Week 4 - Pharmacology; Sedative Hypnotics Flashcards
1
Q
What are sedative hypnotics?
A
- CNS depressants
2
Q
When are sedative hypnotics given?
A
depends on cause
3
Q
Why are sedative hypnotics used? (5)
A
- to control behavioural alterations
- sleeplessness
- anxiety
- agitation
- depression
4
Q
What is the dose dependent effect with sedative hypnotics? (2)
A
- at low doses, calm the CNS without inducing sleep
- at high doses, calm the CNS while causing sleep (no ceiling effect)
5
Q
What are 2 examples of sedative hypnotics?
A
- benzodiazepines
- barbiturates (dangerous and no longer/rarely used)
6
Q
What is GABA?
A
neurotransmitter with inhibitory effect on CNS
6
Q
Diagram of how benzodiazepines work. In other words, pharmacological action on GABA
A
7
Q
What happens when benzos and barbiturates bind to GABA?
A
opens chloride channels, inhibiting neurons from firing
8
Q
What are benzodiazepines? (2)
A
- anxiolytic, anti-anxiety drugs
- potentiates GABA (good)
9
Q
What are the types of benzos? (3, 4 points)
A
- diazepam (valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- midazolam (versed)
Benzo like effects:
- zopiclone (immovane)
10
Q
What are barbiturates? (3)
A
- anti-convulsants
- anaesthesia
- enhances and/or mimics the effect of GABA (bad)
11
Q
What are the different types of barbiturates? (3)
A
- phenobarbital (po)
- pentobarbital (IV, IM)
- thiopental (IV)
