Pharmacology test 3 Outline

Which medicines are antiemetics?

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

What is ondansetron?

Ondansetron is an antiemetic and a 5‑HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist that blocks serotonin signals to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Watch for headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, serotonin syndrome, and dangerous heart rhythms. Avoid it if you were born with long‑QT syndrome.

What is metoclopramide (Reglan), what GI conditions can it treat, and what serious adverse effect requires reporting?

Metoclopramide is a dopamine‑blocking antiemetic and prokinetic that helps food move through the stomach and intestines. It treats GERD and diabetic gastroparesis by raising lower esophageal sphincter tone and increasing GI movement. A serious adverse effect to report is tardive dyskinesia or other involuntary movements (lip smacking, face/neck spasms), which may be irreversible. Avoid use with mechanical bowel obstruction, GI bleeding, or GI perforation. It treats nausea, vomiting, GERD, and diabetic gastroparesis (when diabetes damages stomach nerves and slows stomach emptying).

What is an antidiarrheal, what is loperamide, and what should be monitored?

An antidiarrheal is a medicine that reduces diarrhea by slowing bowel movement, allowing more water to be absorbed from stool. Loperamide is a common antidiarrheal that slows gut movement to firm up stools. Monitor fluid and electrolyte loss and replace fluids. Use loperamide carefully if infection, fever, or bloody stool is suspected. If diarrhea does not improve within 36–48 hours, stop taking it and contact the healthcare provider.

What is a bulk‑forming laxative, and what is the key instruction for psyllium?

A bulk‑forming laxative is a fiber laxative that absorbs water, making the stool bigger and softer to stimulate a bowel movement. Psyllium is a bulk‑forming fiber laxative. Mix each dose with at least 8 oz of fluid and drink it right away, because too little fluid can cause a blockage. Expect a soft stool within 1–3 days.

What is a stool softener, what is docusate sodium, and how is it taken?

A medicine that lets water enter stool, so it is easier to pass.it is also A stool softener is a medicine that lets water enter stool, so it is easier to pass; it is also called a surfactant laxative. Docusate sodium is a stool softener. Take it with at least 8 oz of fluid. It may take several days to soften the stool. Report severe diarrhea.

What are stimulant laxatives, and what should you know about bisacodyl and senna?

Stimulant laxatives are medicines that stimulate movement in the colon and increase water in the bowel to help produce a bowel movement. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for constipation or bowel prep; it may cause diarrhea and cramping. Do not crush enteric‑coated tablets, and do not take the oral form within one hour of milk or antacids. Report severe diarrhea. Senna is a plant‑derived stimulant laxative that increases colon movement and may be combined with docusate. Stimulant laxatives should be used briefly, because repeated use can cause laxative dependence, and severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

What is lactulose’s laxative class and action, what should you monitor with osmotic laxatives, and what are magnesium citrate and polyethylene glycol?

Lactulose is a saccharide (sugar) osmotic laxative; it draws water into the intestine to soften stool. Monitor for diarrhea, cramping, nausea, gas, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Bowel obstruction is a contraindication. Before giving PEG, check for possible bowel obstruction, perforation, or sudden severe abdominal pain (acute abdomen). Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative; watch for diarrhea and fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Polyethylene glycol(MiraLAX/PEG) is an osmotic laxative used for constipation. Mix the powder completely in 4–8 oz of liquid. Higher doses may be used for bowel preparation. Report rectal bleeding or diarrhea, and contact the healthcare provider if it is needed for more than one week.

What are antacids, what is sodium bicarbonate, how should antacids be spaced from other medicines, and what is aluminum hydroxide?

An antacid is an alkaline medicine that neutralizes acid already in the stomach to relieve acid‑related symptoms such as GERD and ulcers; it does not stop the stomach from producing acid. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that neutralizes acid. 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). Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid; its key adverse effect is constipation, and it can lower phosphate levels. Magnesium hydroxide is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid; its key adverse effect is diarrhea, and it can also be used as a laxative. 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 what is famotidine used for?

An H2‑receptor antagonist is a medicine that blocks histamine H2 receptors on stomach parietal cells, reducing acid production. Famotidine is an H2‑receptor antagonist used for acid‑related problems such as heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.

What are esomeprazole and pantoprazole, what are important long‑term PPI concerns, and what is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?

Esomeprazole and pantoprazole are PPIs used for acid‑related conditions such as GERD and ulcers. Important long‑term PPI concerns include bone loss, low magnesium, and possible C. difficile‑associated diarrhea; report severe or persistent diarrhea. A proton pumpinhibitor (PPI) is a medicine that blocks the stomach’s acid‑producing proton pump, strongly reducing acid secretion.

What is a mucosal protectant, and what is sucralfate’s key administration instruction?

Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant, a medicine that forms a protective barrier over an ulcer to protect it from stomach acid and other secretions. Give on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals and at bedtime; separate it from many other medicines because it reduces their absorption.

What is a prostaglandin analog, and what are misoprostol’s priority warning and common side effects?

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog, a medicine that acts like the body’s natural prostaglandins to reduce stomach acid and increase protective mucus and bicarbonate to prevent NSAID‑related stomach ulcers. It can cause uterine contractions and pregnancy loss, so pregnancy must be ruled out before taking it. Common side effects are diarrhea and abdominal pain; magnesium‑containing antacids can worsen the diarrhea.

