Pharmacology Exam 2 Study Guide

• Study notes for Pharmacology Exam 2 will cover aminoglycosides, superinfections, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, IV drug calculations, methotrexate, osteoporosis, vancomycin, Clostridium difficile, nystatin, immune system, bacteriostatic vs bactericidal meds, gout, allopurinol, naproxen, osteomalacia, alendronate, pregnancy categories, calcium supplements, estrogen receptor modulators, antirheumatics, fluconazole, raloxifene, calcitonin, HPV vaccine, boosters, live vaccines, immunotherapy, penicillin/cephalosporin allergies, tetracycline, and acyclovir.

Aminoglycosides

• Risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are major concerns.

Superinfection

• This is a secondary infection that occurs during or immediately following treatment of a primary infection.

Macrolides

• Macrolides are a class of antibiotics, which are characterized by a large macrocyclic lactone ring to which one or more deoxy sugars may be attached.

Fluoroquinolones

• This medication class can cause tendon rupture, especially in older adults, and should be used cautiously.

IV Drug Calculations

• It's essential to know how to calculate IV drug dosages, including drops per hour (gtt/hr), oral medications (PO meds), IV medications, and micrograms per kilogram per hour (mcg/kg/hr) to ensure patient safety.

Methotrexate

• Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and liver damage, necessitating regular monitoring

Osteoporosis

• Bone density tests are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis to prevent fractures

Vancomycin

• Red man syndrome is a reaction characterized by flushing, rash, and hypotension
• It is related to rapid infusion of the drug.

Clostridium Difficile

• C. difficile infections require isolation precautions to prevent spread.

Nystatin

• Nystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat Candida infections.

Immune System

• An intact immune system is vital for the body's ability to fight off infections.

Bacteriostatic vs Bactericidal

• Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth, whereas bactericidal drugs kill bacteria directly.

Gout Medications

• Medications include allopurinol to reduce uric acid production and others to relieve pain and inflammation during acute attacks.

Allopurinol

• Used to reduce uric acid production in the treatment of gout.

Naproxen and Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Naproxen, an NSAID, manages pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteomalacia Medications

• Treatment focuses on vitamin D and calcium supplementation to improve bone mineralization.

Alendronate

• Used in the treatment of Osteoporosis.

Pregnancy Categories

• Awareness of pregnancy categories for medications is crucial due to potential risks to the fetus.

Oral Calcium Supplements

• Used to increase calcium levels.
• Important for bone health.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

• Side effects of SERMs like raloxifene may include hot flashes and increased risk of thromboembolic events.

Antirheumatics and Autoimmune Diseases

• Antirheumatic drugs are used to manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Fluconazole

• This medication is an antifungal used to treat fungal infections.

Aminoglycosides Adverse Effects

• Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, necessitating careful monitoring of kidney function and hearing.

Raloxifene Adverse Effects

• Adverse effects include hot flashes and increased risk of thromboembolic events.

Calcitonin

• Calcitonin is a hormone that inhibits bone resorption and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Topical Nystatin Application

• Apply topically to affected areas.

Vancomycin Side Effects

• Potential side effects include nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and red man syndrome.

HPV Vaccine Schedule

• The HPV vaccine is typically administered in a series of two or three doses, depending on the age at initial vaccination.

Boosters

• Boosters are given to increase immunity.

Live Vaccines Contraindications

• Live vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.

Immunotherapy Side Effects

• Common side effects may include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue.

Penicillin and Cephalosporin Allergies

• There is a potential for cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporin allergies, so caution is advised.

Fluconazole Adverse Effects and Contraindications

• Adverse effects can include liver damage and gastrointestinal upset.
• It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity.

Tetracycline

• This medication can cause photosensitivity and should not be used in children under 8 years old.

Acyclovir

• Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus infections.

Study guide covering aminoglycosides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones and other pharmacology topics. Also includes superinfections, IV drug calculations, methotrexate, osteoporosis, vancomycin, Clostridium difficile, and other medications. It also touches on vaccines and the immune system.