pharmacology

Statins

lower LDL, increase HDL. ex. Lipitor
take in evening, avoid grapefruit

Diuretic

stimulate the kidneys to increase the secretion of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water, decreases blood volume.
Thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing diuretics.
ex. Furosemide (Lasix)
take in am to avoid nocturia

CCBs

relax arterial smooth muscle, decrease peripheral resistance, decrease BP.
ex. Amlodipine (Norvasac)
AE: headache, dizziness, flushed skin

ACE inhibitors

decrease peripheral resistance and decrease blood volume. End in -pril
Ex. Perindopril (Aceon)
AE: postural hypotension

B-blockers

decreases heart rate and contractility, decreases CO and BP. End in -lol
Ex. Metoprolol (Lopressor)
AE: fatigue, activity intolerance

Vasodilators

relaxes vascular smooth muscle
Ex. Hydralazine (Apresoline)

ARBs

decrease BP, blood volume and CO
Ex. Candesartan (Atacanol)

Nitrates

relax arterial and venous smooth muscle
Ex. Nitroglycerin
AE: decrease BP, headache, syncope

Thrombolytics

dissolve clots obstructing coronary arteries and restore circulation
Ex. Reteplase (Retevase)
AE: bleeding

Anticoagulants

inhibits certain clotting factors, lengthen clotting time, prevent thrombi in veins
Ex. Heparin (Heplock), Warfarin (Coumadin)
Low molecular weight heparin: Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Antiplatelet

prevent clot formation in arteries
Ex. Aspirin (ASA)
AE: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Hemostatics

prevent fibrin from dissolving, enhance stability of clot, prevent and treat excess bleeding
Ex. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)

Colloids

draw water from tissues into blood vessels
Ex. Serum albumin, plasma protein, serum globulins

Crystalloids

IV solution used to replace fluid
Ex. Normal saline, lactated ringers

Vasoconstrictor

maintains BP when vasodilation has caused hypotension, used only when fluid replacement has not worked.
Ex. Dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine

Inotropic drugs

increase force of contraction of heart, increases CO
Ex. Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Bronchodilators (Beta agonist)

relax bronchial smooth muscle, widen airway
usually paired with corticosteroids
Ends in -buterol
Ex. Albuterol (Proventil)

Anticholinergics

alternative bronchodilators, block parasympathetic NS
Ends in -tropium
Ex. Ipratropium (Atrovent)
caution in men w enlarged prostates

Corticosteroids (inhaled)

Anti-inflammatory, decrease mucus production and edema, decrease airway obstruction
Ex. Budoneside (Pulmicort)
AE: candidiasis, peptic ulcers, hyperglycemia

H1 -receptor antagonists (antihistamine)

block actions of histamine like itching, mucus and nasal congestion
Ex. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Antitussives

Dampen cough reflex
Ex. Codeine

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)

block enzyme responsible for secreting HCl in stomach
Ends in -azole
Ex. Pantoprazole

H2 -receptor antagonists

suppress volume and acidity of parietal cell secretions
End in -tidine
should not be taken with antacids- absorption will be diminished
Ex. Ranitidine (Zantac)

Antacids

neutralize stomach acid, temporary relief of heartburn
do not promote healing of ulcers
Ex. Calcium carbonate (Tums), sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)

Bulk-forming laxative

absorb water, increase fecal mass
Ex. Psyllium (Metamucil)

Stool softener laxative

more water and fat absorbed into stools
Ex. Docusate (colace)

Stimulant laxatives

promote peristalsis, rapid acting, may cause diarrhea
Ex. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Saline cathartic laxatives

pull water into fecal mass, more watery stool, rapid acting
Ex. Milk of magnesia

Herbal agent laxative

irritates bowel, increases peristalsis
Ex. Senokot

Antidiarrheals

opioids decrease peristalsis
non-opioid ex. Loperamide (imodium)

Antiemetics

inhibit serotonin and dopamine receptors in brain
anticholinergics, antihistamines (scopolamine, benadryl), serotonin antagonists (ondansetron (zofran)), antipsychotics (haldol)

Corticosteroids

suppress sever inflammation, reserved for short-term tx of severe disease
Ex. cortisone, prednisone
AE: adrenal insufficiency, hyperglycemia, mood changes, cataracts, ulcers
Can mask infections

SSRIs

inhibit serotonin reuptake, newest antidepressant, least side effects.
monitor for hyponatremia, stay hydrated
Ex. Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Tricyclic antidepressants

lag period 10-14 days, lethal at high doses, contraindicated w/ MAOIs
Ex. Amitriptyline (Elavil), Amoxapine (Asendin)

MAOIs

oldest antidepressants
HTN crisis if Tyramine foods ingested

Lithium

reduce degree and frequency of cycling in bipolar disorder.
0.6-1.5mmol/L
if Na is low, lithium will be retained by kidneys - toxic

Benzodiazepines

relieve anxiety
Ex. Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium)

1st gen antipsychotics

dopamine antagonists
Ex. Haloperidol (Haldol)

2nd gen antipsychotics

dopamine and serotonin antagonists
target neg and pos symptoms in schizophrenia
Ex. Quetiepine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperidol)