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Pharmacology Study Notes: Nervous, Respiratory, and Cardiovascular Systems, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Pharmacology

Virginia State University (VSU)Pharmacology

A concise review of key pharmacological agents affecting the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. It covers various drug classes, including benzodiazepines, ssris, atypical antidepressants, tcas, maois, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, adhd medications, and treatments for alcohol and opioid withdrawal. Additionally, it outlines medications for respiratory conditions like asthma and copd, as well as cardiovascular drugs such as diuretics, ace inhibitors, beta-blockers, and vasodilators. The notes include mechanisms of action, side effects, and important considerations for patient monitoring and administration, making it a valuable resource for medical and pharmacy students. This review is designed to aid in exam preparation and clinical understanding, offering a quick reference to essential drug information. It is a useful tool for students and healthcare professionals seeking to reinforce their knowledge of pharmacology.

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Pharm Study Review Notes

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Benzodiazepines

•Alprazolam

•Diazepam

•Lorazepam

•Chlordiazepoxide

•Sedation

•Dependency/Withdrawal - Short term

•Antidote is Flumazenil

Atypical Anxiolytics

•Buspirone

•No Sedation - No Dependency - Long term

•Full effects take weeks

•Take with meals

SSRIs

•Paroxetine

•Sertraline

•Fluoxetine

•Insomnia

•Watch for Serotonin Syndrome (Agitation, Hallucinations, Fever,

Diaphoresis, Tremors)

•Do Not Take With St. John’s Wort

•Full Effects take months

Atypical Antidepressants

•Bupropion

•Trazodone (Major Side Effect - Sedation)

•Depression & Smoke Cessation

•Insomnia, headache, GI Distress, Weight Loss, Agitation, Seizures

TCAs

•Amitriptyline

•Imipramine

•Sedation, orthostatic hypotension Anticholinergic Effects (Urinary

Retention, Constipation, Dry Mouth, Blurry Vision, Photophobia)

MAOIs

•Phenelzine

•Tranylcypromine

•HTN Crisis

•Do not eat foods with tyramine

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Pharm Study Review Notes

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Benzodiazepines

Alprazolam
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Chlordiazepoxide
Sedation
Dependency/Withdrawal - Short term
Antidote is Flumazenil Atypical Anxiolytics
Buspirone
No Sedation - No Dependency - Long term
Full effects take weeks
Take with meals SSRIs
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Insomnia
Watch for Serotonin Syndrome (Agitation, Hallucinations, Fever, Diaphoresis, Tremors)
Do Not Take With St. John’s Wort
Full Effects take months Atypical Antidepressants
Bupropion
Trazodone (Major Side Effect - Sedation)
Depression & Smoke Cessation
Insomnia , headache, GI Distress, Weight Loss, Agitation, Seizures TCAs
Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Sedation, orthostatic hypotension Anticholinergic Effects (Urinary Retention, Constipation, Dry Mouth, Blurry Vision, Photophobia) MAOIs
Phenelzine
Tranylcypromine **- HTN Crisis
Do not eat foods with tyramine**

Mood Stabilizers

Lithium
Side Effects: GI Upset, Fine Hand Tremors (Coarse in Tox) , Polyuria, Weight gain, Kidney Tox, Electrolyte imbalances
Monitor Plasma Levels: Tox over 1.5 mEq/L
Toxicity (Coarse hand tremors, confusion, hypotension, seizures, tinnitus
No diuretics, Anticholinergics or NSAIDs
Contraindicated in Renal Disease
Closely monitor NA, Drink 2-3 L of water Antiepileptics (Bipolar Disorder)
Carbamazepine (Blood Issues (Anemia, Thrombocytopenia & Leukopenia) , Vision Issues & Rash)
Valproic Acid (GI Upset, Hepatotoxicity , Pancreatitis, Thrombocytopenia) Antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine
Haloperidol
EPS, NMS, Agranulocytosis, Anticholinergic Effects, Sedation
Monitor Vitals 1-2 hours
Benztropine can control EPS
Dantrolene can control NMS Atypical Antipsychotics
Risperidone (IM q 2 weeks for non-compliance)
Clozapine (Agranulocytosis)
Olanzapine
Diabetes, Weight Gain, Increased Cholesterol, Sedation, Anticholinergic Effects
Avoid Alcohol ADHD Meds
Methylphenidate
Amphetamine
Insomnia, Dysrhythmias, Decreased Appetite, Weight Loss
Do not give at night
Give Immediately Before/After Meals **- Monitor Child’s Weight Alcohol Abuse (Withdrawal) Withdrawal Starts Within 4-12 Hours of Last Drink Peaks at 24-48 Hours
Benzodiazepines - Stabilizes vitals, Decrease Seizures
Carbamazepine - Decreases Seizures
Clonidine - Decreases BP & HR

