Pharmacology Mnemonics

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4

Dopamine
2008-01-29 15:56:00
Name: Dopamine Class: CHF Rx (b-Adrenergic Agonist) Mechanism: ¯ dose ® D1 stim. ­ dose ® b1 stim. Also releases NE from symp. neur. Causes vasodilation in renal, mesenteric, and coronary beds ® ­ renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and Na+ excretion. Also causes ¯ Na+ and H20 resorption. High doses ® ­ HR. Usu. increases systolic BP and pulse pressure. Low-mod. doses ® static or decreased vasc. resistance. High conc. ® a1 activation ® vasoconstriction ® ­ BP. ­ cAMP ® ­ contractility. Absorption: No oral. IV. Onset w/in 5 min. Dist.: Metabolism.: Catab. by COMT and MAO, esp. in liver and kidneys. Glucuronidation and sulfconjugation Excretion, t½: Duration of action 10 min. t½: 2 min. Toxicity/S.E.s: Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, anginal pain, arrhythmia, headache, hypertension, vasoconstriction. Usu. due to excessive symp activity. Treat by stopping admin. or w/a blockers. Local ischemic necrosis. Contraind. w/pheochromocytomas, unco...

Digoxin (Lanoxin)
2008-01-29 15:54:00
Name: Digoxin (Lanoxin) Class: CHF Rx (Cardiac Glycoside) Mechanism: Inhib. of Na+/K+ ATPase ® ­ release of Ca2+ from SR ® ­ myocardial contractility. Also ­ sensitivity of AV node to vagal stimulation ® ¯ ventricular rate in atrial flutter or fibrillation (i.e., anti-arrhythmic). Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Very little. Excretion, t½: Urine. Short t½. Toxicity/S.E.s: Low therapeutic index. Toxicity enhanced by hypokalemia. Arrhythmias (possibly life-threatening), anorexia, n/v/d, drowsiness, fatigue, visual disturbances. Verapamil or quinidine ® ­ toxicity. Utility: Treat heart failure. DOC for atrial fibrillation/flutter. Special Features: No active Metabolismolites. Shorter t½, less GI absorption, and less protein binding than digitoxin. Only cardiac glycoside routinely used.

Ethanol
2008-01-28 20:57:00
Name: Ethanol Class: Teratogen With Immediate and Delayed Developmental Effects Mechanism: Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: High risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Risk present in all trimesters. Utility: Special Features:

Isotretinoin (Accutane)
2008-01-28 20:57:00
Name: Isotretinoin (Accutane ) Class: Teratogen With Immediate Developmental Effects Mechanism: Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Extremely high risk of congenital anomalies. Problem forpimply pregnant people. Risk present in all trimesters. Utility: Used to treat severe, intractable acne. Special Features:

Thalidomide
2008-01-28 20:57:00
Name: Thalidomide Class: Teratogen With Immediate Developmental Effects Mechanism:. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Embryonic exposure between weeks 4-7 of gestation ® ­­ risk of birth defects, esp. phocomelia. Paternal use of thalidomide canalso result in serious birth defects. Risk only in first trimester. Utility: Currently used in treatment of leprosy and AIDS. Special Features: Previously widely used in Europe as a sedative-hypnotic with the result of ~8,000 babies with phocomelia.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
2008-01-28 20:57:00
Name: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Class: Teratogen With Delayed Developmental Defects Mechanism: Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Female fetuses exposed to diethylstilbestrol are at increased risk for vaginal adenosis and clear cell vaginal adenocarcinoma after puberty. Risk present in all trimesters. Utility: Special Features: Previously commonly used to treat pregnant women who were threatening spontaneous abortion.

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
2008-01-28 20:56:00
Name: Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) Class: Long-Acting Contraceptive (Progestin-Only) Mechanism: Doesn’t always inhibit ovulation. Produces changes in cervical mucus ® block of sperm penetration. Absorption: IM Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Irregular menstrual bleeding, headaches, depression. Drugcannot be removed to alleviate side effects. Utility: Contraception, esp. in patients c/i for estrogen therapy. Special Features: None of the cardiovascular toxicity of the combination pill.

