Pharmacology Flashcards: Atenolol, Epinephrine, Albuterol, and Methylphenidate

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the pharmacology, dosing, and safety profiles of Atenolol, Epinephrine, Albuterol, and Methylphenidate.

Atenolol

A Beta₁-adrenergic blocker used for hypertension, angina, and myocardial infarction (MI) that decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial workload.

Atenolol Maximum Daily Dose (Hypertension)

The highest recommended amount for hypertension therapy is $100\,mg/day$.

Atenolol Side Effects

Common reactions include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, depression, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction.

Atenolol Adverse Effects

Serious outcomes may include bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, bronchospasm, renal failure, and dysrhythmias.

Epinephrine

A sympathomimetic and adrenergic agonist used for anaphylaxis, allergic reactions, bronchospasm, asthma exacerbation, and cardiac arrest.

Epinephrine Receptors

This drug stimulates Alpha₁, Beta₁, and Beta₂ receptors.

Adult IM Epinephrine Dose (Anaphylaxis)

Given as $0.2\text{--}0.5\,mg$ IM; may repeat every $5\text{--}15\text{ minutes}$ for a maximum of $3$ doses.

Epinephrine Administration Site

During anaphylaxis, this medication should be administered in the mid-anterolateral thigh.

Albuterol

A Beta₂-adrenergic agonist (SABA) used for the prevention and treatment of bronchospasm by stimulating beta₂ receptors to cause bronchodilation.

Inhaled Albuterol Dose (EIB)

For exercise-induced bronchospasm prevention, the dose is $180\,mcg$ ($2$ puffs) taken $15\text{--}30\text{ minutes}$ before exercise.

Albuterol Half-life

The time required for the concentration of the drug to reduce by half is $2.7\text{--}6\text{ hours}$.

Methylphenidate

An amphetamine-like CNS stimulant classified as Schedule II, primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidate Mechanism of Action

Blocks dopamine transporters and increases sympathomimetic activity to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.

Immediate-Release Methylphenidate Administration

Should be taken $30\text{--}45\text{ minutes}$ before meals, with the final dose administered before $6\,PM$ to avoid insomnia.

Methylphenidate Contraindications

Should not be used in patients with MAOI therapy or hereditary fructose intolerance.

Methylphenidate Adverse Effects

Serious risks include seizures, psychosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and growth suppression in children.

Methylphenidate Life-Threatening Effects

Potential severe complications include blood dyscrasias, dysrhythmias, hepatotoxicity, and ocular hypertension.

Extended-Release Methylphenidate Peak and Duration

Reaches peak effect at $4.7\text{ hours}$ with a duration of approximately $8\text{ hours}$.

Methylphenidate Excretion

Approximately $90\%$ of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Methylphenidate Drug Interactions

Increased effects can occur with sympathomimetics, psychostimulants, oral anticoagulants, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, TCAs, and MAOIs (hypertensive crisis).

Methylphenidate Food and Herb Interactions

Effects are increased by caffeine, chocolate, tea, and cola; effectiveness may be decreased by St. John's Wort.