Pharmacology Practice Flashcards

Flashcards summarizing generic/brand names, drug classes, uses, and critical counseling points for top medications across multiple therapeutic categories.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, APAP)

An analgesic and antipyretic used for pain and fever; max Rx tablets are $325\,mg$, and OTC strengths include $325\,mg$, $500\,mg$, and $650\,mg$.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

A COX-2 selective Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and arthritis, noted for causing less GI upset or bleeds compared to other NSAIDs.

Diclofenac (Voltaren, PENNSAID)

An NSAID used for pain and arthritis; available as an OTC-Gel ($1\%$) and Rx topical solutions ($1.5\%$ and $2\%$) applied up to QID.

Tramadol (Ultram)

A Schedule C-IV analgesic that acts as both an opioid agonist and a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI); common strength is $50\,mg$, and it carries a seizure risk.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

An OTC antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and pruritus; it is a metabolite of hydroxyzine, with a maximum dose of $10\,mg/day$.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanate (Augmentin)

A combination penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitor used for bacterial infections; it is available in tablet ratios such as $500\,mg/125\,mg$.

Azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-PAK)

A macrolide antibiotic used for bacterial infections, typically dosed as $500\,mg$ on Day 1 followed by $250\,mg$ on Days 2 through 5.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

A quinolone antibiotic used for bacterial infections; associated with risks of tendon injury and neurotoxicity (referred to as being "floxed") and must be avoided in patients with Myasthenia Gravis.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx)

A tetracycline antibiotic for acne and bacterial infections; counseling points include taking with $H_2O$, avoiding sunlight, and not lying down soon after taking.

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)

An anti-infective used for bacterial infections; Macrobid is dosed BID and Macrodantin is dosed QID; carries a risk of pulmonary toxicity.

Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

A combination sulfonamide and folic acid inhibitor; should not be refrigerated, requires hydration ($H_2O$), can raise potassium ($K$) levels, and requires monitoring for rashes.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

A calcium channel blocker used for hypertension; common doses are $2.5\,mg$, $5\,mg$, and $10\,mg$, with edema occurring at higher doses.

Apixaban (Eliquis)

A Factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant used for stroke prevention, DVT, and pulmonary embolism; typical stroke prevention dose is $5\,mg$ b.i.d. for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Clonidine (Catapres)

A central alpha adrenergic agonist used for hypertension; available as IR tabs or a weekly patch ($0.1\,mg/day$ to $0.3\,mg/day$) and can cause rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

A thiazide diuretic used for edema; it reduces potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels while increasing uric acid, which can trigger gout.

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

A potassium-sparing diuretic used for heart failure and hypertension; can cause gynecomastia.

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD and peptic ulcer disease; long-term use is linked to fractures (hip, wrist, spine), C-diff infections, and dementia.

Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

A $5$-alpha-reductase inhibitor; Proscar ($5\,mg$) is used for BPH and Propecia ($1\,mg$) for hair loss; pregnant women should avoid contact with the medication.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

A Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction; must be avoided in patients using nitrates.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for gout and hyperuricemia; associated with life-threatening Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Alprazolam (Xanax)

A Schedule C-IV benzodiazepine used for anxiety and panic disorder; abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound anxiety.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

A Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor used for ADHD; research indicates patients with ADHD may have higher rates of suicidal ideation.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

An antidepressant also used for smoking cessation; carries a seizure risk and should not be taken at bedtime (HS) to avoid insomnia.

Donepezil (Aricept)

A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for Alzheimer’s disease; maintenance dose is often $10\,mg$ once daily.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

An antiepileptic used for seizure disorders and neuropathic pain; side effects include respiratory depression, sedation, and weight gain/edema.

Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)

A Schedule C-II CNS stimulant used for ADHD; available in various formulations including Concerta ER ($18, 27, 36, 54\,mg$).

Risperidone (Risperdal)

An atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia; among its class, it is associated with the highest rates of galactorrhea and gynecomastia.

