Pharmacology test 3 simplified Outline

What is an antiemetic?

Medicines that help prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

What is an antiemetic, and which medicine is an example?

Ondansetron and metoclopramide (Reglan) they help prevent nausea and vomiting.

How does ondansetron work?

It is a 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist that blocks serotonin signals in the brain and digestive system.

When is ondansetron used?

It is used before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting.

What side effects should be monitored with ondansetron?

Watch for headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea. Serious effects include serotonin syndrome and dangerous heart rhythms.

When should ondansetron be avoided?

Avoid it if you were born with long-QT syndrome.

What is metoclopramide (Reglan)?

Metoclopramide is a dopamine‑blocking antiemetic and prokinetic that helps food move through the stomach. It works by tightening the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing GI movement.

What does metoclopramide treat?

It treats nausea, vomiting, GERD, and diabetic gastroparesis (when diabetes damages stomach nerves and slows stomach emptying).

What serious movement-related effect must be reported with metoclopramide?

Report involuntary movements, lip smacking, facial or neck spasms, or restlessness. Long use or high doses can cause tardive dyskinesia, which may be irreversible (may not go away).

When should metoclopramide be avoided?

Avoid it with mechanical bowel obstruction (blocked intestines), GI bleeding (bleeding in the digestive tract), or GI perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestines).

What is an antidiarrheal?

A medicine that reduces diarrhea by slowing bowel movement, allowing more water to be absorbed from stool.

What is an antidiarrheal?

Loperamide is a common antidiarrheal, a medicine that reduces diarrhea by slowing bowel movement, allowing more water to be absorbed from the stool and making stools firmer.

What should be monitored while taking loperamide?

Monitor fluid and electrolyte loss and replace lost fluids. Use loperamide carefully if infection, fever, or bloody stool is suspected.

What should the patient do if diarrhea continues while taking loperamide?

If diarrhea does not improve within 36–48 hours, stop taking loperamide and contact the healthcare provider.

What is a bulk-forming laxative?

Fiber that absorbs water, adds bulk to stool, and stimulates bowel movement.

What is a bulk-forming laxative, and which medicine is an example?

Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that absorbs water, making the stool bigger and softer to stimulate a bowel movement.

What is the key instruction for psyllium?

Mix each dose with at least 8 oz of fluid and drink it right away because too little fluid can cause a blockage.

When should a soft stool be expected with psyllium?

Expect a soft stool within 1–3 days.

What is a stool softener?

A medicine that lets water enter stool so it is easier to pass.

What is a stool softener, and which medicine is an example?

Docusate sodium is a stool softener, also called a surfactant laxative. It lets water enter the stool, making it easier to pass.

How should docusate sodium be taken?

Take it with at least 8 oz of fluid. It may take several days to soften the stool.

What should be reported while taking docusate sodium?

Report severe diarrhea.

What are stimulant laxatives?

Medicines that stimulate colon movement and increase water in the bowel to help produce a bowel movement.

What are stimulant laxatives, and which medicine is an example?

Bisacodyl and senna are stimulant laxatives, medicines that increase movement in the colon and water in the bowel to produce a bowel movement.

What is bisacodyl used for, and what may it cause?

Bisacodyl is used for constipation or bowel preparation. It may cause diarrhea and cramping. Report severe diarrhea.

What side effects can bisacodyl cause?

It may cause diarrhea and cramping. Report severe diarrhea.

What are the important instructions for bisacodyl?

Do not crush enteric-coated tablets; swallow them whole. Take them at least one hour before or after, milk or antacids because these can damage the coating and release the medicine too early.

What is senna?

Senna is a plant-derived stimulant laxative that increases colon movement. It may be combined with docusate.

Why should stimulant laxatives be used briefly?

Repeated use can cause laxative dependence, and severe diarrhea can cause dehydration.

What are osmotic laxatives?

Medicines that draw water into the intestines, soften and enlarge stool, and increase bowel movement.

What are osmotic laxatives, and which medicines are examples?

Lactulose, magnesium citrate, and polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX/PEG) are osmotic laxatives that draw water into the intestine to soften stool.

What should be monitored with osmotic laxatives?

Monitor for diarrhea, cramping, nausea, gas, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Bowel obstruction is a contraindication.

What is lactulose’s laxative class and action?

Lactulose is a saccharide (sugar) osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestine to soften stool.

