Comprehensive Pharmacology Review – Key Vocabulary

Flashcards cover core pharmacology vocabulary spanning gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, neurologic, reproductive, oncologic, and supportive-care drug classes, emphasizing mechanisms, indications, adverse effects, contraindications, and nursing alerts.

Antacids

Basic salts (Al, Mg, Ca, Na) that neutralize gastric acid; may include simethicone to reduce gas.

Rebound Hyperacidity

Return of excessive stomach acid secretion after discontinuation of calcium-containing antacids.

H₂ Receptor Antagonists (H₂RAs)

Cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine; block H₂ receptors on parietal cells to reduce up to 90 % of acid output.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.; irreversibly inhibit H⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, blocking ALL gastric acid secretion.

Sucralfate

Cytoprotective agent that forms a barrier over ulcers; used for PUD and stress ulcers.

Misoprostol

Synthetic prostaglandin E₁ analogue that inhibits acid and prevents NSAID-induced ulcers.

Simethicone

Antiflatulent that breaks up gas bubbles, relieving bloating.

Adsorbent Antidiarrheals

Agents (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate) that coat GI tract and bind toxins.

Opiate Antidiarrheals

Loperamide, diphenoxylate; slow GI motility and relieve rectal spasms.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Psyllium, methylcellulose; absorb water, increase stool bulk, promote peristalsis – safest for long-term use.

Hyperosmotic Laxatives

Lactulose, polyethylene glycol; draw water into colon, causing distention and evacuation.

Naloxegol

Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist used for opioid-induced constipation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Chronic abdominal pain with diarrhea (IBS-D) or constipation (IBS-C); treated with alosetron, lubiprostone, etc.

Alosetron

5-HT₃ antagonist for severe IBS-D in women; carries ischemic colitis black box warning.

Antiemetics – Serotonin Antagonists

Ondansetron, granisetron; block 5-HT₃ receptors in GI tract & CTZ to prevent chemo-induced nausea.

Metoclopramide

Prokinetic dopamine antagonist that accelerates gastric emptying; risk of tardive dyskinesia.

Dronabinol

THC derivative used for chemotherapy-induced nausea; may cause postural hypotension.

Loop Diuretics

Furosemide, bumetanide; inhibit Na⁺/Cl⁻ reabsorption in ascending loop; potent, risk of ototoxicity & hypokalemia.

Thiazide Diuretics

Hydrochlorothiazide; act in distal tubule, first-line for hypertension; ineffective if CrCl < 30 mL/min.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Spironolactone, amiloride; block aldosterone or Na⁺ channels in collecting duct; risk of hyperkalemia.

Mannitol

Osmotic diuretic used for intracranial pressure and oliguric renal failure; may cause pulmonary edema.

Crystalloids

IV fluids (NS, LR) that replace water & electrolytes; rapid redistribution, risk of edema with large volumes.

Colloids

High-molecular solutions (albumin, dextran) that expand plasma volume by increasing oncotic pressure.

Hyperkalemia

Serum K⁺ > 5.5 mEq/L; muscle weakness, arrhythmias; treated with patiromer, insulin/glucose, etc.

ACE Inhibitors

Lisinopril, enalapril; block conversion of Ang I to Ang II, lowering preload/afterload; cough & angioedema.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Losartan, valsartan; block AT₁ receptors, vasodilate without cough; fetal toxicity black box warning.

ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor)

Sacubitril/valsartan; enhances natriuretic peptides & blocks Ang II; Class I HF therapy.

Beta Blockers in HF

Metoprolol, carvedilol; reduce sympathetic activity, improve survival, started low & titrated slowly.

Digoxin

Cardiac glycoside; positive inotrope & negative chronotrope; narrow TI, toxicity with hypokalemia.

Class III Antidysrhythmics

Amiodarone, dofetilide; prolong repolarization; risk of torsades, pulmonary & hepatic toxicity.

Nitrates

Nitroglycerin, isosorbide; vasodilate veins > arteries, decrease preload; headache & tolerance common.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine; relax vascular smooth muscle, treat angina, HTN, arrhythmias.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin; inhibit cholesterol synthesis, lower LDL, risk of myopathy & rhabdomyolysis.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Cholestyramine; bind bile acids in gut, lower LDL; cause constipation & interfere with drug absorption.