Norgestrel (Ovrette)
2008-01-28 20:56:00
Name: Norgestrel (Ovrette) Class: Oral Contraceptive (Mini-Pill) (Low-Dose Progestin) Mechanism: Doesn’t always inhibit ovulation. Produces changes in cervical mucus ® block of sperm penetration. Absorption: Oral Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: High incidence of abnormal bleeding. Headaches, depression. Utility: Contraception, esp. in patients c/i for estrogen therapy. Special Features: Less effective than estrogen-progestin combination pills. None of the cardiovascular toxicity of the combination pill.

Morning-After Pill (Ovral, The Pill, etc.)
2008-01-28 20:56:00
Name: Morning -After Pill (Ovral, The Pill , etc.) Class: Oral Contraceptive (Estrogen/Progestin Combination) Mechanism: Blocks nidation by producing an unfavorable endometrium. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Breast fullness, depression, dizziness, edema, headache, n/v, cardiovascular disease (esp. in smokers over age 35). C/i in presence of cerebrovascular and thromboembolic disease,estrogen-dependent neoplasms, liver disease, and migraine headache. Utility: Post-coital contraceptive. Usu. ~99% effective if admin. w/in 72 hours. Special Features:

The Pill (Various)
2008-01-28 20:56:00
Name: The Pill (Various) Class: Oral Contraceptive (Estrogen/Progestin Combination) Mechanism: Blocks ovulation, suppresses endometrial growth, produces changes in cervical mucus ® block of sperm penetration. Absorption: Oral. Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Breakthrough bleeding, amenorrhea, water retention, headache, breast fullness, depression, dizziness, edema, headache, n/v, weight gain, acne, cardiovascular disease (esp. in smokers over age 35). Absolute C/Is—thromboembolic disorder, CVA, CAD, ¯ liver fxn, hepatic adenoma, estrogen-dependent cancer (e.g., breast, endometrium), pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, tobacco use over age 35. Relative C/Is—migraine headaches, hypertension, leiomyomata, diabetes mellitus or prev. gestational diabetes, elective surgery, seizures or anticonvulsant use, obstructive jaundice in pregnancy, sickle cell disease, gall bladder disease...

Conjugated estrogens (Premarin)
2008-01-28 20:55:00
Name: Conjugated estrogens (Premarin) Class: Estrogen Mechanism: Diffuses across cell membranes and binds to cytoplasmic receptor proteins. Complex enters nucleus and interacts w/DNA to initiate RNA synthesis. Stimulates development of the endometrial lining, maintains normal structure of skin and blood vessels in E, antagonizes PTH effects on bone, reduces motility of the bowel, enhances coagulability of blood, increases HDL, decreases LDL. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer. Utility: Postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy to treat hot flashes, atrophic vaginitis, and urethral changes, and to prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Special Features: Usu. combined with a progestin to reduce the risk of endometrial carcinoma. Only useful prophylactically for osteoporosis. Less first-pass Meta...

Levonorgestrel (Norplant)
2008-01-28 20:55:00
Name: Levonorgestrel (Norplant) Class: Long-Acting Contraceptive (Progestin-Only) Mechanism: Doesn’t always inhibit ovulation. Produces changes in cervical mucus ® block of sperm penetration. Absorption: Subcutaneous implant Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Irregular menstrual bleeding and headaches. Utility: Contraception, esp. in patients c/i for estrogen therapy. Special Features: Cheaper than oral contraceptives, completely reversible, and good for 5 years. Probably the most effective reversible method of contraception available. None of the cardiovascular toxicity of the combination pill.

