Advanced Pharmacology Drug Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and their definitions from a pharmacology study guide focusing on cardiovascular, antibiotic, endocrine, neurological, respiratory, pain management, and miscellaneous medications.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that block angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing vasoconstriction and are used for hypertension and heart failure.

Beta-Blockers

Drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and contractility, used in conditions such as hypertension and angina.

Warfarin

An anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, primarily used for preventing thromboembolic events.

Penicillins

A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, indicated for various bacterial infections.

Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotics that inhibit DNA gyrase, preventing bacterial replication, commonly used for UTIs and skin infections.

Insulin

A hormone that facilitates glucose uptake in cells, essential for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Antiepileptics

Medications that stabilize neuronal membranes and are used to treat seizure disorders.

Bronchodilators

Medications that stimulate bronchodilation, used in asthma and COPD, such as Albuterol.

Opioids

Strong analgesics that bind to opioid receptors, reducing the perception of pain.

Immunosuppressants

Drugs that inhibit T-cell activation to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Antiemetics

Medications that block serotonin or dopamine receptors to relieve nausea and vomiting.

What are adverse effects of medication?

Adverse effects are harmful or unintended reactions to a medication that may occur at normal doses.

What are side effects?

Side effects are secondary effects of a medication, which can be mild or severe, and are not the main purpose of the treatment.

Common adverse effects of antibiotics

Nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and drug-resistant infections.

Common side effects of pain relievers (NSAIDs)

Gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, and risk of cardiovascular problems.

Adverse effects of corticosteroids

Weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk of infections.

Side effects of antidepressants

Dry mouth, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia.

What is a black box warning?

The most serious warning issued by the FDA, indicating that a drug carries a significant risk of serious or even life-threatening adverse effects.

What does the suffix '-pril' indicate in a drug name?

Associated with ACE inhibitors, which are used primarily to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

What does the suffix '-olol' signify in medications?

Refers to beta-blockers, which are used to manage hypertension and heart conditions.

What does the suffix '-statin' denote in cholesterol-lowering medications?

Used for drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol levels.

What does the suffix '-cillin' represent in antibiotics?

Signifies penicillin antibiotics, effective against bacterial infections.

What does the suffix '-sartan' indicate?

Related to angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure.

What does the suffix '-prazole' refer to in medications?

Associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid production.

What does the suffix '-ase' indicate in drug names?

Denotes enzymes or enzyme inhibitors, often used in treatments such as thrombolytics.

What does the suffix '-mycin' signify?

Associated with antibiotics, particularly those derived from Streptomyces bacteria, like erythromycin and vancomycin.

What does the suffix '-triptan' represent?

Refers to medications used to treat migraines, acting as selective serotonin receptor agonists.

What does the suffix '-vir' indicate in antiviral medications?

Identifies antiviral agents, such as those used to treat HIV and herpes infections.

What does the suffix '-thiazide' denote in diuretics?

Diuretics, commonly prescribed for hypertension and edema management.