Pharmacology Essentials: Drug Classes & Clinical Insights
Antihypertensive Medications
ACE Inhibitors: Lisinopril
MOA: Blocks conversion of Angiotensin I to II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.
Effects: Decreases preload and afterload, prevents cardiac remodeling.
Uses: Hypertension (HTN), heart failure, post-myocardial infarction (MI), diabetic nephropathy.
Adverse Effects:
⚠️ Black Box Warning: Fetal injury
Common: Cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema, first-dose hypotension, dizziness.Avoid: Diuretics (increased risk of hypotension), potassium-
Essential Clinical Concepts for Healthcare Practice
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System Responses
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) (“Fight or Flight”)
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate
- Dilates pupils and bronchioles
- Inhibits digestion and urination
- Stimulates glucose release from the liver
- Vasoconstriction increases blood flow to muscles
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) (“Rest and Digest”)
- Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
- Constricts pupils and bronchioles
- Stimulates digestion, salivation, and urination
- Vasodilation
Antibacterial Drug Classes: Actions, Uses, and Adverse Effects
Introduction to Antibacterial Drugs
Key Concepts in Antibacterial Therapy
- Cross-Resistance: Occurs between antibacterial drugs with similar actions. Example: clindamycin and lincomycin.
- Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivity, rash, pruritus, hives, anaphylaxis.
- Spectrum:
- Narrow Spectrum: penicillin, erythromycin
- Broad Spectrum: tetracycline, cephalosporins
Penicillins
General Information on Penicillins
- Drug Names: End in “-icillin” (e.g., Amoxicillin).
- Action: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Can be bacteriostatic
Understanding Modern Challenges: Health, Society, and Innovation
Understanding Cyberbullying
Key Facts on Cyberbullying
- False: Cyberbullying is not currently limited to homes.
- True: Cyberbullying can be avoided.
- False: Parents cannot always trace the number of a cyberbully.
- False: Parents should not wait until cyberbullying is happening to intervene.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullies send offensive emails and take photos to post on the internet.
Vocabulary Related to Cyberbullying
- To get away: To escape or avoid.
- Offensive: Causing displeasure or resentment.
- To trace:
Pharmacology Core Concepts: Drug Actions and Clinical Uses
Key Pharmacological Points
1. Paracetamol’s Antipyretic Action
Paracetamol’s antipyretic activity involves inhibiting COX-3.
2. NSAIDs vs. Opioids: Key Differences
(Information on differences not provided in the source text.)
3. COX-2 Inhibitors: Cardiovascular Risks
(Explanation for why cardiovascular adverse reactions occur with selective COX-2 inhibitors not provided in the source text.)
4. NSAID Contraindication: Gastric Ulcer
A contraindication for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is
Pharmacology Exam Blueprint: Key Concepts and Study Guide
Pharmacology Exam Blueprint
1. Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics: The science of dealing with interactions between living organisms and foreign chemicals. What does the drug do to the body?
- Receptor Site
Pharmacokinetics: The study of absorption, distribution, metabolism (biotransformation), and excretion of drugs. What does the body do to the drug?
- Absorption – Route
- Distribution – Lipid soluble
- Metabolism – Liver
- Excretion – Kidney
- Onset of drug action – How long it takes to feel the