Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Class: Antidysrhythmic Agent (Class III)

Mechanism: Structurally related to thyroxine. 1° effect is prolongation of action potential and refractory period. Antiarrhythmic activity and antianginal activity.

Absorption: Oral.

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: 25-110 days.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Common (>75% of pts). Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, GI intolerance, tremor, ataxia, dizziness, depression, nightmares, hallucinations, hyper/hypothyroidism, liver toxicity, photosensitivity, periph. neuropathy, muscle weakness, blue skin (I₂), possibly irreversible hepatic dysfxn. DILQT synd., sinus bradycardia. Asympt. corneal deposits in all pts. Substantial ­ in LDL. Phospholipidosis. Enhances effect of warfarin. ­ conc. of digoxin, quinidine, procainamide, et. al.

Utility: Treat severe refractory supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Special Features: Usefulness limited by toxicity. Full effects may take up to 6 weeks to manifest.

Name: Sotalol (Betapace)

Class: Antidysrhythmic Agent (Class III)

Mechanism: Blocks rapid outward K⁺ current (delayed rectifier) ® prolonged repolarization and action potential ® ­ effective refractory period. Little effect on rate of depolarization. L-isomer is a potent b-blocker.

Absorption:

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Rel. low rate of adverse effects. DILQT synd., sinus bradycardia.

Utility: Long-term therapy to decrease the rate of sudden death following acute MI. Modest ability to suppress ectopic beats and ¯ O₂ demand. Strong antifibrillary effect. Prevents arrhythmia and decreases mortality in pts. w/sustained ventricular tachycardia.