What is a SABA, what is albuterol’s role, and what side effects should be monitored?

Albuterol is a SABA (short‑acting beta₂‑adrenergic agonist) that quickly relaxes airway muscles and opens the bronchi during bronchospasm. It is the prototype SABA used for quick relief of bronchospasm (rescue treatment) and before exercise to prevent exercise‑induced bronchospasm. Its effects last about 4–6 hours. 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, what is salmeterol, and what is its role?

Salmeterol is a LABA (long‑acting beta₂‑adrenergic agonist) that keeps the airways open for long‑term maintenance. A LABA is a long‑acting medicine that opens the airways (bronchodilation) and helps the person breathe easier for about 12 hours. It is not used for immediate rescue.

What are inhaled corticosteroids, what do budesonide and fluticasone do, what side effects/instructions apply, and what else can they treat?

Budesonide and fluticasone are inhaled glucocorticoids and anti‑inflammatory inhalers that reduce airway inflammation and swelling for long‑term control; they do not provide quick rescue relief. They may cause oral thrush and a hoarse voice. Rinse the mouth and spit after each use, and using a spacer with an MDI helps prevent medicine from staying in the mouth. Their nasal forms can treat allergic rhinitis.

What is a systemic corticosteroid, and what is prednisone’s key teaching point?

Prednisone is an oral systemic corticosteroid, a steroid that works throughout the body to reduce inflammation. It is used for short‑term treatment after an exacerbation. Prednisone may cause high blood glucose, infection risk, stomach irritation, or ulcers. Long‑term use may reduce adrenal gland function and cause bone loss. The lesson advises taking oral steroids with food to reduce stomach irritation.

What is an anticholinergic, what is ipratropium bromide used for, and what side effects/cautions apply?

Ipratropium bromide is a short‑acting inhaled anticholinergic (SAMA) that opens the airways and reduces mucus. It provides bronchodilation, especially for people with COPD. It is not used alone for quick relief during an asthma attack. 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, what is the key theophylline safety point, what early effects suggest high levels, and what should someone taking theophylline do?

Theophylline is the prototype methylxanthine bronchodilator. It works partly by blocking phosphodiesterase and relaxing bronchial smooth muscle to open the airways and make breathing easier. The key safety point is to check the medicine level in the blood: 10–20 mcg/mL is safe and effective, but over 20 mcg/mL is toxic. Early warning signs include restlessness and trouble sleeping. Severe toxicity can cause seizures or abnormal heart rhythms. Early effects of high levels include restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting,palpitations, and muscle twitching. Someone taking theophylline should limit caffeine and have blood levels checked as prescribed.

What is an expectorant, and what is guaifenesin’s key teaching point?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, a medicine that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to cough out. Increase fluid intake, if allowed, to help loosen mucus. Do not crush sustained‑release tablets.(tablets that release medicine slowly over time).

What is a mucolytic, what is acetylcysteine, what should be monitored when it is inhaled, and what is its other use?

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic, a medicine that breaks down thick mucus so it can be coughed out more easily (break downs). Watch for bronchospasm (muscles tightening around the airways) and be ready to clear the increased mucus. Acetylcysteine can also treat an acetaminophen overdose when given by another route.

What are antitussives, what are codeine and benzonatate, what is codeine’s role and major risk, what is codeine’s priority safety assessment, and what is benzonatate’s role?

Codeine and benzonatate are cough suppressants (antitussives) that reduce or stop a dry, nonproductive cough (a cough with no mucus) when it is appropriate to suppress coughing. Codeine is an opioid antitussive (cough suppressant) and has more serious opioid warnings. It may cause sedation (sleepiness), constipation, and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Check the breathing rate and oxygen level. Stop the opioid and take action if breathing drops below 12 breaths per minute. Benzonatate is a nonopioid antitussive (cough suppressant) used to reduce or stop coughing.

What is a decongestant, how does phenylephrine work, what should be monitored, and why should topical nasal decongestants be limited?

Phenylephrine is an alpha‑1 adrenergic (adrenaline‑related) decongestant, a medicine that relieves a stuffy nose. It stimulates alpha‑1 receptors, which tightens the blood vessels in the nose, reduces swelling, and opens the nasal passages. Check blood pressure and pulse because it may cause high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, or insomnia (trouble sleeping). Using the nasal form too often can make the nose stuffy again (rebound congestion). The respiratory lesson advises using topical nasal decongestants for only 3–5 days.

What are antihistamines, what is diphenhydramine, and what is loratadine?

Diphenhydramine and loratadine are antihistamines. They block H1 histamine effects to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. Diphenhydramine is a first‑generation H1 antihistamine with more drowsiness and anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention). In older adults and people with narrow‑angle glaucoma or trouble urinating/prostate enlargement; watch for sedation, falls, and urinary retention. Loratadine is a second‑generation H1 antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and hives. It generally causes less drowsiness than first‑generation antihistamines, though some fatigue is still possible.

IV pump rate (mL/hr) equation?

total mL ÷ hours.

mL/HR

IV gravity drip rate (gtt/min) equation?

(total mL ÷ minutes) × drop factor.

mL/min × Drop

Oral liquid dose (mL) equation?

(desired dose ÷ dose on hand) × Quantity

D/H × Q