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: Ketamine (Ketalar)

Class: General Anesthetic (IV Anesthetic Agent)

Mechanism: Blocks membrane effects of glutamic acid at NMDA receptors. Related to PCP.

Absorption: IV

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

Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism.

Excretion, t½: Urinary & biliary excretion. Short duration of effect. Mod. t½.

Toxicity/S.E.s: CV stimulation. Minimal resp. depression. Emergence phenomena include disorientation, sensory & perceptual illusions, and vivid dreams (prior admin. of diazepam reduces incidence).

Utility: General anesthetic. Also inducing agent.

Special Features: Excellent analgesia.

Name: Fentanyl

Class: General Anesthetic (IV Opioid)

Mechanism:

Absorption: IV

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

Metabolism.:

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

Toxicity/S.E.s: Slight CV depression. Resp. depression (mild-apnea).

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: Excellent analgesia.

Name: Propofol (Diprivan)

Class: General Anesthetic (IV Induction Agent)

Mechanism:

Absorption: IV

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

Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism.

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

Toxicity/S.E.s: Some CV depression. Mod. resp. depression.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: No analgesia.

Name: Halothane (Fluothane)

Class: General Anesthetic (Halogenated Hydrocarbon)

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

Absorption: Inhaled. High blood solubility®Rel. slow onset of effect (BGPC = 2.3). MAC = 0.77.

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

Metabolism.: Some liver Metabolism.

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: High level of cardiac depression. Depresses circulation. May produce fatal hepatitis. Med. high potential for arrhythmia. Avoid repeated exposure.

Utility: Induces general anesthesia.

Special Features: Non-irritating, non-flammable. Satisfact. analgesia and muscle relaxation.

Name: Nitrous Oxide

Class: General Anesthetic (Anesthetic Gas)

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

Absorption: Inhaled. Poor blood solubility ® Rapid onset of effect (Blood/gas partition coefficient = 0.47). High conc. required for effect (MAC = 101).

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

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½: Primarily unMetabolism. excretion via lungs.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Low arrhythmia potential. Low level of cardiac depression.

Utility: Used as an adjunct to potentiate anesthesia.

Special Features: Non-irritating, non-flammable. No circulatory depression. Cannot be used alone to produce general anesthesia. Good analgesic. Poor muscle relaxant.