BSN NSG3153 Pharmacology I Final Exam Snapshot Study Guide - Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering all foundational concepts, drug classes, mnemonics, prototypes, and clinical safety guidelines from BSN NSG3153 Pharmacology I.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of what the body does to a drug, consisting of four phases: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

Pharmacodynamics

The study of what a drug does to the body, including cellular drug actions, receptor binding, and physiological responses.

Absorption

The movement of a drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream.

Distribution

The movement of a drug through tissues and fluids, determined by tissue perfusion, lipid solubility, and protein binding (bound drug is inactive).

Metabolism (Biotransformation)

The enzymatic conversion of active drugs into inactive metabolites, occurring primarily in the liver via the CYP450 enzyme system.

Excretion

The elimination of drugs and their metabolites from the body, performed primarily by the kidneys.

Agonists

Chemicals or drugs that bind to and activate specific receptors on cell membranes to stimulate a cellular response.

Antagonists

Chemicals or drugs that bind to specific receptors (competitively or noncompetitively) to block stimulation and prevent cellular responses.

Selective Toxicity

The ability of an anti-infective drug to target and destroy foreign pathogens without damaging host tissues.

Pregnancy Category A

Medication safety category indicating that adequate human studies have demonstrated no risk to the fetus in the first trimester or later.

Pregnancy Category B

Medication safety category indicating no human risk shown, with animal studies demonstrating no or low risk to the fetus.

Pregnancy Category C

Medication safety category where animal studies show risk, requiring evaluation of potential therapeutic benefit versus risk.

Pregnancy Category D

Medication safety category with evidence of human fetal risk, though potential clinical benefits may warrant use.

Pregnancy Category X

Medication safety category demonstrating positive evidence of fetal abnormalities where risks clearly outweigh any benefit; strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Schedule I Controlled Substances

Controlled substances with high abuse potential and NO accepted medical use (e.g., Heroin, LSD).

Schedule II Controlled Substances

Controlled substances with high abuse potential and severe dependence liability, but with accepted medical uses (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl, Amphetamines).

Schedule III Controlled Substances

Controlled substances with moderate abuse and dependence potential (e.g., codeine combinations).

Schedule IV Controlled Substances

Controlled substances with limited abuse and dependence potential (e.g., benzodiazepines).

Schedule V Controlled Substances

Controlled substances with low abuse potential containing small amounts of narcotics (e.g., codeine cough syrup).

Penicillins

Bactericidal antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to cell wall proteins, leading to cell lysis.

PCNS Mnemonic

Clinical mnemonic for Penicillins: Penicillin allergy common, Cross-sensitivity with cephalosporins, Nausea/GI upset, Superinfections (watch for C. diff, thrush).

Cephalosporins

Bactericidal or bacteriostatic antibiotics that interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis during division; shares cross-sensitivity with penicillins.

Carbapenems

Ultra-broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotics (prototype Imipenem-Cilastatin) that inhibit bacterial cell membrane synthesis.

FINAL Mnemonic

Clinical mnemonic for Carbapenems: For resistant infections, IV or IM route, Neuro risk for seizures, Allergy potential, Labs for kidney function.

Tetracyclines

Bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunits; causes permanent yellow-brown tooth discoloration in children under 8.

DEVIL'S KAP Mnemonic

Mnemonic for Tetracycline adverse effects: Dentition, Epigastric pain, Vestibular toxicity, Insipidus, Liver damage, Superinfection, Kidney damage, Anti-anabolic effect, Phototoxicity.

Aminoglycosides

Bactericidal antibiotics (prototype Gentamicin) that irreversibly bind to 30S/50S bacterial ribosomes to inhibit protein synthesis in aerobic gram-negative bacilli.

Amino Mice are NOT NICE Mnemonic

Mnemonic for Aminoglycosides: Micin/Mycin drugs, Nephrotoxic, Ototoxic, Teratogenic, Nephrogenic monitoring, Infuse IV slowly, Check peak & trough, Evaluate ears.

Isoniazid (INH)

First-line antimycobacterial agent that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; requires Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) to prevent peripheral neuropathy.

Rifampin

First-line anti-TB medication that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase and causes a signature bright orange discoloration of body fluids (urine, sweat, tears).

Acyclovir

Antiviral prototype for HSV and CMV that inhibits viral DNA replication by competing with viral substrates to form non-functional DNA chains.

Enfuvirtide

Subcutaneously administered antiretroviral fusion inhibitor that prevents the fusion of the HIV-1 envelope with human T-helper cell membranes.

Opioid Agonists

Centrally-acting narcotics (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl) that bind to mu and kappa receptors in the CNS to alter pain perception, causing analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression.

Celecoxib

Second-generation selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID that blocks inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis while sparing protective stomach COX-1 enzymes.

Etanercept

DMARD that binds to and neutralizes Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), reducing joint inflammation and structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

Somatropin

Synthetic growth hormone agonist of recombinant DNA origin that stimulates skeletal growth, organ size, and protein synthesis.

Levothyroxine

Synthetic T4 thyroid hormone replacement that increases basal metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, respiration, and heart rate in hypothyroidism.

Regular Insulin

Short-acting insulin prototype (onset 30-60 min, peak 2-4 h) and the ONLY insulin form that can be safely administered intravenously (IV).

Insulin Glargine

Long-acting insulin with no peak and a 24-hour duration that must NEVER be mixed in the same syringe with any other insulin.

Metformin

First-line biguanide oral antidiabetic that decreases hepatic glucose production and increases peripheral insulin sensitivity; must be held 48 hours before/after iodine contrast procedures.

Raloxifene

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that acts as an estrogen agonist in bone tissue to prevent osteoporosis, but functions as an antagonist in uterine and breast tissue.

Oxytocin

Exogenous uterine stimulant (oxytocic) administered via secondary IV electronic infusion pump to induce labor or control postpartum hemorrhage.

Tocolytics

Class of uterine relaxant medications (e.g., Terbutaline, Nifedipine, Magnesium Sulfate) used to slow or stop uterine contractions in preterm labor.

Calcium Gluconate

The specific antidote and reversal agent kept at the bedside during Magnesium Sulfate tocolytic therapy for magnesium toxicity.

Theophylline

Methylxanthine bronchodilator that directly relaxes smooth muscle in bronchi and pulmonary blood vessels, requiring serum blood level monitoring ($10\text{-}20\text{ mcg/mL}$).

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Daily prophylactic controller medications (e.g., Budesonide, Fluticasone) that decrease airway edema and mucosal inflammation; administered 5 minutes after a bronchodilator.

Vaccines

Biological preparations containing weakened or dead pathogen proteins that artificially stimulate active immunity to produce specific protective antibodies.

Methotrexate

Antimetabolite chemotherapy drug that inhibits folic acid reductase to block DNA/RNA synthesis; carries severe risks of bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity.

Leucovorin

Rescue medication kept available during high-dose Methotrexate therapy to protect non-cancerous cells from severe folic acid deficiency.