Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Isoflurane (Forane)

Class: General Anesthetic (Halogenated Hydrocarbon)

Mechanism: Stabilizes membranes of excitable tissue ® inhibition of action potential (primarily pre-synaptic blockade of synaptic transmission).

Absorption:Inhaled. Interm. blood solubility®Interm. onset of effect (BGPC = 1.4). MAC = 1.40.

Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.

Metabolism.: Very little liver Metabolism. (2%).

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Moderately irritating. Low level of cardiac depression. Depresses circulation. Low potential for arrhythmia.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: Lowest toxicity of the volatile liquids. Non-flammable. Satisfact. analgesia, good relaxation.

Name: Desflurane (Suprane)

Class: General Anesthetic (Halogenated Hydrocarbon)

Mechanism: Stabilizes membranes of excitable tissue ® inhibition of action potential (primarily pre-synaptic blockade of synaptic transmission).

Absorption: Inhaled. Low blood solubility®Rapid onset of effect (BGPC = 0.42). MAC = 6-7.

Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.

Metabolism.: Some liver Metabolism.

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Moderately irritating. Low level of cardiac depression. Depresses circulation. Low potential for arrhythmia.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: Produces rapid induction/awakening. Non-flammable. Satisfact. analgesia, good relaxation.

Name: Thiopental (Pentothal)

Class: General Anesthetic (IV Induction Agent)

Mechanism:

Absorption: IV ® rapid onset of effect.

Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.

Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism.

Excretion, t½: Rapidly diffuses out of brain and redistributes to other tissues (1° terminator of action) ® short duration of effect. But long t½.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Dose-dependent CV depression. Mod. resp. depression.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: No analgesia. Still one of most common agents used.

Name: Midazolam (Versed)

Class: General Anesthetic (IV Induction Agent) (BZD)

Mechanism:

Absorption: IV

Dist.: Dissolves in blood. Organs w/high perfusion are most affected.

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: Short duration of effect. Moderate t½.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Slight CV depression. Minimal resp. depression.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: No analgesia. Causes high incidence of amnesia, so freq. given before induction of general anesthesia.

Name: Alprazolam (Xanax)

Class: Antianxiety-Sedative-Hypnotic Agent (Benzodiazepine)

Mechanism: Acts on BZD receptors closely coupled to GABA_A receptors ® enhancement of GABA inhib. action via ­ freq. of Cl^- channel opening.

Absorption: Oral ® rapid absorption (large variability in indiv. responsiveness).

Dist.: Protein binding ³50%. CNS.

Metabolism.: Liver microsomal N-dealkylation/hydroxylation, then conjug ® inactive glucuronides. No induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes.

Excretion, t½: Urine—mostly Metabolismolized. Short—12-15 hr. Active Metabolismolites.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Acute—excessive depression of CNS fxns (drowsiness, sleep, confusion, disorientation, ataxia, slurred speech, nystagmus, mild amnesia, dementia). Early morning awakening, rebound insomnia. May also cause aggression, hyperactivity, delirium, insomnia. Large doses or mixture w/depressants (e.g., EtOH) may cause resp. depression, coma, hallucinations, nightmares, confusion. Chronic—impaired thinking/memory, weight gain/loss. Habituation & physical dependence ® w/drawal syndrome. Abrupt discontinuation ® risk for convulsion (greater risk than w/older BZDs). Metabolism. ¯ in elderly and by cimetidine. Overdose ® serious resp. depression (rarely fatal w/support). Psychological and physical dependence.

Utility: Panic/depression. Anxiety, insomnia, alcohol w/drawal. Sedation—all BZDs are DOCs for sedation.

Special Features: Newer BZD (shorter t½, greater potency).