Pharmacology: Immunologic System Medications

These flashcards cover essential concepts from pharmacology focused on the immunologic system, including drug classifications, mechanisms, and impact on health.

What is active artificial immunity?

Immunity acquired through vaccination.

What is active natural immunity?

Immunity developed through natural exposure to pathogens.

What denotes an anaerobe?

A microorganism that can grow in the absence of oxygen.

What denotes an aerobe?

A microorganism that requires oxygen for growth.

What are antibodies?

Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize antigens.

What is an antigen?

A substance that triggers an immune response.

What does autoimmune mean?

A condition where the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

What is a bactericidal agent?

A substance that kills bacteria.

What is a bacteriostatic agent?

A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

What does benign mean?

A term used to describe a non-cancerous tumor.

What is chemotherapy?

A treatment using chemical substances to kill cancer cells.

What is culture and sensitivity testing (C&S)?

A lab test to identify bacteria and determine antibiotic susceptibility.

Who is referred to as a host?

An organism that harbors another organism.

What is inflammation?

The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

What denotes malignant?

A term used to describe cancerous growths.

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer cells to distant parts of the body.

What is a nosocomial infection?

An infection acquired in a healthcare setting.

What does passive artificial immunity entail?

Immunity gained through the introduction of antibodies from another source.

What does passive natural immunity entail?

Immunity passed from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What is considered pathogenic?

A microorganism capable of causing disease.

What is a superinfection?

An infection occurring after or on top of an earlier infection, often due to antibiotic use.

What occurs during the first phase of the immune response?

The body releases bradykinin, complement, histamine, and leukotrienes.

What is the role of B cells in the immune response?

They produce antibodies and serve as memory cells.

What do T cells produce during the immune response?

Cytokines to help orchestrate the immune attack.

What is a significant change in the immune response as people age?

Older adults produce fewer B cells and T cells.

What contributes to increased susceptibility to infections in older adults?

Aged immune response leading to decreased production of immune cells.

List three types of anti-inflammatory medications.

Steroid medications, NSAIDs, and leukotriene inhibitors.

When are anti-inflammatory medications commonly used?

For autoimmune disorders and during significant inflammation.

What are common triggers for allergies?

Pollen, animal dander, mold, and certain foods.

What is the function of antihistamines in allergy treatment?

They block the histamine response, alleviating allergy symptoms.

Provide an example of a first-generation antihistamine.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

What is a common side effect of first-generation antihistamines?

Sedation or drowsiness.

What are glucocorticoids effectiveness in the immune response?

They suppress inflammation and the immune response.

Can glucocorticoids impact the immune system?

Yes, they can cause immune system suppression.

Give an example of an intranasal glucocorticoid.

Budesonide (Entocort).

What side effects are associated with glucocorticoids?

Increased infection risk, hyperglycemia, and mood changes.

What is the purpose of nasal decongestants?

To alleviate nasal congestion by drying secretions.

Describe a common side effect of nasal decongestants.

Rebound nasal congestion with prolonged use.

What is the mechanism of action for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

They inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.

What are common examples of NSAIDs?

Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac.

What are potential side effects of NSAIDs?

GI irritation, bleeding, renal impairment, and increased cardiovascular risk.

What is the primary use for immunosuppressants?

Long-term therapy for inflammatory diseases.

List one example of an immunosuppressant used for rheumatoid arthritis.

Azathioprine (Imuran).

What is a significant side effect of immunosuppressants?

Increased risk of infections.

What is the mechanism by which antibiotics work?

They target specific processes in pathogenic microorganisms.

What is the primary function of penicillins?

To kill bacteria by disrupting their cell walls.

List a common side effect associated with penicillin use.

Allergic reactions such as rash or anaphylaxis.

What do cephalosporins have a similar effect to?

They are similar to penicillins in action.

How are cephalosporins categorized?

Into four generations based on their antibacterial activity.

What is a significant risk of combining antibiotics with alcohol?

Possible disulfiram-like reactions leading to flushing, nausea.

What property do tetracyclines inhibit in bacteria?

Protein synthesis.

What are the adverse effects of tetracyclines?

