Pharmacology Lecture: Key Medications Overview

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the mechanism of action, primary therapeutic use, and key safety considerations for each drug covered in the lecture.

Baclofen

GABA-B receptor agonist that relaxes skeletal muscle for spasticity (e.g., MS, spinal injury); can cause CNS depression—taper slowly to prevent withdrawal.

Donepezil

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that raises brain acetylcholine to manage Alzheimer’s disease; diarrhea, insomnia, and bradycardia are common.

Interferon beta-1a

Immunomodulatory cytokine that lessens CNS inflammation in multiple sclerosis; flu-like reactions, depression, and elevated LFTs require monitoring.

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Levodopa converts to dopamine while Carbidopa blocks peripheral conversion, improving Parkinson’s symptoms; nausea and orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist used in moderate-severe Alzheimer’s disease to curb excitotoxicity; dizziness and confusion possible—dose adjust in renal impairment.

Phenytoin

Voltage-gated sodium channel blocker for seizure control; gingival hyperplasia, ataxia, and rash signal toxicity—check serum levels.

Sumatriptan

5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist producing cranial vasoconstriction to abort acute migraine; chest tightness and contraindications in CVD apply.

Valproic Acid

Elevates GABA to act as broad-spectrum anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer; hepatotoxicity, weight gain, and tremor warrant LFT monitoring.

Methotrexate

Folate antagonist inhibiting DNA synthesis for RA, psoriasis, and cancers; bone-marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity necessitate CBC/LFT checks.

Raloxifene

Selective estrogen receptor modulator that preserves bone in postmenopausal osteoporosis; hot flashes and thromboembolic risk are notable.

Albuterol

Short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist providing rapid bronchodilation in asthma attacks; tremor and tachycardia are common side effects.

Alprazolam

Benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A activity for anxiety and panic disorders; sedation and dependence potential require caution.

Amitriptyline

Tricyclic antidepressant blocking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, used for depression and neuropathic pain; anticholinergic effects and orthostatic hypotension seen.

Betaxolol

Selective β1-blocker lowering IOP and BP for glaucoma or hypertension; may cause bradycardia and fatigue—use cautiously in asthma.

Chlorpromazine

First-generation antipsychotic inhibiting dopamine receptors, treating schizophrenia and severe nausea; EPS, sedation, and NMS monitoring needed.

Fluoxetine

SSRI enhancing synaptic serotonin for depression, anxiety, and OCD; nausea, insomnia, and serotonin syndrome risk.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer modulating serotonin for bipolar disorder; narrow therapeutic index—tremor, polyuria, and hypothyroidism require level checks.

Pilocarpine

Muscarinic agonist stimulating secretions and lowering IOP; used for glaucoma and xerostomia, may cause sweating and bradycardia.

Timolol

Non-selective β-blocker eye drops that reduce aqueous humor for glaucoma; can induce bronchospasm or bradycardia—contraindicated in asthma.

Venlafaxine

SNRI boosting serotonin and norepinephrine to treat depression and anxiety; hypertension and insomnia warrant BP monitoring.

Acetaminophen

Central prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor used for pain and fever; overdose causes hepatotoxicity—limit to 4 g/day.

Allopurinol

Xanthine oxidase inhibitor decreasing uric acid production for gout prophylaxis; rash and hypersensitivity possible—adjust in renal impairment.

Celecoxib

Selective COX-2 inhibitor for osteoarthritis and RA pain; fewer GI ulcers but higher cardiovascular risk.

Aspirin

Irreversible COX inhibitor providing analgesia, anti-inflammation, and antiplatelet action; GI bleeding and Reye’s syndrome caution.

Morphine

Opioid μ-receptor agonist for moderate-severe pain; watch for respiratory depression, constipation, and dependence.

Naloxone

Competitive opioid antagonist reversing overdose; may precipitate withdrawal and often requires repeat dosing due to shorter half-life.

Prednisone

Systemic corticosteroid suppressing inflammation and immunity; can cause hyperglycemia, osteoporosis—must taper to prevent adrenal crisis.

Tramadol

Weak opioid and SNRI analgesic for moderate pain; lowers seizure threshold and carries serotonin syndrome risk.

Beclomethasone

Inhaled corticosteroid decreasing airway inflammation in asthma/COPD; oral thrush and hoarseness—rinse mouth post-use.

Cromolyn

Mast-cell stabilizer preventing histamine release for asthma and allergic rhinitis prophylaxis; not useful in acute attacks.

Dextromethorphan

Central antitussive suppressing cough reflex; dizziness and potential misuse at high doses—avoid alcohol.

Montelukast

Leukotriene receptor antagonist for asthma maintenance and allergic rhinitis; headache and mood changes, monitor for suicidality.

Diphenhydramine

First-generation H1 antihistamine for allergy relief and insomnia; drowsiness and anticholinergic effects, avoid in elderly fall-risk.

Codeine

Opioid agonist pro-drug providing mild-moderate analgesia and cough suppression; constipation and respiratory depression—contraindicated in children.