Norethindrone (Norlutine)
2008-01-28 20:55:00
Name: Norethindrone (Norlutine) Class: Oral Contraceptive (Progestin-Only) (Mini-Pill) Mechanism: Doesn’t always inhibit ovulation. Produces changes in cervical mucus ® block of sperm penetration. Absorption: Oral Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: High incidence of abnormal bleeding. Headache, depression. Utility: Contraception, esp. in patients c/i for estrogen therapy. Special Features: Less effective than estrogen-progestin combination pills. None of the cardiovascular toxicity of the combination pill.

Estradiol (Estrace)
2008-01-28 20:54:00
Name: Estradiol (Estrace) Class: Estrogen Mechanism: Diffuses across cell membranes and binds to cytoplasmic receptor proteins. Complex enters nucleus and interacts w/DNA to initiate RNA synthesis. Stimulates development of the endometrial lining, maintains normal structure of skin and blood vessels in E, antagonizes PTH effects on bone, reduces motility of the bowel, enhances coagulability of blood, increases HDL, decreases LDL. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: May increase risks of breast and endometrial cancer. Nausea/vomiting. Utility: Postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy to treat hot flashes, atrophic vaginitis, and urethral changes, and to prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Special Features: Usu. combined with a progestin to reduce the risk of endometrial carcinoma. Only useful prophylactically for osteoporosis,.

Amiloride (Midamor)
2008-01-27 21:50:00
Name: Amiloride (Midamor) Class: Diuretic (Potassium Sparing Diuretic) Mechanism: Inhib. Na+ channel in the apical membrane of the late distal tubule and collecting duct ® block of electrochemical gradient that drives K+ & H+ secretion ® diuresis & ¯ excretion of K+ & H+. Absorption: Oral Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: 1° = kidney. 6 hr. Toxicity/S.E.s: Hyperkalemia (most severe), n/v (most common), Metabolismolic acidosis. Hyponatremia may occur in old folks. Absolutely contraindicated with hyperkalemia. Utility: Usu. given w/another diuretic (often thiazide or loop). Combination usu. ® normal K+ excretion. Special Features: Rel. weak diuretic.

Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel)
2007-12-28 20:52:00
Name: Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel) Class: Thyroid Hormone Mechanism: Sodium salt of T3. T3/T4 synergize w/GH effects, increase BMR, potentiate catecholamine effects on heart, promote lipolysis, and decrease serum cholesterol. Absorption: Oral ® 95% absorption. Dist.: Poor placental transfer ® okay for pregnant E. Little in milk (use cautiously). Metabolism.: Hepatic conjug. w/glucuronic & sulfuric acids. Excretion, t½: Bile; some lost in stool due to enterohepatic circ. £ 2 d. Toxicity/S.E.s: Salicylates and dicumarol compete for albumin binding sites ® marked increase of free levels. Utility: Preferred in treatment of myxedema coma. Treat hypothyroidism and goiter (not due to iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidism). Special Features: 50-75 mg/d. 4x the potency of levothyroxine sodium, but same efficacy.

Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxine)
2007-12-28 20:52:00
Name: Levothyroxine sodium (Synth roid, Levothroid, Levoxine) Class: Thyroid Hormone Mechanism: Sodium salt of T4. T3/T4 synergize w/GH effects, increase BMR, potentiate catecholamine effects on heart, promote lipolysis, and decrease serum cholesterol. Absorption: Incomplete oral absorption—30-40% recovered in stool. Dist.: Poor placental transfer ® okay for pregnant E. Little in milk (use cautiously). Metabolism.: Hepatic conjug. w/glucuronic & sulfuric acids. Peripheral deiodination to T3. Excretion, t½: Bile; some lost in stool due to enterohepatic circ. 6-7 d. Toxicity/S.E.s: Salicylates and dicumarol compete for albumin binding sites ® marked increase of free levels. Utility: Treat hypothyroidism and goiter (not due to iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidism). Special Features: 200-300 mg/d. 1/4 the potency of liothyronine sodium, but same efficacy.

