Year 1 Drug List Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of Aspirin?
When would you prescribe it?
Aspirin is an NSAID that irreversibly inhibits COX-1 (and COX-2), producing prostaglandins.
It is an acetylating agent and attaches an acetylene group to the active site of a COX enzyme.
Aspirin can be used to alleviate arthritic and menstrual pain or reduce fever. It also prevents blood clotting so is useful for patients with atherosclerosis or angina due to CHD.
What is the mechanism of action of Amlodipine?
When would you prescribe it?
Amlodipine inhibits calcium ion influx across the plasma membrane, causing vasodilation and reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure.
It increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart whilst reducing its workload.
Amlodipine is prescribed to treat angina and prevent attacks of chest pain. It is also used to reduce blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Ramipril?
When would you prescribe it?
Ramipril inhibits the RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) by binding to and inhibiting ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
This prevents vasoconstriction and lowers blood pressure.
You would prescribe Ramipril to treat high blood pressure and to prevent strokes/heart attacks in patients with CVD.
What is the mechanism of action of Losartan?
When would you prescribe it?
Losartan inhibits angiotensin II receptors, meaning blood vessels relax and blood pressure lowers.
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Bisoprolol?
When would you prescribe it?
Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that inhibits renin secretion, therefore blocking the RAAS.
It is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Atenolol?
When would you prescribe it?
Atenolol binds to beta-1 adrenergic receptors which blocks the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This slows the heart rate.
Atenolol is used to treat arrhythmias and angina. It is not usually given to those with asthma.
What is the mechanism of action of Propranolol?
When would you prescribe it?
Propranolol inhibits renin release and blocks the RAAS. This in turn blocks the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Propranolol is used to treat arrhythmia and angina, and can be used to help control the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. It is not given to patients with respiratory diseases, especially those with asthma.
What is the mechanism of action of Metoprolol?
When would you prescribe it?
Metoprolol inhibits beta-1 adrenergic receptors which leads to a decrease in heart rate.
Metoprolol is used to treat the rapid heart rate in those with angina, arrhythmias and hyperthyroidism.
What is the mechanism of action of Furosemide?
When would you prescribe it?
Furosemide increase the excretion of Na+ and water by the kidneys by inhibiting their reabsorption.
Furosemide is used to treat oedema in patients with heart failure, and some lung/liver/kidney disorders.
What is the mechanism of action of Codeine?
When would you prescribe it?
Codeine is an agonist that acts on the central nervous system and has an analgesic effect - it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Codeine is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain, and is often combined with paracetamol.
What is the mechanism of action of Paracetamol?
When would you prescribe it?
Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect by the inhibition of prostaglandins.
Paracetamol is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain - headaches, toothache etc, and to reduce fever.
What is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?
When would you prescribe it?
Sertraline inhibits the CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin, increasing the amount of serotonin that exists in the brain.
Sertraline is prescribed to patients that suffer from depression, anxiety and OCD.
What is the mechanism of action of Amitriptyline?
When would you prescribe it?
Amitriptyline blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in presynaptic terminals, leading to higher levels of these in the brain.
Amitriptyline is prescribed to patients suffering from depression, sometimes in combination with anxiety and insomnia.
What is the mechanism of action of Valproic acid?
When would you prescribe it?
Valproic acid inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels causing a decrease in neurone firing rate.
Valproic acid is prescribed to patients suffering with bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes prescribed to patients with epilepsy.
What is the mechanism of action of Gaviscon?
When would you prescribe it?
Gaviscon inhibits the proteolytic pepsin enzyme which neutralises stomach acid.
It is prescribed to treat heartburn and indigestion.
What is the mechanism of action of Loperamide?
When would you prescribe it?
Loperamide binds to the opiate receptor in the gut wall and slows the passage of food through the gut.
Loperamide is used to treat sudden or recurrent diarrhoea.
What is the mechanism of action of Lansoprazole?
When would you prescribe it?
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It inhibits gastric hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase, blocking the secretion of gastric acids.
Lansoprazole is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux. It is also used in the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers.
What is the mechanism of action of Omeprazole?
When would you prescribe it?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It irreversibly inhibits the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase, inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid.
Omeprazole is used to treat stomach/duodenal ulcers and reflux oesophagitis.
What is the mechanism of action of Ranitidine?
When would you prescribe it?
Ranitidine reversibly binds to histamine receptors, which reduces the secretion of gastric acid.
Ranitidine is used to help stomach ulcers to heal, as it reduces acid production for 4-8 weeks.
What is the mechanism of action of Gliclazide?
When would you prescribe it?
Gliclazide stimulates production and secretion of insulin through the beta cell sulphonylurea receptor. This increases the amount of insulin made by the pancreas, decreasing blood sugar levels.
Gliclazide is prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside lifestyle changes such as exercise and implementing a healthy diet.
What is the mechanism of action of Insulin?
When would you prescribe it?
Insulin facilitates the passage of glucose across cellular membranes in order to promote glucose uptake in cells.
It is prescribed to patients with type 1 (and sometimes 2) diabetes mellitus.
What is the mechanism of action of Metformin?
When would you prescribe it?
Metformin inhibits gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of new glucose) and increasing insulin sensitivity in order to lower blood sugar levels.
Metformin is commonly prescribed to patients that have type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What is the mechanism of action of Clarithromycin?
When would you prescribe it?
Clarithromycin binds to subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. This works to stop the growth of bacteria.
Clarithromycin is prescribed for the treatment of ear, nose, throat and respiratory infections.
What is the mechanism of action of Erythromycin?
When would you prescribe it?
Erythromycin binds to the 23S ribosomal RNA molecule in the 50S subunit of ribosomes in bacterial organisms. This inhibits protein synthesis and kills or prevents growth of the bacteria as a result.
Erythromycin is used to treat patients that suffer from migraine attacks or cluster headaches.
