Medication Classes

Question 1

HMG-CoA reductase Inhibitors

Answer 1

Reversible competitive inhibitors of HMC-CoA reductase: an enzyme necessary for cholesterol biosynthesis
Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin

Question 2

PCSK9 inhibitors

Answer 2

Binds to PCSK9 preventing it from binding to LDL receptors therefore promoting the continued clearance of cholesterol
Evolocumab

Question 3

Bile acid-binding resins

Answer 3

Binds bile acids in the intestine therefore decreasing absorption of exogenous cholesterol
Cholestyramine

Question 4

Fibrates

Answer 4

Activate peroxisome proliferator - activated nuclear receptors and modulate lipo-protein synthesis and catabolism
Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil

Question 5

Sodium Channel Blockers - cardiac specific

Answer 5

Class 1 antidysrhythmic
3 sub classes
Blocks voltage gated Na channels
Disopyramide, Lidocaine, Flecainide

Question 6

Adjunct Analgesics

Answer 6

Gabapentoids
Antiepileptic
Psychotropics: tricyclic antidepressants, SNRI
Topical anaesthetics
General Anaesthetics
Cannaboids
Anti-migraine drugs

Question 7

Anti-epileptics

Answer 7

Aims to stabilise the membrane by altering cation transport
GABA inhibition
Inhibition Na channel function
+ others

Question 8

Antipsychotics

Answer 8

Classifications can also be typical/Atypical
Antagonism of dopamine receptors

Question 9

Antiparkinsonian

Answer 9

Dopaminergic agents (increase the level of dopamine) -/+ central anticholinergic agents

Question 10

Central acting anticholinergic agents

Answer 10

Inhibits ACh-mediated motor activity
Benztropine

Question 11

Dopamine Agonists

Answer 11

Stimulate dopamine receptors
Parkinson’s and restless legs
Pramipexole, Rotigotine

Question 12

CNS stimulation

Answer 12

Sympathomimetic effect - also acts on dopamine receptors
ADHD, Narcolepsy
Amphetamines, Caffeine, methyl xanthine alkaloids

Question 13

Anticholinesterase

Answer 13

enhance cholinergic actions by inhibiting cholinesterase enzymes
Neostigmine, Donepezil, PesticidesA

Question 14

GABA Inhibitors

Answer 14

Block the action of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These drugs are used to counteract overdoses of sedatives
Flumazenil

Question 15

Sodium Channel Inhibitors - seizures

Answer 15

Impair the conduction of Na ions through Na channels.
Used for both dysrhythmias and seizures
Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Na Valproate

Question 16

NMDA antagonists

Answer 16

Block NMDA receptor which may reduce glutamate - induced neuronal degradation
Alzheimer’s to improve cognition
Memantine

Question 17

Phenothiazines

Answer 17

First-generation heterocyclic anti-psychotic medications, which display antagonistic activity towards dopamine receptors and recently have been shown to have potential anti-neoplastic properties.
Chlorpromazine

Question 18

Thioxanthines

Answer 18

Blocks postsynaptic dopamine-mediated neurotransmission by binding to dopamine receptors.
Treatment of Schizophrenia and other psychosis
Flupentixol

Question 19

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Answer 19

Block the reuptake of serotonin therefore increasing the amount of serotonin
Used in anxiety and depression
Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline, Escitalopram

Question 20

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Answer 20

Blocks MAO from breaking down norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
Anxiety and depression
Phenelzine and Tranylcypromine

Question 21

Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor

Answer 21

Inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Anxiety and depression
Desvenlafaxine, Fluvoxamine, Venlafaxine

Question 22

COMT Inhibitors

Answer 22

Blocks the release of COMT enzyme which is responsible for breaking down dopamine
Used as add on therapy in Parkinson’s
Entacapone

Question 23

MAO-B inhibitors

Answer 23

Makes more dopamine available to the brain by blocking MAO-B enzyme
Parkinson’s
Selegine

Question 24

Tricyclic Antidepressant

Answer 24

Inhibits reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin into presynaptic terminals
Depression and neuropathic pain
Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine

Question 25

Nitrates

Answer 25

Direct acting vasodilator Metabolised to release NO which increases cGMP, which leads to vasodilation, which reduces preload and stroke volume Angina GTN, Isosorbide Mononitrate

Question 26

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 26

Class 4 antidysrhythmic - direct acting vasodilator Blocks voltage sensitive Ca channels. decreases contractility, slows conduction AF, Angina, HTN, SAH Verapamil, Diltiazem