GI irritation, tooth discoloration, and photosensitivity.

What do macrolides do to microorganisms?

Inhibit protein synthesis, can be bactericidal or bacteriostatic.

What is a side effect of macrolides?

GI upset and hepatotoxicity.

Why are aminoglycosides not typically the first choice of antibiotics?

They are more toxic and require monitoring of blood levels.

What side effect is notably associated with aminoglycosides?

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

What conditions are quinolone medications used for?

Chronic urinary tract infections and resistant bacterial strains.

What type of adverse effects can sulfonamide drugs cause?

Hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

What are antituberculosis agents used to treat?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

List a side effect unique to rifampin.

Red-orange discoloration of body fluids.

What is the purpose of antitoxins in medicine?

To neutralize toxins from specific diseases.

What are antifungal medications commonly used to treat?

Yeast infections and fungal skin infections.

What side effect is particularly dangerous with amphotericin B?

Nephrotoxicity.

What characteristics do viruses have that distinguish them from bacteria?

They require a host to reproduce and are smaller than bacteria.

What do antiviral medications typically do?

Inhibit the reproduction of viruses.

What is a common side effect of antiviral drugs?

GI upset, nausea, and renal toxicity.

What is the focus of antiretroviral medications?

To treat retroviruses like HIV.

What is the primary function of antimalarials?

To prevent and treat malaria by inhibiting the growth of parasites.

List an adverse effect common to antimalarial medications.

Gastrointestinal disturbances.

What are antihelminthics used for?

To treat parasitic infections caused by worms.

What side effect can occur from using antihelminthic medications?

GI upset and dizziness.

What are pediculicides used to treat?

Infestations of lice.

What potential side effects do pediculicides have?

Scalp irritation and burning sensations.

How do scabicides function?

They treat scabies by destroying the mites.

What is a significant factor about the efficacy of vaccines?

They provoke memory B cells to prepare for future infections.

What are common side effects of vaccinations?

Fever and localized pain at the injection site.

What is cancer characterized by?

Uncontrolled and rapid division of abnormal cells.

Describe how chemotherapy works.

It combines several antineoplastic and cytotoxic medications to kill cancer cells.

List an adverse effect of chemotherapy.

Nausea, vomiting, and decreased blood counts.

Name one class of antineoplastic agents that alters DNA.

Alkylating agents.

What is an example of an amino acid-based chemotherapy?

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).

What does biological therapy aim to do?

Enhance the body's immune response against cancer.

What are monoclonal antibodies used for?

To target and destroy specific tumor cells.

List a side effect associated with monoclonal antibody therapy.

Infusion reactions leading to fever and chills.

When are radioactive isotopes employed in cancer treatment?

For external irradiation of tumors or brachytherapy.

What dangerous effect can result from radioactive isotopes?

Radiation exposure to body fluids.

What critical thinking skills are important when discussing treatment options?

Evaluating potential side effects and patient education on adherence.

Why is it important to monitor patients on antineoplastic drugs?

To manage and mitigate their toxic side effects effectively.

How is host resistance developed naturally?

Through exposure to pathogens and infections.

What is one method of reducing the risk of gastrointestinal upset from antibiotics?

Taking them with food, unless contraindicated.

List health strategies for maintaining immune health in older adults.

Diet, exercise, and getting vaccinated.

Describe the mechanism of natural and acquired immunity.

Natural immunity is inherent, while acquired immunity is developed through exposure or vaccination.

What is an example of passive artificial immunity?

Receiving antibody injections from another person.

What complication can occur if antibiotics disrupt normal flora?

Superinfections, such as yeast infections.

What is the purpose of culture and sensitivity tests in antibiotic therapy?

To identify the infecting organism and the most effective antibiotic.

How do infections lead to inflammation?

Infection triggers the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators.

List the categories of antineoplastic medications.

Alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, and plant extracts.

What assessment is crucial when administering chemotherapy based on its potential effects?

Monitoring vital signs and lab values for toxicity signs.

What role do cytokines play in the immune response?

They are signaling molecules that help regulate immune cell activity.

Identify one benefit of vaccines beyond preventing disease.

They can also reduce the severity of illness if contracted.