Pharmacology and Nursing Care for Clinical Practice
Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Classes
1. Barbiturates
Phenobarbital: Historically used for sleep; currently utilized as an anticonvulsant or for anesthesia.
- Risks: High abuse potential, habit-forming, low therapeutic index (TI), and increased suicide risk.
2. Benzodiazepines
Considered safer than general CNS depressants with fewer drug interactions; classified as Schedule IV.
- Examples: Diazepam (Valium) for acute seizures; Lorazepam (Ativan) for acute seizures and alcohol withdrawal; Alprazolam (Xanax) for anxiety;
Autonomic Nervous System and Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
Autonomic Nervous System Responses
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Drug Classifications
- Sympathetic (Fight or Flight): Adrenergic
- Parasympathetic (Rest and Digest): Cholinergic
| Feature | Sympathetic | Parasympathetic |
|---|---|---|
| CV | ↑ HR; Vasoconstriction | ↓ HR; Vasodilation |
| Lungs | Bronchodilation | Bronchoconstriction |
| GI | ↓ Salivation; Relax | ↑ Salivation; Contract |
| GU | ↓ Urination; Relax | ↑ Urination; Contract |
| Liver | Gluconeogenesis | None |
Drug Categories
- Sympathetic: Adrenergic agonists, Adrenergic-blocking drugs, Sympathomimetic drugs,
Narcotic Analgesics and Morphine Pharmacology: Mechanism & Uses
Narcotic Analgesics: Definition and Classification
Definition of Opioid Analgesics
Narcotic analgesics, also known as opioid analgesics, are drugs primarily used to relieve moderate to severe pain by acting on the central nervous system (CNS). They mimic the action of endogenous opioid peptides (like endorphins and enkephalins) by binding to specific opioid receptors.
Key Characteristics
- Potent analgesic effect
- Potential for dependence and tolerance
- Depress respiratory centers at high doses
- Can cause euphoria,
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