Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Dronabinol (Marinol, THC)

Class: Antiemetic (Cannabinoid)

Mechanism:

Absorption:

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: High doses ® impaired motor fxn. Mild tolerance, mild phys. dependence, psych. dependence. W/drawal ® mild anorexia, insomnia, irritability. Acute intoxication ® hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, anxiety.

Utility: Treat nausea & vomiting assoc. w/cancer chemotherapy. Best if admin. prophylactically. Taken to produce relaxed euphoria, impaired attention, fantasy state, impaired depth perception.

Features: Hashish = Unadulterated resin from Cannabis plants. Smoked or
eaten. Far more potent than marijuana. Involved in the etymology of “assassin” (An ancient Muslim sect regularly killed its enemies after eating/smoking hashish ® hashshashin).

Name: Ondansetron (Zofran)

Class: Antiemetic (5HT₃ Antagonist)

Mechanism:

Absorption: IV

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s:

Utility: Treat nausea/vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy.

Special Features: Best if admin. prophylactically.

Name: Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Class: Antiemetic (Phenothiazine)

Mechanism: Blocks DA receptors in CTZ and GI tract. Probably also depresses vomiting center somewhat.

Absorption: Oral, suppository.

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Drowsiness, hypotension. Hypersens—blood dyscrasias, jaundice, skin rashes. Dystonias, dyskinesias, Parkinsonism (more often
than w/chlorpromazine).

Utility: Antiemetic for drugs, radiation, uremia, pain, post-op, emotional, GI irritation, cancer chemotherapy. Also very effective for intractable hiccoughs.

Special Features: Best if admin. prophylactically.

Name: Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Class: Antiemetic

Mechanism: Cholinomimetic action ® ­ GI motility. Potent DA antagonism ® blockade of DA receptors in CTZ and GI. Prob. also depresses vomiting center.

Absorption: Oral

Dist.:

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Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Somnolence, nervousness, dystonic rxns. Some Parkinsonism & tardive dyskinesia. Some prolactin release.

Utility: Antiemetic, esp. w/cancer chemotherapy, and emergency surgery/labor to prevent aspiration of gastric contents.

Special Features: Best if admin. prophylactically.

Name: Promethazine (Phenergan, Remsed)

Class: Antiemetic (H₁-Histamine Antagonist) (OTC)

Mechanism: Competitive inhib. of histamine and histamine receptor interaction.

Absorption: Oral, suppository.

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: More drowsiness than other antihistamines. Mild anticholinergic effects.

Utility: Prevent motion sickness. Can be used for morning sickness. Vertigo.

Special Features: May be effective in motion sickness when other antihistamines are not. Best if admin. prophylactically.

Name: Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

Class: Antiemetic (H₁-Histamine Antagonist) (OTC)

Mechanism: Competitive inhib. of histamine and histamine receptor interaction.

Absorption: Oral, suppository.

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Drowsiness (marked in some patients). Mild anticholinergic effects.

Utility: Prevent motion sickness. Can be used for morning sickness. Vertigo.

Special Features: Best if admin. prophylactically.