Pharmacology: Diuretics and Anticonvulsants

Study Notes

Diuretics

Mannitol: Alters osmosis, reducing water volume and intracranial pressure (ICP). Used for cerebral edema, increased ocular pressure. Risks include fluid leaking back into interstitial spaces, potentially worsening cerebral edema.

Opioid Antagonist

Naloxone: Blocks opioid effects at mu opioid receptors, preventing G protein coupling. Used for opioid overdose. Quick onset, short-acting, requiring repeated dosing.

Anti-Seizure Medications

Sodium Valproate (Epilim): Increases GABA, blocks sodium channels. Used for seizures, epilepsy, and mania.
Phenobarbital (Barbital): Enhances GABA action, reducing seizure spread. Used for epilepsy and sedation.
Phenytoin (Dilantin): Modulates sodium channels, stabilizing nerve excitability. Used in tonic-clonic seizures and post-surgery.
Carbamazepine: Reduces nerve impulses, treating seizures, nerve pain, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Gabapentin: Blocks nerve signals, treating seizures and nerve pain. Associated with risks of dependence and suicidal thoughts.
Lamotrigine: Modulates sodium channels, reduces glutamate release. Used for seizures, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder.

Dopamine Precursor and Decarboxylase Inhibitor

Levodopa (Sinemet): Converts to dopamine in the brain, used for Parkinson's disease.
Carbidopa: Inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa.

Sedative

Midazolam: Acts on GABA A receptors, calming the brain. Used for seizures and anesthesia.

Gastrointestinal (GIT) Medications

Histamine 2 Blockers (Ranitidine, Famotidine): H2 receptor antagonists inhibit gastric acid production. Used for gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD.
Anti-Diarrheal (Loperamide): Activates opioid receptors in the gut, reducing stool frequency. Used for diarrhea.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Pantoprazole): Suppresses gastric acid secretion. Used for GI lesions, ulcers, and GERD.

Laxative

Lactulose: Prevents ammonia absorption, softening stools. Used for hepatic encephalopathy and stool softening.

Endocrine Medications

Insulin (Short-Acting: Actrapid, Novorapid; Long-Acting: Solostar, Optisulin): Regulates glucose metabolism, lowering blood glucose levels. Used for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM).
Biguanide (Metformin): Reduces liver glucose production, increasing insulin sensitivity. First-line treatment for T2DM.
Sulfonylureas (Glipizide): Increases insulin secretion. Adjunct for T2DM.
SGLT2 Inhibitor (Dapagliflozin): Reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. Used for T2DM, weight loss, and fluid management.

Renal Medications

Diuretics (Loop Diuretic: Frusemide; Thiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide; K-Sparing: Spironolactone): Affect sodium reabsorption at different points in the nephron. Used for hypertension and chronic kidney failure.
Erythropoietin (EPO): Stimulates red blood cell production. Used for anemia in chronic kidney failure or cancer.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D: Increases calcium and phosphate absorption. Used for vitamin D and calcium deficiencies.

Colloid

Albumin: Increases osmotic pressure, retaining fluid intravascularly. Used for fluid resuscitation, shock, and rehydration.

Electrolytes and Fluids

Electrolyte (Potassium): Maintains muscle and nerve function. Used for potassium deficiency.
Crystalloid Solutions (NS 0.9%, CSL, Dex5%): Match the osmolarity of blood, preventing fluid shifts. Used for fluid resuscitation and shock.
Hypotonic Solutions (10% Dextrose, 50% Dextrose): Move water into cells. Used for hyponatremia and cellular dehydration.
Hypertonic Solutions (0.45% N/S): Move water out of cells. Used for hypernatremia and to reduce intracranial pressure.

Description

Test your knowledge on diuretics and anti-seizure medications. This quiz covers key drugs like Mannitol, Naloxone, and various anticonvulsants including Sodium Valproate and Phenytoin. Dive into their uses, mechanisms of action, and potential risks.