding
Ephedrine
Indirectly acting sympathomimetic: like amphetamine but less CNS stimulation, more smooth muscle effects
Epinephrine
Adrenoceptor agonist prototype: product of adrenal medulla, some CNS neurons. Affinity for all alpha and all beta receptors. Used in asthma; as hemostatic and adjunct with local anesthetics; drug of choice in anaphylaxis
Ergonovine
Ergot alkaloid: uterine effect prototype, causes prolonged uterine contraction. Used in post partum bleeding
Ergotamine
Ergot alkaloid: vascular effect prototype, causes prolonged vasoconstriction, uterine contraction. Used in migraine, obstetrics
Erythromycin
Macrolide antibiotic: inhibitor of protein synthesis (50S); activity includes gram positive cocci and bacilli, M pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, C trachomatis. Tox: cholestatic jaundice, inhibits liver drug metabolizing enzymes, interactions with astemizole, theophylline, terfenadine, warfarin
Ethacrynic acid
Loop diuretic: not a sulfa derivative. Tox: like furosemide but does not increase serum uric acid.
Ethanol
Sedative hypnotic: acute actions include impaired judgment, ataxia, loss of consciousness, vasodilation, and cardiovascular and respiratory depression. Chronic use leads to dependence and liver, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nervous system pathology. Note: zero order elimination kinetics
Ethosuximide
Anticonvulsant: used in absence seizures; may block T type Ca2+ channels in thalamic neurons. Tox: GI distress but safe in pregnancy
Etidronate, pamidronate, alendronate
Bisphosphonates: reduce turnover of bone calcium. Used in Paget’s disease, osteoporosis; alendronate increases bone formation. Tox: severe esophageal ulceration
Fexofenadine
2nd generation antihistamine; does not enter CNS, little or no sedation
Finasteride
Steroid inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase: inhibits synthesis of dihydrotestosterone, the active androgen in prostate. Used in BPH
Flecainide
Group IC antiarrhythmic prototype: used in ventricular tachycardia and rapid atrial arrhythmias with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome. Tox: arrhythmogenic, CNS excitation
Fluconazole
Imidazole antifungal: used for esophageal candidiasis and in coccidioidomycoses; high CSF levels provide prophylaxis versus fungal meningitis in immunosuppressed patients
Fludrocortisone
Synthetic corticosteroid: high mineralocorticoid and moderate glucocorticoid activity; long duration of action
Flumazenil
Benzodiazepine receptor antagonist: used to reverse CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines (overdose or when used in anesthesia)
Fluorouracil
Antineoplastic: pyrimidine antimetabolite (cell cycle specific) causes “thymine less” cell death; used mainly for solid or superficial tumors. Tox: GI distress, myelosuppression
Fluoxetine
Antidepressant: serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prototype. Less ANS adverse effects and cardiotoxic potential than tricyclics. Tox: CNS stimulation, seizures in overdose
Flutamide
Androgen receptor inhibitor: nonsteroid used in prostatic carcinoma
Furosemide
Loop diuretic prototype: blocks Na+/K+/2Cl transporter; high efficacy; used in acute pulmonary edema, refractory edematous states, hypercalcemia. Tox: ototoxicity, K+ wasting, hypovolemia, increased serum uric acid
Foscarnet
Antiviral: effective against CMV and HSV (including TK strains); Tox: electrolyte imbalance, nephrotoxicity
Ganciclovir
Antiviral: effective against CMV; requires bioactivation via thymidine kinase. Tox: myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity
Gemfibrozil, clofibrate
Antilipemics: stimulate lipoprotein lipase in peripheral tissues. Used in hypertriglyceridemias and mixed triglyceridemia/hypercholesterolemia