Pharmacology Exam Review – Core Drugs

Vocabulary-style flashcards summarizing the class, primary use, key adverse effects, and critical nursing considerations for core pharmacology agents covered in Weeks 1-4.

Baclofen

Centrally acting skeletal-muscle relaxant; GABA-B agonist used for spasticity (MS, spinal-cord injury). Major risks: CNS depression, withdrawal seizures; avoid abrupt stop, no alcohol.

Donepezil

Cholinesterase inhibitor for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease; raises CNS acetylcholine. Give at bedtime. GI upset and bradycardia; caution in asthma/COPD.

Interferon beta-1a / 1b

Immunomodulator for multiple sclerosis; reduces inflammation & demyelination. Flu-like reaction, depression, hepatotoxicity, cytopenias – monitor LFTs, CBC.

Levodopa / Carbidopa (Sinemet)

Levodopa converts to dopamine; carbidopa blocks peripheral breakdown. Treats motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Takes weeks; avoid high-protein meals & vitamin B6; watch for dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension.

Memantine

NMDA-receptor antagonist for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s; slows cognitive decline. Side effects: dizziness, constipation, hypertension, confusion.

Phenytoin

Sodium-channel antiepileptic for tonic-clonic seizures. Therapeutic level 10-20 µg/mL; toxicity → nystagmus, ataxia. Causes gingival hyperplasia; induces CYP enzymes; teratogenic.

Sumatriptan

5-HT₁B/₁D agonist aborting migraine/cluster headache; causes cranial vasoconstriction. Contra- in CAD, uncontrolled HTN; warn about chest pressure, serotonin syndrome.

Valproic Acid

Broad-spectrum antiepileptic & mood stabilizer; ↧ sodium & calcium influx, ↑ GABA. Black-box: hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, fetal neural-tube defects; monitor LFTs, platelets.

Methotrexate

Antimetabolite DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis & cancers; folate antagonist. Risks: bone-marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, pneumonitis, teratogenicity – avoid pregnancy, live vaccines.

Raloxifene

Selective estrogen-receptor modulator for osteoporosis & breast-cancer risk reduction. Estrogen agonist in bone, antagonist in breast/uterus. Can cause DVT/PE – avoid prolonged immobility.

Albuterol

Short-acting β₂-agonist rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm. Tachycardia, tremor common; use before inhaled steroids; wait 1–2 min between puffs.

Alprazolam

Benzodiazepine anxiolytic; potentiates GABA-A. Causes sedation, dependence, respiratory depression w/ CNS depressants. Taper slowly to avoid withdrawal.

Betaxolol (ophthalmic/systemic)

Cardio-selective β₁-blocker; eye drops ↓ aqueous humor in glaucoma. Systemic absorption may induce bradycardia; remove contacts, use punctal occlusion.

Timolol (ophthalmic)

Non-selective β-blocker eye drops for open-angle glaucoma; ↓ aqueous humor production. Contra- in asthma, bradycardia; apply nasolacrimal pressure to limit systemic effects.

Amitriptyline

Tricyclic antidepressant; blocks NE & 5-HT reuptake. Anticholinergic, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, suicide risk early; takes weeks for effect.

Chlorpromazine

First-generation antipsychotic (low-potency). Dopamine D₂ block → treats schizophrenia mania. Watch EPS, anticholinergic effects, orthostasis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, photosensitivity.

Fluoxetine

SSRI for depression, anxiety, OCD, bulimia. Takes 2-4 weeks; early energizing ↑ suicide risk. Side effects: GI upset, insomnia, sexual dysfunction; serotonin syndrome with MAOI, St John’s wort.

Lithium Carbonate

Mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Therapeutic 0.6–1.2 mEq/L; toxicity ≥1.5 → tremor, ataxia, seizures. Maintain normal sodium & fluids; avoid NSAIDs, diuretics.

Pilocarpine

Direct muscarinic agonist eye drops for glaucoma (causes miosis, ↑ outflow). Can trigger blurred/night vision; contraindicated in asthma (bronchospasm risk).

Venlafaxine

SNRI for depression & anxiety. May raise BP, cause insomnia, nausea; taper slowly. Risk of serotonin syndrome esp. with St John’s wort, MAOIs.

Beclomethasone (inhaled)

Corticosteroid controller for chronic asthma. Not rescue. Rinse mouth & use spacer to prevent oral candidiasis; use after bronchodilator.

Cromolyn Sodium

Mast-cell stabilizer for asthma prophylaxis & exercise-induced bronchospasm. Must be used regularly; not for acute attacks. Throat irritation common.

Dextromethorphan

OTC non-opioid antitussive; suppresses cough center. Abuse potential; serotonin-syndrome risk with SSRIs/MAOIs. Avoid in productive cough.

Montelukast

Leukotriene-receptor antagonist for long-term asthma control & allergic rhinitis. Take nightly; neuropsychiatric events (depression, nightmares) possible.

Diphenhydramine

First-generation antihistamine; strong anticholinergic & sedative effects. Contra- in narrow-angle glaucoma; paradoxical excitation in children.

Codeine

Opioid analgesic & antitussive for mild pain/dry cough. Causes sedation, constipation, respiratory depression; avoid in asthma and with alcohol.

Acetaminophen

Non-opioid analgesic/antipyretic. Max 4 g/day (≤3 g safer). Hepatotoxic with overdose or alcohol. Antidote: acetylcysteine.

Allopurinol

Xanthine-oxidase inhibitor for chronic gout & hyperuricemia. Take with food & 2-3 L fluid; rash/fever may signal Stevens-Johnson; monitor kidneys & liver.

Celecoxib

Selective COX-2 NSAID for arthritis pain. Less GI ulcer risk but ↑ MI & stroke; contraindicated with sulfa allergy; take with food.

Aspirin (low-dose)

Irreversible COX-1 inhibitor antiplatelet (81–325 mg) for MI/stroke prevention. Toxicity → tinnitus, GI bleed; avoid in children with viral illness (Reye’s).

Morphine

Prototype opioid for severe pain & MI pulmonary edema. Monitor RR (<12 hold), BP, sedation; causes constipation, miosis. Antidote: naloxone.

Naloxone

Opioid antagonist reversing respiratory depression. Short half-life (30–90 min) – monitor for rebound; may precipitate acute withdrawal pain.

Prednisone

Systemic glucocorticoid for inflammation & autoimmune disease. Side effects: hyperglycemia, infection risk, osteoporosis, mood changes; taper slowly.

Tramadol

Weak µ-opioid agonist + SNRI analgesic for moderate pain. Seizure & serotonin-syndrome risk; causes dizziness, mild respiratory depression; avoid with SSRIs.