Pharmacology I: High-Risk Medications Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering high-yield drug risks across various body systems as presented in the Pharmacology I lecture notes.

Imipenem-cilastatin

A carbapenem antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections that can build up with poor kidney function and increase seizure risk.

Gentamicin

An aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious gram-negative bacterial infections; it is noted as an important kidney-risk drug.

Acyclovir

An antiviral used for herpes and shingles that can form crystals in the kidneys, especially with dehydration or high IV doses.

Ketorolac

An NSAID used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain; it is especially risky for those with kidney impairment and is limited to 5 total days.

Methotrexate

A DMARD/antimetabolite chemotherapy that can damage the kidneys and liver, suppress bone marrow, and build up to toxic levels if kidney function is poor.

Auranofin

A Gold DMARD used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that can cause protein or blood in the urine.

Colchicine

An antigout medication that may need lower doses in kidney disease; it can build up and cause severe diarrhea, muscle injury, or low blood cells.

Allopurinol

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to prevent gout by lowering uric acid; it should be stopped immediately if a rash occurs.

Magnesium sulfate

An electrolyte/tocolytic that can build up when urine output is low, leading to toxicity characterized by absent reflexes or slow breathing.

Isoniazid (INH)

A selective antimycobacterial used for tuberculosis that can cause severe hepatitis; patients should avoid alcohol and report dark urine or jaundice.

Acetaminophen

A non-opioid analgesic/antipyretic that can cause severe liver failure in excess; acetylcysteine is the antidote.

Oxandrolone

An anabolic steroid used for weight gain that carries a major risk for liver injury.

Zafirlukast

A leukotriene receptor antagonist for long-term asthma prevention that can cause liver injury; it is not a rescue medication.

Opioids

A class of agonists (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl) that can slow breathing, cause severe sedation, and lower blood pressure.

Carboprost tromethamine

A prostaglandin oxytocic used for postpartum hemorrhage that can cause bronchospasm and is avoided or used with caution in asthma.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic and acetaminophen antidote; the inhaled form can cause bronchospasm, particularly in patients with asthma.

Amitriptyline

A tricyclic antidepressant that can cause orthostatic hypotension, dangerous heart rhythms, and seizures in overdose.

Sildenafil

A phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that must never be combined with nitrates because blood pressure can drop dangerously low.

Sumatriptan

A serotonin receptor agonist (triptan) used for acute migraines that constricts blood vessels and is avoided with uncontrolled hypertension.

Epoetin alfa

An erythropoietic growth factor that can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of clot, stroke, and heart attack.

Methylergonovine

An ergot oxytocic used for postpartum uterine bleeding that can cause severe hypertension and is avoided with high blood pressure.

Insulin lispro

A rapid-acting insulin where the meal must be ready due to its quick action to prevent hypoglycemia.

Chlorpropamide

A first-generation sulfonylurea that lasts a long time and can cause prolonged hypoglycemia and weight gain.

Octreotide

A somatostatin analog that can cause either high or low blood glucose and may slow the heart rate.

Terbutaline

A beta2-agonist tocolytic that can raise blood glucose, lower potassium, and cause a fast heart rate.

Ginger root

An herbal therapy used for nausea that can increase bleeding risk, especially when taken with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Tamoxifen

A selective estrogen receptor modulator for breast cancer that can increase blood-clot and stroke risk.

Etanercept

A biologic DMARD used for autoimmune disorders that requires TB screening before therapy starts.

Methimazole

A thionamide used for hyperthyroidism that can cause liver injury and agranulocytosis; patients should report fever or sore throat immediately.

Filgrastim

A leukopoietic growth factor used to raise neutrophils that commonly causes bone pain; left-upper abdominal pain may signal spleen problems.

Oxytocin

An oxytocic drug that can cause uterine tachysystole/fetal distress and, in high doses, water intoxication and low sodium.

Radioactive iodine

A radiopharmaceutical used for overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer that is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Strong iodine solution

An iodine product used before thyroid surgery that can cause a metallic taste, mouth sores, or swollen gums.

Dextromethorphan

A non-opioid antitussive that can cause serotonin syndrome if combined with MAO inhibitors or other serotonergic drugs.

Diphenhydramine

A first-generation H1 antihistamine that causes strong sedation and anticholinergic effects.