Metformin

Biguanide – decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis, improves insulin sensitivity; risk lactic acidosis; hold for GFR < 30 mL/min.

Sulfonylureas

Glipizide, glyburide; stimulate pancreatic insulin release; hypoglycemia & weight gain.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

Sitagliptin, linagliptin; prolong incretin action, glucose-dependent insulin release; risk pancreatitis.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Canagliflozin, empagliflozin; block renal glucose reabsorption causing glycosuria; ketoacidosis & UTI risk.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Exenatide, liraglutide; injectable incretin mimetics that slow gastric emptying & promote weight loss.

Insulin Lispro

Rapid-acting insulin analog; onset ~15 min, peak 1 h, duration 3-5 h.

Status Epilepticus

Prolonged seizure > 5 min; treated acutely with IV benzodiazepines then phenytoin/fosphenytoin.

Carbamazepine

Iminostilbene antiepileptic; autoinducer of CYP enzymes; risk of aplastic anemia & SJS in HLA-B*1502.

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Dopamine precursor plus peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor; gold standard for Parkinson’s; wearing-off phenomenon.

COMT Inhibitors

Entacapone, tolcapone; prolong levodopa effect; tolcapone hepatotoxic.

Benzodiazepines

Diazepam, lorazepam; enhance GABA; used for anxiety, seizures, insomnia; Schedule IV; risk dependence.

Barbiturates

Phenobarbital, pentobarbital; potent CNS depressants, narrow TI, enzyme inducers, high abuse potential.

Modafinil

Non-amphetamine stimulant used for narcolepsy; promotes wakefulness via unknown mechanism.

Methylphenidate

CNS stimulant for ADHD; increases CNS catecholamines; monitor growth, BP, potential abuse (C-II).

Triptans

Sumatriptan, rizatriptan; 5-HT₁B/₁D agonists aborting migraine; contraindicated in CAD.

Bisphosphonates

Alendronate, risedronate; inhibit osteoclasts, treat osteoporosis; take upright with water to avoid esophagitis.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)

Raloxifene; estrogen agonist on bone, antagonist on breast/uterus; prevents osteoporosis, risk VTE.

Finasteride

5-α reductase inhibitor for BPH & male baldness; contraindicated in women; may decrease PSA by 50 %.

Sildenafil

PDE-5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction; contraindicated with nitrates due to severe hypotension.

Testosterone Black Box

Warns of thromboembolic events, secondary exposure with gels, and abuse potential.

Clomiphene

SERM fertility drug; induces ovulation by blocking estrogen receptors, increasing FSH/LH.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone; induces/enhances labor, controls postpartum hemorrhage; monitor for uterine hyperstimulation.

Tocolytics

Uterine relaxants (indomethacin, nifedipine) used to halt preterm labor between 20-37 weeks.

Teriparatide

Recombinant PTH analog stimulating bone formation; daily SC injection, limit to 2 years (osteosarcoma risk).

Denosumab

Monoclonal antibody against RANK-L; inhibits osteoclasts, SC every 6 months for osteoporosis.

Estrogen Black Box Warnings

Risk of endometrial cancer, dementia, stroke, VTE, and breast cancer; use lowest dose, shortest duration.

Patiromer

Non-absorbed cation exchange polymer treating hyperkalemia; binds oral drugs – space 3 h from other meds.

Phenazopyridine

Urinary analgesic causing orange/red urine; not an antibiotic.

Vincristine Administration Alert

Fatal if given intrathecally; dilute in IV bag, never in syringe.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Metabolic emergency (↑K, ↑Phos, ↑uric acid) after chemo of bulky tumors; prevent with hydration & allopurinol/rasburicase.

Hand–Foot Syndrome

Palmar-plantar erythema with certain antimetabolite chemotherapies (e.g., capecitabine).

Amiodarone Black Box

Pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and proarrhythmic effects; monitor PFTs & LFTs.

U-500 Regular Insulin

Concentrated insulin (500 units/mL) for severe insulin resistance; use dedicated syringe or pen – high-alert.

Flibanserin

5-HT₁A agonist/5-HT₂A antagonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women; contraindicated with alcohol.