Topiramate (Topamax)

An antiepileptic used for migraine prophylaxis and seizures; nicknamed "dopamax" due to cognitive side effects, it can also increase the risk of kidney stones.

Zolpidem (Ambien)

A Schedule C-IV hypnotic for insomnia; the maximum dose is $5\,mg$ for women and $10\,mg$ for men.

Montelukast (Singulair)

A leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma and allergies; has a boxed warning for suicide risk and is generally better indicated for asthma than allergies.

Codeine + Acetaminophen

Tylenol with Codeine (Rx C-3)

PO, Pain, opioid agonist

Counseling: codeine: upset stomach, itching, allergy

Hydrocodone

Norco/Vicodin (hydrocodone + acetaminophen), Rx C-2

PO, pain & arthritis, NSAID

25, 50, 75, 100mg

Gel: OTC apply up to QID

Ibuprofen

Motrin, Advil

pain & fever

NSAID

OTC: 200mg

Rx: 400, 600, 800mg

300mg (new & $$)

Meloxicam

Mobic

Rx, PO

pain + arthiritis

NSAID (take with food)

7.5-15mg

Morphine

MS Contin

Rx, C-2

PO, parenteral

pain, opioid agonist

15, 20, 60, 100, 200 ER

Naproxen

Aleve, Naprosyn

Rx: 375, 500mg

OTC: 220mg

PO, pain + arthritis

NSAID

Oxycodone

OxyContin

Rx, C-2

PO, pain, opioid agonist

10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80

BID, q8h

Percocet

Oxycodone + acetaminophen

Rx, C-2

PO, pain, opioid agonist

Caution: with APAP

2.5/325mg; 5/325mg; 7.5/325mg; 10/325mg

Amoxicillin

Amox

Rx, PO, bacterial infection, penicillin class

Taste better from fridge

10mg PO QD (Max: 10mg/day)

Cefdinir

Omnicef

Rx, PO, Bacterial infection, cephalosporin

300mg PO q12h; 125mg/5ml; 250mg/5ml

Warning: QD for 10 days is as effective as BID

Cephalexin

Keflex

Rx, PO, bacterial infection, cephalexin

q6 = QID; 250, 500, 750mg

Clindamycin

Cleocin

Rx, PO, bacterial infection; antibacterial antibiotic

75, 150, 300mg

150-300mg q6-8h

Fluconazole

Diflucan

Rx, PO & Parenteral;

Yeast infection Tx, antifungal

150, 100, 200mg

CI: QT & Liver toxicity

Ketoconazole

Nizoral, tabs cream = Rx only; Nizoral Anti-Dandruff= 1% OTC shampoo

OTC, Rx, PO & Topical

Fungal infection, antifungal

CI: fatal liver & QT prolong (tabs only)

Mupirocin

Bactroban

Rx, topical, bacterial skin infection

Inhibits protein, synthesis in cells

Cream & ointment

Caution: impetigo

Ofloxacin

Ocuflox, Floxin

Rx; ophthalmic, otic, PO; bacterial infection; antibacterial antibiotic, fluoroquinolone

Amlodipine + benazepril

Lotrel Rx, PO; HTN

CCB + ACEi

2.5/10mg; 5/10mg; 5/20mg, 5/40mg, 10/20mg, 10/40mg

Aspirin

Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin

OTC, PO’ pain, stroke prevention, MI prevention

NSAID, platelet aggregator inhibitor

81mg, 325mg EC

Atenolol

Tenormin

Rx, PO, Angina & HTN

Beta-adrenergic blocker

25, 50, 100mg

Beta 1 selective antagonist

Atorvastatin

Lipitor, Caduet (amlodipine + atorvastatin) Rx

PO, hypercholesterolemia, HMG-COA reductase inhibitor

10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80mg

Benazapril

Lotensin

Rx, PO, HTN

ACEi

25, 50, 100mg

Caution: w/ ARB

Evolocumab

Repatha

Rx, Parenteral, hypercholestrelemia

PCSK9i, monoclonal antibody, antilpenic agent

420mg qmonth or 140mg q2w