Question 27

Potassium Channel Activators

Answer 27

Direct Acting Vasodilator Activates K channel therefore antagonise ATP = hyperpolarisation and relaxation of smooth muscle Alternative to nitrate in angina Nicorandil

Question 28

ACE Inhibitors

Answer 28

Inhibits conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2. Decrease vascular tone, decrease aldosterone release, decrease sodium and H2O reabsorption, increases plasma renin activity HTN, HF, Diabetic Neuropathy ENALAPRIL, PERINDOPRIL, RAMIPRIL

Question 29

ARB

Answer 29

Blocks the action of angiotensin 2 on AT1 receptors. Used on HTN, IHD, HF Candesartan, Irbesartan

Question 30

Aldosterone receptor antagonist

Answer 30

Blocks mineral corticoid receptors. Inhibits Na absorption, which increases Na and H2O excretion and decrease K excretion Spironolactone

Question 31

Selective Sinus node If channel inhibitors

Answer 31

Blocks the If channel, decreasing the slope of the spontaneous diastolic depolarisation of the SA node leading to decrease in HR Ivabradine

Question 32

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor

Answer 32

Inhibits enzyme which metabolises cAMP resulting in increase Ca which improves myocardial contractility + vasodilation. Positive Inotrope Milrinone

Question 33

Neprilysin/Angiotensin receptor Inhibitor

Answer 33

Increases natriuretic peptides which then produce advantageous CV effect, combined with valsartan to negate deleterious effects of AT2 HF Sacubitril/Valsartan

Question 34

B-Blockers

Answer 34

class 2 antidysrhythmic Blocker B2 receptors which decreases rate at SA node, slows conduction in atria + AV node and increases refractory period. Used for Dysrhythmias above the AV node Atenolol, Metoprolol

Question 35

Potassium Blockers

Answer 35

Class 3 antidysrhythmic Prolongs the effective refractory period by prolonging the action potential duration. Decreases automaticity Amiodarone, Sotalol

Question 36

Dopamine Agonists

Answer 36

Activates dopamine receptors in CNS increasing dopamine levels Parkinson's, Restless legs, hyperprolactinemia Pramipexole, Rotigotine

Question 37

Adrenoceptor Antagonists

Answer 37

Blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system - sympatholytic drugs EPHIDRINE

Question 38

Short Acting B agonist (SABA)

Answer 38

Activates B2 receptors in respiratory system - causing bronchodilation Acute relief in asthma and COPD SALBUTAMOL TERBUTALINE

Question 39

Long Acting B Agonist (LABA)

Answer 39

Activates B2 receptors - long half life - long acting bronchodilator Maintenance in asthma and COPD SALMETEROL, FORMOTEROL

Question 40

Short Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (SAMA)

Answer 40

Blocks muscarinic 3 receptors causing bronchodilation, decreased secretions Acute symptoms of COPD IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE

Question 41

Long Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA)

Answer 41

Blocks muscarinic3 receptors - long half life - long acting bronchodilator Maintenance in severe asthma and COPD TIOTROPIUM, GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE

Question 42

Corticosteroids

Answer 42

Inhibits gene transcription and the enzyme phospholipase. Anti-inflammatory and suppress immune system. Maintenance of asthma and COPD - inh Can be used in viral disease - oral Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclomethasone

Question 43

Xanthine Derivatives

Answer 43

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase (the enzyme that metabolizes cAMP) increasing levels of cAMP. Increases the effectiveness of corticosteroids. Symptomatic treatment of asthma and COPD Theophylline, Aminophylline

Question 44

Monoclonal Anti-bodies

Answer 44

Recombinant Humanized monoclonal antibody, complexes with free IgE antigens to prevent their binding mast cells. Maintenance in mod-severe allergic asthma Omalizumab, Mepolizumab

Question 45

Leukotriene-receptor antagonist

Answer 45

Block receptors of cysteinyl leukotrienes - mediators of inflammation Maintenance of asthma Montelukast

Question 46

Sympathomimetic Decongestant

Answer 46

Mimics effect of sympathetic NS on Alpha receptors causing vasoconstriction. Prolonged use can cause rebound congestions Xylometazoline nasal spray

Question 47

Nasal cortcosteroids

Answer 47

1st line treatment for rhinitis and nasal polyposis. Beclomethasone, Budesonide

Question 48

H1 receptor antagonist

Answer 48

Also known as antihistamine Blocks histamine induced vasodilation therefore decrease capillary permeability, erythema + oedema Levocabastine

Question 49

Skeletal muscle relaxants

Answer 49

Central: Baclofen, Benzo's Tetrabenazine Direct: Botulinum toxin A, Dantrolene