NSG-318 Exam 2 Drug Study Guide Overview

Adrenergic Agonist

Prototype: Epinephrine.

Indications: Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, asthma, hypotension.

Contraindications: Hypertension, hyperthyroidism, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy.

MOA: Stimulates alpha and beta receptors, increasing heart rate, bronchodilation, and vasoconstriction.

Side Effects: Tremors, nervousness, dizziness, tachycardia. Adverse Effects: Hypertensive crisis, dysrhythmias, angina, stroke.

Mnemonic: "EPI helps you BREATHE and PUMP."

Beta2 Adrenergic Agonist

Prototype: Albuterol.

Indications: Asthma, bronchospasm, COPD.

Contraindications: Severe cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes. MOA: Stimulates Beta-2 receptors, causing bronchodilation.

Side Effects: Tremors, restlessness, headache.

Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, palpitations, paradoxical bronchospasm.

Mnemonic: "Al Bu-terol opens the Airways."

Beta1 Adrenergic Antagonist (Blocker)

Prototype: Atenolol.

Indications: Hypertension, angina, post-MI treatment.

Contraindications: Bradycardia, heart failure, hypotension, asthma.

MOA: Blocks Beta-1 receptors, reducing heart rate & blood pressure.

Side Effects: Fatigue, dizziness, cold extremities.

Adverse Effects: Bradycardia, heart block, bronchospasm, heart failure.

Mnemonic: "A Ten-O-lol slows the heart to TEN."

Cholinergic Agonist (Parasympathomimetic)

Prototype: Bethanechol.

Indications: Urinary retention, neurogenic bladder.

Contraindications: Asthma, peptic ulcer, bradycardia, Parkinson's disease, hypotension. MOA: Activates muscarinic receptors, increasing bladder contractions.

Side Effects: Sweating, salivation, nausea, abdominal cramps.

Adverse Effects: Bronchospasm, bradycardia, hypotension.

Mnemonic: "Beth Anne pees well."

Anticholinergic

Prototype: Atropine.

Indications: Bradycardia, organophosphate poisoning, pre-op secretion reduction. Contraindications: Glaucoma, tachycardia, BPH, GI obstruction, myasthenia gravis. MOA: Blocks acetylcholine, increasing heart rate, reducing secretions.

Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention.

Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, heatstroke, confusion, hallucinations.

Mnemonic: "A-TRO-Pine speeds the Heart and Dries you up."

Benzodiazepines

Prototypes: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan)

Indications: Anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, seizures

Contraindications:Respiratory depression, pregnancy, glaucoma, alcohol intoxication

MOA: Enhances GABA, producing sedative effects

Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion

Adverse Effects: Respiratory depression, dependence, withdrawal symptoms

Mnemonic: "Benzo Brings the Brain Down"

Benzodiazepine Antagonist

Prototype: Flumazenil

Indications: Benzodiazepine overdose

Contraindications: History of seizures, head injury

MOA: GABA receptor antagonist, reverses sedation

Side Effects: Nausea, dizziness

Adverse Effects: Seizures, withdrawal symptoms

Mnemonic: "Flu-mazenil FLUSHES Benzos"

Non-Benzodiazepine: Sedative-Hypnotic

Prototype: Zolpidem (Ambien)

Indications: Insomnia

Contraindications: Depression, history of substance abuse, severe liver disease

MOA: Acts on GABA receptors, inducing sleep

Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness

Adverse Effects: Sleepwalking, hallucinations, dependence

Mnemonic: "Zolpidem = ZZzzzzz's"

Hydantoin

Prototype: Phenytoin

Indications: Seizures, epilepsy

Contraindications: Pregnancy, bradycardia, heart block

MOA: Blocks sodium channels, preventing neuronal overactivity

Side Effects: Gingival hyperplasia, dizziness

Adverse Effects: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression

Mnemonic: "PHEY-TOIN Prevents Seizures"

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxant

Prototype: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Indications: Muscle spasms, pain

Contraindications: Heart disease, hyperthyroidism, MAOI use

MOA: Inhibits CNS activity, relaxing muscles

Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth

Adverse Effects: Arrhythmias, serotonin syndrome

Mnemonic: "Cyclo-Flex your Muscles"

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Prototype: Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Indications: Depression, anxiety, PTSD

Contraindications: MAOI use, severe liver disease

MOA: Increases serotonin levels, improving mood

Side Effects: Insomnia, nausea, weight changes

Adverse Effects: Serotonin syndrome, suicidal thoughts

Mnemonic: Fluoxetine = Feel SSO Happy"

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

Examples: Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Indications: Depression, neuropathic pain

Contraindications: MAOI use, glaucoma

MOA: Inhibits serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake

Side Effects: Nausea, dizziness

Adverse Effects: Hypertension, serotonin syndrome

Mnemonic: "SNRI = Serotonin & Norepinephrine Rise"

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Examples: Phenelzine, Selegiline

Indications: Depression

Contraindications: Tyramine-rich foods, hypertension, CHF

MOA: Inhibits MAO enzyme, increasing neurotransmitters

Side Effects: Insomnia, weight gain

Adverse Effects: Hypertensive crisis

Mnemonic: "MAOI = Must Avoid Other Ingredients"