Video Notes: Pharmacology Review (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key pharmacology concepts from the notes.

Topical drug absorption in infants

Infants have thinner skin and greater blood flow, causing faster absorption and higher risk of toxicity from topical meds; avoid combining routes in this age group.

Creatinine clearance

Best measure of renal function in older adults; reflects glomerular filtration rate; serum creatinine alone can be misleading due to reduced muscle mass.

Morphine and naloxone receptor action

Both act directly at opioid receptors; neither alters transmitter reuptake, release, or storage.

Beta-1 agonist

Increases heart rate and blood pressure; used in heart failure; not indicated for kidney, respiratory, or liver failure.

Pilocarpine

Muscarinic agonist used mainly to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma; not for excessive secretions; does not inhibit bladder function.

Physostigmine

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat muscarinic antagonist toxicity; atropine worsens drying effects and is not the antidote.

Myasthenia gravis – swallowing safety

Assess swallowing ability; parenteral forms may be needed if swallowing is impaired; monitor eyelid elevation, fatigue, and skeletal muscle strength.

Pancuronium

Competitive neuromuscular blocker; first muscles affected are eyelids; patient remains conscious and awake; talk to patient during care.

Atracurium histamine release

Can cause hypotension due to histamine release; unlike pancuronium, which does not primarily cause this effect.

Neuromuscular blocking agents

Produce muscle paralysis without analgesia; used for ECT, intubation, and surgery; not indicated for treating malignant hyperthermia.

Catecholamines – duration and administration

Brief duration due to MAO/COMT; often require continuous infusion; cannot be given orally; do not cross the blood–brain barrier.

Noncatecholamines and the blood-brain barrier

Noncatecholamines cross the blood–brain barrier and are not degraded by MAO in the same way as catecholamines.

Dopamine adverse effects

Common adverse effects include angina, dysrhythmias, and tachycardia; diuretics may increase urine output when used with dopamine.

Alpha-adrenergic antagonists effects

Block alpha-1 receptors causing venous/arterial dilation; can improve cardiac output and cause adverse effects like reflex tachycardia, nasal congestion, orthostatic hypotension, and inhibited ejaculation.

Reflex tachycardia (alpha blockade)

A common adverse effect of alpha-adrenergic blockade due to sudden BP changes.

Clonidine – xerostomia management

Xerostomia is common; advise chewing sugar-free gum or sipping water; CNS effects and potential sedation; avoid abrupt discontinuation due to rebound hypertension.

Methyldopa Coombs test

Positive Coombs’ test occurs in 10–20% of chronic methyldopa use and can signal immune-mediated hemolytic anemia; monitor liver function and hematologic status.

Clonidine vs. pregnancy safety

Clonidine is contraindicated during pregnancy; methyldopa is often used historically in pregnancy for hypertension.

Pediatric pharmacology differences

Drugs can affect children differently than adults; many pediatric drugs are under-tested; infants metabolize more slowly and side effects can differ, requiring careful dosing.

Cluster medication administration

Group medications to reduce the number of dosing times per day, minimizing confusion and nonadherence.

Local anesthetics and axonal conduction

Drugs that alter axonal conduction are generally nonselective; many PNS drugs affect synaptic transmission rather than axonal conduction.

Autonomic control of digestion

Digestion is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system; the sympathetic system does not regulate digestive functions.

Bethanechol contraindication in asthma

Bethanechol is contraindicated in active or latent asthma due to muscarinic receptor–mediated bronchoconstriction.

Organophosphate poisoning management (airway first)

Initial priority is maintaining airway and preventing death from apnea; pralidoxime is the antidote; atropine controls secretions; diazepam may treat seizures.

Pralidoxime (2-PAM)

Specific antidote for organophosphate/muscarinic receptor poisoning; reactivates acetylcholinesterase; use after airway is secured.