Hold Gentle Pressure on Nasolacrimal Duct for 30-60 Seconds

Anti Glaucoma (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor)

Acetazolamide
Causes Diuresis
Flu Like Symptoms, GI Upset, Electrolyte Imbalance
Give with Food Ear Drops to Treat Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Cipro W/ Hydrocortisone
Roll Container, Don’t Shake
Position on Unaffected Side
Keep pt on Side for 5 mins
Lightly Pack w/ cotton
Dry Ear Canal after Swimming/Bathing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Succinylcholine
Pancuronium
Respiratory Arrest, Apnea, Malignant Hyperthermia , Muscle Pain
Treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia (100% O2, Cooling, Dantrolene (Muscle Relaxant)) Muscle Relaxant (Direct on Skeletal Muscle)
Dantrolene
Used for MS, Muscle Spasm, Cerebral Palsy, Malignant Hyperthermia
Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, GI Upset, Hepatotoxicity
Monitor for Liver Damage Muscle Relaxant (Centrally Acting)
Baclofen
Muscle Spasm, Cerebral Palsy, MS, can also treat Malignant Hyperthermia
Drowsiness, GI Upset, Constipation (Increase Fiber) Urinary Tract Stimulant
Bethanechol
Treats Non-Obstructive Urinary Retention
Cholinergic Symptoms (Flushing, Sweating, Urinary Urgency, Bradycardia, Hypotension)
Administer 1 Hour Before or 2 Hours After Meals Urinary Tract Antispasmodic
Oxybutynin
Treats Overactive Bladder
Anticholinergic Symptoms (Dry Mouth, Urinary Retention, Constipation, Blurred Vision)

Glucocorticoids

Prednisone
Side Effects: Bone loss, Weight Gain/Fluid Retention, Hyperglycemia, Hypokalemia, Infection, Muscle Weakness, PUD, Adrenal Gland Suppression
Stress may need increased doses
**Do not stop suddenly, taper off
Monitor for s/s of infection**
Avoid NSAIDs Leukotriene Modifier
Montelukast (Take in evening or 2 hours before exercise)
Zafirlukast (Increased liver enzymes, take with food)
Asthma/Exercise induced Bronchoconstriction Antitussives
Codeine
Nonproductive cough
Change positions slowly, avoid, ETOH, increase fluid/fiber Expectorants
Guaifenesin
Nonproductive cough
Thins mucus (Increase Fluids)
GI Upset, Drowsiness, Rash Mucolytics
Acetylcysteine
Pulmonary Disorders W/ Thick Mucus, CF
Antidote for Acetaminophen Poisoning
Bronchospasm, N/V, Rash
Smells like rotten eggs, No Asthma Decongestants
Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Runny nose
Vasoconstricts Respiratory Tract Mucosa
Agitation, Nervousness, Palpitations, Rebound Congestion Antihistamines 1st & 2nd Gen
Diphenhydramine (1st)
Loratadine (2nd)
Nasal Congestion, Mild Allergic Reactions, Motion Sickness
Sedation, Anticholinergic Effects (Dry Mouth, Constipation, Urinary Retention) Nasal Glucocorticoids

Mometasone
Fluticasone
Budesonide
Rhinitis, Decreases inflammation in nasal passages
Headache, Sore Throat CARDIOVASCULAR Loop Diuretics
Furosemide
Pulmonary Edema, HTN
Blocks reabsorption of Water, Na, Cl in the Loop of Henle - Rapid Diuresis
Dehydration, **Electrolyte Imbalances, Hypotension, Ototoxicity, Hyperglycemia
Administer during the day
Infuse at 20mg/min
Weigh Daily
Monitor I & Os/Electrolytes
Encourage Foods High in Potassium Thiazide Diuretics**
Hydrochlorothiazide
HTN, Edema
Blocks Water, Na, & Cl Reabsorption at the distal tubule
Dehydration, Hypokalemia , Hyperglycemia, No Ototoxicity
Administer during the Day
Weigh Daily, Monitor I&Os, Electrolytes
Encourage Foods High in Potassium Potassium Sparing Diuretics
Spironolactone
HF, HTN
No Kidney Failure
Blocks Aldosterone, Excretes Na & Water, but Keeps K
Hyperkalemia, Amenorrhea, Gynecomastia, Impotence
Monitor K Levels, Avoid Salt Substitutes Osmotic Diuretics
Mannitol
Edema, Increased ICP, Increased IOP
Draws fluid back into Interstitial Fluid & Plasma
HF, Pulmonary Edema, Renal Failure, Dehydration, Electrolyte Imbalances ACE Inhibitors