What is polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX/PEG), and what is it used for?

Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX/PEG) is an osmotic laxative used for constipation. Higher doses may be used for bowel preparation.

How should polyethylene glycol powder be taken?

Mix the powder completely in 4–8 oz of liquid.

What should be checked before giving polyethylene glycol?

Check for possible bowel obstruction, perforation, or sudden severe abdominal pain (acute abdomen).

What should be reported while taking polyethylene glycol?

Report rectal bleeding or diarrhea, and contact the healthcare provider if it is needed for more than one week.

What are antacids?

Antacids are alkaline medicines that neutralize acid already in the stomach but do not stop acid production.

Which medicines are examples of antacids?

Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate (Tums), and sodium bicarbonate are antacids.

What do antacids treat?

They relieve acid-related symptoms such as GERD and ulcers.

How should antacids be spaced from other medicines?

Take antacids 1–2 hours apart from many other medicines because they can reduce how much medicine the body absorbs. Some medicines have their own specific directions.

Which antacids cause constipation?

Aluminum hydroxide and Calcium carbonate (Tums)

Which antacids commonly cause diarrhea?

Magnesium

What is aluminum hydroxide, and what is its key adverse effect?

Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. Its key adverse effect is constipation, and it can lower phosphate levels.

What is magnesium hydroxide, and what is its key adverse effect?

Magnesium hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. Its key adverse effect is diarrhea, and it can also be used as a laxative.

What does sodium bicarbonate do?

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid.

What is calcium carbonate (Tums), and what is its key adverse effect?

Calcium carbonate (Tums) is a calcium-based antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. Its key adverse effect is constipation.

What is an H2-receptor antagonist, and which medicine is an example?

Famotidine is an H2-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine H2 receptors in the stomach to reduce acid production.

What does famotidine treat?

It treats heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.

How should antacids be spaced from H2 blockers?

Take antacids at least 1 hour apart from H2 blockers.

What is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and which medicines are examples?

Esomeprazole and pantoprazole are PPIs, medicines that block the stomach’s hydrogen–potassium ATPase proton pump, strongly stop the stomach from making most of its acid.

What are esomeprazole and pantoprazole used for?

They treat acid-related conditions such as GERD and ulcers.

What are the concerns with long-term PPI use?

Long-term use may cause bone loss and low magnesium.

What serious diarrhea warning applies to PPIs?

PPIs may cause C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Report severe or persistent diarrhea.

What is a mucosal protectant, and which medicine is an example?

Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant, a medicine that coats an ulcer and forms a protective barrier against stomach acid and other secretions.

How should sucralfate be taken?

Take it on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

What are the side effect and medication warning for sucralfate?

It can cause constipation. Separate it from many other medicines because it can reduce their absorption.

How do H2 blockers, PPIs, antacids, and sucralfate differ?

H2 blockers: Reduce stomach acid by blocking histamine.

PPIs: Stop the stomach from making acid.

Antacids: Lower acid already in the stomach.

Sucralfate: Coats and protects the ulcer.

What is a prostaglandin analog, and which medicine is an example?

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog, a medicine that acts like the body’s natural prostaglandins to reduce stomach acid and increase protective mucus.

What does misoprostol do?

It reduces stomach acid and increases protective mucus and bicarbonate to prevent NSAID-related stomach ulcers.

What is misoprostol’s priority warning?

It can cause uterine contractions and pregnancy loss, so pregnancy must be ruled out before taking it.

What are misoprostol’s common side effects?

Common side effects are diarrhea and abdominal pain. Magnesium-containing antacids can worsen the diarrhea.

What is a SABA, and which medicine is an example?

Albuterol is the prototype SABA (short-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist). It is a quick-acting bronchodilator that stimulates beta₂ receptors to relax airway muscles and relieve bronchospasm.

What is albuterol used for?

It provides quick relief of bronchospasm (rescue treatment). It can also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

How long do albuterol’s effects last?

Its effects last about 4–6 hours.

What should be monitored and reported with albuterol?

Monitor for tremors, palpitations, and a faster pulse. Report needing the rescue inhaler more than twice a week to the healthcare provider.

What is a LABA, and which medicine is an example?

Salmeterol is a LABA (long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist). A LABA is a long-acting medicine that opens the airways (bronchodilation).

