Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Carbachol

Class: Cholinomimetic Agent

Mech.: Stim. muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Stim. release of ACh from nerve terminals.

Absorption: Eye drops

Dist.:

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s:

Utility: Topical eye applic. to treat glaucoma. For closed-angle glaucoma, stim. constriction of iris sphincter ® iris removed from entrance to trabecular space. For open-angle glaucoma, stim. sphincter and ciliary body contraction ® ­ patency of trabecular network. Topical for cataract surgery.

Special Features: Use only when pilocarpine doesn’t work, due to unpleasant side effect of ACh release.

Name: Pilocarpine

Class: Cholinomimetic Agent

Mech.: Stim muscarinic receptors.

Absorption: Eye drops

Dist.:

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s:

Utility: Topical eye applic. to treat glaucoma. For closed-angle glaucoma, stim. constriction of iris sphincter ® iris removed from entrance to trabecular space. For open-angle glaucoma, stim. sphincter and ciliary body contraction ® ­ patency of trabecular network.

Special Features:

Name: Bethanechol (Urecholine)

Class: Cholinomimetic Agent

Mech.: Stim. muscarinic receptors. Completely resistant to hydrolysis by AChE or BuChE.

Absorption:

Dist.:

Metab.:

Excretion, t½: Longer duration than methacholine.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Avoid in cases of asthma, coronary insufficiency, peptic ulcers.

Utility: Stim. muscarinic receptors of GI tract and urinary bladder. Treat post-op paralytic ileus and urinary bladder atony.

Special Features:

Name: Acetylcholine

Class: Cholinomimetic Agent

Mech.: Stim. muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.

Absorption:

Dist.:

Metab.:

Excretion, t½: Short duration due to rapid metab. by AChE and BuChE.

Toxicity/S.E.s:

Utility: Topical for cataract surgery.

Special Features: Usu. of limited value due to short duration of action.