Pharmacology Reviews (Chapters 12–21): Question and Answer Flashcards

A comprehensive set of Question and Answer flashcards covering pharmacology topics from PD and Alzheimer's therapies, seizure management, analgesics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, and essential nursing considerations.

What are common adverse effects of Carbidopa-Levodopa?

Nausea and vomiting; orthostatic hypotension.

What extrapyramidal symptoms are listed as serious adverse effects of Carbidopa-Levodopa?

Chewing motions, bobbing, facial grimacing, rocking movements.

What sleep/psychiatric adverse effects can occur with Carbidopa-Levodopa?

Sudden sleep events, nightmares, depression, confusion, hallucinations.

What cardiovascular adverse effects may occur with Carbidopa-Levodopa?

Tachycardia, palpitations.

Name some drugs that interact with Carbidopa-Levodopa.

MAOIs, Isoniazid, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), phenytoin, diazepam, antihypertensives, anticholinergics.

What is the action of COMT inhibitors (e.g., Entacapone) in Parkinson’s disease?

Reduce destruction of dopamine in peripheral tissues → more dopamine reaches the brain.

When are COMT inhibitors added to therapy?

Added when carbidopa-levodopa becomes less effective.

What are the MAO-B inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease and their action?

Selegiline and Rasagiline; reduce metabolism of dopamine in the brain.

What are some adverse effects of MAO-B inhibitors?

Diarrhea, sedation, urine discoloration (brownish-orange).

What dietary caution is advised with MAO inhibitors?

Avoid tyramine-containing foods (cheese, wine, cured meats, pickled foods, soy sauce, etc.) to prevent hypertensive crisis.

What is the action of Anticholinergic agents in Parkinson’s disease?

Reduce hyperstimulation caused by excess acetylcholine.

What are the uses of anticholinergic agents in Parkinsonism?

Reduce tremors and drooling.

What are common adverse effects of anticholinergic agents?

Constipation, dry mouth/nose/throat, urinary retention, blurred vision.

What is the goal in Alzheimer’s disease management?

Improve cognitive function.

Which drugs are used for Alzheimer’s disease management?

Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne).

What are the side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer’s?

Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia (cholinergic effects).

What is Memantine (Namenda) and its adverse effects?

NMDA receptor antagonist; adverse effects include headache, dizziness, akathisia, insomnia, agitation.

How would you define a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Tonic (rigidity) + clonic (jerking) with a postictal (sleep/recovery) state.

What is an atonic seizure?

Sudden loss of muscle tone; dramatic falls.

What characterizes a myoclonic seizure?

Lightning-like repetitive contractions of face, trunk, or extremities.

What are generalized nonconvulsive seizures?

Absence seizures.

What is a focal seizure?

Focal seizure (originates in one area of the brain).

What is status epilepticus?

Medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.

Name examples of opioids (opiates).

Morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone.

What are common adverse effects of opioids?

Lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, confusion, sweating, N/V, constipation, orthostatic hypotension.

What are serious adverse effects of opioids?

Respiratory depression, urinary retention, enhanced CNS depressant effects.

What is Narcan (naloxone) used for and its scope?

Opioid antagonist that reverses respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension; effective only against opiates.

Is acetaminophen anti-inflammatory?

No; it's a non-opioid analgesic/antipyretic.

What are the uses and adverse effects of acetaminophen?

Uses: fever and pain reduction. Adverse effects: gastric irritation, hepatotoxicity.

Name common NSAIDs and one key safety concern.

Ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac, diclofenac, etodolac, celecoxib; risks include GI irritation, GI bleeding, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, blood dyscrasias.

What are typical antipsychotics and their general characteristic?

Phenothiazines, Nonphenothiazines, Thioxanthenes; older, cheaper, more side effects.

Name some atypical antipsychotics and a key monitoring concern with Clozapine.

Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Risperidone; Clozapine requires WBC monitoring for agranulocytosis.

What are common and serious side effects of antipsychotics?

Common: orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, hyperglycemia. Serious: tardive dyskinesia, hepatotoxicity, blood dyscrasias.

What are the extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) listed?

Acute dystonia, pseudoparkinsonism, akathisia.

Why are depot injections used in antipsychotic treatment?

To address noncompliance (major reason for discontinuation).

What are the main benzodiazepines listed?

Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Oxazepam.

What is the general action of benzodiazepines?

CNS depressants that enhance GABA activity.

What are common uses of benzodiazepines?

Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal (e.g., oxazepam, diazepam); pre-op sedation, conscious sedation.

What are common adverse and serious effects of benzodiazepines?

Adverse: drowsiness, sedation, lethargy, hangover. Serious: dependence, hepatotoxicity, hematologic abnormalities.

What are key nursing interventions when administering benzodiazepines?

Monitor vitals (BP especially), monitor liver function and CBC, ensure safety for falls and driving, take before bedtime, do not stop abruptly.