Mechanisms of Action

Somatostatin analogs

inhibits GH release

Dopamine agonist

suppresses GH/prolactin

Glucocorticoid

regulates carb/protein metabolism

Betamethasone

Glucocorticoid; anti‑inflammatory

Mineralocorticoid

increase Na and water retention

Metformin

decrease glucose production

SGLT2 inhibitor

increase urinary glucose excretion

ADH analog

increase water reabsorption

Methimazole, Propylthiouracil

Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis

Liothyronine

T3 replacement

Liotrix

T3/T4 combination

Alendronate

Inhibits bone resorption

Nitrates

Dilate vessels, relax smooth muscle, reduce LV strain

Ca Channel Blockers

Blocks calcium from smooth muscle to lower BP

Beta-adrenergic Blocker

Block beta1/beta2 from receiving NE and EPI

ACE Inhibitors

Block conversion of A1 to A2

ARBS

Blocks A2 from binding to A1, preventing vasoconstriction

Class 1 Antiarrhythmic

Slow heart rate, local anesthetic effect

Class 2 Arrthymatic

Beta blockers, antagonize norepinephrine at beta 1 receptors

Class 3 Arrhytmatic

Block potassium during repolarization

Class 4 Antiarrhytmatic

Calcium channel blockers, decrease SA node activity

Statins

Decrease synthesis of cholesterol by liver, decrease LDL

Vitamin B3/Niacin

Reduce production of LDL, increase HDL

Bile Acid Sequestants

Bind bile acid in intestine, liver must use cholesterol

Fibric Acid

Reduce triglyceride synthesis in liver, increase HDL

Tissue Plasmogen Activators

Indicated for MI and pulmonary embolism

Loop diuretics

Inhibit sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle

Potassium‑sparing diuretics

Block aldosterone or spare potassium in distal nephron

Thiazide diuretics

Inhibit sodium reabsorption in distal convoluted tubule

Anticoagulants

Inhibit clotting factors to prevent clot formation

Low molecular weight heparin

Inhibit factor Xa

Antiplatelets

Inhibit platelet aggregation to prevent clot formation

Antihistamine

Antagonize histamine at h1 receptors

Decongestants

Alpha-adrenergic receptor agonism

Analgesics

Inhibit cyclooxygenase to lower prostaglandin synthesis

Antitussives

Inhibit cough center in Medulla/CNS

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Prevents allergens from attaching to mast cells

Beta-adrenergic Bronchodilators

Stimulate beta2 receptors in respiratory tract

Anticholinergics

Block ACh receptor sites, relax smooth muscle

Bronchodilators

Widen bronchial tubes