Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Amlodipine

a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium-channel-blocking drug with potent arterial and coronary vasodilating properties.

Atenolol

a cardioselective beta blocker that decreases AV nodal conduction in supraventricular tachycardias and blockade of catecholamine-induced dysrhythmias.

Benazepril

Benazepril is a competitive ACE-Inhibitor. It also reduces serum aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium retention, potentiates the vasodilator kallikrein–kinin system, and can alter prostanoid metabolism, inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, and inhibit the tissue renin-angiotensin system.

Bisacodyl

Stimulates sensory nerve endings of the colon to produce parasympathetic reflexes, resulting in peristalsis (movement of small intestine)

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Contains 42% salicylate and 58% bismuth. It acts as an antidiarrheal agent by coating the mucosal linings, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting bacterial growth in the gastrointestinal tract.

Canagliflozin

inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, which reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen.

Candesartan

A selective, reversible, competitive antagonist of the angiotensin II receptor type 1.

Carvedilol

a selective α₁- and nonselective β-adrenergic blocker that decreases AV nodal conduction in supraventricular tachycardias and blockade of catecholamine-induced dysrhythmia.

Chlorthalidone

increases sodium and chloride excretion by interfering with their reabsorption in the cortical-diluting segment of the nephron.

Dapagliflozin

inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, which reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen.

Dexamethasone

Glucocorticosteroids are naturally occurring and synthetic adrenocortical steroids that cause varied metabolic effects. They modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli and are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Diltiazem

a calcium-channel-blocking drug that decreases HR, prolongs AV nodal conduction, and decreases arteriolar and coronary vascular tone. It also has negative inotropic properties.

Diphenhydramine systemic

Competes with histamine for H1- receptor sites on effector cells in the GI tract, CNS, and blocks chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Diphenoxylate/atropine

a synthetic meperidine congener without analgesic activity that slows GI motility. Because high doses of diphenoxylate (40-60 mg) cause systemic opioid activity, atropine is added in subtherapeutic amounts to decrease abuse potential.

Docusate

Anionic surfactant that acts as a stool softener; it is believed to stimulate intestinal secretion and increase the penetration of fluid into the stool by emulsifying feces, water, and fat

Dulaglutide

an agonist of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.

Empagliflozin

inhibits sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal renal tubules, reducing reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen resulting in increased urinary secretion and reduced plasma glucose.

Enalapril

a prodrug that is rapidly converted to its active metabolite, enalaprilat, a competitive ACEI. It reduces serum aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium retention, potentiates the vasodilator kallikrein–kinin system, and inhibits the sympathetic nervous system and tissue renin-angiotensin system. The net effect is reduction in total peripheral resistance and BP in hypertensive patients and reduction in elevated afterload in patients with heart failure.

Epinephrine auto-injector

Stimulates α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Alpha agonism results in vascular smooth muscle constriction which increases BP. Beta-1 agonism will increase HR and contractility. Beta-2 agonism results in bronchial smooth muscle relaxation thus alleviating bronchospasm, wheezing, and dyspnea. Epinephrine treats severe allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens. Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema.

Exenatide

Exenatide is an agonist of human glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor and augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.

Felodipine

a dihydropyridine calcium-channel-blocking drug with potent arterial and coronary vasodilating properties. A reflex increase in sympathetic tone (in response to vasodilation) counteracts the direct depressant effects on SA and AV nodal conduction. This renders felodipine ineffective in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias.

Glimepiride

Sulfonylureas enhance insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and potentiate insulin action on several extrahepatic tissues. Long-term sulfonylureas increase peripheral utilization of glucose, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, and possibly increase the sensitivity and/or number of peripheral insulin receptors.

Glipizide

Sulfonylureas enhance insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and potentiate insulin action on several extrahepatic tissues. Long-term sulfonylureas increase peripheral utilization of glucose, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, and possibly increase the sensitivity and/or number of peripheral insulin receptors.

Hydrochlorothiazide

increase sodium and chloride excretion by interfering with their reabsorption in the cortical diluting segment of the nephron.

Insulins

promotes cellular uptake of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, and their conversion to glycogen, triglycerides, and proteins.

Irbesartan

a selective, reversible, competitive antagonist of angiotensin II receptor (AT1), which is responsible for the physiologic effects of angiotensin II, including vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, sympathetic outflow, and stimulation of renal sodium reabsorption.

Liraglutide

Analog of glucagon-like peptide-1, which increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases inappropriate glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.

