Medications for Pain & Inflammation (Ch. 33-36) - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to pain and inflammation medications from the notes.

Acute pain

Rapid onset pain with short, well-characterized duration; cause is generally known.

Chronic pain

Pain lasting >6 months or longer with slow onset; cause is often unknown.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

Non-opioid NSAID; antiplatelet agent; reduces fever and inflammation; caution in children with viral infections due to Reye’s syndrome.

Reye’s syndrome

Potential brain and liver swelling in children/teens after aspirin during a viral infection.

Salicylism

Aspirin toxicity; medical emergency with symptoms like sweating, fever, acidosis, dehydration, tinnitus, confusion.

Activated charcoal

Treatment to decrease absorption after aspirin overdose.

Gastric lavage

Procedure to remove substances (e.g., aspirin) from the stomach after overdose.

Opioid agonist

Drugs that occupy receptors and activate them to produce analgesia.

Opioid agonist-antagonist

Drugs that occupy receptors but do not fully activate them (partial activation).

Opioid antagonist

Drugs that block receptor activation by agonists (reverses opioid effects).

COX-1

Enzyme present in all tissues; reduces gastric acid, promotes renal blood flow, supports platelet aggregation; inhibition risks GI issues and bleeding.

COX-2

Enzyme formed after tissue injury; promotes inflammation and pain; increases prostaglandin production.

Prostaglandin

Lipid compounds that regulate inflammation, pain, and normal protective GI and renal functions.

Ibuprofen

NSAID; non-opioid analgesic; inhibits COX; reduces inflammation, pain, and fever; used for dysmenorrhea.

First-generation NSAIDs

NSAIDs including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ketorolac, meloxicam, piroxicam, ketoprofen.

Celecoxib

Second-generation NSAID; COX-2 selective inhibitor.

Acetaminophen

Analgesic/antipyretic not classified as an NSAID; risk of hepatotoxicity with overdose.

Morphine

Opioid agonist; analgesia for moderate to severe pain; mu receptor agonist; can cause miosis, sedation, respiratory depression.

Fentanyl

Potent opioid agonist; used for severe pain and anesthesia; high risk of respiratory depression.

Naloxone

Opioid antagonist; reverses opioid effects; used in overdose; administer IV/IM/inhalation; not PO.

Naltrexone

Opioid antagonist; used for dependence and overdose reversal in some contexts.

Sumatriptan

Serotonin receptor (5-HT1) agonist (triptan); abortive treatment for migraines; vasoconstricts cranial arteries; avoid in CAD/CVD.

Ergot alkaloids

Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine; used for migraines; can cause vasospasm.

MAOI interactions (with triptans)

Concurrent MAOI use can cause toxicity when combined with triptans.

Serotonin syndrome

Potentially life-threatening reaction (agitation, confusion, hypertension, diaphoresis) when SSRIs/MAOIs interact with triptans.

Tyramine-containing foods

Certain foods (e.g., aged cheeses, alcohol) that may trigger issues with monoamine-related therapies.

Ester-type local anesthetics

Examples: tetracaine, procaine, chloroprocaine; higher allergy incidence.

Amide-type local anesthetics

Examples: lidocaine; safer and more commonly used.

Lidocaine

Amide local anesthetic; also antiarrhythmic; used with epinephrine to prolong effect and reduce bleeding.

Lidocaine with epinephrine

Vasoconstrictor combination to prolong local anesthesia and limit bleeding; should not be used on end arteries.

Post-dural puncture headache

Headache after epidural/spinal procedures; managed by lying flat for ~12 hours post-procedure.

DMARDs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; slow RA progression; can be used alone or with other agents.

Methotrexate (DMARD I)

Inhibits DNA synthesis via folic acid pathway; slows RA progression; takes 3–6 weeks; monitor CBC and liver labs; pregnancy contraindicated.

Glucocorticoids (Prednisone)

Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive; used to delay progression and control flares in RA; short-term therapy common.

NSAIDs in RA

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen, celecoxib) for symptomatic relief.

Calcium citrate

Calcium supplement; treats hypocalcemia and supports bone health; IV use for severe deficiency.

Raloxifene (SERM)

Selective estrogen receptor modulator; prevents/treats postmenopausal osteoporosis; reduces bone resorption; increases clot risk.

Alendronate (Bisphosphonate)

Prophylaxis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; lowers bone turnover; esophagitis risk; sit upright 30 minutes after dose.

Calcitonin (calcitonin-salmon)

Hormone that inhibits osteoclast activity; used to treat osteoporosis; not a preventive measure.

Esophagitis risk with bisphosphonates

Esophageal irritation; important to sit upright after taking and take with water.

Hypercalcemia

Calcium >10.5 mg/dL; symptoms include tachycardia, hypertension progressing to hypotension, weakness, constipation.

Hyperuricemia

Elevated uric acid in blood; >6 mg/dL in women, >7 mg/dL in men; risk factor for gout.

Allopurinol

Xanthine oxidase inhibitor; reduces uric acid production; prophylaxis for gout; can cause SJS; interacts with warfarin.

Colchicine

Anti-inflammatory for acute gout; inhibits leukocyte migration; PO only; GI distress and risk of rhabdomyolysis? (GI upset common).

Gout dietary restrictions

Avoid high-purine foods; increase fluids; limit alcohol; avoid red meats and certain seafood.

Coca-cola urine

Dark urine appearance associated with rhabdomyolysis (a possible colchicine complication reference).

Hyperuricemia management monitoring

Monitor CBC, UA, LFTs, BUN/creatinine and ensure adequate hydration; watch for kidney stones.

Osteoporosis risk factors

Menopause, testosterone deficiency, age >60, family history, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, low vitamin D and calcium.

Calcium and vitamin D co-therapy

Calcium supplementation with vitamin D; supports bone health and calcium absorption.

DVT risk with SERMs

SERMs (e.g., raloxifene) can increase risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Nursing considerations for osteoporosis meds

Monitor calcium and bone density; ensure patient adheres to dosing; assess swallowing and GI tolerance.