Pharmacology Final Master Cheat Sheet: Endocrine, Anti-Infectives, Oncology, Immunology

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to pharmacology with a focus on endocrine, anti-infectives, oncology, and immunology, allowing students to prepare effectively for their exams.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, stimulates FSH and LH release.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone, involved in the development of follicles in ovaries.

LH

Luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.

Estrogen

Sex hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone, important for development of male characteristics.

Ovulation Trigger

High estrogen levels lead to an LH surge, resulting in ovulation.

Oral Contraceptives

Medications that prevent ovulation by lowering FSH and LH.

Thromboembolism

A condition where a blood clot forms and may block blood vessels.

Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to maintain an erection, often treated with PDE-5 inhibitors.

PDE-5 Inhibition

Prevents degradation of cGMP, enhancing vasodilation.

Thyroid Hormones

T4 is converted to T3, the active form, affecting metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid is underactive, leading to weight gain and cold intolerance.

Myxedema

Severe hypothyroidism resulting in puffy skin and other symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid causing weight loss, heat intolerance, and rapid heart rate.

Levothyroxine

Synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.

PTH

Parathyroid hormone, increases blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin

Lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.

Insulin

Hormone that decreases blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone that increases blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition leading to the destruction of insulin-producing cells.

DKA

Diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition resulting from insulin deficiency.

Type 2 Diabetes

Characterized by insulin resistance and often associated with obesity.

Polyuria

Excessive urination, a common symptom of diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst, often observed in diabetic patients.

Polyphagia

Excessive hunger experienced in diabetes.

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Diabetes Insipidus

Condition characterized by insufficient ADH, leading to polyuria.

Desmopressin

Synthetic ADH used to treat diabetes insipidus.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates labor contractions and milk ejection.

Bactericidal vs Bacteriostatic

Bactericidal kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic inhibit their growth.

Beta-lactamase

Enzyme that confers antibiotic resistance, particularly to penicillins.

Superinfection

A secondary infection that occurs after the normal flora is disrupted.

Fungi

Pathogens that target ergosterol in their cell membranes.

Viruses

Infectious agents that utilize host cells for replication.

Antivirals

Medications designed to block viral entry or replication.

Malaria

Disease caused by Plasmodium, transmitted by mosquitoes.

RBC Destruction

Caused by malaria, resulting in fever cycles and anemia.

Prophylaxis

Preventative treatment to avoid infection.

Dysentery

Infection causing severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.

Antiseptic

Substance used on living tissue to reduce infection risk.

Disinfectant

Chemical used on surfaces to destroy pathogens.

Sterilization

Process that destroys all forms of microbial life.

Alkylating Agents

Chemotherapy drugs that cause DNA damage in cancer cells.

Antimetabolites

Drugs that block DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Targeted therapies derived from immune cells to attack cancer.

Myelosuppression

Suppression of bone marrow activity, resulting in reduced blood cells.

Anemia

Condition of having a lower than normal number of red blood cells.

Immunity Types

Includes cellular (T-cells) and humoral (B-cells) responses.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules in the immune system, including interleukins.

Immunosuppressants

Drugs that reduce the immune response, often used in transplants.

Immunostimulants

Agents that enhance immune activity, useful in infections and cancer.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that provide lasting immunity.

T3 vs T4

T3 is the active thyroid hormone, while T4 is a storage form.

LH Surge

Mediates the release of the egg during ovulation.

ADH Function

Role in maintaining water balance in the body.

Antibiotic Mechanisms

Includes cell wall synthesis inhibition, protein synthesis blocking, and DNA damage.

Malaria Lifecycle

Stages of Plasmodium development within hosts.

Antiseptic vs Disinfectant

Antiseptic is for living tissue, disinfectant is for surfaces.

Cancer Drug Toxicity

Includes myelosuppression, affecting blood cell counts.

T Cells

Type of white blood cell involved in cellular immunity.

B Cells

Type of white blood cell responsible for humoral immunity.

Corticosteroids

Steroid hormones that suppress immune function.

OCPs

Oral contraceptive pills that prevent ovulation.

DI

Diabetes insipidus, distinct from diabetes mellitus.

Superinfection Risks

Antibiotics can disrupt normal flora leading to new infections.

Antivirals Limitations

Most do not cure viral infections, only manage symptoms.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Includes damage to normal cells in addition to cancer cells.

Steroids Effect

Immunosuppressive properties affecting the immune system.

Pharmacology Cheat Sheet

Concise notes summarizing key pharmacology concepts for exams.

Cyclic Hormones

Hormones that act in a rhythmic pattern, such as estrogen.

Hormonal Feedback

Regulatory processes that control hormone levels.

Testosterone Effects

Influences male traits and reproductive functions.

Estradiol

The most potent form of estrogen, involved in female reproductive health.

Menopause

The end of a woman’s reproductive period, often marked by lower estrogen.

Luteal Phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, where hormone levels drop.

Androgens

Male hormones that promote male characteristics.

Hormonal Contraception

Methods of birth control that alter hormonal levels to prevent ovulation.

Vitamin D

Hormone that regulates calcium metabolism and bone health.

Parathyroid Glands

Endocrine glands that control the level of calcium in the blood.

Osteoporosis

Condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.

Pancreas Functions

Organ that produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugars.

Insulin Secretion

Process by which insulin is released from pancreatic beta cells.

CGMP

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate, a second messenger in vasodilation.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Diuretic Effect

Increased urine production due to effects of ADH or other drugs.

Fungal Infections

Infections caused by fungi, often requiring antifungal treatment.

Immunotherapy

Treatment strategies that use the body's immune system to fight diseases.

Cytotoxic Drugs

Chemotherapy agents that kill or inhibit cancer cells.

Antigen Presentation

Process by which antigens are displayed on cell surfaces to stimulate an immune response.

Transplant Rejection

Immune response against transplanted tissue due to recognition of foreign antigens.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

Primary Immunodeficiency

Genetic disorders causing defects in the immune system.

Secondary Immunodeficiency

Acquired conditions that weaken the immune response.

Adjuvants

Substances that enhance the body's immune response to an antigen.

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies produced by B cells in response to antigens.

Interferons

Signaling proteins that have antiviral effects and modulate immune response.

Cytokine Storm

Excessive immune response that can lead to tissue damage.

Myeloma

Type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Chemotherapy Regimens

Specific combinations of drugs used in cancer treatment.