Pharmacology Basics

These flashcards cover key pharmacological concepts including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and specific medications.

What is pharmacokinetics?

The study of what the body does to a drug.

What are the four main processes of pharmacokinetics?

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

What is absorption in pharmacokinetics?

Movement of a drug from the administration site into body tissues.

What is distribution in pharmacokinetics?

The process of moving the drug through the circulatory system to its site of action.

Where does metabolism primarily occur?

In the liver.

What is the first-pass effect?

PO drugs pass through the liver and may be partially deactivated, reducing their bioavailability.

How do parenteral medications relate to the first-pass effect?

They bypass the first-pass effect.

What is half-life in pharmacokinetics?

The time it takes for the drug concentration in the body to decrease by half.

What is therapeutic drug monitoring?

Monitoring peak and trough levels of drugs to ensure they remain in the therapeutic range.

What is pharmacodynamics?

The study of the biochemical changes medications cause in the body.

What is an agonist?

A substance that binds with a receptor to produce a response.

What is an antagonist?

A substance that binds with a receptor to block a response.

What is the difference between competitive and noncompetitive antagonists?

Competitive agents compete for receptor sites; noncompetitive agents block access regardless of agonist concentration.

What is an additive effect in drug interactions?

When two medications combined have an effect equal to the sum of their individual parts.

What is a synergistic effect in drug interactions?

When the combined effect of two medications is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

What does an antagonistic effect refer to?

When one medication blocks or decreases the effect of another.

What is tolerance in relation to medication?

A decreasing response to a medication after repeated doses.

What is the cumulative effect?

Occurs when impaired liver or renal function prevents the body from processing one dose before the next is given.

What is toxicity?

When excessive dosages result in life-threatening or irreversible physiological effects.

What neurotransmitters are used by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)?

Catecholamines including norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily used by the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?

Acetylcholine (ACh).

What is balanced anesthesia?

A technique using multiple drugs at smaller doses to achieve patient comfort with fewer adverse effects.

What are the signs of malignant hyperthermia?

104°F temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle rigidity.

What is the treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

Dantrolene and supportive care.

What are CNS depressants?

Medications that include sedatives and hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines.

What is Flumazenil?

The specific reversal agent for benzodiazepine toxicity.

What is the purpose of muscle relaxants like Baclofen?

Used as an adjunct to physical therapy for muscle spasms.

What is the treatment for Baclofen overdose?

Focused on supportive care, including ABCs, fluids, and ECG monitoring.

What do CNS stimulants like amphetamines do?

Increase excitatory neurotransmitters to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity.

How should stimulants for ADHD be administered?

On an empty stomach before meals, the last dose should be given 4–6 hours before bedtime.

What is an adverse effect of Phenytoin (Dilantin)?

Gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, and GI upset.

What is a Black Box Warning (BBW) associated with Phenytoin?

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

What dietary considerations should clients on Carbidopa-Levodopa avoid?

Vitamin B6, dairy, and high-protein foods.

What do SSRIs do?

Block serotonin reuptake.

What is required for patients on MAOIs?

A tyramine-free diet to prevent hypertensive crisis.

What are DMARDs?

Medications that reduce overactive inflammatory processes to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What is the administration guideline for Alendronate?

Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes.

What is a common adverse effect of Statins?

Rhabdomyolysis.

What do diuretics like Furosemide treat?

Heart failure, by promoting diuresis to reduce fluid volume.

What is the specific antidote for digoxin toxicity?

Digoxin immune Fab.

What is the mechanism of action for amiodarone?

It's categorized as an antidysrhythmic medication.

What should be monitored when a patient is on diuretics?

Daily weights and blood pressure before each dose.