Pharmacology: Medications Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of verapamil?

Blocks calcium entry into smooth muscle and cardiac cells (correct)

Reduces blood flow to the heart

Enhances heart rate via AV node stimulation

Increases calcium entry into smooth muscle

Which side effect is most commonly associated with iron supplements?

Diarrhea

Hypotension

Heart palpitations

Constipation (correct)

In which condition is adalimumab NOT typically used?

Asthma (correct)

Psoriasis

Crohn’s disease

Rheumatoid arthritis

What should be avoided when taking magnesium-containing antacids?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious adverse effect of prednisone use?

Osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

How should hydrochlorothiazide be monitored for potential side effects?

Regular blood tests for potassium and sodium levels Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary consideration is important when taking iron supplements?

Consume with vitamin C for better absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is a regulated teaching point for verapamil?

Dizziness, low heart rate, or edema should be monitored Signup and view all the answers

What is an important teaching point for patients taking Alendronate?

Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are common adverse reactions of Meperidine?

Drowsiness and constipation. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Furosemide administration helps prevent nighttime urination?

Taking it in the morning. Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored for patients taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

Potassium levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious risk associated with long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors like Lansoprazole?

Osteoporosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which should be avoided with Adalimumab to reduce infection risk?

Live vaccines. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration for patients taking Ceftriaxone?

Notify of penicillin allergy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended dietary consideration for patients on Furosemide?

Consume potassium-rich foods. Signup and view all the answers

What common adverse reaction is associated with Magnesium Hydroxide?

Diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What is a precaution for patients prescribed Prednisone?

Do not stop abruptly. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Verapamil

Class: Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine)
Uses: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias (e.g., SVT, atrial fibrillation), cluster headaches, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Mechanism: Blocks calcium entry into smooth and cardiac muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced heart rate.
Key Considerations: Avoid grapefruit juice, monitor for dizziness, low heart rate, or edema.

Iron Supplements

Class: Mineral supplement
Uses: Treats/prevents iron-deficiency anemia.
Common Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset (constipation, nausea, dark stools), teeth staining (liquid).
Serious Adverse Reactions: Iron toxicity (especially in children), allergic reactions.
Instructions: Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C, avoid with calcium or dairy.

Adalimumab (Humira)

Class: TNF-α inhibitor (monoclonal antibody)
Uses: Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis).
Adverse Reactions: Common injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections; serious: severe infections (e.g., TB), malignancies, lupus-like syndrome.
Important Instructions: Avoid live vaccines, monitor for infections or unusual symptoms.

Magnesium-Containing Antacids

Uses: Relieves heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux; mild laxative for constipation.
Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea; hypermagnesemia risk (in renal impairment).
Instructions: Avoid long-term use to prevent vitamin ADEK malabsorption, take 2 hours apart from other medications.

Prednisone

Class: Corticosteroid
Uses: Anti-inflammatory for conditions like asthma, autoimmune diseases, and allergies; immunosuppressant.
Adverse Reactions: Common: weight gain, mood swings, insomnia; serious: osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, infections.
Instructions: Do not stop abruptly (taper slowly), take in the morning with food.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Class: Thiazide diuretic
Uses: Treats hypertension and edema.
Adverse Reactions: Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium/sodium), hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia (gout risk).
Instructions: Increase potassium intake, monitor blood pressure and electrolytes regularly.

Lansoprazole

Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Uses: GERD, peptic ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Adverse Reactions: Common: nausea, diarrhea, headache; long-term: Vitamin B12 deficiency, osteoporosis.
Instructions: Take 30 minutes before meals, avoid long-term use without a doctor's advice.

Furosemide

Class: Loop diuretic
Uses: Treats edema and hypertension.
Adverse Reactions: Hypokalemia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, ototoxicity (high doses).
Instructions: Take in the morning, monitor weight, electrolytes, and kidney function.

Alendronate

Class: Bisphosphonate
Uses: Treats/prevents osteoporosis, manages Paget's disease.
Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal issues (esophagitis, abdominal pain), rare: osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femur fractures.
Instructions: Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, stay upright for 30 minutes.

Meperidine (Demerol)

Class: Opioid analgesic
Uses: Moderate to severe pain relief.
Adverse Reactions: Common: drowsiness, nausea, constipation; serious: respiratory depression, seizures (normeperidine accumulation).
Instructions: Avoid use in renal impairment, only use as prescribed due to risk of dependency.

Ceftriaxone

Class: Third-generation cephalosporin (antibiotic)
Uses: Treats bacterial infections (meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea).
Adverse Reactions: Allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis), gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea), rare: C. difficile infection, biliary sludge.
Instructions: Notify healthcare providers of penicillin allergy, complete the full course.

Adalimumab (Humira) - Updated

Adverse Reactions: Injection site reactions, increased risk of infections (e.g., TB, fungal infections), and rare: malignancies, lupus-like syndrome.
Instructions: Avoid live vaccines and notify provider if infection signs appear (fever, chills, etc.).

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

Uses: Relieves constipation and heartburn.
Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea; hypermagnesemia (if kidney dysfunction).
Instructions: Avoid prolonged use and separate from other medications by 2 hours.

Prednisone - Updated

Adverse Reactions: Weight gain, insomnia, mood swings; long-term risks: osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia.
Instructions: Take with food; do not stop abruptly, taper as prescribed.

Hydrochlorothiazide - Updated

Adverse Reactions: Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia), hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia.
Instructions: Monitor potassium levels, encourage potassium-rich foods.

Furosemide - Updated

Adverse Reactions: Hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity (high doses).
Instructions: Take in the morning (to avoid nocturia), monitor weight, blood pressure, and electrolytes.

Lansoprazole - Updated

Adverse Reactions: Nausea, headache, diarrhea; long-term: osteoporosis, magnesium deficiency.
Instructions: Take before meals, avoid overuse.

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Description

This quiz covers key medications including Verapamil, Iron Supplements, and Adalimumab (Humira). You'll explore their classes, uses, mechanisms, and important considerations. Test your knowledge on this essential pharmacology topic!