Pharmacology Lecture Notes: Key CNS and Anti-inflammatory Medications

Practice flashcards covering various pharmacologic classes, drug examples, indications, mechanisms of action, and nursing considerations based on the lecture transcript.

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam, Alprazolam)

A drug class that increases the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to the GABA receptors to reduce neuron excitability.

Zolpidem Tartrate

A non-benzodiazepine used for insomnia that inhibits neurotransmitters and can cause complex sleep behaviors, amnesia, and a hangover effect.

Lidocaine Hydrochloride

A local anesthetic that blocks pain sensations at the site of administration by preventing the conduction of nerve impulses.

Ibuprofen (Non-selective NSAID)

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to provide pain control, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects.

COX-1 Enzyme

An enzyme responsible for protecting the stomach lining and stopping bleeding through platelet aggregation.

COX-2 Enzyme

An enzyme that causes pain, inflammation, and vasodilation; selective inhibition causes vasoconstriction.

Celecoxib

A selective COX-2 inhibitor used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting pain and inflammation without affecting COX-1.

Aspirin (Salicylates)

A medication that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and platelet aggregation; it is contraindicated in children under $16$ due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

Allopurinol

An anti-gout medication that prevents uric acid crystal formation by blocking uric acid production and increasing its excretion in the urine.

Acetaminophen

A non-opioid analgesic that weakly inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to treat pain and fever; it lacks anti-inflammatory or anti-coagulation properties.

Acetylcysteine

The specific antidote administered when acetaminophen toxicity occurs.

Morphine

An opioid analgesic that binds with opiate receptors in the CNS to depress pain impulses; it requires close monitoring for respiratory depression.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to treat overdose by displacing opioids from receptor sites and reversing CNS and respiratory depression.

Sumatriptan

A $5\text{-HT}$ receptor agonist used for migraines and cluster headaches that promotes cranial vessel constriction.

Valproic Acid / Valproate

An anticonvulsant that suppresses sodium and calcium influx to prevent electrical currents; it requires serum level monitoring for hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia.

Phenobarbital

A barbiturate that enhances the activity of GABA to treat tonic-clonic and partial seizures, leading to profound CNS depression.

Phenytoin

A hydantoin anticonvulsant that stabilizes cell membranes to reduce repetitive neuronal firing; notable side effects include gingival hyperplasia and pink/brown urine discoloration.

Haloperidol

A non-phenothiazine antipsychotic that blocks dopamine receptors; nursing implications include monitoring for Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) such as involuntary facial movements.

Aripiprazole

An atypical antipsychotic that blocks serotonin and specific $D_4$ dopamine receptors; patient education includes avoiding grapefruit juice.

Fluoxetine (SSRI)

A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor that blocks the reuptake of serotonin into the nerve terminal of the CNS to treat depression and panic disorders.

Duloxetine (SNRI)

A Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor used for depression and neuropathic pain; it may take $1$ to $12$ weeks to become fully therapeutic.

Amitriptyline

A tricyclic antidepressant that blocks the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin; it is used for depression, insomnia, and anxiety, and has antihistamine effects.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer that alters sodium transport to increase receptor sensitivity to serotonin; used for bipolar disorder and manic episodes.

Trazodone

A miscellaneous antidepressant that inhibits serotonin intake; it is often used for insomnia and requires monitoring for hypotension and dry mouth.