Lisinopril

a competitive ACEI. It also reduces serum aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium retention, potentiates the vasodilator kallikrein–kinin system, and can alter prostanoid metabolism, inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, and inhibit the tissue renin-angiotensin system.

Loperamide

acts by slowing intestinal motility and by affecting water and electrolyte movement through the bowel. It binds to the opiate receptor in the gut wall, inhibiting the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, thereby reducing peristalsis, and increasing intestinal transit time. It reduces daily fecal volume, increases the viscosity and bulk density, and diminishes the loss of fluid and electrolytes.

Losartan

a selective, reversible, competitive antagonist of the angiotensin II receptor (AT1), which is responsible for the physiologic effects of angiotensin II including vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, sympathetic outflow, and stimulation of renal sodium reabsorption.

Lubiprostone

a bicyclic fatty acid that acts at the apical portion of the intestine as a chloride channel activator, which increases intestinal fluid secretion and improves fecal transit. When used for opioid-induced constipation, activation of the chloride channel bypasses the antisecretory effects of opioids.

Magnesium hydroxide

Acts as an antacid by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in the stomach, forming magnesium chloride. It acts as a laxative by causing osmotic retention of fluid, distending the colon with increased peristaltic activity

Metformin

a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent. It does not affect insulin secretion; rather, it reduces hepatic glucose production and enhances glucose utilization by muscle.

Methylprednisolone oral

Corticosteroids are naturally occurring and synthetic adrenocortical steroids that cause varied metabolic effects, modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli, and are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Metoprolol

a cardioselective β-adrenergic blocker used in arrhythmias, HTN, angina pectoris, and heart failure. It is also effective in decreasing post-MI mortality.

Orlistat

Orlistat reversibly binds to pancreatic and gastric lipase in the GI tract, resulting in inhibition of these enzymes by formation of an inactive intermediate (acyl-enzyme complex). This action decreases the absorption of dietary fats, leading to weight loss, since it is a nonsystemic inhibitor of GI lipases

Phentermine

a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to amphetamines. Actions include CNS stimulation and elevation of BP. Weight loss is due to anorectic effect, primarily one of appetite suppression, but may also have other CNS or metabolic effects.

Pioglitazone

a thiazolidinedione antihyperglycemic and a potent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist used to improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Insulin-dependent glucose disposal in skeletal muscle is improved and hepatic glucose production is decreased; both actions contribute to pioglitazone’s glucose-lowering effects.

Polyethylene glycol 3350

PEG produces a hyperosmotic solution that acts as a laxative by causing osmotic retention of fluid, softening the stool, and distending the colon, increasing peristaltic activity.

Prednisone

Glucocorticosteroids are naturally occurring and synthetic adrenocortical steroids that cause varied metabolic effects, modify the body’s immune responses to diverse stimuli, and are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Propranolol

a nonselective β-adrenergic blocker that competitively blocks β₁ and β₂ receptors, thereby preventing β-adrenergic stimulation. The mechanism of its antihypertensive and antimigraine effects is not completely understood.

Psyllium

A soluble fiber that absorbs water in the intestine to soften stools, lubricates the intestine, and adds bulk, promoting peristalsis and reducing transit time

Ramipril

a competitive ACEI. It is also a prodrug for the more potent ACEI ramiprilat. ACEI prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a vasoconstrictor). It also reduces serum aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium retention, potentiates the vasodilator kallikrein–kinin system, and inhibits the tissue renin-angiotensin system.

Saxagliptin

a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme inhibitor that inhibits the degradation of incretin hormones by DPP-4, and enhances the function of GLP-1 and GIP to increase insulin release and decrease glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner.

Semaglutide

a selective glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases inappropriate glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and also acts in the areas of the brain involved in regulation of appetite and caloric intake.

Senna

A natural stimulant laxativethat increases bowel movement by stimulating the muscles of the intestines.

Sitagliptin

a DPP-4 enzyme inhibitor that inhibits the degradation of incretin hormones by DPP-4 and enhances the function of GLP-1 and GIP to increase insulin release and decrease glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner.

Sodium phosphate enema

acts as a laxative by causing osmotic retention of fluid, distending the colon with increased peristaltic activity.

Valsartan

a selective, reversible, competitive antagonist of the angiotensin II receptor, which is responsible for the physiologic effects of angiotensin II, including vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, sympathetic outflow, and stimulation of renal sodium reabsorption.

Verapamil

Inhibits calcium “slow channels” on vascular smooth muscle and myocardium producing relaxation of muscle and vasodilation. Increases myocardial oxygen delivery and slow conduction through the AV node.