Thyroglobulin (Proloid)
2007-12-28 20:47:00
Name: Thyroglobulin (Proloid) Class: Thyroid Hormone Mechanism: T3/T4 synergize w/GH effects, increase BMR, potentiate catecholamine effects on heart, promote lipolysis, and decrease serum cholesterol. Absorption: Oral Dist.: Poor placental transfer ® okay for pregnant E. Little in milk (use cautiously). Metabolism.: T4 & T3 released by proteolysis after ingestion. Hepatic conjug. of T4/T3 w/glucuronic & sulfuric acids. Excretion, t½: Bile; some lost in stool due to enterohepatic circulation. Toxicity/S.E.s: Salicylates and dicumarol compete for albumin binding sites ® marked increase of free levels. Utility: Treat hypothyroidism and goiter (not due to iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidism). Special Features: 120-180 mg/d. Similar efficacy to levothyroxine sodium and liothyronine sodium, although dose not standardized by bioassay
More About: Rolo

Bacillus Calumet-Guerin (BCG)
2007-12-28 19:47:00
Name: Bacillus Calumet-Guerin (BCG) Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Viable strain of Mycobaterium bovis. Enhances Mf activity, promotes Mf tumoricidal activity. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Utility: Treat bladder carcinoma and melanomas. Special Features:

Misoprostol (Cytotec)
2007-12-28 19:47:00
Name: Misoprostol (Cytotec) Class: Gastric Protectant (Prost aglandin) Mechanism: Analog of prostaglandin E1. Inhib. secretion of HCl. Stimulates secretion of mucus & HCO3 (cytoprotective). Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Diarrhea, nausea. Produces uterine contractions. c/i during pregnancy. Utility: Only agent approved for prevention of gastric ulcers induced by NSAIDs. Less effective than H2 antagonists for acute treatment of peptic ulcers. Special Features:

Interferon b
2007-12-28 19:46:00
Name: Interferon b Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Binds to cell-surface receptors ® inhib. of viral replication, inhib. of cell proliferation. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Fever w/chills; dose-related leukopenia, thrombocytopenia; fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, alopecia, transient elevation of liver enzymes. High doses may ® transient & reversible nephrotoxicity. Utility: Used to treat for chronic hepatitis B, virally induced tumors, recurrent varicella zoster, HSV keratitis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, hairy cell leukemia, cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Special Features: Produced by fibroblasts. Interferon production is induced by dsRNA (poly I:C), ampligen (mismatched nucleotides), LPS.

Interferon a
2007-12-28 19:46:00
Name: Interferon a Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Binds to cell-surface receptors ® inhib. of viral replication, inhib. of cell proliferation. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Fever w/chills; dose-related leukopenia, thrombocytopenia; fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, alopecia, transient elevation of liver enzymes. High doses may ® transient & reversible nephrotoxicity. Utility: IFN a2A is approved for mgt. of hairy cell leukemia. Also useful for chronic hepatitis B, virally induced tumors, recurrent varicella zoster, HSV keratitis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Special Features: Produced by mononuclear leukocytes. Interferon production is induced by dsRNA (poly I:C), ampligen (mismatched nucleotides), LPS.

Interferon g
2007-12-28 19:46:00
Name: Interferon g Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Binds to cell-surface receptors ® activation of NK cells and Mfs, promotion of conversion to TH1 cells. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Fever w/chills; dose-related leukopenia, thrombocytopenia; fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, alopecia, transient elevation of liver enzymes. High doses may ® transient & reversible nephrotoxicity. Utility: Used to treat for chronic hepatitis B, virally induced tumors, recurrent varicella zoster, HSV keratitis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, hairy cell leukemia, cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Special Features: Produced by memory TH1 cells and NK cells. Interferon production is induced by dsRNA (poly I:C), ampligen (mismatched nucleotides), LPS.

Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alfa, Epogen)
2007-12-28 19:45:00
Name: Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alfa , Epogen) Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Stim. division/differentiation of erythroid progenitors in bone marrow. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Usu. well-tolerated. Low incidence of hypertension, headache, seizures. Rare hypersensitivity rxns. Utility: Treat anemia assoc. w/chronic renal failure, AZT therapy, cancer and chemotherapy. Supplemental iron eventually required in therapy. Special Features: Manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. Identical to human erythropoietin.

GM-CSF (Sargramostim)
2007-12-28 19:38:00
Name: GM-CSF (Sargramostim) Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Stim. bone marrow production of precursors to PMNs, monocytes, platelets. Also activates PMNs, eosinophils, and monocytes. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Fever, dermatologic rxns, splenomegaly. Utility: FDA-approved to increase myeloid recovery rate after bone marrow transplantation. Also used for hematological reconstitution after autologous bone marrow transplants and treatments w/bone marrow cytotoxic drugs. Special Features: Greater severity of immunologic S.E.s than w/G-CSF.

Azathioprine (Imuran)
2007-10-28 13:09:00
Name: Azathioprine (Imuran) Class: Immunosuppressant (AntiMetabolismolite) Mechanism: Converted to 6-mercaptopurine (thiol analog of hypoxanthine) ® inhib. of purine synth. ® cytotoxicity to dividing cells ® ¯ lymphocyte proliferation ® inhib. of cellular and humoral immunity. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Bone marrow depression (main toxicity), n/v/d, hepatotoxicity. Utility: Primarily used in maintenance of remission in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Special Features:

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
2007-10-28 13:09:00
Name: Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Class: Immunosuppressant (Alkylating Agent) (Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agent) Mechanism: Activated via hepatic P450 Metabolismolism ® phosphoramide mustard. Phosphoramide mustard alkylates DNA ® cytotoxicity to dividing cells. Absorption: Oral Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Bone marrow depression (esp. leukocytosis), hemorrhagic cystitis (may ® bladder fibrosis), n/v/d, alopecia, amenorrhea, testicular atrophy, sterility. Possible secondary malignancies years later. Utility: Cancer chemotherapy, nephrotic syndrome, intractable rheumatoid arthritis. Special Features: Therapeutic effect independent of level of P450 activity.

G-CSF (Filgrastim)
2007-10-28 13:09:00
Name: G-CSF (Filgrastim) Class: Immunostimulant Mechanism: Promotes growth & differentiation of granulocyte precursors. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Bone pain, fever, anti-CSF antibodies. Utility: Restore hematopoiesis (FDA-approved to treat neutropenia), augment host defenses, esp. after cancer therapy. Special Features:

Antilymphocyte Globulin (ALG)
2007-10-28 13:09:00
Name: Antilymphocyte Globulin (ALG) Class: Immunosuppressant Mechanism: Polyclonal antibody to human lymphocytes (not selective to CD3) ® destruction and inactivation of lymphocytes. Absorption: Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Chills, fever, thrombocytopenia, erythema, pruritis, hypersensitivity rxns, anti-ALG antibody production ( only given for 1-2 weeks). Utility: Prevent or reverse acute allograft rejection. Special Features:

Methylprednisone
2007-10-28 13:08:00
Name: Methylprednisone Class: Corticosteroid (Immunosuppressant) Mechanism: Inhib. of IL-1 & TNF synth/release from Mfs ® ¯ activation of T cells and Mfs, ¯ PMN fxn, ¯ T cell-dependent Ab production, ¯ complement activity, ¯ activity & release of kinins. Absorption: Parenteral Dist.: Metabolism.: Excretion, t½: Toxicity/S.E.s: Suppressed pituitary adrenal fxn, hypertension, weight gain, peptic ulcer, GI bleeding, euphoric personality changes, cataracts, hyperglycemia. Utility: Immunosuppression. Primarily employed to induce remission in patients w/acute lymphocytic leukemia, and in treatment of lymphomas. Special Features: