NCM106 Pharmacology: Sedative Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential downside of combined oral contraception products?

Higher levels of estrogen exposure. (correct)

Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Increased ability to wear contact lenses.

Lower effectiveness in women who smoke.

Which group of contraceptive pills provides a fixed ratio of estrogen to progestin throughout the menstrual cycle?

Progestin-only

Biphasics

Monophasics (correct)

Triphasics

What is the most common side effect associated with spermicides?

Urinary tract infection

Increased sperm mobility

Temporary irregular bleeding

Skin reactions (correct)

What is a feature of NuvaRing compared to other contraceptives?

It is inserted into the vagina. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of spermicide?

Inactivate sperm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of barrier methods in contraception?

Are non-hormonal methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of contraceptive methods that have a high level of estrogen?

Higher risk of breast tenderness. Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows for a flexible schedule of administration?

NuvaRing Signup and view all the answers

Which drugs are most commonly used as sedatives during childbirth?

Barbiturates and hypnotics Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is transmitted to T11 and T12 spinal levels during early labor?

Visceral pain Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the spine is responsible for somatic pain during the transition phase and second stage of labor?

Sacral region Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Mifepristone?

To block the hormone progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of regional anesthesia during labor and delivery?

To block painful impulses without affecting consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which local anesthetic agents are commonly injected for pain relief during labor?

Local anesthetics Signup and view all the answers

Which plant-derived compound is commonly used to alleviate hot flashes?

Black cohosh Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is primarily caused by the pressure of the presenting part during labor?

Somatic pain Signup and view all the answers

What are bioidentical hormone therapy compounds derived from?

Plant sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common method of administration for bioidentical hormone therapy?

Oral, sublingual, or injectables Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitters are most affected by sedative drugs like secobarbital sodium?

GABA and glycine Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of labor does visceral pain primarily progress to T10 and L1 spinal levels?

Active labor Signup and view all the answers

Which stage marks the years before the natural cessation of menstruation?

Perimenopause Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Misoprostol in medical treatments?

To cause the uterus to contract Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily associated with the maintenance of the uterine lining during pregnancy?

Progesterone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom experienced by women undergoing hormone therapy?

Hot flashes Signup and view all the answers

What is oligomenorrhea?

Very light or scant periods Signup and view all the answers

Ginseng is noted for potentially improving which of the following?

Sleep and mood changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormone therapy (HT) products is specifically used for women who have had a hysterectomy?

Estrogen therapy (ET) Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of a typical pellet therapy treatment?

4 to 6 months Signup and view all the answers

Vaginal preparations used in hormone therapy are primarily effective in treating what condition?

Vaginal dryness Signup and view all the answers

Menopause is officially recognized after a woman has not menstruated for how long?

1 year Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is commonly involved with symptoms related to vaginal dryness during menopause?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What type of hormonal therapy includes both estrogen and progesterone?

Estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main therapeutic use of oxytocin during labor?

To enhance uterine contractility in patients who are already in labor Signup and view all the answers

Why are ergot alkaloids not used during labor?

They can cause sustained uterine contractions leading to complications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of controlled-release dinoprostone in labor management?

To induce cervical ripening prior to labor Signup and view all the answers

What defines uterine inertia?

Inadequate uterine contractions Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary effect of ergot derivatives like methylergonovine maleate after delivery?

Promoting uterine involution and controlling postpartum hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What mechanisms do uterotropic drugs primarily utilize to enhance uterine contractility?

Stimulation of uterine smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

How do patients with uterine inertia respond to oxytocin compared to those not in labor?

They show a more favorable response to lower starting doses of oxytocin. Signup and view all the answers

Which drug can be given as a vaginal insert to aid labor preparation?

Dinoprostone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sedative Drugs in Labor

Commonly used sedatives include barbiturates and hypnotics: secobarbital sodium (Seconal) and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal).
Phenothiazine derivatives and hydroxyzine may be administered alone or with narcotics during early and active labor.

Anesthesia in Childbirth

Anesthesia involves loss of pain sensation, potentially with loss of consciousness, during labor and delivery.
Two pain types during childbirth:
- Visceral pain from cervix and uterus: transmitted via sympathetic fibers entering spinal levels T10, T11, T12, and L1.
- Somatic pain from pressure and stretching of the vagina and perineum: transmitted to sacral regions S2, S3, and S4 by the pudendal nerve.

Regional Anesthesia

Provides pain relief during labor without loss of consciousness by blocking conduction of pain signals.
Allows patients to experience labor while alleviating discomfort in targeted areas.

Drugs Enhancing Uterine Muscle Contractility

Uterotropic drugs like oxytocin, ergot alkaloids, and certain prostaglandins stimulate uterine smooth muscle.

Oxytocin

Administered intravenously, oxytocin assists with labor induction and augmentation in patients experiencing inadequate contractions.
Lower starting doses may be more effective for patients with uterine inertia.

Ergot Alkaloids

Cause direct stimulation of smooth muscle receptors: not recommended during labor due to risk of sustained, harmful contractions.
After delivery, effective in managing postpartum hemorrhage and promoting uterine involution, with methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) being the most utilized derivative.

Combined Oral Contraceptives

High effectiveness (92% to 99.3%) for contraception, but potential side effects include skin reactions, menstrual cramps, and vision changes.
Variants are available:
- Monophasic pills provide constant estrogen-progestin ratio.
- Biphasic or phasic pills vary in hormone levels.

Spermicides

Chemical agents like nonoxynol-9 that inactivate sperm before they ascend through the cervix.

NuvaRing

A flexible ring inserted vaginally, releasing daily doses of estrogen and progestin similar to lower-dose combined oral contraceptives.

Progestin-Only Contraceptives

Options include various formulations aimed at preventing pregnancy but less effective for women over a specific weight.

Alternative Therapies

Black cohosh may alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Mifepristone (RU486): anti-progestin; causes breakdown of uterine lining, ending support for the embryo.
Misoprostol induces uterine contractions to expel pregnancy products.

Menopause Stages

Perimenopause: transitional phase with irregular cycles, heavy/light bleeding, and common symptoms like hot flashes.
Menopause: permanent cessation of menstruation after one year without periods.

Hormone Therapy (HT)

Intended to relieve menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Types include estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) for women with intact uterus and estrogen therapy (ET) for those post-hysterectomy.
Available as oral, transdermal, and vaginal preparations, particularly effective for vaginal dryness.

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Description

This quiz covers the sedative drugs commonly used in pharmacology, focusing on barbiturates like secobarbital and pentobarbital. It also includes information on the use of phenothiazine derivatives and hydroxyzine during labor. Test your knowledge on these important medications and their applications in clinical settings.