What is salmeterol used for?

It keeps the airways open for long-term maintenance and helps the person breathe easier for about 12 hours.

Is salmeterol used for immediate rescue?

No. Salmeterol is not used for immediate rescue.

What are inhaled corticosteroids, and which medicines are examples?

Budesonide and fluticasone are inhaled glucocorticoids and anti-inflammatory inhalers.

What do budesonide and fluticasone do?

They reduce airway inflammation and swelling for long-term control. They do not provide quick rescue relief.

What are the side effects of budesonide and fluticasone?

They may cause oral thrush and a hoarse voice (a rough, weak, or raspy voice).

What should someone do after using budesonide or fluticasone?

Rinse the mouth and spit after each use. Using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) helps prevent medicine from staying in the mouth.

What else can budesonide and fluticasone treat?

treat in a nasal form allergic rhinitis (nose inflammation caused by allergies).

What is a systemic corticosteroid, and which medicine is an example?

Prednisone is an oral systemic corticosteroid, a steroid that works throughout the body to reduce inflammation.

What is prednisone used for?

It is used for short-term treatment after an exacerbation (worsening symptoms).

What are the short-term risks of prednisone?

It may cause high blood glucose, infection risk, stomach irritation, or ulcers.

What are the risks of long-term prednisone use?

Long-term use may reduce adrenal gland function and cause bone loss.

How should oral prednisone be taken?

Take it with food to reduce stomach irritation.

What is an anticholinergic Bronchodilator, and which medicine is an example?

Ipratropium bromide is a short-acting inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator (SAMA) that blocks acetylcholine.

How does ipratropium bromide work?

It prevents the airway muscles from tightening, opens the airways (bronchodilation), and reduces mucus.

What is ipratropium bromide used for?

It makes breathing easier, especially for people with COPD (a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe). It is not used alone for quick relief during an acute asthma attack.

What are the side effects and cautions for ipratropium bromide?

It may cause dry mouth. Use it carefully in people with narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urinary retention.

What is a methylxanthine bronchodilator, and which medicine is an example?

Theophylline is the prototype methylxanthine bronchodilator. It works partly by blocking phosphodiesterase.

How does theophylline make breathing easier?

It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle (the muscles around the airways) to open the airways and make breathing easier.

What is the safe blood level for theophylline?

Check the medicine level in the blood. 10–20 mcg/mL is safe and effective, but over 20 mcg/mL is toxic.

What signs may mean theophylline levels are too high?

Early signs include restlessness, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and muscle twitching. Severe toxicity can cause seizures or abnormal heart rhythms.

What should someone taking theophylline do?

Limit caffeine and have blood levels checked as prescribed.

What is an expectorant, and which medicine is an example?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, a medicine that thins and loosens thick mucus, making it easier to cough up or drain from the nose and sinuses.

What are the key instructions for guaifenesin?

Increase fluid intake, if allowed, to help loosen mucus. Swallow sustained-release tablets whole. Do not crush them. These tablets release medicine slowly over time.

What is a mucolytic, and which medicine is an example?

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic, a medicine that breaks down and thins thick mucus so it can be coughed out more easily.

What should be checked when acetylcysteine is inhaled?

Make sure the patient can cough and clear the increased mucus. Keep suction nearby if needed.

What breathing problem should be monitored with inhaled acetylcysteine?

Watch for wheezing or bronchospasm (muscles tightening around the airways).

What is another use for acetylcysteine?

Acetylcysteine can treat an acetaminophen overdose when given by another route.

What is an antitussive, and which medicines are examples?

Codeine and benzonatate are cough suppressants (antitussives). They reduce or stop a dry, nonproductive cough (a cough with no mucus).

How do codeine and benzonatate differ?

Codeine is an opioid antitussive, while benzonatate is a nonopioid antitussive. Codeine has more serious opioid warnings.

What are codeine’s major risks?

Codeine may cause sedation (sleepiness), constipation, and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing).

What is codeine’s priority safety assessment?

Check the breathing rate and oxygen level. Stop the opioid and take action if breathing drops below 12 breaths per minute.

What is benzonatate’s role?

Benzonatate is a nonopioid antitussive (cough suppressant) used to reduce or stop coughing.

What is a decongestant, and which medicine is an example?

Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic (adrenaline-related) decongestant, a medicine that relieves a stuffy nose.