Drug Classifications Flashcards

Study Notes

Alpha Blockers

Also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonists.
Treat conditions like high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and Raynaud's disease.
Relax specific muscles and keep small blood vessels open.
Work by blocking norepinephrine, resulting in dilated blood vessels and improved blood flow.

Beta Blockers

Also referred to as beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
Used for high blood pressure, glaucoma, and migraines.
Block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline), slowing heart rate and reducing blood pressure.
Improve blood flow by helping blood vessels relax.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Block the action of angiotensin II, a substance that can narrow blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
Prevent thickening and stiffening of blood vessel and heart walls.
Help widen and dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Also known as calcium antagonists.
Treat high blood pressure, migraines, and Raynaud's disease.
Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, lowering blood pressure.
Relax and widen blood vessels, some types also slow the heart rate to reduce blood pressure and relieve angina.

Diuretics

Often called "water pills."
Useful for high blood pressure, glaucoma, and edema.
Increase sodium in urine, which decreases blood volume by taking water from the blood.
Three types: thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing, each affecting different kidney parts with unique uses and side effects.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Lower blood pressure by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Treat high blood pressure, scleroderma, and migraines.
Relax blood vessels by preventing the production of angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Vasodilators

Treat conditions, including high blood pressure.
Open (dilate) blood vessels by acting directly on muscle walls of arteries.
Prevent muscle tightening, improving blood flow and reducing the heart's workload.

Central-Acting Agents

Also known as central adrenergic inhibitors.
Address conditions like high blood pressure, drug and alcohol withdrawal, and hot flashes.
Lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure by inhibiting brain signals that speed up the heart or narrow blood vessels.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Introduced in the 1990s.
Primarily prescribed for depression and anxiety-related disorders.

Description

Test your knowledge on drug classifications with this set of flashcards, focusing on alpha blockers and their uses. Learn how these medications work and the conditions they treat. Perfect for anyone interested in pharmacology or medicine.