Vasodilator (For HTN Crisis)

Nitroprusside
Direct vasodilation of arteries & veins, rapidly decreases BP
Hypotension, Cyanide Poisoning, Thiocyanate Toxicity Adrenergic Agonists
Epinephrine
(Cardiac Arrest, Asthma, Anaphylaxis)
Causes Bronchodilation, Vasoconstriction, Increases BP, HR, CO
Dopamine
(Shock, HF, Improves renal Blood Flow)
Increased HR/CO
Dobutamine
(HF)
Increases CO Cardiac Glycosides
Digoxin
HF, AFib
Positive Inotropic & Negative Chronotropic Effects
Dysrhythmias, Bradycardia, Toxicity (GI Upset, Fatigue/Weakness, Vision Changes)
Check Apical Pulse Rate Before (Do Not give below 60 bpm)
Monitor Levels (Should be 0.5-2.0 ng/mL)
Hypokalemia increases risks for toxicity
Increase High K Foods
Treat Bradycardia with Atropine
Treat Overdose with Digibind Antianginal
Nitroglycerine
Angina
Vasodilation, Decreases Preload & Myocardial O2 Demand
Headache, Orthostatic Hypotension, Reflex Tachycardia
Store in cool/dark place
Take up to 3 Tabs (5 Mins apart) Antidysrhythmic Class I
Procainamide
Lidocaine
SVT, V Tach, A Flutter, A Fib
Na Channel Blocker
Hypotension, Lupus, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Arrhythmias Antidysrhythmic Class II
Propranolol

A Fib, A Flutter, SVT, HTN, Angina
Non-selective Beta Blocker
Hypotension , Bradycardia, Fatigue, Weakness, Bronchospasm
Do not use in Pts W/ Asthma Antidysrhythmic Class III
Amiodarone
A Fib, V Fib, V Tach
K Channel Blocker
Hypotension, Bradycardia, Pulmonary Toxicity, Visual Disturbances, GI Upset, Liver Toxicity, Thyroid Dysfunction Antidysrhythmic Class IV
Verapamil
Diltiazem
A Fib, A Flutter, SVT, HTN, Angina
CCB
Hypotension, Bradycardia, GI Upset Antilipemic Agents (Statins)
Atorvastatin
Simvastatin
Hypercholesterolemia, Prevents MIs
Decreases LDL, Increases HDL
Hepatotoxicity , GI Upset, Muscle Pain , Rhabdomyolysis
Administer W/ Evening Meal
Monitor Liver & CK Levels
Avoid Alcohol Antilipemic Agents (Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor)
Ezetimibe
Hypercholesterolemia
Inhibits absorption of Cholesterol in Small Intestine
Hepatotoxicity & Muscle Pain
Monitor Liver & CK Levels Antilipemic Agents (Bile Acid Sequestrant)
Colesevelam
Hypercholesterolemia
Binds bile acids in the intestines, causing increased excretion of LDLs
Constipation (Increase Fiber/Fluid)
Take with food & full glass of water
Interferes with absorption of fat soluble vitamins & Oral contraceptives

Aspirin
Abciximab
Clopidogrel
Prevents MI, Stroke
Inhibits Platelet Aggregation
GI Upset, Bleeding, Tinnitus
Do not give ASA to children (Reye’s) Thrombolytics
Alteplase
Reteplase
MIs, Strokes, PEs, Occluded Central Lines
Breaks up Fibrinogen
Bleeding, Contraindicated in pts who have hemorrhagic stroke, internal bleeding, recent trauma/surgery, severe HTN
Should be taken within 3 hours of symptoms , closely monitor labs, VS
Limit venipunctures & IM injections Erythropoiesis Growth Factors
Epoetin Alfa
Anemia, Increases Production of RBCs in pts with anemia r/t chronic kidney disease, HIV, Chemotherapy
Stimulates Bone Marrow to produce more RBCs
HTN, Increased Risk of DVT/Stroke
Do not agitate vial
Monitor BP, Hgb & HCT twice a week, check Fe Levels Leukopoietic Growth Factors
Filgrastim
Neutropenia, Decrease Infection in pts with Neutropenia (R/T Chemo)
Causes Bone Marrow to Produce more Neutrophils
Bone Pain, Leukocytosis (High WBC), Splenomegaly
Do Not agitate Vial, Monitor CBC twice a week GASTROINTESTINAL Histamine 2 Receptor Agonists
Ranitidine
Famotidine
Duodenal & Gastric Ulcers, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Blocks H2 Receptors, Reducing Gastric Acid Secretion
Increased Bacteria in Stomach & Respiratory Tract

