Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Digitoxin (Crystodigin)

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.: Strong protein binding.

Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism.

Excretion, t½: Feces. Longer t½ than digoxin.

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.

Special Features: Active Metabolismolites. Longer t½, more GI absorption, and more protein binding than digoxin.

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.