Medication Classes

Question 1

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists

[Primary Action]

Answer 1

• Contraction of smooth muscle
• Vasoconstriction = increasing BP and improving circulation; nasal decongestant
• Contraction of GI sphincters = appetite suppressant
• Contraction of urinary sphincters
• Dilation of pupils (mydriasis) = ocular decongestant

Question 2

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists

[Indications]

Answer 2

• Hypotensive states
• Nasal congestion
• Ocular congestion / testing
• Eating disorders (over eating)

Question 3

Beta Adrenergic Agonists

[Primary Action]

Answer 3

• Cardiac stimulation
• Bronchiole smooth muscle relaxant
• Uterine smooth muscle relaxant

Question 4

Beta Adrenergic Agonists

[Indications]

Answer 4

• Bronchoconstriction = epi + B2
• Hypotension = epi
• Cardiac insufficiency = epi + B1

Question 5

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists

[Examples]

Answer 5

• Norepinephrine = Levophed
• Tetrahydrozoline = Visine
• Tetrahydrozoline = Tyzine

Question 6

Beta Adrenergic Agonists

[Examples]

Answer 6

• Epinephrine = Adrenaline
• Isoproterenol = Isuprel
• Salmeterol = Serevent

Question 7

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
[Primary Action]

Answer 7

• Exact mechanism unknown; blocks reuptake of 5HT and NE; allows for longer action of NTs at synaptic cleft and helps alleviate some symptoms of depression

Question 8

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
[Indications]

Answer 8

• Treatment of depression

Question 9

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

[Primary Action]

Answer 9

• Prevent the breakdown of NE and 5HT in Adrenergic synapses; increase the amount of NTs available to work in brain

Question 10

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

[Indications]

Answer 10

• Treatment of depression

Question 11

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
[Adverse Effects]

Answer 11

• Anticholinergic effects
• Excessive stimulation of the CNS
• T wave and ST segment alteration (may lead to arrhythmias)
• Obstructive jaundice

Question 12

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

[Primary Action]

Answer 12

• Selectively blocks reuptake of 5HT; allows for longer action at synaptic cleft and helps alleviate symptoms of depression

Question 13

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

[Examples]

Answer 13

• Fluxetine = Prozac

Question 14

Antiepileptics

[Examples]

Answer 14

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Valporic Acid (Depakene)

Question 15

Barbiturates

[Primary Actions]

Answer 15

• Increases inhibitory effects of GABA within the CNS making irritable neurons much less likely to fire

Question 16

Barbiturates

[Indications]

Answer 16

• Used in the treatment of partial seizures and tonic-clinic seizures

Question 17

Barbiturates

[Examples]

Answer 17

• Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Question 18

Benzodiazepines

[Pharmacology]

Answer 18

• Enhances inhibitory role of GABA in the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, limbic system and reticular formation by increasing influx of chloride into cells leading to hyperpolarization (lower membrane potential)

Question 19

Benzodiazepines

[Primary Actions]

Answer 19

• Limbic system = decreases anxiety
• Reticular formation = sedation and hypnosis
• Cerebral cortex = anticonvulsant
• Spinal cord = decreases skeletal muscle tone

Question 20

Benzodiazepines

[Examples]

Answer 20

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Midazolam (Versed)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Question 21

Opioids

[Primary Actions]

Answer 21

• Stimulates mu and kappa receptors inhibiting the release of substance P (NT) therefor reducing nociceptor information sent from periphery to CNS

Question 22

Opioids

[Indications]

Answer 22

• Relief for moderate to severe acute and chronic pain (typically associated with MI, back/head/neck injury, cancer or chronic unidentified pain)
• Preoperative sedation
• Cough suppression
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety