pharma midterms week 9-11 Ultimate Study Guide

Upper Airway

Comprises the nose, pharynx, and larynx; filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air.

Lower Airway

Comprises the trachea, bronchi, and bronchial tree; conducts air to the alveolar sacs for gas exchange.

Gas Exchange

Occurs in the alveoli where $O_2$ is absorbed and $CO_2$ is eliminated via passive diffusion.

Ventilation

Mechanical movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

Blood flow through pulmonary capillaries.

Diffusion

Movement of gases across membranes, notably in the alveoli.

Absorption of Inhaled Medications

Inhaled drugs quickly deposit into the airway mucosa, providing rapid local therapeutic effects.

Distribution in Respiratory Drugs

Targeted specifically to airway smooth muscle and respiratory mucosal tissues.

Metabolism & Elimination of Respiratory Drugs

Primarily via hepatic metabolism and renal excretion of metabolites.

Receptor Binding Mechanism

Drugs selectively bind to specific receptors on airway smooth muscle; determines clinical effects.

Signal Transduction in Respiratory System

Receptor engagement activates signaling pathways, altering smooth muscle tone.

Dose-Response Profile

The balance of optimal efficacy against potential systemic side effects.

Bronchodilators

Include $\beta_2$-agonists, anticholinergics, and methylxanthines.

Corticosteroids

Include inhaled anti-inflammatory agents and systemic steroids.

Mucolytics & Expectorants

Agents that reduce mucus viscosity and facilitate clearance.

Antitussives

Medications that suppress cough reflexes.

Decongestants

Relieve nasal mucosal congestion.

Antihistamines

$H_1$-receptor antagonists for allergic respiratory disorders.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Block leukotriene mediators in asthma management.

Short-Acting $\beta_2$ Agonists (SABA)

Rapid onset meds like Albuterol, lasting $4\text{--}6 \text{h}$; used for acute asthma.

Long-Acting $\beta_2$ Agonists (LABA)

Medications like Salmeterol; extended duration of $12\text{--}24 \text{h}$; not for acute use alone.

Anticholinergics

Block muscarinic $M_3$ receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction; examples include Ipratropium.

Methylxanthines

Inhibit phosphodiesterase, increasing $cAMP$; agents include Theophylline.

Corticosteroids (Inhaled)

Agents like Fluticasone used to suppress inflammation in asthma.

Systemic Corticosteroids

Medications like Prednisone used for acute asthma exacerbations.

Mucolytics

Acetylcysteine reduces mucus viscosity.

Expectorants

Guaifenesin increases respiratory fluid secretion.

First-Generation Antihistamines

Diphenhydramine; causes sedation and crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Second-Generation Antihistamines

Loratadine and Cetirizine; peripheral blockers and non-sedating.

Montelukast

A Leukotriene Modifier for asthma management.

Aminophylline

A methylxanthine for chronic lung disease.

Digoxin

Increases intracellular calcium, enhancing myocardial contractility.

QT Interval

The time it takes for the heart to repolarize after contraction; prolongation can lead to serious arrhythmias.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Agents like Omeprazole; suppress gastric acid production.

H2-Receptor Antagonists

Cimetidine and Famotidine; reduce gastric acid secretion.

Antacids

Agents like Aluminum hydroxide; neutralize gastric acid acutely.

Alimentary Canal

The digestive tract from the mouth to anus, including accessory organs.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Condition arising from LES incompetence leading to reflux.

Parietal Cells

Cells in the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.

Chief Cells

Secrete pepsinogen, which digests proteins in the stomach.

Mucosal Barrier of Stomach

Protective gel layer against gastric acid and pepsin.

Neural Regulation of GI Tract

Controlled by the Enteric Nervous System and autonomic nervous system.

Oral Route of Drug Administration

Absorbed through GI mucosa into portal circulation.

Subcutaneous Route of Drug Administration

Medication administered through subcutaneous tissue.

Intravenous Route of Drug Administration

Direct access to systemic circulation with 100% bioavailability.

Nursing Interventions for Antacids

Space administration by 1-2 hours from other oral drugs.

Emergency Actions for Upper GI Hemorrhage

Assess vital signs, establish IV access, notify healthcare provider.

Mucosal Protectants

Agents like Sucralfate that form barriers to protect the stomach lining.

Antiemetics

Medications used to suppress vomiting and nausea.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs such as Diazepam used for anxiety relief and muscle spasms.

Thionamides

Methimazole and PTU; used for hyperthyroidism treatment.

Levothyroxine

Synthetic $T_4$ for hypothyroidism.

Desmopressin

Synthetic analog of ADH used in diabetes insipidus.

Corticosteroids (Systemic)

Agents like Prednisone; used for inflammation suppression.

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement (Pancrelipase)

Replaces deficient digestive enzymes for nutrient absorption.

Monitoring Potassium Levels

Crucial for patients on diuretics to prevent hyper/hypokalemia.

Lipid-Lowering Agents (Statins)

Agents that inhibit cholesterol synthesis, such as Atorvastatin.

Digoxin Toxicity Signs

Symptoms include nausea, visual disturbances, and bradycardia.

Baroreceptors

Sensory receptors that regulate blood pressure via autonomic control.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Hormonal system regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that lower blood pressure by inhibiting Angiotensin II.

Beta-Blockers

Drugs that decrease heart rate and myocardial contractility.

Class IV Antiarrhythmics

Calcium channel blockers like Diltiazem that affect cardiac conduction.

Antiplatelet Agents

Prevent arterial thrombosis; examples include Aspirin.

Anticoagulant Monitoring

Monitor PT/INR for Warfarin and aPTT for Heparin.

Furosemide

Loop diuretic for edema and hypertension.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

Thiazide diuretic for hypertension.

Spironolactone

Potassium-sparing diuretic acting on aldosterone receptors.

Mannitol

Osmotic diuretic for intracranial pressure.

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilator used for treating angina.

Sildenafil

PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction.

Antispasmodics

Agents used to relieve intestinal spasms.

Phenazopyridine

Urinary analgesic that does not act on UTI pathogens.

Overactive Bladder Medications

Antimuscarinic agents that reduce bladder contractions.

Non-dihydropyridine CCBs

Diltiazem and Verapamil, which affect both heart rate and blood vessels.

Medication Education in Diabetics

Teach hypoglycemia recognition and management; critical for insulin users.

Agranulocytosis Warning

Patients on thionamides should report fever or sore throat immediately.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Rx that lowers BP by preventing calcium entry in smooth muscle.

Spironolactone Side Effects

Includes gynecomastia and hyperkalemia risk.

ACE Inhibitor Side Effects

Check for cough, angioedema, and renal function.