Pharmacology Drug Classes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do adrenergic agents do?

Suppress seizures

Induce sedation

Inhibit parasympathetic impulses

Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (correct)

Which term is synonymous with adrenergic agents?

Anticholinergics

Cholinergic agents

Sympatholytics

Sympathomimetics (correct)

What is the function of the alpha-1 receptor?

Treatment of nasal congestion or hypotension; causes mydriasis during ophthalmic examinations.

What is the role of the alpha-2 receptor?

Treatment of hypertension; reduces the release of norepinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

What is beta-1 receptor used for?

Treatment of cardiac arrest, heart failure, and shock. Signup and view all the answers

What medical conditions are treated by beta-2 receptors?

Asthma and premature labor contractions. Signup and view all the answers

What do adrenergic antagonists do?

Block adrenergic receptors, specific to either alpha or beta blockade. Signup and view all the answers

What do cholinergic agents mimic?

Parasympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What do cholinergic-blocking agents inhibit?

Parasympathetic impulses. Signup and view all the answers

How do benzodiazepines function?

By binding to the GABA receptor-chloride channel molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of barbiturates?

Intensify the effect of GABA throughout the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of anti-seizure pharmacology?

To suppress neuronal activity enough to prevent abnormal or repetitive firing. Signup and view all the answers

What does GABA stand for?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is Phenobarbital's unique ability?

To suppress abnormal neuronal discharges without causing sedation. Signup and view all the answers

What do hydantoin and phenytoin-like drugs desensitize?

Sodium channels. Signup and view all the answers

What do succinimides do?

Suppress seizures by delaying calcium influx into neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants?

Inhibiting the presynaptic reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. Signup and view all the answers

What do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) do?

Slow the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic nerve terminals. Signup and view all the answers

What do serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) inhibit?

The reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

What do monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit?

Monoamine oxidase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glutamate inhibitors/serotonin receptor antagonists?

To alter ionic activity and influence the release, synthesis, and reuptake of various neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What do CNS stimulants do?

Stimulate specific areas of the CNS to heighten alertness and increase focus. Signup and view all the answers

What do phenothiazines do?

Prevent dopamine and serotonin from occupying critical neurologic receptor sites. Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of nonphenothiazines?

Blocking postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors. Signup and view all the answers

What do atypical antipsychotics block?

D2 receptors and serotonin (5-HT) and alpha-adrenergic receptors. Signup and view all the answers

What do opioid agonists do?

Bind to opioid receptors and produce multiple responses. Signup and view all the answers

What do opioid antagonists compete with?

Opioids for access to opioid sites. Signup and view all the answers

What do NSAIDs inhibit?

Cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of prostaglandins. Signup and view all the answers

What are triptans/ergot alkaloids thought to do?

Act by constricting certain intracranial vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What do esters/amides block?

Neuronal pain impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What do inhalation gaseous agents produce?

Analgesia caused by suppression of pain mechanisms in the CNS. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a depolarizing blocker?

Works by causing muscle paralysis by preventing muscle fiber contraction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrenergic Agents: Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, inducing fight-or-flight response symptoms.
Sympathomimetics: Another term for Adrenergic Agents, highlighting their ability to mimic sympathetic nervous system actions.
Alpha-1 Receptor: Used for treating nasal congestion and hypotension, causing mydriasis (pupil dilation) during eye exams.
Alpha-2 Receptor: Primarily used for hypertension treatment; reduces norepinephrine release, lowering blood pressure.
Beta-1 Receptor: Critical in treating cardiac arrest, heart failure (HF), and shock.
Beta-2 Receptors: Effective in managing asthma symptoms and preventing premature labor contractions.
Adrenergic Antagonists: Block adrenergic receptors, with the capability to target either alpha or beta receptors.

Cholinergic Agents and Blockers

Cholinergic Agents: Mimic parasympathetic nervous system actions, promoting rest-and-digest responses.
Parasympathomimetics: Another name for Cholinergic Agents, reflecting their similar functions.
Cholinergic-Blocking Agents: Inhibit parasympathetic impulses and suppress the fight-or-flight response.
Anticholinergics: The class of drugs that includes Cholinergic-Blocking Agents.

Anxiolytics and Anticonvulsants

Benzodiazepines: Bind to GABA receptor-chloride channel complex, promoting calmness and sedation.
Barbiturates: Intensify GABA's effects across the brain by binding to the GABA receptor-chloride channel.
Anxiety and Insomnia Treatment: Mechanism believed linked to D2 dopamine receptors and serotonin receptor activities.
Anti-seizure Pharmacology: Aims to suppress neuronal activity to prevent abnormal firing.
GABA: The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Phenobarbital: Allows the suppression of abnormal neuronal discharges without sedation.

Seizure Medications

Hydantoin and Phenytoin-Like Drugs: Desensitize sodium channels, delaying neuron depolarization.
Succinimides: Suppress seizures by delaying calcium influx into neurons.

Antidepressants

Tricyclic Antidepressants: Inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at presynaptic neurons.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Slow the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic nerve terminals, enhancing mood.
Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Raise serotonin and norepinephrine levels, improving mood.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Prevent monoamine oxidase from terminating neurotransmitter actions.

CNS Stimulants and Antipsychotics

Glutamate Inhibitor / Serotonin Receptor Antagonist: Alters neuronal ionic activity and impacts neurotransmitter release and uptake.
CNS Stimulants: Heighten alertness and increase focus by stimulating specific CNS areas.
Phenothiazines: Prevent dopamine and serotonin from occupying essential receptor sites in neurologic pathways.
NonPhenothiazines: Block postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors for antipsychotic effects.
Atypical Antipsychotics: Block both D2 and serotonin (5-HT) receptors alongside alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Pain Management and Opioids

Opioid Agonists: Bind to opioid receptors, resulting in various biological responses.
Opioid Antagonists: Compete with opioids for receptor sites, blocking their effects.
NSAIDs: Inhibit cyclooxygenase, preventing the formation of pain-inducing prostaglandins.
Triptans / Ergot Alkaloids: Serotonin agonists thought to constrict specific intracranial blood vessels, relieving migraine pain.
Esters / Amides: Block sodium channels, inhibiting neuronal pain impulses.
Inhalation Gaseous Agents: Create analgesic effects through interactions with the CNS's pain mechanisms.

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Test your knowledge on key pharmacological terms with these flashcards focusing on drug classes. Each card presents a word along with its definition, providing a quick way to learn and reinforce your understanding of pharmacology concepts. Perfect for students and professionals alike!