Pharmacology Principles and Common Medications

Vocabulary flashcards covering drug classifications, indications, antidotes, dosages, side effects, contraindications, and quick reference facts from the lecture notes.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Analgesic / antipyretic medication that relieves pain and reduces fever. Side effects include nausea and liver damage/toxicity with overdose. Contraindicated in severe liver disease and allergy.

Acetaminophen Antidote & Max Dose

Antidote is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The maximum adult dose per $24\,\text{hr}$ is $4\text{,}000\,\text{mg}$, though many products recommend less.

Aspirin

NSAID / antiplatelet medication that relieves pain, reduces fever/inflammation, and prevents platelet clumping. Side effects include stomach irritation, ulcers, bleeding, and tinnitus.

Aspirin Antidote & Contraindications

Has no specific antidote; severe toxicity may require sodium bicarbonate and supportive care. Max dose is $4\text{,}000\,\text{mg/day}$ for general adult analgesic dosing. Contraindicated in active bleeding, aspirin allergy, and children/teens with viral illness.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Statin / antihyperlipidemic that lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides. Max dose is $80\,\text{mg/24 hr}$. Side effects include muscle pain, elevated liver enzymes, and rare rhabdomyolysis. Contraindicated in acute liver failure/decompensated cirrhosis and pregnancy.

Furosemide (Lasix)

Loop diuretic that removes excess fluid and sodium to decrease edema and blood pressure. Max dose is up to $600\,\text{mg/24 hr}$ in selected adults under close medical supervision. Side effects include dehydration, low potassium, low blood pressure, and ototoxicity. Contraindicated in anuria and severe electrolyte depletion until corrected.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

NSAID that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. Max dose is $3\text{,}200\,\text{mg/24 hr}$ prescription maximum and $1\text{,}200\,\text{mg}$ OTC maximum. Side effects include stomach irritation/bleeding, kidney damage, and increased blood pressure. Contraindicated in NSAID allergy, active GI bleeding, around CABG surgery, and from $20\,\text{weeks}$ of pregnancy unless directed.

Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant that prevents and treats blood clots. Antidote is protamine sulfate (partially reverses effect). Side effects include bleeding, bruising, anemia, and low platelets. Contraindicated in active major bleeding and history of immune-mediated HIT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces cardiac workload. Max dose is $80\,\text{mg/24 hr}$ for hypertension in some adult regimens. Side effects include dry cough, dizziness, high potassium, and angioedema. Contraindicated in pregnancy, previous ACE inhibitor-related angioedema, and use with neprilysin inhibitor within $36\,\text{hours}$.

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)

Beta-1 blocker that slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases cardiac workload. Antidote is glucagon for severe overdose. Max dose commonly up to $400\text{--}450\,\text{mg/day}$ in some adult regimens. Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness. Contraindicated in severe bradycardia, significant heart block without pacemaker, and cardiogenic shock.

Potassium chloride (KCl)

Electrolyte supplement that replaces potassium and supports normal nerve, muscle, and heart function. Common oral replacement is divided doses up to $100\,\text{mEq/day}$. Severe hyperkalemia may be treated with IV calcium, insulin/glucose, and other measures. Side effects include nausea, GI irritation, hyperkalemia, and dangerous arrhythmias. Contraindicated in hyperkalemia and conditions causing potassium retention.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant that prevents formation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Antidote is Vitamin K (phytonadione); severe bleeding may require $4\text{-factor PCC}$. Dose is individualized to INR. Side effects include bleeding, bruising, and rare skin necrosis. Contraindicated in pregnancy in most situations, active major bleeding, and inability to safely monitor treatment.

Acetaminophen — Quick Memorization Fact

Liver toxicity — NAC

Aspirin — Quick Memorization Fact

Antiplatelet — bleeding, tinnitus

Atorvastatin — Quick Memorization Fact

Lowers LDL — muscle pain

Furosemide — Quick Memorization Fact

Loop diuretic — low potassium

Ibuprofen — Quick Memorization Fact

NSAID — GI bleeding, kidney injury

Lovenox — Quick Memorization Fact

Anticoagulant — protamine partially reverses

Lisinopril — Quick Memorization Fact

ACE inhibitor — cough, high potassium

Metoprolol — Quick Memorization Fact

Beta blocker — low heart rate

Potassium chloride — Quick Memorization Fact

Replaces $K^+$ — high potassium is dangerous

Warfarin — Quick Memorization Fact

Anticoagulant — vitamin K