Pharmacology: Solutions, Electrolytes, and Pain Medications

Colloid Solutions

MOA: Large molecules ↑ plasma oncotic pressure → expand intravascular volume. | Uses: Plasma expander in hypovolemia, shock, burns. | Side Effects: Nausea, edema. | Adverse Reactions: Pulmonary edema, fluid overload, anaphylaxis.

Crystalloid Solutions

MOA: Small molecules restore fluid/electrolyte balance. | Uses: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, short-term therapy. | Side Effects: Electrolyte imbalance, fluid shifts. | Adverse Reactions: Fluid overload, cerebral edema.

Potassium Chloride (KCl)

MOA: Replaces potassium → maintains cardiac rhythms. | Uses: Treat/prevent hypokalemia. | Side Effects: N/V, diarrhea, infusion site pain. | Adverse Reactions: Hyperkalemia, cardiac dysrhythmias. MUST BE DILUTED

Calcium

MOA: Provides calcium for bone/teeth, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction. | Uses: Treat/prevent hypocalcemia. | Side Effects: N/V, constipation, infusion site pain. | Adverse Reactions: ECG changes, renal failure, cardiac arrest.

Epinephrine

MOA: Nonselective adrenergic agonist → stimulates α & β receptors. | Uses: Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, asthma attacks. | Side Effects: Tachycardia, palpitations, tremors. | Adverse Reactions: Hypertension, dysrhythmias, tissue necrosis.

Atenolol

MOA: Selective β1-blocker → decreases HR, contractility, BP. | Uses: Hypertension, angina, MI prevention. | Side Effects: Fatigue, dizziness, cold extremities. | Adverse Reactions: Bradycardia, heart block, bronchospasm.

Bethanechol Chloride

MOA: Direct cholinergic agonist → stimulates muscarinic receptors. | Uses: Urinary retention. | Side Effects: N/V, diarrhea, sweating. | Adverse Reactions: Bronchospasm, bradycardia, hypotension.

Atropine

MOA: Anticholinergic, muscarinic antagonist. | Uses: Bradycardia, pre-op secretions, antidote for cholinesterase inhibitors. | Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation. | Adverse Reactions: Tachycardia, dysrhythmias, paralytic ileus.

Benztropine

MOA: Anticholinergic → blocks ACh receptors & dopamine reuptake. | Uses: Parkinson's disease, drug-induced EPS. | Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation. | Adverse Reactions: Tachycardia, urinary retention, paralytic ileus.

Tolterodine Tartrate

MOA: Antimuscarinic agent → blocks bladder muscarinic receptors. | Uses: Overactive bladder. | Side Effects: Dry mouth, headache, dizziness. | Adverse Reactions: Angioedema, urinary retention, constipation.

Vitamin A

MOA: Maintains epithelial tissue, eyes, skin, bone growth. | Uses: Prevent/treat night blindness. | Side Effects: Nausea, GI upset. | Adverse Reactions: Teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, hypervitaminosis A.

Vitamin C

MOA: Antioxidant, collagen synthesis. | Uses: Prevent/treat scurvy, wound healing. | Side Effects: GI upset. | Adverse Reactions: Crystalluria, kidney stones.

Iron

MOA: Essential for hemoglobin & myoglobin. | Uses: Iron deficiency anemia. | Side Effects: Constipation, GI upset, dark stools. | Adverse Reactions: Iron toxicity, anaphylaxis (IV), tissue necrosis (IM).

Aspirin

MOA: Inhibits COX → ↓ prostaglandins. | Uses: Pain, fever, inflammation, clot prevention. | Side Effects: N/V, dizziness, GI distress. | Adverse Reactions: Tinnitus, bleeding, Reye's syndrome.

Ibuprofen

MOA: Inhibits COX-1 & COX-2. | Uses: Pain, fever, arthritis. | Side Effects: Dizziness, headache, GI upset. | Adverse Reactions: GI bleeding, anemia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Celecoxib

MOA: Selective COX-2 inhibitor. | Uses: Arthritis, dysmenorrhea, migraine. | Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, N/V/D. | Adverse Reactions: GI bleeding, HTN, anaphylaxis.

Infliximab

MOA: TNF blocker → suppresses inflammation. | Uses: RA, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis. | Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, cough, rash. | Adverse Reactions: Severe infections, bronchospasm, leukopenia.

Febuxostat

MOA: Inhibits xanthine oxidase → ↓ uric acid. | Uses: Gout, hyperuricemia. | Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, N/V/D. | Adverse Reactions: Bradycardia, thrombocytopenia, cardiac events.

Acetaminophen

MOA: Inhibits central prostaglandin synthesis. | Uses: Pain, fever. | Side Effects: Anxiety, headache, fatigue. | Adverse Reactions: Hepatotoxicity, renal failure, blood dyscrasias.

Morphine Sulfate

MOA: Opioid agonist → binds CNS receptors, depresses pain. | Uses: Moderate-severe pain. | Side Effects: Constipation, N/V, sedation. | Adverse Reactions: Respiratory depression, hypotension, urinary retention.

Nalbuphine

MOA: Opioid agonist-antagonist. | Uses: Pain, anesthesia adjunct. | Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth. | Adverse Reactions: Respiratory depression, seizures, bradycardia.

Sumatriptan

MOA: 5-HT1 receptor agonist → vasoconstricts cranial arteries. | Uses: Migraine, cluster headaches. | Side Effects: Dizziness, headache, paresthesia. | Adverse Reactions: Coronary vasospasm, dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest.

Crystalloids

Colloids