Pharmacology Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key pharmacology points detected in the provided lecture transcript.

Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone)

Oral antidiabetic drugs that activate PPAR-γ to increase peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Insulin Glargine

Long-acting (24-hr) basal insulin with no pronounced peak; given once daily.

Preferred insulin in pregnancy

Regular human insulin or NPH insulin (does not cross the placenta and is safest for fetal exposure).

Metformin

First-line drug for type 2 diabetes; decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity; risk of lactic acidosis, promotes weight loss.

Signs of Thyrotoxicosis

Tachycardia, angina, tremor, atrial fibrillation, weight loss, diarrhea, and bone loss.

Amlodipine

Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that produces peripheral vasodilation and does not cause hyperglycemia.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Spironolactone & eplerenone (aldosterone antagonists) and amiloride & triamterene (ENaC blockers); risk of hyperkalemia.

ACE Inhibitors

Antihypertensives that block angiotensin-converting enzyme; may cause hyperkalemia, dry cough, and angio-edema.

Digoxin toxicity & potassium

Risk of digoxin toxicity increases when serum potassium is low (hypokalemia).

Angioedema

Rapid swelling of face, lips, or airway, commonly triggered by ACE inhibitors.

Propranolol

Non-selective β-blocker; can precipitate bronchospasm in asthma/COPD patients.

Metoprolol

β1-selective blocker preferred in patients with reactive airway disease.

Diphenoxylate

Opioid antidiarrheal that slows intestinal motility; constipation is a common adverse effect.

Phenothiazine antiemetics (e.g., prochlorperazine)

Dopamine antagonists used for nausea; long-term use may cause irreversible tardive dyskinesia.

Promethazine (Phenergan)

Histamine-1 blocker with antiemetic properties; can cause marked sedation and respiratory depression in children.

Depo-Provera

Medroxyprogesterone acetate depot injection for contraception; given IM every 3 months (or SQ formulation every 3 months).

Amoxicillin

Broad-spectrum aminopenicillin that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis; susceptible to β-lactamase.

Itraconazole

Azole antifungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis; used for systemic and nail fungal infections.

Dabigatran

Oral direct thrombin inhibitor; anticoagulation without routine INR monitoring.

Rivaroxaban

Oral factor Xa inhibitor; fixed-dose anticoagulant without routine monitoring.

Tamoxifen

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that antagonizes estrogen in breast tissue; used in ER-positive breast cancer; ↑ risk endometrial cancer.

Raloxifene

SERM with estrogen antagonism in breast & uterus but agonism in bone; treats osteoporosis without increasing endometrial cancer risk.

Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate)

Inhibit osteoclast activity; can cause esophageal ulceration—take with water and remain upright 30 min.

Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal

May precipitate seizures, anxiety, and insomnia; taper slowly.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist used in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer disease; may cause dizziness and confusion.

Statin monitoring

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors can cause hepatotoxicity & rhabdomyolysis (dark urine); obtain baseline LFTs and CK when indicated.

Methylphenidate dosing

Take ADHD stimulant early in the morning to reduce insomnia and appetite suppression.

Phenytoin

Antiseizure drug associated with gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, and teratogenicity.

Fluticasone (intranasal)

Topical corticosteroid for allergic rhinitis; reduces mucosal inflammation and congestion.

Ipratropium nasal spray

Anticholinergic that decreases rhinorrhea in colds or allergic rhinitis.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym)

Antitussive that suppresses cough via central NMDA receptor antagonism; potential for abuse at high doses.

Montelukast

Leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma and allergic rhinitis; may cause neuropsychiatric effects.

Topical nasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline)

α-adrenergic agonists causing vasoconstriction and rapid relief of congestion; extended use leads to rebound rhinitis.

First-line TB drugs

Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol ("RIPE"); all hepatotoxic to varying degrees.

NRTIs

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV; adverse effects include lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis.

Acyclovir

Guanosine analog antiviral for HSV & VZV; renal crystalluria—ensure adequate hydration.

Epinephrine (IM)

First-line treatment for anaphylaxis; stimulates α and β receptors to reverse airway edema & hypotension.

Drug absorption & food

High-fat meals or delayed gastric emptying generally slow oral drug absorption; fasting often speeds it.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Potentially fatal complication of fertility drugs (e.g., hCG, clomiphene); presents with abdominal pain, ascites, and dyspnea.

Methylergonovine (Methergine)

Ergot alkaloid used for postpartum hemorrhage; contraindicated in hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

Oxytocin contraindication

Avoid oxytocin in patients with a previous uterine rupture due to risk of re-rupture.

Terbutaline

β2-agonist tocolytic used short-term to stop preterm labor; maternal side effects include tachycardia and tremor.