MRAD 2410: Module 3 (Pharmacology)

Adrenergic (vasoconstrictor)

These drugs are used in many life-threatening conditions, including cardiac arrest, shock, asthma attack, or allergic reaction. They bind to adrenergic receptors throughout the body. Stimulate/mimic epinephrine and norepinephrine release.

Adrenergic Drug

A common example of it (aka vasoconstrictor) is Epinephrine (Adrenalin).

Adrenergic Drugs

They can increase blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, open the airways leading to the lungs, increase heart rate, and stop bleeding.

Local Anesthetics

They function to eliminate sensation in specific areas, thereby reducing any pain associated with an imaging procedure.

Local Anesthetics

They temporarily block the pathway of pain signals along the nerves by blocking sodium from entering the nerve ending at the site of pain.

Epinephrine in Local Anesthetics

Serves to constrict blood vessels, localizing the numbing effects to the immediate area and increasing the intensity and duration of the effects.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine)

Example of local Anesthetic

Ropivacaine (Naropin)

Example of local anesthetic

The suffix for the generic name mostly ends in -caine.

Local Anesthetics

General Anesthesia

The purpose of it is to have the patient lose sensation to the point where an anesthesiologist would be present for the duration of a procedure.

General Anesthesia

The patient is unconscious when given it and requires mechanical ventilation.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics refers to drug metabolism.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics refers to mechanisms of action.

Betablockers

Medications that reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Anesthetic

Drugs that induce a loss of sensation or consciousness.

Bronchodilator

Medications that relax and open the airways in the lungs.

Antianxiety

Medications are used to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Cathartic

Agents that induce bowel movements.

Anticoagulant

Drugs that prevent blood clotting.

Contrast Agent

Substances used to enhance the visibility of internal structures in imaging.

Antidepressant

Medications used to treat depression.

Diuretic

Drugs that promote the elimination of urine.

Antidiabetic/Hypoglycemic

Medications are used to lower blood sugar levels.

Glucocorticoid/NSAID

Anti-inflammatory medications.

Antihistamine

Drugs that counteract allergic reactions.

Narcotics

Powerful pain-relieving medications.

Anticholinergic

Drugs that block the action of acetylcholine.

What is the primary function of sedatives/tranquilizers?

To provide pain relief by promoting muscle relaxation and allowing a decreased level of anxiety and mental tension.

How are sedatives typically administered?

They are typically given intramuscularly or intravenously.

Antiperistaltic

Drugs that reduce the movement of the intestines.

Vasodilator

Drugs that widen blood vessels.

Pentothol

A common general anesthetic found in the clinical setting.

Fluothane

A common general anesthetic found in the clinical setting.

Nitrous Oxide

A common general anesthetic found in the clinical setting.

Antagonists

A group of pharmaceuticals that function to reverse the effects of an administered medication.

Romazicon (flumazenil)

Typically given intravenously, it serves to counterattack the effects of sedatives and analgesics, reversing continuous sedation.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Typically administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, it counteracts the effects of narcotics and prevents respiratory depression.

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid)

A neurotransmitter responsible for inducing sleep and controlling anxiety, targeted by benzodiazepine antagonists.

Flumazenil Administration Time

Has been documented to reverse sedation within 1-2 minutes of administration.

Narcan Administration Time

May take effect in as little as one minute after administration, but effects may last up to 45 minutes.

Antianxiety Pharmaceuticals

Medications that can manage anxiety prior to procedures and control seizures.

Diazepam

Acts by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain, inhibiting excessive activity that may lead to anxiety (antianxiety medication)

Anticonvulsant Embryopathy

A condition caused by antianxiety drugs taken during pregnancy, leading to major birth defects.

Anticonvulsants

Side effects include drowsiness, irritability, nausea, skin rash, and lack of physical coordination.

Barbituates

A common drug class used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Benzodiazepines

A common drug class used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety, also known as antianxiety agents.

Opiates

A common drug class used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Valium (diazepam)

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Ativan (Lorazepam)

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Phenobarbital

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Dilantin (phenytoin)

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Carbamazepine

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Zarontin (ethosuximide)

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Versed (midazolam)

A common drug used for conscious sedation/anti-anxiety.

Anticoagulants

Pharmaceuticals used to control the formation of blood clots.

Thrombolytic Drugs

Used to break up newly formed blood clots.

Anticoagulant Drugs

Prevent clot formation.

retaplase (retavase)

A thrombolytic drug

streptokinase

A thrombolytic drug used to dissolve blood clots.

tenecteplase

A thrombolytic drug used to treat heart attacks.

Coumadin (warfarin)

An oral anticoagulant that prevents the absorption of vitamin K, reducing blood clot formation. Used to prevent strokes, heart attacks and blood clots.

Plavix (clopidogrel)

An oral anticoagulant medication that prevents platelet formation in the blood to protect against heart attacks and strokes.

Aspirin

An oral anticoagulant medication that permanently inactivates platelets, starting to work within an hour and lasting for 7-10 days.

Hep-Lock (heparin)

The most common anticoagulant that affects thrombin activity and can be administered intravenously and sometimes subcutaneously.

thrombin time

A measure of how long it takes for blood to clot, which is increased by heparin.

hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan)

The most common anticholinergic agent used in medical imaging for abdominal examinations.

anticholinergics

Medications that block the effects of acetylcholine and have antiemetic and antihistaminic properties.

overactive bladder

A condition treated with anticholinergics to reduce urinary incontinence.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)

A condition that can be treated with anticholinergic medications.

involuntary movements caused by Parkinson's disease

Symptoms that can be alleviated using anticholinergic medications.

spasms or contractions in the intestine

Conditions treated with anticholinergics.

Thrombolytics

Individuals given these medications are prone to internal and external bleeding.

Stroke

A coordinated approach is taken between the emergency and angiography departments to manage the patient during it.

Coumadin

Patients may be asked to stop using it 1 to 6 days prior to an examination.

Plavix

Patients may be asked to stop using it seven days before their appointment.

Antihistaminic

Effects of anticholinergics that help alleviate allergic reactions.

Fluoroscopy

A medical imaging technique that uses certain pharmaceuticals to stop intrinsic contractions of organs such as the oesophagus and large bowel.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction and stimulates the excretion of hormones.

Anti-spasmodic pharmaceuticals

Medications that compete with acetylcholine to stop it from triggering contraction.

Glucagon

A pharmaceutical that promotes the production of glucose and is contraindicated for diabetics.

Antidepressants

Pharmaceuticals used to treat clinical depression by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that are among the most commonly prescribed, including sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and citalopram.

Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Antidepressants that treat depression, long-term pain, and anxiety, including venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

One of the first classes of antidepressants, widely replaced with drugs that have fewer side effects, including nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and imipramine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The first approved antidepressants, largely replaced by newer, safer options, including phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid.

Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

Antidepressants that treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, including bupropion.

Non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists

A class of antidepressants, including esketamine, that is only available as a nasal spray and used with an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine (Ketanest, Spravato)

A non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist used for treatment-resistant depression, associated with potential for abuse and increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

Diabetes

A condition where patients have difficulty balancing blood sugars and tissue sugars, with two general types: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes

when patients are insulin dependent and cannot produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

when patients can produce insulin but cannot efficiently use it, requiring pharmaceuticals.

Metformin

A pharmaceutical commonly prescribed to individuals with Type II diabetes.

Lactic Acidosis

A build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream, which puts patients at greater risk when administered iodinated contrast media.

Iodinated Contrast Media

A type of contrast used in imaging that can pose risks to patients taking Metformin.

Apixaban

A medication commonly taken by diabetic patients, also known as Eliquis.

Rivaroxaban

A medication commonly taken by diabetic patients, also known as Xarelto.

NPO

A medical instruction meaning 'nothing by mouth,' which may be required before certain exams.

Ketoacidosis

A diabetic coma caused by increased sugar consumption, leading to symptoms like increased thirst and urinary output.

Insulin Reaction

A condition resulting from excessive exercise or insufficient food post-insulin intake, causing symptoms like headache and impaired vision.

Antihistamines

Medications used for relief of symptoms related to allergies and often used before iodinated contrast media injections.