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Omeprazole
Pantoprazole
Duodenal & Gastric Ulcers, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Inhibits enzyme needed for gastric acid secretion
GI Upset, Increased risk of osteoporosis Mucosal Protectant
Sucralfate
Duodenal Ulcers
Reacts W/ Stomach Acid to form thick paste which covers ulcers **- Constipation (Increase Fluid/Fiber)
Take 1 Hour Before Meals & At Bedtime (4 times a day) Antacids**
Aluminum Hydroxide
Sodium Bicarbonate
Calcium Carbonate
PUD, GERD
Neutralizes Stomach Acid **- Constipation (Aluminum & Calcium) & Diarrhea (Magnesium)
Take 1 Hour & 3 Hours After Meals & at Bedtime
Take at least 1 Hour Before or After Other Meds Prostaglandins**
Misoprostol
Prevents gastric ulcers in pts taking NSAIDs
Also induce labor by ripening the cervix
Decreases Stomach Acid Secretion, Increases production of protective mucus
Dysmenorrhea, Miscarriage, GI Upset
Do not Administer to a Pregnant Woman (Pregnancy Test) Antiemetics
Ondansetron
N/V due to chemo, Radiation, or Post Op
Blocks Serotonin Receptors
Headache, Dizziness, GI Upset
Administer Prior to Chemotherapy Laxatives
Psyllium - Softens Stool & Increases Bulk
Docusate Sodium - Increases Surface area of stool allowing water in (Softens)
Bisacodyl - Stimulates Peristalsis
Magnesium Hydroxide - Draws water into the intestine, promotes peristalsis (Monitor for Mg Tox & Dehydration)
Contraindicated for Bowel Obstructions (Increase Fluid/Fiber/Exercise)

Take on Empty Stomach, Before meals
Increase Fluid/Fiber
Encourage Intake of High Iron Foods REPRODUCTIVE Estrogens
Premarin
Estradiol
Contraception, PMS Symptoms, Post menopausal osteoporosis, Dysmenorrhea, Prostate Cx
Can Cause Embolic Events, HTN, Weight Gain, Edema, Increased risk of some Cx
Contraindicated in pts who smoke, have HTN, or are at high risk for embolic events, or have estrogen dependent Cx Progesterones
Medroxyprogesterone
Contraception, Counters Estrogen
Can Cause Embolic Events, Menstrual Changes, Edema, Increased Risk For Breast Cx
Delay conception for 3 months after stopping Contraindicated for someone at risk for embolic events Androgens
Testosterone
Treats Delayed puberty in boys, Hypogonadism, Postmenopausal Breast Cx
Can Cause Acne, Hypercholesterolemia, Edema, Liver Dysfunction, Polycythemia (Increased Hgb & HCT), Premature epiphyseal Closure Can cause deepening of voice, baldness & Hirsutism in women
Contraindicated in pts with prostate Cx, High abuse potential BPH Medication (Androgen Inhibitor)
Finasteride
Treats BPH & Baldness
Prevents conversion of testosterone, reducing prostate size & increased hair growth
Can Cause ED & Gynecomastia
Pregnant Women Should Not Handle This Med

BPH Medication (Peripherally Acting Antiandrenergic)

Tamsulosin
Treats BPH
Relaxes Smooth Muscle of the Prostate, Improving Urine Flow
Can Cause Hypotension, Dizziness, Headache & Issues with Ejaculation
Take at the same time Every Day (30 Mins After Meal) Monitor BP Erectile Dysfunction Medication
Sildenafil
Treats ED
Increases Flow to the Penis
Can Cause Priapism (Prolonged Erection), MI
Do Not Take With Other Nitrates , Use Cautiously W/ CV Disease Uterine Stimulant
Oxytocin
Induction of Labor, Placenta Delivery, Postpartum Hemorrhage
Stimulates the Uterus
Can Cause Uterine Rupture, Painful Contractions
Closely Monitor Contractions (Should be less than 60 Secs)
Monitor Maternal/Fetal BP & Pulse
Magnesium can be used to relax the uterus Medications to Treat Preterm Labor
Terbutaline Sulfate
Treats Preterm Labor, Delays, but does not prevent labor, Also used for Asthma/COPD
Causes Relaxation of the Uterus & Bronchodilation
Can Cause Tachycardia, Angina, Restlessness, Tremors
Contraindicated for Gestation of 34 Weeks or for Dilation Greater Than 6cm Opioid Analgesic During Labor
Meperidine Hydrochloride
Treats Severe Pain During Labor
Binds to Opioid Receptors in the CNS, Decreases Pain W/O significant Respiratory Depression
Can Cause GI Upset, Sedation, Dry Mouth, Hypotension, Bradycardia

