Pesky Hard to Remember Drugs

Question 1

Baclofen Physiological action

Answer 1

Direct agonist of the GABA-b receptor, which causes a decrease in Ca2+ influx at 1a afferents, causing less NT release. May be injected intrathecally

Question 2

Baclofen indications

Answer 2

Spasmolytic drug used in spinal spasticity and MS

Question 3

Baclofen Toxicity

Answer 3

Drowsiness and mental disturbances

Question 4

Diazepam Indications

Answer 4

MS and spinal spasticity, flexor/extensor spasticity

Question 5

Diazepam Physiological actions

Answer 5

Positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-a receptor, leading to increased Cl- influx and hyperpolarization of the membrane

Question 6

Diazepam contraindications

Answer 6

Glaucoma! (Open angle or acute closed)

Question 7

Diazepam toxicity

Answer 7

Drowsiness and sedation

Question 8

Tizanidine physiological action

Answer 8

Alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, mostly in the CNS, inhibiting the release of more NT

Question 9

Tizanidine indications

Answer 9

MS and spinal spasticity

Question 10

Tiznidine toxicity

Answer 10

Drowsiness and HTN

Question 11

Dantrolene Physiological action

Answer 11

Decreases Ca2+ release form the SR of skeletal muscle

Question 12

Dantrolene Indications

Answer 12

MS, spinal spasticity, cerebral palsy, stroke, malignant hyperthermia

Question 13

Dantrolene Toxicity

Answer 13

muscle weakness, HTN, sedation

Question 14

What are the toxic effects of succinylcholine?

Answer 14

Hyperkalemia!
Apnea
Muscle pain (fasciculations)
Increase in intraocular/intragastric pressure
Bradycardia

Question 15

Why do lidocaine and bupivicaine have different dosing requirements?

Answer 15

Bupivicaine has a higher degree of protein binding in the tissues, so it is sequestered more in the tissues and has a longer duration of action. You need a lower dose of bupivicaine than lidocaine (and lidocaine is often administered with epinephrine).