Pharmacology Final Exam Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key drug classes, specific medications, indications, side effects, and emergency antidotes from the Pharmacology Final Exam Study Guide.

Antihypertensives

Cardiovascular medications including Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Amlodipine, and Losartan, studied for how they lower blood pressure, common side effects, patient education, and required lab monitoring.

Diuretics

Cardiovascular medications including Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Spironolactone, studied for how they work, potassium imbalances, signs of dehydration, and dietary considerations.

Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets

Cardiovascular medications including Warfarin, Heparin, Enoxaparin, Aspirin, and Clopidogrel, studied for indications for use, lab values to monitor (INR, aPTT), bleeding precautions, and dietary restrictions.

Anti-anginal Medications

Cardiovascular medications including Nitroglycerin (SL, patches) and Isosorbide mononitrate, studied for how to take sublingual nitroglycerin, when to seek emergency care, and side effects like headaches and hypotension.

Diabetes Medications

Endocrine medications including Insulin (Lispro, Regular, NPH, Glargine) and Metformin, studied for differences between insulin types (onset, peak, duration), proper administration, hypoglycemia management, and contraindications.

Thyroid Medications

Endocrine medications including Levothyroxine and Propylthiouracil (PTU), studied for symptoms of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, when to take them, and monitoring for side effects.

Bronchodilators

Respiratory medications including Albuterol and Salmeterol, studied for rescue vs. maintenance use, side effects, and patient education on inhaler use.

Corticosteroids

Respiratory medications including Fluticasone (inhaled), Budesonide, and Prednisone (oral), studied for long-term vs. short-term use, risk for infection, and how to prevent oral thrush with inhaled steroids.

Antihistamines

Respiratory medications including Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, and Cetirizine, studied for differences between sedating and non-sedating antihistamines, when to take them, and potential interactions.

Opioids

Pain management medications including Morphine, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl, studied for risk for respiratory depression, opioid overdose signs, and the antidote for opioid overdose.

Non-Opioid Analgesics & NSAIDs

Pain and anti-inflammatory medications including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin, studied for maximum doses, risks of liver toxicity, and effects on the stomach lining and kidneys.

Naloxone

An antidote used for opioid overdose.

Acetylcysteine

An antidote used for acetaminophen overdose.

Penicillins & Cephalosporins

Antibiotic medications including Amoxicillin, Penicillin G, Cephalexin, and Ceftriaxone, studied for allergy precautions, cross-sensitivity, and proper patient teaching.

Macrolides

Antibiotic medications including Azithromycin and Erythromycin, studied for when they are used, common side effects, and drug interactions.

Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotic medications including Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin, studied for risks of tendon rupture, dietary restrictions, and sun exposure precautions.

Tetracyclines

Antibiotic medications including Doxycycline, studied for avoidance of dairy, sun sensitivity, and when it should not be given.

Aminoglycosides

Antibiotic medications including Gentamicin, studied for signs of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and when to hold the dose.

Vancomycin

An antimicrobial medication studied for why it's used for MRSA, how to prevent Red Man Syndrome, and infusion time.

Antidepressants

Mental health medications including Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Amitriptyline, and Phenelzine, studied for how SSRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs work, side effects, and dietary interactions.

Anxiolytics & Sedatives

Mental health medications including Lorazepam, Diazepam, and Buspirone, studied for risks of dependency, respiratory depression, and withdrawal symptoms.

Antipsychotics

Mental health medications including Haloperidol, Risperidone, and Olanzapine, studied for side effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and metabolic changes.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Gastrointestinal medications including Omeprazole and Pantoprazole, studied for long-term use risks and when they should be taken.

H2 Receptor Antagonists

Gastrointestinal medications including Ranitidine and Famotidine, studied for how they work and when to take them.

Laxatives & Anti-Diarrheals

Gastrointestinal medications including Lactulose and Loperamide, studied for indications, contraindications, and monitoring for electrolyte imbalances.

Epinephrine

An emergency medication studied for its use in anaphylaxis and how to administer an EpiPen.

Glucagon

An emergency medication studied for when and how to use it for severe hypoglycemia.

Calcium Gluconate

An emergency medication studied for its use in treating hyperkalemia.

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)

An emergency medication studied for how it lowers potassium levels.