Prevents Bone Marrow Resorption by Inhibiting Osteoclast Activity
Can Cause GI Upset, Nasal Irritation/Dryness (If given Nasal)
Encourage Intake of Ca, Vitamin C & Weight Bearing Exercise, Monitor Bone Density PAIN / INFLAMMATION Nonopioid Analgesics (NSAIDs)
Aspirin (Can cause tinnitus, Reye Syndrome in children)
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Treats mild to moderate pain, fever & Inflammation
Inhibits Prostaglandin Synthesis
Can Cause GI Upset, GI Bleeding, Rental Toxicity, Rash
Do not use in pts with PUD, or bleeding disorders, Avoid Alcohol
Monitor for Signs of Salicylism with Aspirin Nonopioid Analgesics (Acetaminophen)
Acetaminophen
Treats Mild to Moderate Pain, Fever
Inhibits Prostaglandin Synthesis in CNS **- Can Cause Hepatotoxicity in High Doses
Do not Exceed 4g/day
Acetylcysteine is Antidote for Overdose Opioid Agonists**
Morphine
Fentanyl
Oxycodone
Treats Moderate to Severe Pain, Promotes Sedation
Binds to Opioid Receptors in the CNS
Can Cause Respiratory Depression , Sedation, Constipation, GI Upset, Hypotension, & Urinary Retention
Naloxone Is the Antidote
Monitor Pain Level, Vitals, Respiratory Status, Administer Slowly, Administer around the clock for Cx pain, increase fluid/fiber Opioid Antagonists
Naloxone
Treats Opioid Overdose
Competitively Blocks Opioid Receptors in the CNS
Can Cause HTN, Tachycardia, Agitation, GI Upset
Monitor Respiratory Status & Pain Anti-Gout Meds
Colchicine
Treats Pain/Inflammation in Acute Gout Attack

Can Cause GI Upset, Thrombocytopenia
Probenecid
Inhibits Uric Acid Resorption, Treats Chronic Gout
Can cause GI Upset, Renal Calculi
Allopurinol
Inhibits Uric Acid Production, Treats Chronic Gout
Can Cause GI Upset, Rash, Hepatotoxicity & Nephrotoxicity Migraine Medications (Ergot Alkaloids)
Ergotamine
Treats Vascular Headaches, Migraine Headaches & Cluster Headaches
Vasoconstricts Intracranial Blood Vessels
Can Cause GI Upset, Muscle Pain, Numbness/Tingling, HTN
Advise pts to lie down in a dark, quiet place
Avoid Tyramine Rich Foods Migraine Medications (Triptans)
Sumatriptan
Treats Acute Attacks of Vascular Headaches ( Migraine & Cluster)
Vasoconstricts Intracranial Blood Vessels
Can Cause warm/tingling sensation, dizziness, angina, injection site discomfort
Advise pts to lie down in dark, quiet place
Avoid Tyramine Rich Foods Local Anesthetic (Topical & Parenteral)
Lidocaine
Topical: Used to decrease pain in the skin, mucus membranes
Parenteral: Used to decrease pain in minor surgeries, & Epidurals
Blocks conduction of pain impulses
Parenteral Can Cause: Hypotension, Bradycardia, Prolonged Labor, Spinal Headache, Allergic Reactions
For Procedure, Apply 1 hour before & Cover with dressing ENDOCRINE Insulin (Onset, Peak, Duration & Side Effects)
Lispro
Rapid, Onset (<15 min), Peak (30min - 1 hr), Duration (3-4 Hrs)
Regular
Short Acting, Onset (30min - 1 hr), Peak (2-3 hr), Duration (5-7 hrs)
NPH
Intermediate, Onset (1-2 hr), Peak (4-12 hr), Duration (18-24 hr)
Glargine
Onset (1 hr), Peak (None), Duration (24 hr) Insulin Key Points
Can Cause Hypoglycemia & Lipohypertrophy (Rotate Injection Sites)

Pharmacology Study Notes: Nervous, Respiratory, and Cardiovascular Systems, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Pharmacology

Related documents

Partial preview of the text

Download Pharmacology Study Notes: Nervous, Respiratory, and Cardiovascular Systems and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Pharmacology in PDF only on Docsity!

Pharm Study Review Notes

NERVOUS SYSTEM