Mechanisms of Action

Question 1

ACE Inhibitors

Answer 1

Inhibits ACE enzyme from converting angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2

Question 2

ARBs

Answer 2

Inhibits action of angiotensin 2 by blocking angiotensin 1 and 2 receptors

Question 3

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 3

Inhibit L-type calcium channels causing a decrease of calcium entry into the cell

Question 4

Beta Blockers

Answer 4

Competitively inhibit norepi and epi from binding onto beta-1 adrenergic receptors

Question 5

Hydralazine

Answer 5

Arterial vasodilation thru a decrease in calcium movement into the smooth muscle

Question 6

Clonidine

Answer 6

Stimulates alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem resulting in dilation of blood vessels

Question 7

Nitrates

Answer 7

increases the amount of nitric oxide in the vascular smooth muscle

Question 8

Digoxin

Answer 8

works by slowing electrical conduction in the AV node

Question 9

Amiodarone

Answer 9

blocking potassium channels and prolonging the refractory period

Question 10

Statins

Answer 10

inhibiting cholesterol synthesis by blocking HMG COA reductase

Question 11

Ezetimibe

Answer 11

inhibits absorption of cholesterol at the brush borders of the small intestine decreasing delivery of cholesterol to the liver

Question 12

Fibric Acids

Answer 12

Binds onto PPAR alpha receptors and enhancing the synthesis of lipoprotein lipase

Question 13

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Answer 13

decreases triglycerides through the hepatic synthesis of triglycerides (TG) in the liver

Question 14

Cyclobenzaprine

Answer 14

works centrally on alpha and gamma motor neurons as well as a serotonin receptor antagonist

Question 15

Tizanidine

Answer 15

Increases presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons through central alpha-2 receptor agonist activity which causes a reduction in release of glutamate

Question 16

Baclofen

Answer 16

reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters by binding onto GABA-B receptors

Question 17

Methocarbamol

Answer 17

acting centrally in the CNS and causing CNS depression and sedation

Question 18

NSAIDs

Answer 18

inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes

Question 19

Salicylates

Answer 19

Irreversibly blocks the synthesis of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes produced from arachidonic acid

Question 20

Selective COX-2 Inhibitors

Answer 20

inhibits COX-2 enzymes

Question 21

Opioid Agonists

Answer 21

Bind to variety of opioid receptors (usually mu) causing activation of ascending pain inhibitory pathways in the CNS

Question 22

Centrally Acting Analgesics

Answer 22

Binding to central mu receptors and inhibiting serotonin and norepi uptake in the CNS

Question 23

Acetaminophen

Answer 23

inhibit prostaglandin synthesis thru COX pathway

Question 24

Lidocaine patch

Answer 24

inhibiting the neuronal membrane’s permeability to sodium ion fluxes which are required for the conduction of pain impulses

Question 25

Phenazopyridine

Answer 25

acts as local anesthetic in the mucosa lining of the urinary tract

Question 26

Loop Diuretics

Answer 26

inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- pump at the thick ascending loop of henle leading to inhibition of salt and water reabsorption

Question 27

Thiazides

Answer 27

inhibit the NA+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubules of the nephron leading to an increase in sodium and water excretion

Question 28

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Answer 28

spironolactone and eplerenone inhibit aldosterone, triamterene and amiloride inhibit sodium channels

Question 29

Penicillins

Answer 29

beta-lactam ring structure binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)

Question 30

Cephalosporins

Answer 30

beta-lactam ring structure binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)

Question 31

Metronidazole

Answer 31

diffuses into bacteria and causes DNA damage and cell death (bactericidal)

Question 32

Tetracyclines

Answer 32

inhibit protein synthesis by blocking 30S ribosomal subunit (bacteriostatic)

Question 33

Macrolides

Answer 33

blocking 50S ribosomal subunit inhibiting RNA-dependent synthesis (bacteriostatic and bactericidal)

Question 34

Fluoroquinolones

Answer 34

inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (bactericidal)

Question 35

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

Answer 35

interfering with use of folic acid (collectively bactericidal, individually bacteriostatic)

Question 36

Nitrofurantoin

Answer 36

inactivates bacteria proteins and inhibits DNA, RNA, protein and cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)

Question 37

Clindamycin

Answer 37

binding to 50S ribosomal subunits and inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis (bacteriostatic, but bactericidal at higher doses)

Question 38

Antivirals

Answer 38

Inhibiting DNA synthesis and replication of the virus

Question 39

Azole Antifungals

Answer 39

inhibits synthesis of ergosterol (fungicidal)

Question 40

Mupirocin

Answer 40

binds to bacterial enzyme, isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis (bacteriostatic)