Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Furosemide (Lasix)

Class: Diuretic (Loop Diuretic)

Mechanism: Blocks the Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^- co-transporter in the apical membrane of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop ® ­ excretion of urinary water, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, & Mg²⁺. Also causes venous and renal vasodilation.

Absorption: Oral, IV. Takes effect in 20 min.

Dist.: Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: 1-1.5 hr. Shorter duration than thiazides.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypokalemia (esp. dangerous if pt. is on digitalis), Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺ depletion, Metabolismolic alkalosis, volume contraction, mild hyperglycemia, thiazide-like lipid changes, sulfonamide allergy cross-rxn, ototoxicity. C/i—pts. susceptible to volume contraction from excessive diuresis (e.g., elderly), and pts. susceptible to problems w/hypokalemia (e.g., cirrhosis, digitalis). Adverse rxn w/lithium, aminoglycosides. Altered doses of anti-diabetic agents required.

Utility: Diuresis for hypertension when a short-acting diuretic is indicated. Treat HTN refractory to thiazides. Very useful in conditions refractory to less potent diuretics (e.g., CHF, renal insufficiency, nephrotic synd.). Treat hypercalcemia.

Special Features: Most potent diuretics available. Can cause excretion of up to 20% of filtered Na⁺.

Name: Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin)

Class: Diuretic (Loop Diuretic)

Mechanism: Blocks the Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^- co-transporter in the apical membrane of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop ® ­ excretion of urinary water, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, & Mg²⁺. Also causes venous and renal vasodilation.

Absorption: Oral, IV. Takes effect in 20 min.

Dist.: Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: 1-1.5 hr.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypokalemia (esp. dangerous if pt. is on digitalis), Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺ depletion, Metabolismolic alkalosis, volume contraction, mild hyperglycemia, ototoxicity. C/i—pts. susceptible to volume contraction from excessive diuresis (e.g., elderly), and pts. susceptible to problems w/hypokalemia (e.g., cirrhosis, pts. taking digitalis).

Utility: Diuresis for hypertension when a short-acting diuretic is indicated. Very useful in conditions refractory to less potent diuretics, including CHF, renal insufficiency, and nephrotic synd. Also used to treat hypercalcemia.

Special Features: More ototoxic than other loop diuretics. Most potent diuretics available. Can cause excretion of up to 20% of filtered Na⁺.

Name: Bumetanide (Bumex)

Class: Diuretic (Loop Diuretic)

Mechanism: Blocks the Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^- co-transporter in the apical membrane of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop ® ­ excretion of urinary water, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, & Mg²⁺. Also causes venous and renal vasodilation.

Absorption: Oral, IV. Takes effect in 20 min.

Dist.: Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: 1-1.5 hr.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypokalemia (esp. dangerous if pt. is on digitalis), Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺ depletion, Metabolismolic alkalosis, volume contraction, mild hyperglycemia, sulfonamide allergy cross-rxn, ototoxicity. C/i—pts. susceptible to volume contraction from excessive diuresis (e.g., elderly), and pts. susceptible to problems w/hypokalemia (e.g., cirrhosis, pts. taking digitalis).

Utility: Diuresis for hypertension when a short-acting diuretic is indicated. Very useful in conditions refractory to less potent diuretics, including CHF, renal insufficiency, and nephrotic synd. Also used to treat hypercalcemia.

Special Features: Most potent diuretics available. Far more potent than furosemide. Can cause excretion of up to 20% of filtered Na⁺.

Name: Furosemide (Lasix)

Class: Diuretic (Loop Diuretic)

Mechanism: Blocks the Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^- co-transporter in the apical membrane of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop ® ­ excretion of urinary water, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, & Mg²⁺. Also causes venous and renal vasodilation.

Absorption: Oral, IV. Takes effect in 20 min.

Dist.: Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: 1-1.5 hr. Shorter duration than thiazides.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypokalemia (esp. dangerous if pt. is on digitalis), Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺ depletion, Metabolismolic alkalosis, volume contraction, mild hyperglycemia, thiazide-like lipid changes, sulfonamide allergy cross-rxn, ototoxicity. C/i—pts. susceptible to volume contraction from excessive diuresis (e.g., elderly), and pts. susceptible to problems w/hypokalemia (e.g., cirrhosis, digitalis). Adverse rxn w/lithium, aminoglycosides. Altered doses of anti-diabetic agents required.

Utility: Diuresis for hypertension when a short-acting diuretic is indicated. Treat HTN refractory to thiazides. Very useful in conditions refractory to less potent diuretics (e.g., CHF, renal insufficiency, nephrotic synd.). Treat hypercalcemia.

Special Features: Most potent diuretics available. Can cause excretion of up to 20% of filtered Na⁺.