Pharmacology Chapter 4 and 5

Agonist vs. Antagonist

An agonist brings about an action; an antagonist blocks that action.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical substance released at the synapse to alter adjacent neuron activity.

Primary Adrenergic Neurotransmitters

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Four ways drugs affect the ANS

Mimic neurotransmitters, interfere with release, block receptors, or interfere with breakdown.

Five indications for cholinergic agents

Control vomiting, treat urinary retention, stimulate GI activity, treat glaucoma, aid myasthenia diagnosis.

Cholinergic blocking agents (examples)

Atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, and aminopentamide.

Propranolol class

Beta blocker.

Xylazine antagonism

Atropine for bradycardia/hypotension; yohimbine for respiratory/CNS depression.

Thiobarbiturate risk in thin dogs

Low fat means less drug is absorbed out of circulation, causing excessive CNS depression.

Ketamine anesthesia signs (cats)

Analgesia, increased muscle tone, pharyngeal/laryngeal reflexes, muscle tremors, loss of blink reflex.

Signs of narcotic overdose

Respiratory depression, cardiac depression, agitation, excitement, or seizures.

Narcotic antagonists (examples)

Naloxone and nalorphine.

Glyceryl guaiacolate preparation rule

Do not mix until just before use because it precipitates out of solution.

Pentobarbital euthanasia class difference

Pure pentobarbital is Class II; mixtures with red dye are Class III.

Propofol characteristic

A hypnotic anesthetic known for its short duration and white color.

Diazepam use in cats

Used as an antianxiety medication and as an appetite stimulant.

Clomicalm (clomipramine) use

Tricyclic antidepressant used for separation anxiety in dogs.

Anipryl (selegiline) use

Used to treat old-dog dementia.

Somatic nervous system control

Under voluntary control.

Cholinergic site neurotransmitter

Acetylcholine.

Path of oxygen to alveoli

Nostrils, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Four primary respiratory functions

Gas exchange, acid-base balance regulation, body temperature regulation, and voice production.

Three principles of respiratory therapeutics

Control of secretions, control of reflexes, and maintenance of normal airflow.

Expectorant indication

When a productive cough is present.

Mucolytic mechanism of action

Decreases mucus viscosity by breaking down disulfide chemical bonds.

Nebulization

Administering a liquid drug as a mist for inhalation into the lungs.

Antitussive mechanism of action

Depression of the cough center in the brain.

Three causes of bronchoconstriction

Release of acetylcholine, release of histamine, and blockade of beta-2-adrenergic receptors.

Beta-2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators

Albuterol, terbutaline, clenbuterol, metaproterenol, isoproterenol, epinephrine.

Methylxanthine mechanism of action

Inhibits the phosphodiesterase enzyme to cause bronchodilation.

Temaril-P uses

Antitussive, antipruritic, and antiinflammatory.

Antihistamine name suffix

Commonly ends in -amine.

Dopram (doxapram) uses

Treats anesthetic respiratory depression and stimulates respiration in newborns.

Acetylcysteine veterinary uses

As a mucolytic agent and as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.

Methylxanthine examples

Aminophylline, theophylline, caffeine, and theobromine.

Alveolar particle size reach

1 to 5 microns.

Butorphanol tartrate indications

Chronic nonproductive coughs in dogs, and analgesia/preanesthesia in dogs and cats.